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The Breaker #1
Finding King
Merrick was always content with his life of piracy, raiding ships throughout the galaxies, relishing the thrill of the capture and the plunder they obtained. But then a raid went wrong and cost him the man he loved, and now Merrick spends his days pillaging ships only to continue the desperate search for his lost love.
When all his efforts finally pay off, however, he realizes that though his lover has been found, he may well be lost to Merrick forever anyway.
21,000 Words.
When all his efforts finally pay off, however, he realizes that though his lover has been found, he may well be lost to Merrick forever anyway.
21,000 Words.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2013
3 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Casey K. Cox
14 books123 followersCasey K Cox is an avid reader and author of m/m erotic fiction. Hailing from the West of England she tends to set her stories in the UK although some of her characters have been known to travel in time and space.
The popular 'Rise of Alec Caldwell' series is now available in print. Check out the list of titles available and follow her work at http://caseykcox.blogspot.com
The popular 'Rise of Alec Caldwell' series is now available in print. Check out the list of titles available and follow her work at http://caseykcox.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 24, 2013
Woot! Angsty smexin' gay space-pirates!
This is a rollocking long short story that was a blast to read.
Cox can actually write, and it makes such a difference to my enjoyment of the book. There's a whole lot of exposition, but it's entwined so carefully in the descriptions and dialogue (no infodumping, yay!) that it drew a complex world at the same time it sucked me right in.
I heart this crew! They're all manly and partner-swapping while still having a need for a one true love. I love the way the sex is described: one man has a "fuck still cooling on his cock."
There's a rescue mission, and our MC thinks about "Saving his sorry arse and then getting to kick it and lick it and squeeze it and kiss it until he collapsed into a quivering heap of sexed-up-man-love, that special state they only found with each other."
Out of context that might sounds weird, actually, but it's not, honest; it's such an enjoyable and fun story.
There's a clear set-up for book two, and that'll be a pre-order for me.
P.S. I didn't realise till I came to write this review that this is the author of Be My Boy (the under-represented older sub/ younger Dom scenario) and The Rise of Alec Caldwell: Volume One (porny fun) - both free reads - which I really liked and I recommend. Why haven't I checked out more of Cox's work sooner?
This is a rollocking long short story that was a blast to read.
Cox can actually write, and it makes such a difference to my enjoyment of the book. There's a whole lot of exposition, but it's entwined so carefully in the descriptions and dialogue (no infodumping, yay!) that it drew a complex world at the same time it sucked me right in.
I heart this crew! They're all manly and partner-swapping while still having a need for a one true love. I love the way the sex is described: one man has a "fuck still cooling on his cock."
There's a rescue mission, and our MC thinks about "Saving his sorry arse and then getting to kick it and lick it and squeeze it and kiss it until he collapsed into a quivering heap of sexed-up-man-love, that special state they only found with each other."
Out of context that might sounds weird, actually, but it's not, honest; it's such an enjoyable and fun story.
There's a clear set-up for book two, and that'll be a pre-order for me.
P.S. I didn't realise till I came to write this review that this is the author of Be My Boy (the under-represented older sub/ younger Dom scenario) and The Rise of Alec Caldwell: Volume One (porny fun) - both free reads - which I really liked and I recommend. Why haven't I checked out more of Cox's work sooner?
August 1, 2013
3.5 stars – A fun space adventure romance novella about a rag-tag crew of men who enjoy grabbing loot from any easy target. Merrick, the captain, is mourning the loss of his lover who was taken six years earlier, and although he has spent years searching, he feels hollow with the lack of results and the fear that Jesse might be dead.
But the next ship they “liberate” has a surprise, and possibly the answers to his prayers, but once Jessie is found, will he really return to Merrick? And will he forgive for everything that happened in between?
This is an interesting read, and there were a lot of different threads hinted at in the story, which is the first part of a new series. (Hints including Merrick and his crew’s origins, what the new ship is carrying, etc.) I liked the idea that Merrick and his crew were basically once “products”, generated super-humans with specific roles in mind (like a “dancer”/sex worker, or technician, etc, and basically they escaped their old life and are living on the fringes now, but are free to do what they want, and love who they want.)
Which is another interesting point is that the crew is very openly loving and poly, but if you don’t like poly this shouldn’t steer you away. There are no on-page poly scenes, and the main couple is still very much a couple, even though they are open to hooking up with others. The feeling I got was this was a crew who had come together from some very common roots, and are very open to taking care of each other, or for those who identify as ‘mostly straight”, using the time out in space as a way to blow off steam. I’m not a huge poly reader, but it was easy for me to understand this open culture while at the same time how the specific couples had a special intimacy and love with each other.
Why it was only an okay read for me was some of the plot trajectories. I don’t think they’re bad, but for me personally, I found them a little overdone.
So, that all slowed things down for me a bit, and I’m back-and-forth about ending stories on sex scenes. Sometimes they’re great because they’re representing a coming together (literary!) of the two characters in a way that’s both physical and mental, but on the other hand, it can also be a drag on pacing, and it was for me.
This novella is 21,000 words and is a first in a series. It ends well so not a terrible cliffhanger, although there are pieces of info intentionally not revealed yet, which will probably come out later. For me, even though I love sci-fi and space romance, I probably won’t go further in this series.
But if you like sci-fi adventure, especially ones with a dash of sexy times, I recommend you check it out. It could hit all your buttons and more. And if you don’t like poly, don’t let that deter you. They just have a very “supportive” crew. :-)
But the next ship they “liberate” has a surprise, and possibly the answers to his prayers, but once Jessie is found, will he really return to Merrick? And will he forgive for everything that happened in between?
This is an interesting read, and there were a lot of different threads hinted at in the story, which is the first part of a new series. (Hints including Merrick and his crew’s origins, what the new ship is carrying, etc.) I liked the idea that Merrick and his crew were basically once “products”, generated super-humans with specific roles in mind (like a “dancer”/sex worker, or technician, etc, and basically they escaped their old life and are living on the fringes now, but are free to do what they want, and love who they want.)
Which is another interesting point is that the crew is very openly loving and poly, but if you don’t like poly this shouldn’t steer you away. There are no on-page poly scenes, and the main couple is still very much a couple, even though they are open to hooking up with others. The feeling I got was this was a crew who had come together from some very common roots, and are very open to taking care of each other, or for those who identify as ‘mostly straight”, using the time out in space as a way to blow off steam. I’m not a huge poly reader, but it was easy for me to understand this open culture while at the same time how the specific couples had a special intimacy and love with each other.
Why it was only an okay read for me was some of the plot trajectories. I don’t think they’re bad, but for me personally, I found them a little overdone.
So, that all slowed things down for me a bit, and I’m back-and-forth about ending stories on sex scenes. Sometimes they’re great because they’re representing a coming together (literary!) of the two characters in a way that’s both physical and mental, but on the other hand, it can also be a drag on pacing, and it was for me.
This novella is 21,000 words and is a first in a series. It ends well so not a terrible cliffhanger, although there are pieces of info intentionally not revealed yet, which will probably come out later. For me, even though I love sci-fi and space romance, I probably won’t go further in this series.
But if you like sci-fi adventure, especially ones with a dash of sexy times, I recommend you check it out. It could hit all your buttons and more. And if you don’t like poly, don’t let that deter you. They just have a very “supportive” crew. :-)
April 3, 2013
Short, angsty, fast paced sci fi adventure, Merrick and Jessie have been separated for six years and have found each other, both damaged now and unsure of how they fit into each other's lives.
Space pirates! Lots of horny gay space pirates! But also some ptsd and anger that needs to be managed.
And then there's Raif ... next book now please....
Space pirates! Lots of horny gay space pirates! But also some ptsd and anger that needs to be managed.
And then there's Raif ... next book now please....
June 1, 2013
I shouldn’t read novellas. They leave me ultimately unsatisfied, because they are just too short. In the case of Finding King this is extra tragic. Because it is so good there needs to be more of it. It needs a bigger story, more complications, more plot, more people, more time for character growth and, dammit, I want to see that threesome they’re hinting at.
I’ve been looking for a long time for a good scifi m/m set in space. Lord knows the genre is full of bad ones, mostly because the scifi is just used as an added flavor to your standard romance. A thin veneer that anyone who has actually read a decent amount of science fiction tends to find unimaginative and boring. Either that, or it’s just an excuse to play out the sex slave trope with aliens. Who may or may not have tentacle dicks.
Despite the existence of sex slaves in this universe, this book isn’t like that at all. Instead of drooling over the male equivalent of Princess Leia in the gold bikini chained up in Jabba the Hutt’s lair, the story deals with one of the MCs recovering from a prolonged stint of such slavery. It has an amazing amount of worldbuilding shoved into its meager 21K words, and it’s done without any draggy infodumps. The universe depicted here feels solid and real. The MCs are solid too. The story is crammed with action (including Star Wars style rescues), the emotions run high and the sex delivers. It really is a satisfying blend of all these elements.
What is disappointing is that the secondary characters (and the villains) are a bit thin. This is where we run into the limitations of the novella format, there is just no room to develop all these people. They’ll be featured in future books, though, so I am sure they’ll get their due then. The plot is necessarily a bit thin (and predictable) too. A few more twists and turns would have been awesome.
The writing style is a bit choppy at times, with lots of sentence fragments, which is something you may have to get used to. It works really well when used to heighten the tension at important moments, at other moments it can feel a little odd. It didn’t particularly bother me, but a bit more variation in style would have been good. On the other hand, I really didn’t notice any editing issues at all, which is nothing short of miraculous these days.
All in all, a really decent scifi story and I will definitely read the sequels.
And thumbs up for the pretty cover!
I’ve been looking for a long time for a good scifi m/m set in space. Lord knows the genre is full of bad ones, mostly because the scifi is just used as an added flavor to your standard romance. A thin veneer that anyone who has actually read a decent amount of science fiction tends to find unimaginative and boring. Either that, or it’s just an excuse to play out the sex slave trope with aliens. Who may or may not have tentacle dicks.
Despite the existence of sex slaves in this universe, this book isn’t like that at all. Instead of drooling over the male equivalent of Princess Leia in the gold bikini chained up in Jabba the Hutt’s lair, the story deals with one of the MCs recovering from a prolonged stint of such slavery. It has an amazing amount of worldbuilding shoved into its meager 21K words, and it’s done without any draggy infodumps. The universe depicted here feels solid and real. The MCs are solid too. The story is crammed with action (including Star Wars style rescues), the emotions run high and the sex delivers. It really is a satisfying blend of all these elements.
What is disappointing is that the secondary characters (and the villains) are a bit thin. This is where we run into the limitations of the novella format, there is just no room to develop all these people. They’ll be featured in future books, though, so I am sure they’ll get their due then. The plot is necessarily a bit thin (and predictable) too. A few more twists and turns would have been awesome.
The writing style is a bit choppy at times, with lots of sentence fragments, which is something you may have to get used to. It works really well when used to heighten the tension at important moments, at other moments it can feel a little odd. It didn’t particularly bother me, but a bit more variation in style would have been good. On the other hand, I really didn’t notice any editing issues at all, which is nothing short of miraculous these days.
All in all, a really decent scifi story and I will definitely read the sequels.
And thumbs up for the pretty cover!
April 17, 2018
An interesting read.
A bit rushed and light on world building but to be expected from a short.
A bit rushed and light on world building but to be expected from a short.
April 11, 2013
A perfectly realized setting, involved characters makes for a great smooth read on a rough ride with a satisfying conclusion that, nevertheless, inevitably leads onward to the next instalment… please.
May 4, 2013
4.25 stars
Review originally written for Joyfully Jay
Six years ago, Captain Ged Merrick lost the love of his life when he was stolen away and sold into slavery. Merrick has the scars and nightmares to prove it. Since then he has searched for Jessie, hoping that every ship they board to free slaves will have Jessie hidden away somewhere. When Merrick secures a new freight ship, he’s surprised to find cryo chambers earmarked to build a new colony, even more so to find out that Jessie is in one of the cryo chambers. But when Jessie comes out of the chamber angry and swinging, literally, Merrick is makes it his goal to earn Jessie’s trust and win him back no matter what.
King Jesson has always loved Merrick, but after six years of hoping Merrick would find and save him, he’s angry that Merrick seems to have moved on and forgotten about him. All the while, Jessie was sold into slavery, dancing, and prostituting himself in order to keep Raif, his young charge, safe. Angry with the past, angry at himself, and angry with Merrick, Jessie lashes out and tells Merrick that he doesn’t love him anymore. Whether he means it or not, Jessie can’t seem to see what good could come out of giving in to what Merrick wants, so he resists at every turn.
A week after Jessie is rescued, Merrick is no closer to convincing him to start over. After another angry argument and a rough bout of sex, Merrick is sure that Jessie will never forgive him. Now he has to decide if staying on the ship and seeing Jesse everyday but not being able to touch him would be better than leaving Jessie with his friends to heal since it is obvious that Merrick isn’t wanted. It’s enough for Merrick to know that Jessie is finally free and safe, even if Jessie hates him. But unfortunately for both men, danger is always lurking in the shadows.
Oh, I really like this one. Finding King is a very sweet reunion story. It’s full of damaged heroes and conflict, which is always a plus in my book. It’s a story that stirs the emotions and creates a definite connection with lovable characters.
I adore both main characters. Merrick is a genuine, good guy. Living with memories and nightmares of his love that was stolen from him, Merrick does his best to live his life, trying to keep hope alive that he will find Jessie one day. He’s hopeful, caring, and honorable. Jessie, on the other hand, has been through hell and back, always having hope that his white knight would rescue him, but it never happened. He’s jaded, traumatized, and hurt. He lashes out to hurt Merrick because what hurts him most is thinking Merrick gave up on him. And although he still loves Merrick, he’s not sure that he can see past his own pain to start over.
My only complaint with this pairing is that I would have liked to see more of them together – maybe some flashbacks, maybe some of their future, maybe a flashback of the day that Jessie was taken and the story behind Merrick’s scars – but definitely more of them together after Jessie is rescued. I would have liked to know why they loved each other so much and why it was so hard to move on. I would have liked to see them talk more, especially Merrick’s explanation of whether he had really given up his search for Jessie or not.
The plot is emotional and frustrating and eventually sweet. It’s a story of love and sacrifice. The writing is good and engaging. I enjoy the pull I had to the book while reading. It felt like a light-hearted story, although it’s not really. It’s an imaginative, fun story.
I could have used more world building. For example, Jessie was sold into slavery, but where was he? He expected Merrick to come get him, but how was Merrick supposed to find him beyond what he was already doing? From what it sounded like, Jessie may have been on another ship with a large number of people, slaves, and free people part of the time or he could have been on a planet sometimes. The world of slavery in its entirety could have been given more definition. Also, I would have liked to know more about the other races of beings. There were several things that could have been expanded upon and hopefully will be within the rest of the series. Not to say it’s not a good world, it is. It just could have used more.
In the end, the pros definitely outweighed the cons. Finding King is a very good beginning to what looks to be a good series. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but I look forward to reading more in the future. I especially cannot wait for the next in this series. Ace and Raif’s story already promises to be quite interesting. I recommend Finding King to lovers of sci-fi, long lost loves, reunion stories, angry love, make up sex and, of course, happily ever after. It’s all included in this novella.
Review originally written for Joyfully Jay
Six years ago, Captain Ged Merrick lost the love of his life when he was stolen away and sold into slavery. Merrick has the scars and nightmares to prove it. Since then he has searched for Jessie, hoping that every ship they board to free slaves will have Jessie hidden away somewhere. When Merrick secures a new freight ship, he’s surprised to find cryo chambers earmarked to build a new colony, even more so to find out that Jessie is in one of the cryo chambers. But when Jessie comes out of the chamber angry and swinging, literally, Merrick is makes it his goal to earn Jessie’s trust and win him back no matter what.
King Jesson has always loved Merrick, but after six years of hoping Merrick would find and save him, he’s angry that Merrick seems to have moved on and forgotten about him. All the while, Jessie was sold into slavery, dancing, and prostituting himself in order to keep Raif, his young charge, safe. Angry with the past, angry at himself, and angry with Merrick, Jessie lashes out and tells Merrick that he doesn’t love him anymore. Whether he means it or not, Jessie can’t seem to see what good could come out of giving in to what Merrick wants, so he resists at every turn.
A week after Jessie is rescued, Merrick is no closer to convincing him to start over. After another angry argument and a rough bout of sex, Merrick is sure that Jessie will never forgive him. Now he has to decide if staying on the ship and seeing Jesse everyday but not being able to touch him would be better than leaving Jessie with his friends to heal since it is obvious that Merrick isn’t wanted. It’s enough for Merrick to know that Jessie is finally free and safe, even if Jessie hates him. But unfortunately for both men, danger is always lurking in the shadows.
Oh, I really like this one. Finding King is a very sweet reunion story. It’s full of damaged heroes and conflict, which is always a plus in my book. It’s a story that stirs the emotions and creates a definite connection with lovable characters.
I adore both main characters. Merrick is a genuine, good guy. Living with memories and nightmares of his love that was stolen from him, Merrick does his best to live his life, trying to keep hope alive that he will find Jessie one day. He’s hopeful, caring, and honorable. Jessie, on the other hand, has been through hell and back, always having hope that his white knight would rescue him, but it never happened. He’s jaded, traumatized, and hurt. He lashes out to hurt Merrick because what hurts him most is thinking Merrick gave up on him. And although he still loves Merrick, he’s not sure that he can see past his own pain to start over.
My only complaint with this pairing is that I would have liked to see more of them together – maybe some flashbacks, maybe some of their future, maybe a flashback of the day that Jessie was taken and the story behind Merrick’s scars – but definitely more of them together after Jessie is rescued. I would have liked to know why they loved each other so much and why it was so hard to move on. I would have liked to see them talk more, especially Merrick’s explanation of whether he had really given up his search for Jessie or not.
The plot is emotional and frustrating and eventually sweet. It’s a story of love and sacrifice. The writing is good and engaging. I enjoy the pull I had to the book while reading. It felt like a light-hearted story, although it’s not really. It’s an imaginative, fun story.
I could have used more world building. For example, Jessie was sold into slavery, but where was he? He expected Merrick to come get him, but how was Merrick supposed to find him beyond what he was already doing? From what it sounded like, Jessie may have been on another ship with a large number of people, slaves, and free people part of the time or he could have been on a planet sometimes. The world of slavery in its entirety could have been given more definition. Also, I would have liked to know more about the other races of beings. There were several things that could have been expanded upon and hopefully will be within the rest of the series. Not to say it’s not a good world, it is. It just could have used more.
In the end, the pros definitely outweighed the cons. Finding King is a very good beginning to what looks to be a good series. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but I look forward to reading more in the future. I especially cannot wait for the next in this series. Ace and Raif’s story already promises to be quite interesting. I recommend Finding King to lovers of sci-fi, long lost loves, reunion stories, angry love, make up sex and, of course, happily ever after. It’s all included in this novella.
April 10, 2013
“After six years, they still felt it, all of them. The job that went wrong. A lost comrade-a brother, a lover-it left scars that pinched unexpectedly and itched in the night.”
After I read that passage, I was hooked on this story. Casey K. Cox brings us the first book in a Sci-Fi Romance, sure to thrill everyone.
Ged Merrick and his crew raid ship after ships looking for a lost treasure. After six years Merrick has almost given up hope to find the love of his life, King Jesson.
The Breaker-One-Niner fakes an SOS to lure the Den Freight crew aboard their ship. Taking over Den Freight, The Breaker crew discovers close to fifty pods of cryo-frozen life forms. Opening two pods, the Breaker crew is torn when former crew mate and long lost lover, Jessie attacks Merrick.
Jessie was sold to slavery and made to work as an entertainer. He struggles to deal with his emotions upon finding his former crew. Hurtful words and his pent up anger may just cause his to lose what he desires the most.
I could not put this book down. I had to know what was going to happen. There are a few twists and turns that made me hold my breath. I love the world the author created. With new life forms and galaxies to keep the reader engaged, Casey has delivered a strong debut, sure to create a following.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an adventure. This book will have you ready for the next installment. I give this book 5 Stars!
After I read that passage, I was hooked on this story. Casey K. Cox brings us the first book in a Sci-Fi Romance, sure to thrill everyone.
Ged Merrick and his crew raid ship after ships looking for a lost treasure. After six years Merrick has almost given up hope to find the love of his life, King Jesson.
The Breaker-One-Niner fakes an SOS to lure the Den Freight crew aboard their ship. Taking over Den Freight, The Breaker crew discovers close to fifty pods of cryo-frozen life forms. Opening two pods, the Breaker crew is torn when former crew mate and long lost lover, Jessie attacks Merrick.
Jessie was sold to slavery and made to work as an entertainer. He struggles to deal with his emotions upon finding his former crew. Hurtful words and his pent up anger may just cause his to lose what he desires the most.
I could not put this book down. I had to know what was going to happen. There are a few twists and turns that made me hold my breath. I love the world the author created. With new life forms and galaxies to keep the reader engaged, Casey has delivered a strong debut, sure to create a following.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an adventure. This book will have you ready for the next installment. I give this book 5 Stars!
April 14, 2013
3.5 stars
Imagine Robin Hood and his Merry Men as Space Pirates..got it? Then you get it.
Merrick and the crew have spent the majority of their lives together adventuring across the galaxy after escaping their destinies. What's a little pirating to keep the engines running? Except one of the those raids went bad and they lost a comrade.
Years later and the crew is still mourning Jessie's loss, but none more than Merrick. Until the latest raid uncovers the unimaginable.
I love space operas and this is a classic set up for a series with a whole slew of characters introduced and an agenda for the future laid out. While I enjoyed it the unrelenting pace with no breathers was frantic and the reportage style left me feeling disconnected from the characters. I want to read the sequel, but it needs to S...L...O...W down and revel in some of the moments so we don't sprint the distance.
I recommend this book to space adventure junkies.
Favorite quote:
"Anything you put in my mouth you're going to lose."
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
Imagine Robin Hood and his Merry Men as Space Pirates..got it? Then you get it.
Merrick and the crew have spent the majority of their lives together adventuring across the galaxy after escaping their destinies. What's a little pirating to keep the engines running? Except one of the those raids went bad and they lost a comrade.
Years later and the crew is still mourning Jessie's loss, but none more than Merrick. Until the latest raid uncovers the unimaginable.
I love space operas and this is a classic set up for a series with a whole slew of characters introduced and an agenda for the future laid out. While I enjoyed it the unrelenting pace with no breathers was frantic and the reportage style left me feeling disconnected from the characters. I want to read the sequel, but it needs to S...L...O...W down and revel in some of the moments so we don't sprint the distance.
I recommend this book to space adventure junkies.
Favorite quote:
"Anything you put in my mouth you're going to lose."
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
April 1, 2016
This story is the first in the series, and if it continues anything like this, I will be reading them. The backstory and world are wonderfully conceived and make it obvious where and who they are without any painful information dumps. Merrick's pain and sense of loss is well written and bleeds off the page without being overdone and the characters of the crew are in no way two dimensional. I found myself desperately hoping things would work out and Merrick would have his HEA.
Although you did have a lot of regret, pain, and angst—it was so strong that at one point, the pain brought tears to my eyes (not a common occurrence)— it was well balanced by the sense of hope and the deep love that was obviously shared by Merrick and Jessie before he was captured.
Definitely one for my re-read files and not one that I will delete from my e-reader. I would recommend this story (and possibly author) to anyone who likes a good adventure.
Although you did have a lot of regret, pain, and angst—it was so strong that at one point, the pain brought tears to my eyes (not a common occurrence)— it was well balanced by the sense of hope and the deep love that was obviously shared by Merrick and Jessie before he was captured.
Definitely one for my re-read files and not one that I will delete from my e-reader. I would recommend this story (and possibly author) to anyone who likes a good adventure.
August 6, 2016
A nice and fast paced sci-fi story, but definitely too short.
May 8, 2013
This is a fun and fast-paced tale of space pirates in love. It's got engaging characters feeling strong emotions, some nice prose, and break-neck pacing.
Unfortunately, there is not **nearly** enough room in this little novelette to flesh out all the ideas and characters and plot points crammed within it. In some respects, it ends up feeling more like a highlights reel or story outline than a complete book.
I believe this is intended as the first installment of a three-part series. Unlike so many "series" books these days, Finding King does have a nice, tight, complete story arc rather than an irritating fragment of a story. I just wish Cox had taken the time to really develop the story, instead of trying to distill it all down into such a constricted little package.
Unfortunately, there is not **nearly** enough room in this little novelette to flesh out all the ideas and characters and plot points crammed within it. In some respects, it ends up feeling more like a highlights reel or story outline than a complete book.
I believe this is intended as the first installment of a three-part series. Unlike so many "series" books these days, Finding King does have a nice, tight, complete story arc rather than an irritating fragment of a story. I just wish Cox had taken the time to really develop the story, instead of trying to distill it all down into such a constricted little package.
April 3, 2013
I really like the sci-fi setting. I don't usually read sci-fi books but this book is not super weird/futuristic so the sci-fi made for a good setting. I liked the development between the main couple of the story even if some of the action and character development are lacking or rushed. I wish the author wrote more about the secondary character, Raif. It was mentioned that he's special but nothing came out of it. Perhaps the next book will be devoted to Raif. Overall, it's a good and fast read. I finished it in one sitting.
September 6, 2015
The characters and writing in this story are wonderful. Merrick is a strong man but has been broken by the lost of his love Jessie. Jessie has been a slave for all of his missing years. Used and abused he blames Merrick for leaving him behind. Can the two make up when Merrick finds Jessie? Or will Jessie be forced to lose Merrick for good? Jessie has a lot to overcome, can he for himself and Merrick? I am anxiously awaiting the next book:)
May 7, 2014
really great read but it was unsatisfying. Would've be fantastic with more background story especially how they meet, the Federation place they were in, how they escaped, the life of piracy they chose, how they were torn apart to find their way back together. Would love the author to re write this story to a full length novel and it will be amazing read. Lots of potentials with this series to be (?).
May 4, 2013
Brilliantly paced, characters that were very human and emotionally believable (even within the fantasy setting) and written with the kind of skill that shows an author that loves they world they've created and is determined to present it in its best light. I can not wait to see what's coming …
August 31, 2016
I like it, and I'm very curious of what will happen now! Raif seems a very interesting character to a new book
I think it would be 5 stars if it was longer. It's so short I had problems accepting how much Merrick and Jessie love each other.
I think it would be 5 stars if it was longer. It's so short I had problems accepting how much Merrick and Jessie love each other.
May 3, 2013
I'm hooked. Great characters and great story. I'm not reading Science Fiction very often. I like it on TV but usually not reading it. But Finding King was different and I really enjoyed reading it.
Speaking of TV series: while reading it "Firefly" came to my mind... And I loved the series!
Speaking of TV series: while reading it "Firefly" came to my mind... And I loved the series!
May 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this space romp but just like Casey Cox's Be My Boy it was too darn short. Yes I want to read the next in the series but Cox should give me a slow yummy bunch of MORE!
May 26, 2013
well that was a nice little read. def not a philosophical hurt and comfort kinda tale. more like a THANK GODS YOURE ALIVE now lets boomboom. sexy man sex for sure. c:
4 for being yummingly entertaining without much deep thought.
4 for being yummingly entertaining without much deep thought.
May 9, 2013
4.5 stars - Full review can be found at Romancing the Word
March 29, 2013
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it comes out. I loved all the guys, and I'm certainly intrigued with the mystery surrounding Raif.
July 19, 2016
Good quick Sci-fi story... looking forward to the next installment :D
May 22, 2013
3.5 stars
This was a nice "pirates in space" story. It's also got a sweet, angsty tone as the MCs reunite after a long, heartbreaking time apart.
This was a nice "pirates in space" story. It's also got a sweet, angsty tone as the MCs reunite after a long, heartbreaking time apart.
February 7, 2014
7/10*
looking very much forward second book (there will be one right? like..right now..please :I)
looking very much forward second book (there will be one right? like..right now..please :I)
Read
March 24, 2013Review coming soon to The Armchair Reader.
August 9, 2014
Loved it, but too short. 3.5 stars.
June 4, 2013
I was very annoyed for about the first half of this story, before I got to where I could enjoy it. It felt like it started in the middle of a story and didn't ever really go back and explain things fully. The brief bits of sex scenes and the romance were well done and I think the world contains interesting possibilities, but this seems like it should be the middle part of a book, not sold as its own novel. I liked it for what it was, but I felt like it was missing a beginning and an ending.
May 31, 2015
Notice: The book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review
Title: Finding King (Breaker, #1)
Author: Casey K. Cox
Cover Artist: Aisha Akeju
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Reviewer: Lynn
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨
Rating: ★★★★★
The rest of the review can be read at World of Diversity Fiction
Title: Finding King (Breaker, #1)
Author: Casey K. Cox
Cover Artist: Aisha Akeju
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Reviewer: Lynn
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨
Rating: ★★★★★
The rest of the review can be read at World of Diversity Fiction
Want to read
May 11, 2013$3.90 on Nook, some complaints that it's too short
May 2013 group read for M/M Romance group
May 2013 group read for M/M Romance group
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