A Life Apart

The Empire Series #1

by Roger Kean

1884—Deep in the Sudanese deserts a crazed religious fanatic spawns violent bloodshed.

In Victorian England Edward and Richard enjoy a blessed life at home and at their elite private school for boys, and with prospects of army commissions ahead.

But then a dreadful secret and a woman’s greed tears them apart and destroys their comfortable world. Even though their love is forbidden, for Edward there is no other in his life but Richard, and for Richard a life without Edward is unbearable.

Has fate determined that they must lead their lives apart?

As members of the British force engaged in a doomed bid to save heroic Gordon of Khartoum, besieged by the frenzied armies of the Mahdi, Edward and Richard, cruelly separated by events, and ignorant of the other’s presence, are thrown into their own desperate adventures as the conflict rages on around them…

One an officer, the other a lowly cavalry trumpeter, both find Muslim allies willing to risk all to see them through… Two lovers far from each other in a hostile world of enervating heat, unforgiving sand, rocky wastes, but also burning passions—will the young men overcome the ordeal of a life apart to achieve their dream of a destiny together? 131,850 words.

extended description-chapter nine at: http://pastehtml.com/view/crdmw4gnm.rtxt

Genres: Historical, M M Romance, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Military Fiction, War, Fiction

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2013

About the author

Also: http//www.cityboiz.com

Film maker, journalist, magazine and book publisher, Roger M. Kean settled down to pen gay fiction. To date he has written Felixitations, Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome, and the “Empire Trilogy” of late Victorian action-adventure novels A Life Apart, Gregory's Story, and Harry's Great Trek. In between battling through the deserts of Sudan, he wrote the 30,000-word novella about British Premier League football (soccer) What's A Boy Supposed to Do.

Both Felixitations and A Life Apart have been M/M Romance Group Books of the Month.

Writing under the pen name of his lifelong partner, internationally renowned gay artist Zack (a.k.a Oliver Frey), Kean’s “Boys of…” series extends to five full-length novels, graphically illustrated by Zack. The Adventures of Gil Graham and Mike Smith are set in the early 1980s: Boys of Vice City, Boys of Disco City, Boys of Two Cities, Boys of the Fast Lane, and Boy of the West End. After the demise of publisher Bruno Gmümder, these titles and some others under the ZACK pen name are either out of print or only available at ludicrous prices, but selected titles will be republished in due course during 2020.

Due to the same circumstances the BOYS OF IMPERIAL ROME series written under the name of Zack are also out of print in the original illustrated editions, but are now available under Roger M. Kean and Reckless Books imprint (not illustrated due to KDP print restrictions on graphic content):
Deadly Circus of Desire
The Satyr of Capri
The Wrath of Seth
The Wrath of Seth

Reviews

[Sheziss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most “angsty” and emotional books I’ve ever read in m/m romance.



Seeing so few ratings and reviews of this book I decided to try to change that a little. This book deserves to be more present amongst the m/m readers, so I can’t be quiet about it.



This is not a typical romance story. But I’m a romantic at heart, so I’ll treat it as one. The title alone says it all: the MC are apart for a long time. Before you kick this book out, recall this: it’s worth it! I love historical romances. But I get bored with battles, political intrigues and very detailed backgrounds and facts. I prefer ordinary people who get involved in the actual circumstances, wherever they are. I prefer reading about the common man than the political leader. In spite of it all, I love real and important environments.



So I have a very narrow margin to enjoy. I want the exact proportion of historic facts to get into the story without sounding tedious, and the right proportion of romance without being sappy and drowning the important events that take place there.



This book accomplishes all of this. It is ROMANTIC and the setting is interesting enough. I have read LOTS of romances from the 19th century in England. Yes, Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters did a lot of damage. But I had no idea about Sudanese History when it was ruled by the Englishmen. Well, I had no idea about anything about Sudan. Period.



Reading about it was thrilling, for me, a battle-hater! The adventure environment was contagious and it didn’t take any effort for me to stand on the edge by the nervousness I felt every time Edward and Richard got to be close… to be separated again.



The plot is very soap opera but I have no complaint: two twin brothers who can’t be less alike develop a not at all brotherly relationship. For them it’s natural to feel like that, but at the same time they know it’s forbidden and sinful. Not only because they both are males, but because they come from the same womb. Or do they?



They are raised together, they play together, they bathe together, they go to the same school together, have the same group of friends and slightly different affairs… but all of that only gets them closer, and reassures the feeling of censure and that someone might catch it eventually. So this exhilarating feeling of being in love is tainted with the knowledge that they would never display it in public.



This precarious balance is broken when a woman crashes into their lives and manages to get them apart… for a lifetime.



Edward decides to leave Richard behind, even though he knows Richard is not as strong as he is to bear the distance. That’s why he doesn’t tell him the real reason of his desertion, in a vane hope that Richard would go on with his life as the legitimate son of a rich military man.



That’s how a very young Edward is pressed to grow up and learn quickly, in order to survive alone in a world that doesn’t embrace spoiled teenagers. He enrolls the army as a trumpeter and some time afterwards he leaves for the Sudanese desert.



Meanwhile, Richard seeks warmth in a friend’s arms, ends this studies and enlists some years later as a cavalry officer. Fortune decides that he is destined to the same war.



At an arm’s length from each other, they live their adventures in separate positions. New friends, new loves, new battles, new mounts, new enemies, even new owners and unexpected family. But with each one of them, they wonder about the what ifs, they drown in nostalgia and they cry the pain the separation brings to them. When they get to know about each other, it’s to disregard for the good, in the case of Edward, or to be too late to do something about it, in the case of Richard.



It seems that being apart for so long erases feelings, but that’s not true. I could sense the longing, the desire and the dreams of these two. Being apart only makes them stronger and surer about what they really want: to be together again, as it’s their fate to be.



Because it hurt at the same time it healed. That devotion and attachment is meant to be returned, and in the distance, it is. It’s the physical connection that is missing and yearned to be fulfilled.



So, of course, there is a MARVELOUS reencounter and a WONDERFUL HEA, so saying it’s an emotionally satisfying reading is an understatement. I really recommend this book. I liked the characters and the writing so much I kept going and read the following in the “series”, Gregory's Story, and I’m expecting the “third” one impatiently.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book I wish I could give more than 5 stars.

Roger Kean I think you’ve made me speechless and if you were to ask any of my friends that doesn’t happen often. You have written one amazing book and I am truly sorry I’ve come to the end.

This book is Gay Fiction not to be confused with M/M Romance. While there are some similarities they are vastly different. It has a true plot which is just as important as the love story between Edward and Richard, without it their story would not have had the effect it did on me. I fell in love with these boys I had some trouble when I thought they were brothers but I quickly learned they weren’t, they were raised to think they were twins when actually they aren’t related at all sadly secrets and lies tore them apart and threw them into an adventure that at times was heartbreaking but there was so much love between them surely fate wouldn’t keep them apart?

What happens to them had me crying...a lot, so yes there is angst but there is a lot of emotions in the story that carried me to the end. The historical aspect of the book was so well written I could visualize what was happening as I read, it made me feel like I was part of the story. I haven’t come across a book that has done that in a long time. With A Life Apart every inch of it had me, it is one of those books that I would have read day and night until I got to the end, a story I didn’t want to put down but sadly real life got in my way.

If you love to read historical novels you will love A Life Apart and if you have never read one give this one a try it is by far the best I’ve ever read, add to that gorgeous men with passion and romance in their hearts and a beautiful HEA, that of course made me cry, it’s a winner in my eyes.

As I mentioned before this novel is very different from M/M Romance its true Gay Fiction written by an author that knows how to tell a story, it’s something I think all that read M/M Romance should read.

Thank you Mr. Kean

highly recommends.

[Elizabetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

star defying

Every minute that real life took me away from this book I'd gnash my teeth for this is a piece of work to be savored at leisure without the indignity of interruption.

This is the epic tale of two very young men, Edward and Richard, who have such a deep affinity to each other that it transcends brotherhood, for they are true soul mates. A cruel act separates them and their adventure back towards each other sweeps from England to the vast deep deserts of Egypt. At the heart of this is a love story but the author weaves such a lush, intricate vision of the late 19th century world and especially northern Africa that we're given so much more than a mere romance. This is a work of gay literary fiction that, like Edward and Richard, transcends the romance genre to give us something lasting. Very highly recommended!

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Life Apart centres around two ' brothers' Richard and Edward who are brought up believing they are non identical twins. They form a deep bond that over time turns into something much more than just brotherly love but this is far from a cut and dried relationship and when secrets are brought to light by a scheming female, the boys are forced by circumstance to separate and the book then takes us on each of their separate journeys as they desperately try to find each other again and during this time we see them enlist, fight bravely in vividly portrayed battles that are so intense and exciting that you feel you're actually fighting in them and watch as they become involved with other men along the way, but only as a means of solace because of course their hearts are irrevocably bound to each other.

Beautifully written and extremely well researched - as the battles are all historically correct - the book is not just a love story although this is the true heart of it, but its also a brilliant "Boys Own " style adventure. Fighting Dervishes and Fuzzy Wuzzies ' fierce Egyptian tribesmen ( named by the British troops because of their elaborate hair styles ) in the Mahdi wars, and getting captured by nomadic sheiks, Edward and Richard are put through many trials and tribulations in their quest to reunite.

The sex is there but done in a sort of off page way so I would class this as more story than sex so don't expect copious amounts of graphic love scenes but that isn't what this tale is all about so it really isn't an issue. Roger Kean has written a gripping book with connotations of a taboo subject , but its done in such a way that you will be rooting all the way through for the two of them to get back together, so watch all the twists and turns and be prepared to gnash your teeth as at one point they're SO near yet so far from each other, before fate steps in and cruelly separates them once again! Exciting stuff.

The books cover is done by Rogers husband Oliver Frey aka Zack Fraker ( he does all Rogers covers ) and as a fan of his art work IMO it captures the two boys beautifully, matching Rogers classy style of writing perfectly. Excellent!

[Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Life Apart has love, sex, violence, adventure, seashells, 1884 British military strategy, spitting camels, fuzzy wuzzies and yorkshire pudding. What more could you desire in a historical romance novel?

Victorian England, teatime, elite boys school, dangerous back alleys, forts, army barracks, desert sands, emirs, soldiers, nubians, dervishes, perils, uncertainty, love, passion, sex, friendship, military camaraderie, thrilling battles, daring escapes, exotic locales, slavery, heroism, allegiance and always hope.

Separated in war two lovers fear they will never see each other again but nothing will stop them from trying.

It's a brilliant story of treachery and hate, loyalty and love.

We have not seen such a great bravery and passion since Roger Kean's story of Malco in his previous historical romance Thunderbolt Torn Enemy of Rome. Once again his knowledge of history and his career in writing have produced a masterpiece, Roger's partner Oliver Frey was the artist for the book cover and his legendary reputation in the gay art world shines brightly adorning A Life Apart.

[LenaRibka]

DNF at 13%

There are a LOT of nice reviews for this book and a high rating shows that this book is popular among GR readers. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it too... if I could be able to finish it. And I assure you, I really tried. I tried to like it, I tried to get into it. But I and this book are not compatible. It was my second attempt and now I know I'm not going to give it one more chance. Sad but true.

My biggest problem was that I couldn't overcome sexual relationship of two brothers. I have my boundaries, as we all have, and brothers-incest belongs to one of them. On the other hand, I've read books with a similar subject but I loved them. So, I can't say that this subject ALONE is responsible for my issues with this book. But HERE I couldn't understand WHY they fell for each other how they did. I didn't get any explanation that could convince me or make me understand WHY. Because they both have dicks? I have no idea. There is no abuse background or something else that could explain or justify it to me. Maybe because I have a little brother myself, I react very sensitively to this topic.

Yes, we learned pretty soon that they WERE NOT actually blood brothers. One of them was adopted when they were too small to know it. But it doesn't make any difference to me. They DIDN'T know this fact when they started their sexual relationship. So, it doesn't matter.

The moment of their physical interaction was the moment when the story ended for me. I tried to keep reading after, but I couldn't. Sorry.

[M'rella · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sorry about not writing a review right away!... Or maybe not =) I had to revisit the book and reread a few chapters and that was a true and real pleasure.

I am not going to repeat the description, there is one by the author and many by the readers. The only thing I want to mention is that the boys were a little younger than I expected but that was perfectly fine, given the time period and circumstances.

Late 19th century is not my favorite, but I love history and this book is a true gem. I certainly learned a few things and had to refresh my memory several times, but it only benefitted my reading and comprehension of the events without distracting from the story.

The language is amazing, a little bit on the old-fashioned side adding to the already palpable atmosphere.

Roger, can't thank you enough for giving the book away for free =) "A Life Apart" is definitely a favourite of mine.

PS Amazing artwork! Do visit the Oliver Frey's site: http://www.oliverfreyart.com/

[Casey Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story, wonderfully crafted as always by Roger Kean. Confusion, heartache, treachery, and disappointment all overcome by love. Brilliant.

[George Seaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read at the end of the day, in bed, and consequently plod through books slowly, oh, ever so slowly. I find that I value the worth of a book if, after another day, I crawl into bed, turn on the Kindle and remember exactly what I'd read the night before. Has something to do with a good story lingering at the back of my mind; the images vibrant, effusive--a curiosity about what will come next. Not all storytelling lingers that way. Only the best.

Roger Kean has written a story that lingers, even now that I've finished it.

This is a superbly written story that was meticulously researched, absolutely historically accurate. It takes place in the late 19th century, beginning in an English boys school (we all know about those!), where brothers--or maybe not?--Richard and Edward, gently explore their love for one another, a mutual devotion from each to the another that transcends convention. This aspect of the story might be off-putting to some, but I did not find it so. The relationship was lovely and, as I said, gently explored.

The meat of the story occurs when both boys are drawn into the British army, and sent to the Sudan where what is called the Mahdist War was savaging the land and the people. The boys, separated by a twist in the story which I won't reveal, find themselves apart in this strange and violent place, each living their own adventures, each longing for a reunion with the other.

Kean gives us the spectacle of fierce warriors, dervishes and Fuzzy-Wuzzies (suggest a read of Rudyard Kipling's poem, "Fuzzy-Wuzzy"), of fierce battles--Kean's detail of the violence is exquisite--of the lives of desert nomads, of the worth of weapons and strategy. And through the story, always present, always the underlying yearn of the boys to reunite, to love, gently and forever.

I don't generally seek historical novels to read, but am sincerely pleased this one found me. I recommend this fine storytelling to anyone who enjoys this genre, and who values a good book that reveals the beauty of committed same-sex relationships, albeit brothers or, maybe not...

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A Life Apart is more than a simple romance between two young men. It’s a story about love, friendship, treachery, years of longing and war. It’s a story with interesting and memorable characters, some I loved and some I didn’t. It’s a story which takes you on a journey where you finally – after lots of ups and downs – get your happy ending.

So why only 3.5 stars? Because at first it took me a while to get into the book. There were parts I found a little bit boring and they couldn’t hold my attention. Other parts were so gripping and exciting I couldn’t stop reading. But this is just my personal opinion. :)

If you like historical novels and men in love mixed with a good story, then A Life Apart might be the right book for you.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of an odd duck of a book. It straddles the line between M/M romance, gay literature and historical fiction but never seems sure of what it wants to be. A very enjoyable read, but it never seems to explore the questions posed such as the morality of incest between brothers and the secret lives of gay men in the period it takes place in. It's strictly couched in an optimistic fantasy world where many side characters turn out conveniently gay and bisexual and most others do not have a problem with the idea of homosexuality. Still, it's a fun read, and one of the few M/M romance books out there where an actual plot carries the book, through many well researched locales in war-embroiled islamic states.

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much of a historical reader but the author does such an amazing job of tell and describing the time and setting it even made me like the book. The most trouble I had reading it actually related to it being an English book. I'm not very familiar with English things so when giving detailed descriptions of cricket (which really went with the character) I was a bit lost. I did enjoy learning some British history along with reading a fun book:)

[Caddy Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could give half stars, I would have given this 3 1/2. Please keep in mind that 3 stars on here means "liked it", so it was way more than "okay" like 3 stars would be on Amazon.

I found both Edward and Richard to be likable, engaging boys and then men. They were strongly developed and I grew to care about what happened to them both. I also liked some of the supporting characters quite well: Harry and Yussuf especially come to mind.

It made the story realistic that both men had other sex partners when separated for so long. I'm glad this wasn't really a "romance" as I find that formula a bit too hard to swallow (pardon the pun). I believe it was listed under "action and adventure" and I would say that fit quite nicely.

At times the story dragged a bit. Perhaps it was just me. Some people may enjoy the details of the different fighting that takes place, or more specifically, the details of possibilities of what could happen. The battles themselves didn't drag, but the thinking about strategy, etc wasn't my cup of tea.

The dialog was well-written and natural. A few times I laughed, several times smiled, and I looked forward to my next reading session each time I turned off the kindle.

I do wish the ending would have been more like an ending instead of leaving it to my imagination. I felt he just decided to stop writing the story or something.

I wqould read work by this author again and would tell those looking for a decent gay fiction OR action/adventure book to check this one out.

[Gerry Burnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerry B's Book Reviews

5.00

Superb writing, a break-through plot, and bang-on history...

A Life Apar, t, by Roger Kean [CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, January 11, 2013] can be categorized by several genres: historical fiction, historical, gay romance, and even young adult. It is also a refreshingly different story set in an exotic and somewhat uncommon setting.

The story opens on Edward and Richard Rainbow, purportedly twin brothers, and also students at the prestigious Benthenham College in England. Their relationship can be described as ‘loving,’ both in the ethereal and physical sense, but such “dirties” as transpired between them are always couched in euphemistic language—i.e. “hardness,” “bitties,” or “stiffness,” etc.

Indeed, Richard and Edward are utterly charming adolescents, and Kean has done quite a good job of portraying them as normal, mischievous and inquisitive schoolboys, who indulge in the “dirties” as naturally as they play soccer or go swimming.

However, an unexpected and devastating revelation emerges from the past, and because of it Edward is ripped from Richard’s arms and his family.

Skipping forward, Richard has received his commission to the army, and England has become caught up in Egyptian affairs to protect its financial interests and the Suez Canal. Consequently, it is also drawn into a vicious guerilla war instigated by the Islamic cleric, Muhammad Ahmad, who has declared himself ‘Mahdi’ (a messianic redeemer of the Islamic faith).

After considerable bloodshed, the English decide to withdraw from the southern regions, including the Sudan, and Major-General Sir Charles Gordon is sent to oversee the evacuation of Khartoum. In the process, however, he becomes isolated and trapped by the Arab and Mahdist forces. A relief expedition led by Sir Garnet Wolseley is sent to rescue him, but due to several delays they arrive too late to save Gordon. At the same time, however, it is the perfect opportunity for fate to reunite Richard and Edward, and Kean takes full advantage of it.

The writing is superb, the plot is refreshing, the description is vivid, and the history is bang-on. Five bees.
________________________
Your are invited to visit my other sites as well.

Gerry Burnie Books
My Personal Blog

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Most people think this is about real brothers, but not so. Very British upper class style "public school, military" historical novel. Amazing detail of all locations, historical mores and more. Many scenes feel like you are there in the midst of the action. Some of the military scenes were kind of boring to me and slowed down my reading somewhat. The end is not really an end but seems to lead into a sequel?
If you love historicals or want to find out what Egypt and Sudan were like at the end of the 19th century, this is a great book.

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child, I enjoyed all those boys-own adventure titles as well as those from authors such as Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, H Rider Haggard and Jules Verne. I've only just discovered Roger Kean and this is his first book I've read - and the reading takes me right back to those early reading adventures - except with the M-M elements thrown in. I would say the greater focus on plot/action does detract from internal character development and musings except given this genre/type, I'm not disappointed. I have placed the rest of Mr Keen's books on my to-read list.

[Summer Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roger Kean writes like the rest of us breathe...effortlessly.

[Skaivri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star for historical intrigues. And well the title really just speaks for itself. A life apart. I didn't get the feel of their deep love for each other because well the story really just centers on the two protagonists life 'apart' and the events happening around them while being apart - and that sort of dragged on for me.

[Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read A life Apart with awe at its perfection as a sexy historical novel of the Mahdist Wars during the 1880s. I wish there was a way to get the message out to readers that there is an author who writes intelligent, captivating books of the lives, loves, and riveting adventures of genuine gay men.

Anyone who is concerned whether or not this book contains twincest should look at this spoiler:
The two lovers are not brothers nor are they related in any way.

A Life Apart is artfully ingenious and captivating. How is it that Roger Kean can put so much historical, geographical and societal detail into a book and still have every page be exciting? It impacts the heart and the mind with intelligent situations which is what all gay romance fiction should do.

What a magnificent treasure he has created. The heroic lovers are certainly two of most unique and memorable characters and this is the most remarkable book I have read since his novel of that sexy warrior Malco in the Second Punic War -- Thunderbolt:Torn Enemy of Rome.

The sequel to A Life Apart is Gregory's Story which is another 5 star epic covering the Madhist Wars in 1890's. It's just as riveting, fascinating, historically accurate and sexy as is A Life Apart.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got so bogged down with all of the history - dates, places, names, wars, that I almost didn't finish this book. Needless to say, this book leans heavy on the history, which can be a bit dry at times.
I applaud the effort required to produce a historical novel and Mr. Kean did an outstanding job with the research for this book.
At this point there are two additional books in the series, but I'll have to think long and hard if I want to continue with them.

Three Stars

[Mel]

I'm still intrigued by the premise of this book!

I've found too many references for angst in the reviews, though, and I just know that will annoy me very much.

I think I'm gonna pass this one :-/

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just could not get into the story. I liked the characters. I finally went and read the ending to see what happened.
It's probably a phase that I am going through.

[Reed Michaels · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read through the preview. Faux gentry, irrational behavior, soap-opera drama. Spare me.