Thornless Rose

by T.C. Mill

Tyrel Uvieras, a bodyguard serving the Union of planetary governments, has been assigned his most interesting charge Verithe Jerrith, Union's ambassador to what might be the most cursed planet in the galaxy. Something distinctly unsavory surrounds Corrina, whose first contact with Union space came through the stolen equipment of a stranded spaceship. Yet, Union policy requires an answer to the Corrinans' request for negotiations. The best they can do is send a well-prepared diplomatic party—if it's possible to prepare for what they find on the planet's surface.

Tyrel and Verithe discover a mutual attraction, though Tyrel also thinks Verithe perhaps too lighthearted given their dire mission and certainly too gentle—like a thornless rose—to survive long in a dangerous world without protection. Tyrel tries to provide that protection, but the two men are captured in what is just the beginning of their descent into barbarity and treachery. They will be called upon to make unbelievable sacrifices and confront the "curse" of Corrina that brings out people's darkest desires, endangering sanity and soul. Even their feelings for each other might not give them the strength to endure.

Genres: Science Fiction, Action

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2013

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not read a space fantasy in a long while. With Thornless Rose, T.C. Mill certainly provided a wonderfully well written, intriguing and thought provoking treat that ended that dry spell in a very satisfying way!

At the beginning of this novella, the reader is dropped without preamble into the planning of a diplomatic meeting that is about to take place. I felt the author deftly parceled out just the right amount of back story and information as the story progressed. It proved both alluring and informative – but without the dreaded “info dump.” The opening chapter introduces us to Verithe Jerrith, a diplomate/negotiator representing the governing Union Base, and Tyrel Uvieras, his assigned security guard. They have been sent to the planet Corrina in response to a request from the apparent leaders of the nearly barren and low-tech planet. I love that while all the crew members could speak Union, Common and their own home planet languages, they were also outfitted with translator implants, so they could recognize and speak the languages of others. Pretty darn cool!

Tyrel and Verithe were accompanied by a small crew, but it was just the two of them who ventured to the surface of Corrina for the meeting. I wondered at this, but it became evident that despite the planet’s mysterious and volatile history, Union’s plan to genuinely and peacefully reach out to the Corrinans involved a nearly non-existent show of force. Of course that familiar saying about the best laid plans all came true…everything went to hell pretty quickly......


Please read my full review here: http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...

[Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3 1/2 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

Tyrel is a bodyguard and has been assigned his newest charge, an ambassador who is assigned the task of negotiating with a primitive planet. Verithe is an ambassador for the Union of planetary governments, he is heading for negotiations with Corrina, a planet which is called cursed. Verithe and Tyrel find themselves stranded on the planets surface and fighting for their lives, but the one thing they don't fight is their attraction to each other. Tyrel wonders how Verithe will manage such a hostile territory with his lighthearted and gentle nature and Verithe wonders if Tyrel will be able to ignore the seductive pull of the violence and danger.

This is a great science fiction story that takes us on a journey to a primitive world where only the strongest survive. Verithe is heading to the cursed planet Corrina after they demanded negotiations, not knowing what they face but knowing already what the Union have decided. Tyrel has one job and that is to keep Verithe safe, unfortunately keeping him safe proves harder than he thought when the Corrinan's aren't happy with the way negotiations are going. The two men survive by sheer will and a survivor from a previous expedition, after they are betrayed by one of their own, now they just have to wait for rescue and pray that it comes in time.

This story is wonderfully written, it gives us enough back story so we aren't left in the dark over what they are facing on the planet and lets us know that their time on the planet isn't going to be easy. Verithe seems like a gentle soul and although he doesn't like violence accepts that sometimes it is the only way. Tyrel is a character that is harsher, he will do what must be done but sometimes loses himself to the violence. Both characters coming together balance each other out and Tyrel sees the steel running through Verithe and Verithe helps to keep Tyrel tempered. Their sexual relationship is very hot, but at first came out of nowhere when they were still in a very precarious position, it was also a shock because although there was vague murmurs about attraction there wasn't any indication that it was that strong.

I loved the way Corrina was portrayed as a primitive violent place where you could easily let your inner dark side take over, letting yourself be seduced by the darker undertones of survival of the strongest. I liked how Verithe somehow managed to keep Tyrel leashed and how Tyrel loved the more easy going Verithe. This is a really good storyline which is original and has plenty of action, it has a love developing in horrid conditions and has friendships emerging with the less violent Corrinan's.

I recommend this if you love science fiction, primitive planets and inhabitants, strong characters, hot sex, action and danger and a very satisfying ending.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Thornless Rose
Author: T.C. Mill
Cover Artist: Lou Harper
Publisher: Storm Moon Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Fantasy & Sci-Fi
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: 4 Flames
Book Rating: 4 Stars

Tyrel Uvieras is a body guard that is accompanying his charge, Verithe (Veri) Jerrith, an ambassador representing the Union of Planetary Governments, while he presides over negotiations with Corrina. The mission is deemed to be a dangerous one but each man exudes the strength needed to complete it. Tyrel and Veri attend the meeting on Corrina alone to a show peaceful negotiation intent. This quickly proves to be the wrong choice as they are soon found fighting for their lives from multiple predators. They also are subjected to the “curse of Corrina” where humans like Tyrel’s violence and madness traits are intensified.

Tyrel and Veri immediately capture the reader. Veri is the smaller man, calm with an easygoing personality, yet contains an inner strength. While Tyrel has a stronger and more aggressive personality. Both of these men are smart with personalities that offset the other. There is an immediate attraction between these two that when acted upon leaves them realizing there is a whole lot more under the surface. By combing these two with a host secondary characters the author has built a believable community.

Thornless Rose is a well written sci-fi short story complete with exceptional world building and intriguing characters. As the reader you feel like you are placed in the world along with the characters. It contains primitive surroundings and characters along with strong characters. All in all it is a pretty good short story worth spending the time engrossed in its pages.

Review also at WoDF - Thornless Rose

[Julian Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this a lot. The story line was good, the characters were interesting and likable, the worldbuilding was well thought out, and the sex was both tender and hot. My only complaint is that I'd have liked more setup - there was enough detail to establish the basics of the setting, but if it were novel length, it could have started earlier along the timeline. I'd like to have learned more about the Union, and about its past history with Corinna, and the early interactions between Tyrel and Verithe, and to see more of them interacting with the rest of the crew - and later with the Corinnans. As a novella, it was good. As a novel, it could have been great.

Mill tells me there are related stories being written that expand on this one. I'll be looking out for them.