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Sun, Moon, and Stars #1
Partnership
When Sun-born mage Zal is called to a remote village after an explosion on a nearby mountaintop, he’s stunned at what he finds in the gaol under the town hall—the last Moon-born on the planet, apparently a rogue mage, and someone Zal is duty-bound to haul to the capital to face judgment.
But although nonbinary Torian is Moon-born, they’re no mage. Rescued as an infant from the plague that wiped out the rest of their race, Torian is as much cybertronic as human, and desperate to escape their former Star-born overseers.
Zal has never felt the desires of the flesh, and as an avowed celibate Sun mage, he couldn’t indulge them if he did. Torian has only known value as a sexual surrogate, and isn’t sure how to prove their worth to a man who has no need of their abilities.
As danger looms from both Zal’s world and Torian’s, mage and cyborg must find common ground, because only together can they hope to survive.
Partnership is a 25K-word novella that marries magic and science, featuring a road trip, deepening friendship, and a world where choice is the most sacred value. The story originally appeared as “Sun, Moon, and Stars” in Magic & Mayhem: Fiction and Essays Celebrating LGBTQA Romance, an anthology benefiting Gay Romance Northwest/Read with Pride. This version has been significantly revised and expanded.
But although nonbinary Torian is Moon-born, they’re no mage. Rescued as an infant from the plague that wiped out the rest of their race, Torian is as much cybertronic as human, and desperate to escape their former Star-born overseers.
Zal has never felt the desires of the flesh, and as an avowed celibate Sun mage, he couldn’t indulge them if he did. Torian has only known value as a sexual surrogate, and isn’t sure how to prove their worth to a man who has no need of their abilities.
As danger looms from both Zal’s world and Torian’s, mage and cyborg must find common ground, because only together can they hope to survive.
Partnership is a 25K-word novella that marries magic and science, featuring a road trip, deepening friendship, and a world where choice is the most sacred value. The story originally appeared as “Sun, Moon, and Stars” in Magic & Mayhem: Fiction and Essays Celebrating LGBTQA Romance, an anthology benefiting Gay Romance Northwest/Read with Pride. This version has been significantly revised and expanded.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2024
About the author
E.J. Russell
54 books454 followersE.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
Reality? Eh, not so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 18, 2026
I didn't realize how short this was when I picked it up, and was saddened when I got to the end.
I really liked the world-building and the characters. I do wish things had more time to be fleshed out and would have liked to see more of the world itself. Very interesting to see the different perspectives of Torian and Zal with how different their lives were. They really melded and worked together so well!
I often go back and forth for stories/worlds with science and fantasy blended but Russell did a great job here. I also didn't miss a romance (I'm also one that is more than okay with there being zero romance since it's so rarely done). Torian and Zal really come to appreciate and care for each other with some light, platonic touches (hand holding, kissing a cheek and the like) which I thought were a great addition.
Really awful about what Torian went through.
Most of me gets why they still have to continue but nervous about what will happen! I will definitely be jumping right into it. Slightly worried about there not being another so hopefully it'll wrap up in book two...? D:
As usual with Russell's works, I've been going through her free audiobooks on Audible which have been a constant for me. Very much appreciated and this one stepped it up as well. Greg Boudreaux did an amazing job as always (wish he did all of Russell's audiobooks, lol).
3.5 stars rounded up. On my abuse and dubcon-noncon shelf because of .
I really liked the world-building and the characters. I do wish things had more time to be fleshed out and would have liked to see more of the world itself. Very interesting to see the different perspectives of Torian and Zal with how different their lives were. They really melded and worked together so well!
I often go back and forth for stories/worlds with science and fantasy blended but Russell did a great job here. I also didn't miss a romance (I'm also one that is more than okay with there being zero romance since it's so rarely done). Torian and Zal really come to appreciate and care for each other with some light, platonic touches (hand holding, kissing a cheek and the like) which I thought were a great addition.
Really awful about what Torian went through.
Most of me gets why they still have to continue but nervous about what will happen! I will definitely be jumping right into it. Slightly worried about there not being another so hopefully it'll wrap up in book two...? D:
As usual with Russell's works, I've been going through her free audiobooks on Audible which have been a constant for me. Very much appreciated and this one stepped it up as well. Greg Boudreaux did an amazing job as always (wish he did all of Russell's audiobooks, lol).
3.5 stars rounded up. On my abuse and dubcon-noncon shelf because of .
April 7, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Partnership is a novella in the Sun, Moon, and Stars series by author E.J. Russell. It takes place on a physical planet that has all the trappings of a fantasy world, and that is delightfully juxtaposed against Torian’s science-based world. The story unfolds in chapters that alternate between Zal and Torian’s perspectives. The chapters are short and they fly by.
The whole reason I was drawn to this book was the amalgamation of fantasy and science-fiction genres, both in terms of setting and main character presentation. On top of that, there’s also the queer representation of an asexual, cis-gendered man and a nonbinary cyborg. Despite how unlikely these bedfellows sound, Russell interweaves these elements beautifully within the plot and our two main characters.
If you enjoy stories with strong main characters who are multifaceted and interesting in their own rights, I think you will enjoy this book immensely. If, like me, you are intrigued by the amalgamation of fantasy and science fiction in a very stark, yet interwoven story, I think you will find this book to be a delightful treat.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Partnership is a novella in the Sun, Moon, and Stars series by author E.J. Russell. It takes place on a physical planet that has all the trappings of a fantasy world, and that is delightfully juxtaposed against Torian’s science-based world. The story unfolds in chapters that alternate between Zal and Torian’s perspectives. The chapters are short and they fly by.
The whole reason I was drawn to this book was the amalgamation of fantasy and science-fiction genres, both in terms of setting and main character presentation. On top of that, there’s also the queer representation of an asexual, cis-gendered man and a nonbinary cyborg. Despite how unlikely these bedfellows sound, Russell interweaves these elements beautifully within the plot and our two main characters.
If you enjoy stories with strong main characters who are multifaceted and interesting in their own rights, I think you will enjoy this book immensely. If, like me, you are intrigued by the amalgamation of fantasy and science fiction in a very stark, yet interwoven story, I think you will find this book to be a delightful treat.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
March 23, 2025
Really liked the blend of fantasy and sci-fi in this book. The world-building, even if a bit familiar, felt compelling
Given the length of the book, I found the characters, Zal and Torian, to be well-developed. Zal's internal struggles and Torian's heartbreaking backstory made them both deeply sympathetic—I just wanted to give Torian a huge hug :(
I also loved the progression of their friendship. My babies came a long way
The pacing is fast, which keeps things exciting, but sometimes it felt a bit too rushed. I would have liked a bit more detail in the action scenes. Still, this was a great opening to the series, and I’m looking forward to revisiting this world in the next book!
Given the length of the book, I found the characters, Zal and Torian, to be well-developed. Zal's internal struggles and Torian's heartbreaking backstory made them both deeply sympathetic—I just wanted to give Torian a huge hug :(
I also loved the progression of their friendship. My babies came a long way
The pacing is fast, which keeps things exciting, but sometimes it felt a bit too rushed. I would have liked a bit more detail in the action scenes. Still, this was a great opening to the series, and I’m looking forward to revisiting this world in the next book!
January 13, 2024
This is an inventive beginning to a science fiction story, and I quite enjoyed it. Great characters, fine worldbuilding, looking forward to the next installment in February. The human is ace, and the cyborg is three-natured, and it's just very inventive.
August 2, 2026
'Partnership: Sun, Moon, and Stars' (Book 1) written by E.J. Russell (Audible) narrated by Greg Boudreaux
August 2026
So far this has been an intriguing journey and I can't wait to discover more about our two protagonists!
Good mash-up of science fiction & fantasy.
An asexual oathed-celibate Sun Mage and a non-binary cyborg ex-sex slave, apparently the last Moon-born person on this planet, are thrown together during an escape from the Moon-born's captivity.
"Sun-born mage Zal is called to a remote village after an explosion on a nearby mountaintop, he’s stunned at what he finds in the gaol [jail] under the town hall—the last Moon-born on the planet, apparently a rogue mage, and someone Zal is duty-bound to haul to the capital to face judgment. But although nonbinary Torian is Moon-born, they’re no mage." (Amazon)
(Food for thought: curiously, since this storyline does not take place on Planet Earth, the Sun Mage speaks with a British accent)
(started reading this in July, finished August 1)
I loved this whole journey scenario of two very different types of beings learning how to survive in the wilderness, relying on each other amid extreme duress, knowing there were other mages and alien race trying to track them.
Despite the Sun Mage's original belief that it's his duty to return the Moon-born to a tribunal of the Star-born "infomancers" in a far-off city, he starts doubting that as the best choice (knowing that the court will probably order the Moon-born's execution). As the two get to know each other, they become more than captor and escaped slave...
This is such an intricately built world-system, involving several races of beings, some with advanced technology, and some ignorant of that technology but extensively skilled in the magical arts, including using their environment and the elements for healing & survival, among other skills.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, as even though several things do get resolved, there are a lot more issues left for them to deal with...you know, like survival!
Will Zal complete his quest to return Torian to the Tribunal? Or, will his understanding of how his society and the world he lives in go through major shifts in understanding, revealing what's really happening in the "belly of the beast", his society?
And what of Torian? Will they discover more previously hidden and untapped skills. Could they actually be part of a long-lost clan (assumed dead) that can access Moon Magic?
I loved this book! Waiting with baited breath*
for the next installment to appear!
*(or maybe that was from the tunafish sandwich I ate for lunch?) ;-)
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
August 2026
So far this has been an intriguing journey and I can't wait to discover more about our two protagonists!
Good mash-up of science fiction & fantasy.
An asexual oathed-celibate Sun Mage and a non-binary cyborg ex-sex slave, apparently the last Moon-born person on this planet, are thrown together during an escape from the Moon-born's captivity.
"Sun-born mage Zal is called to a remote village after an explosion on a nearby mountaintop, he’s stunned at what he finds in the gaol [jail] under the town hall—the last Moon-born on the planet, apparently a rogue mage, and someone Zal is duty-bound to haul to the capital to face judgment. But although nonbinary Torian is Moon-born, they’re no mage." (Amazon)
(Food for thought: curiously, since this storyline does not take place on Planet Earth, the Sun Mage speaks with a British accent)
(started reading this in July, finished August 1)
I loved this whole journey scenario of two very different types of beings learning how to survive in the wilderness, relying on each other amid extreme duress, knowing there were other mages and alien race trying to track them.
Despite the Sun Mage's original belief that it's his duty to return the Moon-born to a tribunal of the Star-born "infomancers" in a far-off city, he starts doubting that as the best choice (knowing that the court will probably order the Moon-born's execution). As the two get to know each other, they become more than captor and escaped slave...
This is such an intricately built world-system, involving several races of beings, some with advanced technology, and some ignorant of that technology but extensively skilled in the magical arts, including using their environment and the elements for healing & survival, among other skills.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, as even though several things do get resolved, there are a lot more issues left for them to deal with...you know, like survival!
Will Zal complete his quest to return Torian to the Tribunal? Or, will his understanding of how his society and the world he lives in go through major shifts in understanding, revealing what's really happening in the "belly of the beast", his society?
And what of Torian? Will they discover more previously hidden and untapped skills. Could they actually be part of a long-lost clan (assumed dead) that can access Moon Magic?
I loved this book! Waiting with baited breath*
for the next installment to appear!
*(or maybe that was from the tunafish sandwich I ate for lunch?) ;-)
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
September 16, 2025
Cute quick read featuring an ace sun mage and a nonbinary moon mage android.
March 22, 2026
Zal is a low-level sun-born mage, he patrols the towns on his circuit bestowing favour and dispensing justice by way of his magic. He encounters problems in a down-at-heel village: they have found a possibly rogue, moon-born mage who seems to be using their powers for sexual purposes. Having taken the vow of celibacy, Zal is immune to their wiles and is determined to bring them to the capital for trial. But his hasty judgements are soon proved false. Torian is a non-binary cyborg who is slowly breaking free from their slavish programming. As Zal gets to know Torian and learns their story, his assumptions about his world are shattered. Worse still, it looks like their world is in grave danger.
This is EJ Russell at her very best. This is a fascinating blend of science fiction and fantasy with strong world building that never feels heavy-handed. At its core is the budding relationship between an asexual character and a non-binary one—it’s sweet and tender but not cloying and with no steam. I loved the creative ideas, the decent characters, and strong story-telling. 🎧 US voice actor Greg Boudreaux is a favourite, and his British accent is better than most, but he still pronounces some things wrongly. American listeners won’t notice but it is periodically jarring to the rest of us. I’m unclear why this story even needed a British accent, it’s not set on Earth and it’s thousands of years in the future!
This is EJ Russell at her very best. This is a fascinating blend of science fiction and fantasy with strong world building that never feels heavy-handed. At its core is the budding relationship between an asexual character and a non-binary one—it’s sweet and tender but not cloying and with no steam. I loved the creative ideas, the decent characters, and strong story-telling. 🎧 US voice actor Greg Boudreaux is a favourite, and his British accent is better than most, but he still pronounces some things wrongly. American listeners won’t notice but it is periodically jarring to the rest of us. I’m unclear why this story even needed a British accent, it’s not set on Earth and it’s thousands of years in the future!
February 21, 2024
“Partnership” by E.J. Russell is the first novella in the ‘Sun, Moon, and Stars’ series that features Zal, a one-eyed sun mage and Torian, who has taken the chance to escape their captivity but is completely naïve about the world they have fled to. The pair could not be more unalike, but somehow they form a connection that may provide the key to preventing the destruction of the world that may be headed for a massive change no matter what anyone does.
This inventive gay science fiction/fantasy romance story explores the connection between a non-binary being who has functioned as a sexual surrogate and been confined to a laboratory for most of their life and a celibate sun mage whose life has been diametrically opposite. Each discovers that they have a depth of knowledge that the other person lacks, but their connection and purpose in life grows stronger with each passing day. I was intrigued by the world-building and uniqueness of these characters and immediately drawn into their struggles. The story ends a bit abruptly, and I was only mollified by the idea that the sequel was immediately available because I really wanted to know what happens next.
A copy of this title was provided for review
This inventive gay science fiction/fantasy romance story explores the connection between a non-binary being who has functioned as a sexual surrogate and been confined to a laboratory for most of their life and a celibate sun mage whose life has been diametrically opposite. Each discovers that they have a depth of knowledge that the other person lacks, but their connection and purpose in life grows stronger with each passing day. I was intrigued by the world-building and uniqueness of these characters and immediately drawn into their struggles. The story ends a bit abruptly, and I was only mollified by the idea that the sequel was immediately available because I really wanted to know what happens next.
A copy of this title was provided for review
February 29, 2024
An interesting change of pace from Russell. In some ways this story made me think of "Star Trek", with the attendant moral lessons and such. It's a clever combination of science fiction with some elements of fantasy (which are explained quite well). What it's not is a romance - if anything it does turn into a bromance of sorts, with the love examined being that of friendship.
The characters are quite interesting, with Zal open to questioning events when he is faced with evidence that his world is not quite what he thought it was. He's a very moral character and is faced with inner conflict as he tries to resolve the dilemmas that come into play with the arrival of Torian, the last of a race of people that hasn't been seen for a number of years.
Overall, I'd probably rate this as a 3.5 but rounded up to a 4 due to the imagination here. If you're a science fiction fan this is a good choice for you.
The characters are quite interesting, with Zal open to questioning events when he is faced with evidence that his world is not quite what he thought it was. He's a very moral character and is faced with inner conflict as he tries to resolve the dilemmas that come into play with the arrival of Torian, the last of a race of people that hasn't been seen for a number of years.
Overall, I'd probably rate this as a 3.5 but rounded up to a 4 due to the imagination here. If you're a science fiction fan this is a good choice for you.
February 29, 2024
EJ Russell hasn’t disappointed me so far, and she didn’t do so with this book.
I’m always slightly nervous to pick up seemingly ace romances because they often either devolve into ace trauma (society saying they must enjoy s*x etc.) or are like demisexual stuff with unconvincing relationship-building.
This was neither (and I hope things maintain in the future books). It was a cyborg x human(?) pairing and the beautiful building of friendship in a post-earth kind of sci-fi world and I am HERE for it. It was only the beginning of a series, so it left me wishing for more, but I do have an ARC of the next book which I will absolutely devour now.
There’s not much more to say about this one to be honest, because it was a very short novella, and only the beginning of Zal and Torian’s adventures. Great world-building without the mandatory info-dump (it was all organic, sort of), so A++ for that. And excuse me while I go read Principles.
I’m always slightly nervous to pick up seemingly ace romances because they often either devolve into ace trauma (society saying they must enjoy s*x etc.) or are like demisexual stuff with unconvincing relationship-building.
This was neither (and I hope things maintain in the future books). It was a cyborg x human(?) pairing and the beautiful building of friendship in a post-earth kind of sci-fi world and I am HERE for it. It was only the beginning of a series, so it left me wishing for more, but I do have an ARC of the next book which I will absolutely devour now.
There’s not much more to say about this one to be honest, because it was a very short novella, and only the beginning of Zal and Torian’s adventures. Great world-building without the mandatory info-dump (it was all organic, sort of), so A++ for that. And excuse me while I go read Principles.
February 21, 2024
Partnership is the first novella in this series and it has sci-fi and fantasy elements.I really liked the world building, it's a very interesting world and the plot kept me intrigued. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to find out more about the place and the people and see how things would work out. The two main characters were also very interesting and I appreciated the ace representation. Torian's backstory broke my heart and I admired his strength and resilience. And Zal was so opened minded, and ready to learn and grow. He warmed my heart. Their friendship was beautiful.
Fantastic story, I'm looking forward to read more books in this world and see how Zal and Torian's journey will continue.
Fantastic story, I'm looking forward to read more books in this world and see how Zal and Torian's journey will continue.
February 29, 2024
4 Stars!
Partnership is the first book in the Sun, Moon, and Stars series. It's quite different from other E.J. Russell books, in the sense that is sci-fi with fantasy, but it has great worldbuilding and a heartwarming relationship slowly developing between Zal and Torian.
This book is rather short, more like setting up things for the next book and Zal and Torian couldn't be more different, one an ace Mage and the other a cyborg who has been programmed to be a sexual surrogate. My heart broke for everything Torian has had to go through. I loved seeing them become friends. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Partnership is the first book in the Sun, Moon, and Stars series. It's quite different from other E.J. Russell books, in the sense that is sci-fi with fantasy, but it has great worldbuilding and a heartwarming relationship slowly developing between Zal and Torian.
This book is rather short, more like setting up things for the next book and Zal and Torian couldn't be more different, one an ace Mage and the other a cyborg who has been programmed to be a sexual surrogate. My heart broke for everything Torian has had to go through. I loved seeing them become friends. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 23, 2024
I loved this story. It is a little bit fantasy and a little bit sci-fi. It is all magic though with Sol and Torian! What happens when an asexual sun mage decides to take pity on and travel with a nonbinary moon mage who may or not be fully human anymore? An absolute delight, that’s what! This story is so different from anything else I have read by EJ Russell and it grabbed my attention from the start. I also love a world where choice is everything. Taking away someone’s choice is one of the worst crimes imaginable in this setting. Truly a good read and I can’t sit to see where this goes.
February 29, 2024
I was absolutely blown away by this story.
Absolutely inventive, with magic and science both playing equal parts.
Tobin as a cyborg is not fully prepared for life with humans.
Zal as a mage believes that Tobin is actively trying to seduce people with unsanctioned magic.
As they slowly get to know one another Zal realizes Tobin could very well pose a threat to humans by the very nature of their existence.
Tobin has no idea how to function without their main skills of seduction working on Zal finds acceptance in being able to finally have autonomy over themselves and being able to provide information.
There's danger they face together and I want more from this amazing world.
Absolutely inventive, with magic and science both playing equal parts.
Tobin as a cyborg is not fully prepared for life with humans.
Zal as a mage believes that Tobin is actively trying to seduce people with unsanctioned magic.
As they slowly get to know one another Zal realizes Tobin could very well pose a threat to humans by the very nature of their existence.
Tobin has no idea how to function without their main skills of seduction working on Zal finds acceptance in being able to finally have autonomy over themselves and being able to provide information.
There's danger they face together and I want more from this amazing world.
February 21, 2024
Partnership was a bit of a surprise. A sci-fi story about a seeded society, being observed by a group of scientists. A cyborg who is male/female/balanced and a mage who is ace. When given a chance Torian escapes only to be imprisoned in an Earth born village. There he meets Zal a Sun born mage.
This is a love story, companionship and caring rather than sex. The two have amazing chemistry. The worldbuilding is top notch and the story flows beautifully .
A quick, very enjoyable read'
I received an advanced copy and this is my review.
This is a love story, companionship and caring rather than sex. The two have amazing chemistry. The worldbuilding is top notch and the story flows beautifully .
A quick, very enjoyable read'
I received an advanced copy and this is my review.
February 23, 2026
4.5/5 Although this isn’t super long, it packs an emotional punch. Zal and Torian don’t get off to the best start, but I thoroughly enjoyed them learning to trust one another and learn so much more about one another. Neither of them has had an easy life, and I loved all the possibilities that come out of their finding one another. I really appreciated the ace rep and looking at relationships in less standard ways.
Greg Boudreaux does a wonderful job narrating.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Greg Boudreaux does a wonderful job narrating.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
February 20, 2024
Although different from EJ's usual style, I really enjoyed this. It's quite a thoughtful read, about grasping power, making the right choices, political systems, and questionable intent. I thought that the interactions between Sun Mage Zal, and non binary Torian, were excellent. I loved how they grew together, their fondness developing as the story progresses. It's cleverly written, and very thought provoking, with first class world building. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes.
March 11, 2026
I loved this book when I read it, I loved it even more as an audiobook. I’m ace and non-binary myself and seeing any representation, especially where I wasn’t necessarily expecting it, is so awesome! I just love how much it’s not a thing in this story. So much other stuff is going on as well. Zal and Torian go through so much discovery about the world together in quite different ways. They find each other in ways they didn’t expect they needed before. It’s short, but so fine.
February 19, 2024
Rating 4.5
This is the first book in the Sun, Moon and Stars series. I wasn’t sure about this book, but I love the author so I gave it a chance. I was so surprised; it is a wonderful story. The characters are interesting and unique and the pace kept me reading when I should have stopped. I really loved the world the author created. I can’t wait to start the second book.
This is the first book in the Sun, Moon and Stars series. I wasn’t sure about this book, but I love the author so I gave it a chance. I was so surprised; it is a wonderful story. The characters are interesting and unique and the pace kept me reading when I should have stopped. I really loved the world the author created. I can’t wait to start the second book.
April 30, 2024
A short but cute rewrite of a romance/fantasy/sci fi story about an asexual mage and a non-binary cyborg ex-sex slave/archival assistant, how they met, fell in love, and set off for the Capitol to try to make better sense of their world -- I think. Anyway, I enjoyed it! Downloading the second volume now!
February 18, 2026
I loved the representation I'm ace, so it was nice to have that as well. And it was done well, so I have no complaints with that. I also loved the characters and how sweet they are.
However, the writing was meh for me. Some things went too fast, others too slow. It all felt a bit off for me, so I am conflicted a bit.
However, the writing was meh for me. Some things went too fast, others too slow. It all felt a bit off for me, so I am conflicted a bit.
March 18, 2024
I love E.J. Russell. I haven't read much by this author, yet, but what I have has been so good. I loved how this story played out and look for ward to Principles. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2026
It was different so interesting enough to finish. But not good enough to care to read the others. It’s too short to actually grow any of those feelings of not being not so much enemy’s, but it don’t feel like Zal should have cared so much of Torian dying
10/10 for Greg
10/10 for Greg
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September 24, 2025Zal from Sun, Moon, and Stars is asexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
February 24, 2026
Audio narrated by Greg Boudreaux.
More of a novella than a novel, but a great concept, and world building.
More of a novella than a novel, but a great concept, and world building.
June 25, 2026
1.5
DNF'ed at around 90%
DNF'ed at around 90%
July 8, 2026
I loved the different setting and introduction to a different world before getting into what's really going on. Definitely interested to read more in this setting.
August 28, 2026
Beautiful blend between fantasy and science fiction. The characters were wonderful and the world building was incredible. The morality talks were interesting. It’s so great that they understood the difference between asexual and aromantic. They could just be close friends but there could be something more.
I intend to read the next one right away.
Greg Boudreaux’s narration was wonderful as always.
I intend to read the next one right away.
Greg Boudreaux’s narration was wonderful as always.
April 30, 2024
all right. Don't really care enough to read the next one.
March 5, 2026
"Partnership" was a combination of Sci-Fi and fantasy, tech versus magic. It's the story of Sun born mage and magister, Zal, and the last of the Moon born, Torian. A clash of cultures between a population at a 15th century level and that of the advanced Earth scientist who are observing them.
Generations ago, Earth scientists seeded a hospitable planet with three races, the Sun born, the Moon born and the Earth born. Meant as a societal experiment, observation only, the scientists used the designation of Star born during rare interactions with the populace. In an attempt to enhance the Moon born, the scientists instead created a virus which killed all but one, Torian. Surgically modified to save his life, and because the scientists could, Torian was changed into a cyborg, a repository for Earth history and knowledge.
Torian escapes the observational lab when an explosion turns it, and half of Star mountain, into rubble. He meets Zal after breaking planetary consent law, having used a pheromone push to seduce the villagers of Corvel-on-Byrne into releasing him from their underground jail. Convinced that he used rouge magic, Zal arrests him. An adversaries to friends without benefits grows between non binary Torin and asexual Zal.
There's a great deal of worldbuilding in the story. The developing relationship is sweet. A little shy, hand holding and forehead kisses!
It makes for a terrific audio. And Greg Boudreaux's narration does not disappoint. Let's face it, the man could read the phone book out loud and make people swoon. At first I was a bit taken aback by Zal's British accent, but then decided, what the hey? (refer back to phone book comment).
Whether read or audioed, the story was terrific. I'm not much a Sci-Fi reader anymore, so I don't know if it's common in that genre, but the whole idea of seeding and then watching a civilization grow, was unique and fun. And actually a bit chilling.
I received an advanced audio copy of this story and this is my review.
Generations ago, Earth scientists seeded a hospitable planet with three races, the Sun born, the Moon born and the Earth born. Meant as a societal experiment, observation only, the scientists used the designation of Star born during rare interactions with the populace. In an attempt to enhance the Moon born, the scientists instead created a virus which killed all but one, Torian. Surgically modified to save his life, and because the scientists could, Torian was changed into a cyborg, a repository for Earth history and knowledge.
Torian escapes the observational lab when an explosion turns it, and half of Star mountain, into rubble. He meets Zal after breaking planetary consent law, having used a pheromone push to seduce the villagers of Corvel-on-Byrne into releasing him from their underground jail. Convinced that he used rouge magic, Zal arrests him. An adversaries to friends without benefits grows between non binary Torin and asexual Zal.
There's a great deal of worldbuilding in the story. The developing relationship is sweet. A little shy, hand holding and forehead kisses!
It makes for a terrific audio. And Greg Boudreaux's narration does not disappoint. Let's face it, the man could read the phone book out loud and make people swoon. At first I was a bit taken aback by Zal's British accent, but then decided, what the hey? (refer back to phone book comment).
Whether read or audioed, the story was terrific. I'm not much a Sci-Fi reader anymore, so I don't know if it's common in that genre, but the whole idea of seeding and then watching a civilization grow, was unique and fun. And actually a bit chilling.
I received an advanced audio copy of this story and this is my review.
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