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Body Option
For five years, Grant Badu has been part of a solid fighting team with the Gemini Suit called Trefoil Argent. Together, they fly and fight so effectively, their combat record so impressive, that they've become informally known as the Infallible Duo.
When a case containing classified military innovations is stolen and shot down in the foothills of disputed border territory, Grant and Argent are tapped for its swift recovery. But the mission requires pilot Argent to take on the one cybernetic option he's been avoiding, for reasons even Grant doesn't know.
When a case containing classified military innovations is stolen and shot down in the foothills of disputed border territory, Grant and Argent are tapped for its swift recovery. But the mission requires pilot Argent to take on the one cybernetic option he's been avoiding, for reasons even Grant doesn't know.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 8, 2015
Existence in multiple forms.
So, this pegged my desire for action and technology in science fiction, which made me a happy girl. Loved the premise of Argent's being in this one, his choices and his acumen. Loved the subtly woven interracial storyline, frankly, in the future the present boundaries regarding this seem ridiculous, so I enjoyed Grant's persona. A little bit of stereotyping with the blond elfin and the muscled black, but their personalities and interactions were wonderfully equal and the banter humorous.
I love the exploration of the concept of humanity, form, and the interconnection between Grant and Argent. What takes it from a 5 down to 4? The story had more legs than it ran--too short. The abbreviated reconciliation and reveling in their like forms after the developing story of two inseparable friends and partners left me feeling a bit cheated. After years of being perfect together in others ways, I wanted to see that materialize physically to a greater extent.
Overall, fast-paced short story that has heart.
Favorite quote:
So, this pegged my desire for action and technology in science fiction, which made me a happy girl. Loved the premise of Argent's being in this one, his choices and his acumen. Loved the subtly woven interracial storyline, frankly, in the future the present boundaries regarding this seem ridiculous, so I enjoyed Grant's persona. A little bit of stereotyping with the blond elfin and the muscled black, but their personalities and interactions were wonderfully equal and the banter humorous.
I love the exploration of the concept of humanity, form, and the interconnection between Grant and Argent. What takes it from a 5 down to 4? The story had more legs than it ran--too short. The abbreviated reconciliation and reveling in their like forms after the developing story of two inseparable friends and partners left me feeling a bit cheated. After years of being perfect together in others ways, I wanted to see that materialize physically to a greater extent.
Overall, fast-paced short story that has heart.
Favorite quote:
"I've lived through peripherals since meat and bones failed me at eight. No sense downgrading now."
August 13, 2016
The idea of a human inside a machine, whether for survival purposes or, in this case, because it makes them a better soldier, fascinates me. So when I read this blurb, I knew the story would be interesting. I did have one caveat, and I kept that a long way into the book, up until almost the end when Argent, the guy inside the fighting suit, laid my worries to rest. More about that later. After reading the book I have to admit that I totally loved it.
For one thing, the world building is excellent, and therefore deserves a paragraph of its own. Talya Andor has created a post-apocalyptic scenario where war (both using human foot soldiers and chemical warfare) are outlawed after thirty years of “Poison War” atrocities. Yet, unsurprisingly, the splintered nations find different ways of fighting for supremacy, and have moved to using drones, robots, and advanced cybernetics. Secondly, the two main characters Talya uses to tell the story are amazing, utterly believable, and the way romance “creeps in” had me smiling because it wasn’t entirely unexpected yet very well done.
Grant, the weapons specialist of the duo, and in possession of a full human body, seems pretty straightforward. He is a soldier through and through, knows what he wants, and loves the intellectual sparring he engages in with his pilot—the consciousness in charge of their flight-capable fighting suit. The camaraderie and trust between the two are amazing, and they know a lot about each other, except for the things Argent has never shared. All Grant knows is that he was one of the first disabled children offered either a “repair” of their body when cybernetics advanced far enough, or a position fighting their enemies in a flight capable suit. What Grant doesn’t know is why Argent never “took the body option”, a chance to get a physical body cloned from his own DNA. He respects Argent too much to ask, and doesn’t want to endanger their partnership, friendship even, but he does wonder.
Argent remains a bit of a riddle, since we never hear from him, but it was better that way, since his thoughts would have spoiled the surprise and slight twist revealed toward the end. I loved watching him struggle through the events and really enjoyed hearing his side of the story when it finally came out. His statement of being “human waste” just poured into a cybernetic bodysuit was exactly my caveat mentioned above—the assumption that all disabled people need, or even want, “repairs” is utterly insulting. If you think about it, it is the same thing as assuming that gay people can be “healed”. But the way Argent himself put it, and how Talya Andor dealt with that problem put my mind not exactly at ease, but I could see what she was trying to do. It made the story even more powerful for me.
If you like futuristic stories that examine the “human condition” and what we might do if we had certain technological options, if you enjoy reading about military men who may have very different ways of approaching the same problem but are united in their objective of defeating the enemy by any means necessary, and if you’re looking for a love story in an unusual setting, then you will probably like this novella. I have to say it really grew on me to the point where it’s going on the list of books to revisit.
For one thing, the world building is excellent, and therefore deserves a paragraph of its own. Talya Andor has created a post-apocalyptic scenario where war (both using human foot soldiers and chemical warfare) are outlawed after thirty years of “Poison War” atrocities. Yet, unsurprisingly, the splintered nations find different ways of fighting for supremacy, and have moved to using drones, robots, and advanced cybernetics. Secondly, the two main characters Talya uses to tell the story are amazing, utterly believable, and the way romance “creeps in” had me smiling because it wasn’t entirely unexpected yet very well done.
Grant, the weapons specialist of the duo, and in possession of a full human body, seems pretty straightforward. He is a soldier through and through, knows what he wants, and loves the intellectual sparring he engages in with his pilot—the consciousness in charge of their flight-capable fighting suit. The camaraderie and trust between the two are amazing, and they know a lot about each other, except for the things Argent has never shared. All Grant knows is that he was one of the first disabled children offered either a “repair” of their body when cybernetics advanced far enough, or a position fighting their enemies in a flight capable suit. What Grant doesn’t know is why Argent never “took the body option”, a chance to get a physical body cloned from his own DNA. He respects Argent too much to ask, and doesn’t want to endanger their partnership, friendship even, but he does wonder.
Argent remains a bit of a riddle, since we never hear from him, but it was better that way, since his thoughts would have spoiled the surprise and slight twist revealed toward the end. I loved watching him struggle through the events and really enjoyed hearing his side of the story when it finally came out. His statement of being “human waste” just poured into a cybernetic bodysuit was exactly my caveat mentioned above—the assumption that all disabled people need, or even want, “repairs” is utterly insulting. If you think about it, it is the same thing as assuming that gay people can be “healed”. But the way Argent himself put it, and how Talya Andor dealt with that problem put my mind not exactly at ease, but I could see what she was trying to do. It made the story even more powerful for me.
If you like futuristic stories that examine the “human condition” and what we might do if we had certain technological options, if you enjoy reading about military men who may have very different ways of approaching the same problem but are united in their objective of defeating the enemy by any means necessary, and if you’re looking for a love story in an unusual setting, then you will probably like this novella. I have to say it really grew on me to the point where it’s going on the list of books to revisit.
March 15, 2016
I absolutely loved the whole premise, it was awesome and I think that this particular combination of sci-fi type elements and fantasy really worked for me. I was immediately drawn in and liked both main characters - and of course couldn't help but want them to end up together. The idea of all the cybernetic options was great and I enjoyed the descriptions of these. This was a fast-paced story with feelz, in an interesting world.
My only complaint is that it was far too short and so I think possibly because of the length of the story, I didn't think the ending was as satisfying as it could have been as it felt slightly rushed - although we get a sex scene, we don't get the "full sex" scene *makes pouty face*! I really wanted more in general - more of the couple together, more of the world. I'm not sure about elsewhere but this was really quite expensive on amazon uk for only about 65pages - although admittedly I don't really mind as I really enjoyed the read.
Despite my issues with the length, it was very well done to draw me in as much as it did in such a short read, especially as I am not a big fan of shorts in the first place. And after reading this I will definitely be looking out for more from this author and would be interested in reading more in this 'verse.
My only complaint is that it was far too short and so I think possibly because of the length of the story, I didn't think the ending was as satisfying as it could have been as it felt slightly rushed - although we get a sex scene, we don't get the "full sex" scene *makes pouty face*! I really wanted more in general - more of the couple together, more of the world. I'm not sure about elsewhere but this was really quite expensive on amazon uk for only about 65pages - although admittedly I don't really mind as I really enjoyed the read.
Despite my issues with the length, it was very well done to draw me in as much as it did in such a short read, especially as I am not a big fan of shorts in the first place. And after reading this I will definitely be looking out for more from this author and would be interested in reading more in this 'verse.
November 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced and I felt connected to the characters even in such a short time frame. I was really able to tell that this was the culmination of eight years of working together and being close when they finally got together. I also really enjoyed the mecha aspect if it. I was worried it might be too close to Pacific Rim and not feel unique but I worried for nothing. Would definitely recommend this to anyone intrigued by the blurb.
May 17, 2015
Awesome story :) Really imaginative mecha fiction, and albeit it was a short story, the characters were likeable and their backstory and plot was well developed.
March 12, 2015
“Body Option” is based on a “what would happen if the nukes went off” premise where countries have splintered into much smaller nations and protect what arable land they have jealously.
After the Thirty-year Poison War and the United Nations’ ban on human-foot warfare or chemical warfare of any type, most nations built robots or long-range drones for war. With both arable land and a seaport, the nation of Crestovia needed a more effective alternative. Their solution was to offer their young, bright, disabled children the option for body repair, or a crack at the Gemini Suit program.
The first thing I thought was how this was one of the few stories I’d read similar to Anne McCaffrey’s Brainship series. Thankfully, it is done really well and goes a different direction than those well-known books. The world building was really good and the author creates a reality and characters that are interesting and blend very well. Grant and Argent, although completely different physically, both love to fly and make a great team, with Grant able to accept that he is mostly there to back Argent up.
I can’t say what I liked best as I rather enjoyed it all, but the last page or two fit so well with the characters I’d come to know and it created a HEA that was believable without being the “white picket fence” ending that I know I will definitely be reading this story again.
I would definitely recommend this for lovers of science fiction, war pilots, or determined men. Even if you mostly enjoy longer stories like I do, this one kept me turning pages from start to finish.
This was my first Talya Andor book, but I’m thinking of trying another soon...
Buy Link:
http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/boo...
After the Thirty-year Poison War and the United Nations’ ban on human-foot warfare or chemical warfare of any type, most nations built robots or long-range drones for war. With both arable land and a seaport, the nation of Crestovia needed a more effective alternative. Their solution was to offer their young, bright, disabled children the option for body repair, or a crack at the Gemini Suit program.
The first thing I thought was how this was one of the few stories I’d read similar to Anne McCaffrey’s Brainship series. Thankfully, it is done really well and goes a different direction than those well-known books. The world building was really good and the author creates a reality and characters that are interesting and blend very well. Grant and Argent, although completely different physically, both love to fly and make a great team, with Grant able to accept that he is mostly there to back Argent up.
I can’t say what I liked best as I rather enjoyed it all, but the last page or two fit so well with the characters I’d come to know and it created a HEA that was believable without being the “white picket fence” ending that I know I will definitely be reading this story again.
I would definitely recommend this for lovers of science fiction, war pilots, or determined men. Even if you mostly enjoy longer stories like I do, this one kept me turning pages from start to finish.
This was my first Talya Andor book, but I’m thinking of trying another soon...
Buy Link:
http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/boo...
May 11, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This book, these characters, this world… holy cow, guys. It’s amazing. All of it. I’m in awe of the creativity and imagination that created this story. It’s so wonderful.
I want to start with the world. Andor creates such a fabulous atmosphere with not only the planet, but also the technology and its rules. It’s that technology that is the greatest focus of this story. Without it, this world would be like any other futuristic romance. I’ll do my best to describe it to you. Trefoil Argent, or Argent, is a Gemini Suit. When I say suit, think of it as an actual suit. As a child, Argent was disabled in some way and given the opportunity by the government to become something greater that the limits his disability would place upon him. His mind, his being was infused in that of the Gemini Suit, into its core—a machine with a cognizant, human mind. So, not only does Argent take the form of the ship that Grant fights from, he can also take the forms of peripherals, such as mechanical beings or animals, like the bird that attends meetings with Grant. He also has the option to use the peripheral known as the body option. This option is a genetically cloned and modified suit of Argent’s choice that is formed to look like he would had he had the chance to age. Like I said, this technology and imagination defines this world and this story. It’s fascinating.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety
4.5 stars
This book, these characters, this world… holy cow, guys. It’s amazing. All of it. I’m in awe of the creativity and imagination that created this story. It’s so wonderful.
I want to start with the world. Andor creates such a fabulous atmosphere with not only the planet, but also the technology and its rules. It’s that technology that is the greatest focus of this story. Without it, this world would be like any other futuristic romance. I’ll do my best to describe it to you. Trefoil Argent, or Argent, is a Gemini Suit. When I say suit, think of it as an actual suit. As a child, Argent was disabled in some way and given the opportunity by the government to become something greater that the limits his disability would place upon him. His mind, his being was infused in that of the Gemini Suit, into its core—a machine with a cognizant, human mind. So, not only does Argent take the form of the ship that Grant fights from, he can also take the forms of peripherals, such as mechanical beings or animals, like the bird that attends meetings with Grant. He also has the option to use the peripheral known as the body option. This option is a genetically cloned and modified suit of Argent’s choice that is formed to look like he would had he had the chance to age. Like I said, this technology and imagination defines this world and this story. It’s fascinating.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety
April 18, 2014
I came to this novella a little biased because this author and mecha are two of my favorite things. But I don’t think you need to love giant mecha to love this story because, as always, Talya Andor makes this about the characters and not just the action or technology.
Grant is an experienced fighter pilot with years of successful flying along with Trefoil Argent. When Argent has to meld into a different cybernetic option than he’s used to for a critical mission, things take an unexpected turn for the duo.
The writing is beautiful, as always from Ms. Andor, and the world she created is imaginative and intriguing. She made this concept feel as realistic as it is sci-fi and other-worldly but plausible. Her writing pulled me in so I could see everything, and the action was intense but she made me feel what the characters were feeling. She also wrote the characters staying in-character the entire time, even when things got intense.
My only complaint is that there isn’t an entire series of novels written in this universe with these characters and the other mecha pilots. I loved this story and will definitely be reading it again.
Grant is an experienced fighter pilot with years of successful flying along with Trefoil Argent. When Argent has to meld into a different cybernetic option than he’s used to for a critical mission, things take an unexpected turn for the duo.
The writing is beautiful, as always from Ms. Andor, and the world she created is imaginative and intriguing. She made this concept feel as realistic as it is sci-fi and other-worldly but plausible. Her writing pulled me in so I could see everything, and the action was intense but she made me feel what the characters were feeling. She also wrote the characters staying in-character the entire time, even when things got intense.
My only complaint is that there isn’t an entire series of novels written in this universe with these characters and the other mecha pilots. I loved this story and will definitely be reading it again.
June 19, 2015
My first exposure to Talya's work was through her Gundam Wing fics. Those were the stories that introduced me to the world slash, so I was excited when I found this story.
I love the concept and premise of this story. And Argent is adorable, and a complete tsundere. I couldn't help but wish this was a full length novel because I liked Argent and Grant so much and they had great chemistry together. It would have been interesting to read about their meeting, first missions, etc. because I'm such a sucker for comrades-in-arms / partners falling for each other.
Still, even though this was short, it was satisfying.
I love the concept and premise of this story. And Argent is adorable, and a complete tsundere. I couldn't help but wish this was a full length novel because I liked Argent and Grant so much and they had great chemistry together. It would have been interesting to read about their meeting, first missions, etc. because I'm such a sucker for comrades-in-arms / partners falling for each other.
Still, even though this was short, it was satisfying.
July 27, 2014
If you like Mecha movies/shows/stories, and you love m/m, then you should give this a shot.
It took me a scene or two to figure out the way things work in this world, but then I could just engross myself fully in her characters. I love Talya's characters, they have such attitude and depth. There is more to their personalities than the one-dimensional cookie-cutter characters I sometimes see in other stories.
It isn't a very long read, but I hope there will be more sometime in the future!
It took me a scene or two to figure out the way things work in this world, but then I could just engross myself fully in her characters. I love Talya's characters, they have such attitude and depth. There is more to their personalities than the one-dimensional cookie-cutter characters I sometimes see in other stories.
It isn't a very long read, but I hope there will be more sometime in the future!
July 27, 2014
Wonderful!
October 3, 2014
3.5 Would have liked more of this interesting scify.
December 28, 2014
Argent and Grant's interaction was cute I loved reading about them together.
The development was nicely paced and the action exciting.
The development was nicely paced and the action exciting.
July 1, 2015
That was just fun. I was disappointed when I realized just how short of a book this is, but as a short-story, it's nice.
June 28, 2016
I really liked this book!!! Nicely done.
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