Desert World Immigrant

Desert World #3

by Lyn Gala

Desert World: Book Three

Lieutenant Commander Verly Black is ready to leave the atrocities of war behind and immigrate to the planet of Livre, where he can build a future away from the ghosts of his past. He doesn’t expect to find a kindred spirit in councilman Naite Poli—a man with secrets as dark as Verly’s own and bearing the scars to prove it. Both men have done what was necessary to survive—Verly in battle and Naite in defense of his family—and they’re haunted by memories that leave them wary of trusting others. As they circle each other, the political maneuvering around them grows more dangerous, with the outer worlds trying to force Livre into one alliance or another. Some still view Verly as a killer and a spy, and they’re determined not to let him forget what he’s done. Others fear the implications of a military officer sharing the bed of a councilmember. When the rebel alliance moves beyond threats, Verly and Naite must push through the pain of their pasts and stand together to fight for the future of their world.

Genres: Science Fiction, M M Romance, Romance, Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Lynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.

She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verly and Naite, two damaged alpha males who need more whether or not they realize it. Verly Black is a Planetary Alliance pilot who we met during Shan and Temar's negotiations. With a checkered past, he's been "stationed" on Livre. His presence and affiliation raises questions.

Naite Gazer, older brother of Temar is in charge of running the farm where Verly is being housed. From the onset sparks fly in more ways than one. Naite takes his responsibilities seriously and his welcome for Verly is multifaceted.

The series arc is peaking as Temar and Shan are growing into their leadership positions. Temar is turning out to be the formidable player Lillian suspected. His strategy in the water wars is perfect. Let's just say it's good teething practice with the present issues facing them.

Planet Livre is still a resource being batted between the opposing forces of the Planetary Alliance (PA) and the Alliance of Free Planets (AFP). As new immigrants Natalie and Rula, AFP soldiers and Verly, PA pilot are suspect in the the game being played.

Somewhere between figuring out the new immigrants intentions and carrying on, external forces push the issue. Lines are drawn in the sand with Temar growing stronger and more prominent, but can he negotiate for Livre's safety, again?

While one can read this out of series order, it is not recommended because the history of the characters is critical to understanding present motivations. This book is my favorite and really explores moral and sociological issues.

Favorite quote:

People who thought they could do anything expected everything of themselves.

~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~

[Theodora IK · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK. I brought this book everywhere and I couldn't put it down. I read while I shopped and while I walk with my grocery to the parking lot, and in the car (someone else was driving, so at least I didn't cause accident). I really really really love this series. I loved that Naite got his own story and Tamar showed us more of his incredible talent. Where is the next book? Give it to me quick!

[Kassu · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

I love this desert world and the people living there. Like any good philosophical sci-fi, this one shows us a space colony that challenges the views of the other groups, which are rather closer to current human societies. Always in favour for some sci-fi criticizing the stuck and bigoted views of humanity.

Verly is a great new character (introduced in book 2) and we get Naite back as a main character. These two are great protagonists, while Temar and Shan are not forgotten either.

I'd definitely recommend this series widely, but with a warning that 3 or the 4 main characters are victims of sexual abuse. The theme is present in every book, maybe the least in the second one, and actively happening in the first one.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livre gets drug into more politic wrangling in this one but instead of following Shan and Temar we get to follow along with Naite and Verly. I enjoyed finally getting the full story of what happened to both me. Their backstory's have been dangling throughout the first two books but now they get fleshed in completely in this book. I loved watching their more violent and volatile courtship as the book progressed. The intrigue between the PA and the AFA also continues adding a good background for Naite and Verly's story.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific finish to the series and I’m sorry there aren’t more volumes. I’m now so invested not only in the main and background characters, but also in the world and culture itself. Fleshed out, it’s a fun stage for future adventures.

The love story is a bit insta but believable. And it’s wonderful to see Temar, now a strong secondary character, in fuller posession of his abilities as a cunning leader.

I feel like the worldbuilding emerged for the author through this series just about as it emerged for us. The first volume didn’t take place in a culture or world as fully thought out as the third one, although they were the same planet a few months apart. I’m glad I stuck with the series, but sorry we didn’t see that richness from the start.

One star docked for yet another character with a rape victim background, which is too many for a series set on a planet where rape is a death sentence. I get that this character is from somewhere else, but honestly bored and offended by how often rape is used as a device in the series.

[Katrina McPhate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I like Lyn Gala books. She builds worlds, builds a culture and slightly divergent way of thinking. Over all this she over lays a plot . I found this a very satisfying read.

[Indira Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of this author and I love this book and all the developments and how it deals with their issues.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite of the series. I wish Verly and Naite had two books also.

[Gyvareva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has amazing worldbuilding and awesome characters with enough growth to make this super interesting from start to finish. Love it.

[Shymsal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Lyn Gala's books. This was an interesting change for this series, concentrating on Naite and Lieutenant Commander Verly Black (the eponymous "immigrant" to Livre) rather than Temar and Shan (both of whom were very much in evidence if fans were worried). The only drawback for me was that things heated up between Naite and Verly incredibly quickly. One minute it's a one night stand the next it's something powerful they won't talk about because Naite can't quite deal. Seemed to need a little more growing room for that to work 100%. Otherwise, another fun read I would definitely recommend. The outside universe is coming to Livre. Once, Naite, Temar, and company finish with them, they may wish they hadn't.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Hani · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per traditional story arcs, Book One established the world the hero(es) live(s) in, Book Two took the hero(es) away from their world to learn new stuff, and Book Three explores the contrast of the original world of Book One and the changes experienced in Book Two. Thus, although the romance is between Naite and Verly this time, since Temar and Shan are well-established as a couple, we still see a lot of our original characters and how events of Book Two impact the community. It was very satisfying to see Temar and Shan be together and what life is like for them as an established couple. Plus the shenanigans are still a cackling good time.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this, but it could have used a bit of tightening up. There was a bit of extraneous repetition and some of the writing was a bit unclear. People tell their secrets one moment only to act like it's still a secret later. One moment Naite needs alcohol, but later it seems like alcohol isn't a thing on Livre.

Overall I enjoyed it though and I'm kinda sad I finished reading already. I really enjoyed Verly and Naite--even more than Shan and Temar, probably because Shan bothers me a little. I look forward to more from Lyn Gala.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent Sci-Fi Trilogy. I highly recommend it to all Sci-fi fans.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had these books for a long time but didn't read them because, although I love the author's writing, the blurbs were unexciting, to say the least. The books are a LOT better.

This is a series and should be read in order for the complete story. Remarks will be the same for all three books. Great writing and characters, a romance but it's secondary to the very strong storyline. Minimal sex in the first 2 books, more in the last. The most amazing aspect of this series is the growth of the characters.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This actually happens to be third book in series, but I was intrigued by one of characters and the excerpt hooked me in.
Verly is a soldier with less than clean past and this harsh desert world is his chance at clean slate. He is tired of his life and hopes to starts anew.
Unfortunately, politics follows him to his new home and once again he finds himself in the middle of the war he was so desperately trying to escape.
Naite is the one who will have to clean his mess if things turn bad so consequently he is less than thrilled to welcome Naite in his home. His welcome is grudging in best case, but Verly is both weary and pragmatic: in absence of anything better, he will take it.
They are like two stray cats, claws out and fur bristling. From the beginning Verly makes no bones about his attraction to Naite. His voice is sardonic and he is willing to poke fun at himself. Naite on the other hand is angry, scarred by his painful past and sometimes cruel.
Descriptions are vivid and pacing is solid. There is a diverse cast of supporting characters adding reality to the story. They are first and foremost people: they hold grudge and lose themselves in petty bickering. It was an interesting representation of Livre's society. Some things never change. Political games are upping the stake so the story simmers with low level tension. I was engrossed in the story. The only problem I had was Naite and I couldn't figure out what Verly saw in him.
Naite's secrets slowly come to light so it was easier to understand him and their relationship becomes more balanced. The plot is interesting and finishes in tense stand-off with both men coming to terms with their past and future choices.
Recommended for lovers of political intrigue!

I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews

[Ery · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much sex in this that I think it should have remained under the Dreamspinner imprint instead of being shuffled over to DSP. Suffers for worldbuilding.