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Raider Captured
Is love possible between sworn enemies when the universe seems determined to tear them apart? Sagiv, a genetically modified Atavaq fighter, is captured when his master’s raid on a Domidian ship goes wrong. Daran, a young Domidian science officer, claims the warrior for ransom and as a subject for study. As they spend time together in the close confines of the shipboard cabin, both learn more about the other’s culture, and against all odds, a fragile trust begins to form. But the ship is approaching a frontier outpost, where Daran will be expected to ransom Sagiv—even though it means condemning Sagiv to die for the dishonor of his defeat or suffer in the fighting pits. That’s if bounty hunters don’t find them first. Daran’s risen up the ranks through hard work and always following protocol, but he sees something in Sagiv that might be worth breaking the rules for the first time in his life—maybe even something worth sacrificing everything to keep.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 23, 2015
Two men from very different cultures, sworn enemies at that, are thrown together in this story of genetically modified soldiers and a war among the stars that sounds not too different from many a war on Earth. This story may be set in space and involve sentient beings who have developed their own cultures, different from those on Earth, but the fundamental issues are hauntingly familiar.
The focus is less on interstellar politics, though there is sufficient information to set the scene. The real point of the story is around what happens when most of the trappings of culture and belonging are removed from Sagiv, a captive who now faces only disgust from the Atavaq masters he used to serve, and ultimately death. The second man in the equation is Daran, a Domidian scientist and member of a culture that believes they are superior in every way. Yet when Daran learns to listen to Sagiv and begins to trust the “wild warrior”, he also starts to rethink the way he used to look at his enemies – as well as his own people.
Their physical attraction is the catalyst that sets in motion a fundamental change in how Sagiv and Daran relate to each other. Their gradually increased knowledge about how they each see relationships is interesting, and the way they get there quite hot. By the time they get to the settlement where Daran is supposed to hand over Sagiv and receive either a bounty or some other type of payment, Daran is worried enough about Sagiv’s future to reconsider everything he used to believe in and work for. But in a cruel twist of fate, things turn out to be far more difficult than Daran expected. It made for a suspenseful turn of events that had me on the edge of my seat.
If you like cross-cultural exchanges of the futuristic kind, if you want to find out more about two men confronting the validity of their individual belief systems, and if you’re looking for an unexpected love story set among the stars, then you might like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The focus is less on interstellar politics, though there is sufficient information to set the scene. The real point of the story is around what happens when most of the trappings of culture and belonging are removed from Sagiv, a captive who now faces only disgust from the Atavaq masters he used to serve, and ultimately death. The second man in the equation is Daran, a Domidian scientist and member of a culture that believes they are superior in every way. Yet when Daran learns to listen to Sagiv and begins to trust the “wild warrior”, he also starts to rethink the way he used to look at his enemies – as well as his own people.
Their physical attraction is the catalyst that sets in motion a fundamental change in how Sagiv and Daran relate to each other. Their gradually increased knowledge about how they each see relationships is interesting, and the way they get there quite hot. By the time they get to the settlement where Daran is supposed to hand over Sagiv and receive either a bounty or some other type of payment, Daran is worried enough about Sagiv’s future to reconsider everything he used to believe in and work for. But in a cruel twist of fate, things turn out to be far more difficult than Daran expected. It made for a suspenseful turn of events that had me on the edge of my seat.
If you like cross-cultural exchanges of the futuristic kind, if you want to find out more about two men confronting the validity of their individual belief systems, and if you’re looking for an unexpected love story set among the stars, then you might like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 12, 2016
Sagiv was captured and Daran who is a scientist takes him as prisoner.I felt so bad for Sagiv through this book and the way he had been treated. Now I do not want to go too much into this story because I really do not want to give away any spoilers. I will say this Novella you really need to read for yourself, it was just so good!
I loved the world this author created and these two characters. You learn some about this world and you also get some steam between these two MC's which I will say was very hot!
All together I really loved this Novella!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
I loved the world this author created and these two characters. You learn some about this world and you also get some steam between these two MC's which I will say was very hot!
All together I really loved this Novella!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
December 8, 2015
2.5 stars...
Uhm...I read this story shortly after it was released (a month ago approximately) and I must say that I can hardly remember anything about it. I mean,I remember the basics,the plot,but not something that would be useful to write in a review. All I know I rated it 3 stars in my e-reader app. So,my opinion on this book would be: It was OK,nothing more,and nothing less,but ultimately forgettable.
Uhm...I read this story shortly after it was released (a month ago approximately) and I must say that I can hardly remember anything about it. I mean,I remember the basics,the plot,but not something that would be useful to write in a review. All I know I rated it 3 stars in my e-reader app. So,my opinion on this book would be: It was OK,nothing more,and nothing less,but ultimately forgettable.
November 12, 2015
Raider Captured starts off during the aftermath of the battle that inspires the title, Raider Captured. We're introduced quickly to the rather tiered society, the Domidians, though I never really pinned down all the elements that rolled together to change a low status member to higher. I found it interesting that having a spouse seemed to translate so much into it because it's never clear if that's just in relation to military rank or if the military rank holds true through the entire society. They're also a rather callous race, opportunistic especially in regards to their captured spoilers, much like a born again series of pirates.
That societal construct is countered, quite heavily, by the main Domidian character, Daran. He has a rather rigid set of personal morals, ones that come into play when he starts getting to know his captive. He's supposed to ransom the raider who attacked his ship, but first he wants to study him. Elements of love at first sight influence the decision Daran made to claim the Atavaq when no one else wanted him, but it's couched in his supposed desire to learn more about their enemy.
But Sagiv isn't really an Atavaq. He's something else, something created and raised to relish his role as a slave to a strong, smart master who uses his skills as he sees fit. Sure, he's given command on missions, but someone else pulls his strings. His failure, even through no fault of his own, leads to shame and he knows his fate.
But will Daran? And to what lengths will he go to change it?
The story is a rather classic tale, captive and captor, inappropriate love and desire. I feel the cultural aspects of the Domidians and Atavaqs, plus the universal society, were an odd mix of ancient Earth customs and futuristic elements. The background definitely needed more fleshing out, which is fairly common in sci-fi stories. Creating a whole new universe takes time, and a higher word count, than most novellas can manage.
That left the relationship the focus, which also required a little bit of suspension of disbelief. While I totally got Sagiv's fatalistic acceptance--at least on the surface--Daran's infatuation with Sagiv makes much less sense. The encapsulation of them in Daran's room at least gives us an intimate setting where we'd expect the man to be more vulnerable. And he definitely is. That's probably the best part of the story to me, the character's layers of personality that are peeled back and revealed as the story progresses. For that element, I'm giving this story, Raider Captured, 3.5 stars.
That societal construct is countered, quite heavily, by the main Domidian character, Daran. He has a rather rigid set of personal morals, ones that come into play when he starts getting to know his captive. He's supposed to ransom the raider who attacked his ship, but first he wants to study him. Elements of love at first sight influence the decision Daran made to claim the Atavaq when no one else wanted him, but it's couched in his supposed desire to learn more about their enemy.
But Sagiv isn't really an Atavaq. He's something else, something created and raised to relish his role as a slave to a strong, smart master who uses his skills as he sees fit. Sure, he's given command on missions, but someone else pulls his strings. His failure, even through no fault of his own, leads to shame and he knows his fate.
But will Daran? And to what lengths will he go to change it?
The story is a rather classic tale, captive and captor, inappropriate love and desire. I feel the cultural aspects of the Domidians and Atavaqs, plus the universal society, were an odd mix of ancient Earth customs and futuristic elements. The background definitely needed more fleshing out, which is fairly common in sci-fi stories. Creating a whole new universe takes time, and a higher word count, than most novellas can manage.
That left the relationship the focus, which also required a little bit of suspension of disbelief. While I totally got Sagiv's fatalistic acceptance--at least on the surface--Daran's infatuation with Sagiv makes much less sense. The encapsulation of them in Daran's room at least gives us an intimate setting where we'd expect the man to be more vulnerable. And he definitely is. That's probably the best part of the story to me, the character's layers of personality that are peeled back and revealed as the story progresses. For that element, I'm giving this story, Raider Captured, 3.5 stars.
November 8, 2015
Just an idle observation: In backdrops that are set in space, where space battles are the norm, where genetically modified organisms of all kinds are prevalent, and food is vat grown, I’m always a bit leery when the characters are running around in leather garments.
So I was a bit dubious when I started this book.
And became pleasantly surprised. I quite enjoyed the exchange between Sagiv and Daren, the curiosity between the two men about their backgrounds, and the sexual exploration and respite from loneliness. The reader could see the growing attraction between the two men even while they themselves couldn’t.
This isn’t to say the plot was perfect. I had to set aside my disbelief that a genetically altered post-earth human, who was raised to fight and submit to his masters, was considered among the strongest of the Atavaq’s, would be quite so willing to be a captive in a science officers shipboard cabin. While it kinda worked as a plot device, I had to suspend my disbelief a wee bit.
I also think this would have been a stronger book if it had been longer – what was Daran dealing with when he left his quarters? How were his shipmates treating him? The jacket blurb said Daran decided to get Sagiv for study, but it never really came up again. Why didn’t Sagiv attempt to over-take Daran and try at least once to kill as many of the sworn enemy as possible? Was this not his duty? Why not keep the ship on the frontier outpost longer and allow the reader to see more of the bond, and the inner emotional struggles, growing between the two men off-ship. Let the reader see Daran’s decision and struggles at the end rather than a paragraph summation.
Ultimately, at the end of the evening, it was still an enjoyable and satisfying read that had one very cool alien bug thing. An extra half star for the cool alien bug thing because I’m geeky that way. So 3.5 stars.
This review is also posted at: http://gaybook.reviews
Galley copy provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
So I was a bit dubious when I started this book.
And became pleasantly surprised. I quite enjoyed the exchange between Sagiv and Daren, the curiosity between the two men about their backgrounds, and the sexual exploration and respite from loneliness. The reader could see the growing attraction between the two men even while they themselves couldn’t.
This isn’t to say the plot was perfect. I had to set aside my disbelief that a genetically altered post-earth human, who was raised to fight and submit to his masters, was considered among the strongest of the Atavaq’s, would be quite so willing to be a captive in a science officers shipboard cabin. While it kinda worked as a plot device, I had to suspend my disbelief a wee bit.
I also think this would have been a stronger book if it had been longer – what was Daran dealing with when he left his quarters? How were his shipmates treating him? The jacket blurb said Daran decided to get Sagiv for study, but it never really came up again. Why didn’t Sagiv attempt to over-take Daran and try at least once to kill as many of the sworn enemy as possible? Was this not his duty? Why not keep the ship on the frontier outpost longer and allow the reader to see more of the bond, and the inner emotional struggles, growing between the two men off-ship. Let the reader see Daran’s decision and struggles at the end rather than a paragraph summation.
Ultimately, at the end of the evening, it was still an enjoyable and satisfying read that had one very cool alien bug thing. An extra half star for the cool alien bug thing because I’m geeky that way. So 3.5 stars.
This review is also posted at: http://gaybook.reviews
Galley copy provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
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December 31, 2015*** ARC provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Sagiv, a genetically modified Atavaq fighter, has been captured by the Domidians after an attack gone terribly wrong. He's been disgraced by his Masters even if it was their fault and not Sagiv's that they lost this particular battle. He's been trained to be a warrior and not to need anyone else, however, Daran, the Domidian who claimed him for ransom and to study him as a 'Lost Son' specimen, is intent on communicating with him.
Daran is a science officer, and he's gay, lonely and very interesting in discovering all there is regarding the fair alien. He's so different from the Domidians, so strong, even with his power restrained by his injuries. Despite a tentative start, they strike a tentative truce and the attraction between them blossoms unexpectedly. There's not much future for them, though, as Daran has to turn Sagiv in for ransom. He's always played by the rules before, but aren't some things worth breaking them?
I really loved this book and damn, if it wasn't hotter than hot in some parts! *fans self* The sizzling chemistry between Daran and Sagiv just about set my screen on fire! I really enjoyed their interactions, too. First the anger, then the tentative trust, the heat, the hopelessness as they neared their destiny. If I could ask for something that would've made this book better for me, it'd be that I would've loved for it to be longer. I wanted to see more of Daran and Sagiv. *sniffs* Still, this is a very recommendable read! Short and very, very hot, with some very nice twists!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Sagiv, a genetically modified Atavaq fighter, has been captured by the Domidians after an attack gone terribly wrong. He's been disgraced by his Masters even if it was their fault and not Sagiv's that they lost this particular battle. He's been trained to be a warrior and not to need anyone else, however, Daran, the Domidian who claimed him for ransom and to study him as a 'Lost Son' specimen, is intent on communicating with him.
Daran is a science officer, and he's gay, lonely and very interesting in discovering all there is regarding the fair alien. He's so different from the Domidians, so strong, even with his power restrained by his injuries. Despite a tentative start, they strike a tentative truce and the attraction between them blossoms unexpectedly. There's not much future for them, though, as Daran has to turn Sagiv in for ransom. He's always played by the rules before, but aren't some things worth breaking them?
I really loved this book and damn, if it wasn't hotter than hot in some parts! *fans self* The sizzling chemistry between Daran and Sagiv just about set my screen on fire! I really enjoyed their interactions, too. First the anger, then the tentative trust, the heat, the hopelessness as they neared their destiny. If I could ask for something that would've made this book better for me, it'd be that I would've loved for it to be longer. I wanted to see more of Daran and Sagiv. *sniffs* Still, this is a very recommendable read! Short and very, very hot, with some very nice twists!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
January 24, 2016
Excellent start to a new series, or at least I hope it’s a new series.
Daran, because of his lot in life is stuck in a position on a star ship, never really going to advance, achieve greatness so when the prizes are all given out and all that is left is a slave, he can’t stand the idea of this man being treated so poorly.
Sagiv, has been born and trained a different way to think and survive then Daran. So when this enemy starts treating him with kindness he’s confused.
We couldn’t have two more different charaters in a story, but it worked. Daran, knows that being on the star ship, is never going to work long term. And when he meets this man, this fighter he sees his future. Sagiv, has been bought and sold, and owned and when it’s his time again he’s resigned himself but something has changed after meeting Daran, hope. He feels hope.
From start to finish this 100 page book is action, the fight in the mess hall with Daran crew, to the love scene between Sagiv and Daran, to the end pages. We aren’t left with a traditionally cliffy, but we know that these two will have plenty of adventures trying to keep one step ahead of the bounty hunters.
Daran, because of his lot in life is stuck in a position on a star ship, never really going to advance, achieve greatness so when the prizes are all given out and all that is left is a slave, he can’t stand the idea of this man being treated so poorly.
Sagiv, has been born and trained a different way to think and survive then Daran. So when this enemy starts treating him with kindness he’s confused.
We couldn’t have two more different charaters in a story, but it worked. Daran, knows that being on the star ship, is never going to work long term. And when he meets this man, this fighter he sees his future. Sagiv, has been bought and sold, and owned and when it’s his time again he’s resigned himself but something has changed after meeting Daran, hope. He feels hope.
From start to finish this 100 page book is action, the fight in the mess hall with Daran crew, to the love scene between Sagiv and Daran, to the end pages. We aren’t left with a traditionally cliffy, but we know that these two will have plenty of adventures trying to keep one step ahead of the bounty hunters.
November 23, 2015
Although sci-fi is touch and go with me, I am a big fan of the enemies to lovers trope and that is what drew me to this book. In short, Sagiv is captured, and Daran is his capture. I don’t want to give a lot of the plot away. But, you pretty much see where it’s going right off the bat. The biggest question throughout this story is, how will they make it happen?
I admit I was a bit confused with the lingo used, made up species, and general surroundings of the story but it had a solid plot and was rather entertaining. Sagiv broke my heart through the entire story and I found myself rooting for these guys.
There’s a lot of politics and rank involved when it comes to succession for any of Daran’s people and that part I found to be quite interesting.
Raider Captured is a very creative and unique story that a sci-fi lover is sure to enjoy.
I admit I was a bit confused with the lingo used, made up species, and general surroundings of the story but it had a solid plot and was rather entertaining. Sagiv broke my heart through the entire story and I found myself rooting for these guys.
There’s a lot of politics and rank involved when it comes to succession for any of Daran’s people and that part I found to be quite interesting.
Raider Captured is a very creative and unique story that a sci-fi lover is sure to enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews