Paradigm Lost: Jamari and the Manhood Rites, PT 1

by R. Roderick Rowe

In 2115, The US has been through numerous earthquakes. Northern California and southern Oregon have formed their own states. A revered man known as the Founder created a society in which a tribe works to meet basic survival needs-food, water, shelter, and procreation. Men and women are separated into separate Halls within The Tribe, and those not part of The Tribe must learn to survive on their own. Among those of The Tribe is Jamari. After living in the Younglings' Hall for his entire life, he is now ready to embark on the journey of becoming a man. Within The Tribe's society, all candidates vying to become adults, and then citizens, must undergo rigorous training. His mentor, Shane, has evoked a lust and passion in Jamari. Can Jamari learn to live by tribal code and abide by the Rule of Attachment? Can he perform his tribal duties for the betterment of the tribe? As Jamari learns the ways of the tribe he must embark on his own personal journey of discovery about what it means to become a man.

Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2016

Reviews

[Stephen Poltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gay Science Fiction Erotica is a narrow subgenre in which I’ve delved a bit. What I look for in such a book is the same as in any book: plot, prose, world building, and characterization. I also like to see the explicit sexual scenes flow naturally within the story. Back in the 80’s, there were some incredible writers of gay erotica that wrote for explicit gay men’s magazines which were later compiled and published because they were recognized as great writing. That’s my background coming into this book. It had some of the qualities of a good, even great, erotic novel. However, it came across more like a documentary.

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[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminded me a bit of the way I felt on first reading some of Ursula K. LeGuin's stories, like The Left Hand of Darkness that made me stop short when I was younger and wonder what would happen in such a society where cultural norms have been turned around. The same sense of discovery was there for me in this book as I read on wanting to find out more about what trials Jamari would go through, how he would react to them and what he'd be like on the other side. The integration of unforgettable events from our recent past as they look back from 2115 was well thought out. I can't wait to see how Jamari's life progresses in the next two book.s

[Michelle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paradigm Lost is a post-apocalyptic satirical tale set in 2115. America had experienced many disasters which were later named The Fall. Along with some friends, a man known as The Founder had the foresight and knowledge to create a new community called The Tribe. Paradigm Lost deals with the community's Founder's coming out story at a time when gay relationships were not widely accepted, as part of its lessons. The Tribe separate male and females as infants, and raise them to accept same sex relationships with basic needs such as food, water, shelter and procreation met.

This book has some interesting concepts, one being that children choose when they are ready to become adults, regardless of their age. Paradigm Lost explains from the Founder’s point of view that in today's societies, the age of maturity fluctuates widely from society to society. Even those societies that see children as becoming adults at 18 years of age, there are still restrictions until they are 21. In order to eradicate the confusion, The Tribe separate children from adults so that they are not misconstrued.

The story is mainly told through the eyes of Jamari, a youngling, and his experiences of the Trials once he decided that he was mature enough to become a man. To attain adult status, Jamari has to traverse certain mental and physical trials.

Paradigm Lost contains explicit sexual descriptions between the men so is obviously not for younger readers. I would recommend this book, as it encourages original thoughts, make you think outside the box and I am always pleased when authors depict gay interactions as normal.