Paradigm Lost: Jamari and the Manhood Rites: Part 1

by R. Roderick Rowe

A forest paradise surrounded by lands gutted from corporate greed. One tribe holds the hope of a new future for mankind. One young man becomes paramount in bringing human spirituality to a hostile world. But first, he must find himself.In the year 2115, in the post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest, The Tribe remains society’s best hope of survival—promoting harmony, and the sharing of resources, through a strict code of values. He’s spent his life as a sheltered youngling of The Tribe. But now, young Jamari is ready to take the next step. Through a series of ritual trainings and challenges, he is prepared to undergo the process that will transform him from a boy into a man. He has no way of knowing what the journey in front of him will hold—but Jamari is willing to do just about anything it takes to serve his branch of the tribe as a fully grown adult. As he undergoes this rigorous physical and mental training, Jamari also finds himself delving into a new world of self-discovery, as his interactions with a mentor unlock passionate desires he never knew he had. 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?4 out of 5 stars—San Francisco Book Review “Author, R. Roderick Rowe, essentially takes current day society taboos and makes them the norm in the dystopian society in Paradigm Jamari and The Manhood Rites Part 1 as far as governing bodies, family make up and sexual preference. He does a great job of integrating events that have happened in our lifetime (i.e. September 11th, ISIS, use of natural gases, etc.) and adds them to the story as history for this society. As far as the role of government and how society is run, readers are allowed to see another, albeit fictional, possibility. The acceptance of homosexuality as a norm in this society and heterosexuality as simply a means to an end is a clever way to address how taboo and unaccepted homosexuality is now.”—Manhattan Book Review

228 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2015

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.

Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...

[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.