Who Is Willing

Alysha Forrest #2

by M.C.A. Hogarth

Alysha Forrest is looking forward to her assignment as the Songlance's newest lieutenant, particularly when it gets her placed as the liaison to the ship's water environment crewmembers. Interfacing with the mermaid-like Naysha and the alien Platies who serve as the ship's navigators is an exhilarating experience, and all the other officers on the crew are eager to welcome her into the fold... all of them, except one. Mike Beringwaite, the overbearing ensign who ruined their leadership retreat years earlier, has somehow made lieutenant too. When a routine problem in the water environment throws them together, Alysha has to decide how willing she is to forgive him for what he did, whether she can work with him again, and most importantly, if she can trust him--with her life. The disaster at the leadership retreat is nothing to the one they have to handle now. If they can.... (Prequel) Alysha's Fall 1. Second 2. Who is Willing 3. Sword of the Alliance 4. Either Side of the Strand

Genres: Science Fiction, Novella

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2017

About the author

Daughter of two Cuban political exiles, M.C.A. Hogarth was born a foreigner in the American melting pot and has had a fascination for the gaps in cultures and the bridges that span them ever since. She has been many things—-web database architect, product manager, technical writer and massage therapist—-but is currently a full-time parent, artist, writer and anthropologist to aliens, both human and otherwise.

Her fiction has variously been recommended for a Nebula, a finalist for the Spectrum, placed on the secondary Tiptree reading list and chosen for two best-of anthologies; her art has appeared in RPGs, magazines and on book covers.

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is second in a sci-fi series that I highly recommend reading in order. Frankly, I felt like I was missing some context and I wonder if that is because I haven't read the prequel (labeled #0 in the series).

I hesitated with this one because I saw it included Mike Beringwaite from the first book. And I hated that guy. Hogarth is author enough that you could see the cracks in his overbearing command persona, but I still felt very frustrated for him. Fortunately, I trusted Hogarth enough to figure this would be more than a rehash of that old conflict. And I was richly rewarded for that faith.

Like the first, this is a very short book and one with a lot of moving parts. Hogarth made wrangling all of that look easy, though, as I never felt lost or wondered what was going on. And I loved getting Alysha's PoV for the bulk of the story. She was immediately engaging and I love the standard she gives herself while trying to overcome failures and grow from trials.

This is another easy five stars. The only thing I wish were different is that I wish the books were longer. I can't wait to see what comes next.

A note about Chaste: There's technically room that you could have a romance in this story. But there's no real opportunity or likely prospects. Fleet works their lieutenants pretty hard, particularly those on command track like Alysha and Mike. And no, mentioning Mike and Alysha in the same sentence is not a hint that they may be enemies-to-lovers bound. There is zero indication of that. Not least because they aren't actually enemies. Anyway, this is very chaste.

[Aleksandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spectacular novel; it has the alien feeling of "The pride of Chanur", combined with beautiful, poetic eloquence and clarity (something that realistic xenofiction seems to generally lack). At the same time the story has great character depth, so much so that it reads like one of a fables meant to transmit wisdom. The character development does not suffer from this complex setup, and the themes of prejudice and redemption are explored from a unique angle. I've only read a part of this author's "the dreamhealers", so I had some idea to expect eloquence, but this book has action and is fast-moving. This book is a part of a larger universe, and I am certain it would be even more enjoyable if the universe of the Pelted is already familiar to you; if it is not, like in my case, it is still worth reading.

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was almost dreading reading this after the events in Alysha's Fall and Second, but I need not have worried. Hogarth is a fabulous writer with a very good grasp of growth in her characters and I highly recommend this one.

[elbren · Rating 4 out of 5]

hogarth's excellent characters & setting, as always. we get to know the aquatics a little better! the plot turns out much better than its set-up threatens to.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one of this series so far. Managed to redeem someone who seemed irredeemable. Did it in a believable way, too. Layered, and interesting characters in an equally interesting story.

[Bethany Kok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic character depth.

[Gale Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good novella

Love getting more detail about some of the other species in Hogarth's Pelted Universe. Will be starting the next story immediately!

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sci fi adventure!

The worldbuilding is fascinating and meticulous, Alysha and the crew are intriguing, and Mike's redemption is welcome and believable. The water dwellers are absolutely awesome! I recommend reading these books in order, although Alysha's Fall is a grim, difficult read.

[Thomas Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship through rivalry

A very good story that will introduce the fundamentals of the Fleet and the people in it. You get to meet new characters that are unique. The use of sign language was a great addition. The conflict with rivalry between Alysha and Beringwaite was enjoyable.

[erforscherin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning more about the Platies, but felt a bit unfulfilled by how quickly and neatly everything wrapped up. If the hero(ine) solves most of the challenges before they ever become challenges, it’s... not much of a plot. Maybe this wasn’t the best entry to the series?

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

18 wisdom

Very mature way of dealing with personality conflicts, with lots of forgiveness and a very objective way of looking for the best in a person (sometimes it takes a lot of digging).

Very united federation of planets vibe.