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Doctrine Wars
Exile
Kyle Juenger and his lover, the Glyrinny currently known as Grimm, are home free. With Kyle’s transformation underway, they’re heading toward alien space so Kyle can meet “the family” and work out just what being a human-alien hybrid will mean. He certainly doesn’t have access to any of the promised Glyrinny powers yet.
On the way, however, they encounter a group of refugees who fled their home planet, Tamene, when the Doctrine moved in. A militaristic, collectivist power bloc, the Doctrine has been swallowing up planets and peoples in its mission to unite all of humanity in its own concept of “brotherhood.” Kyle finds it impossible to ignore that the Doctrine is about to destroy the culture of his home planet.
But when they arrive on Tamene, the Doctrine officer in charge, Arkady Kidashell, is nothing like the “Doctrine zombies” of lore. A recent convert himself, Arkady gambles for nothing less than reform and peace, and Kyle and Grimm may be about to ruin his best-laid plans and intentions …
Exile is the sequel to Incursion and set in the Doctrine Wars universe.
On the way, however, they encounter a group of refugees who fled their home planet, Tamene, when the Doctrine moved in. A militaristic, collectivist power bloc, the Doctrine has been swallowing up planets and peoples in its mission to unite all of humanity in its own concept of “brotherhood.” Kyle finds it impossible to ignore that the Doctrine is about to destroy the culture of his home planet.
But when they arrive on Tamene, the Doctrine officer in charge, Arkady Kidashell, is nothing like the “Doctrine zombies” of lore. A recent convert himself, Arkady gambles for nothing less than reform and peace, and Kyle and Grimm may be about to ruin his best-laid plans and intentions …
Exile is the sequel to Incursion and set in the Doctrine Wars universe.
236 pages, ebook
First published June 29, 2017
11 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 22, 2025
A gripping and thought-provoking blend of space opera and political intrigue.
There will be spoilers from the first book in this review!
Sadly, this wasn't near as beautiful as the first story. I loved the writing, but was seriously disappointed in the direction the relationship took at the 50% mark. It was completely out of the blue and awkward af.
Themes/tropes
Cerebral sci-fi
Rich worldbuilding
Human-alien hybrid
Morally gray characters
Loyalty vs ideology
Intelligent, character-driven
MMM
Kyle’s journey as a human-alien hybrid is both deeply personal and undeniably high-stakes, especially as he’s drawn into the Doctrine’s expansion.
Arkady, spends his life believing in an ideology that says the core of who he is, is wrong. When he finally admits the truth, it is devastating.
“I work toward becoming a general, so maybe I can rise far enough to change things. To show the Committee that homosexuals can be trusted. That … we … do our duty. That we don’t weaken our units, obey our orders and are just as selfless as everybody else. Maybe once this is recognized, they will stop punishing us.”
Grimm/Kshar is a powerful force. Like an alien warrior monk, he pushes people until they reveal their most darkest secrets.
Kshar cradling him like that was the most beautiful, affectionate thing. Kyle’s heart opened with it. He reached to touch Kshar’s shoulder, and felt Kshar’s joy and elation as if it were his own. Yes, jealousy was a strange concept in this room.
It felt as if this book had so many really amazing ideas, but the execution was sadly jumbled. 3 stars because I loved the overall premise.
TW: Violent beatings and group male rape, off-page.
There will be spoilers from the first book in this review!
Sadly, this wasn't near as beautiful as the first story. I loved the writing, but was seriously disappointed in the direction the relationship took at the 50% mark. It was completely out of the blue and awkward af.
Themes/tropes
Cerebral sci-fi
Rich worldbuilding
Human-alien hybrid
Morally gray characters
Loyalty vs ideology
Intelligent, character-driven
MMM
Kyle’s journey as a human-alien hybrid is both deeply personal and undeniably high-stakes, especially as he’s drawn into the Doctrine’s expansion.
Arkady, spends his life believing in an ideology that says the core of who he is, is wrong. When he finally admits the truth, it is devastating.
“I work toward becoming a general, so maybe I can rise far enough to change things. To show the Committee that homosexuals can be trusted. That … we … do our duty. That we don’t weaken our units, obey our orders and are just as selfless as everybody else. Maybe once this is recognized, they will stop punishing us.”
Grimm/Kshar is a powerful force. Like an alien warrior monk, he pushes people until they reveal their most darkest secrets.
Kshar cradling him like that was the most beautiful, affectionate thing. Kyle’s heart opened with it. He reached to touch Kshar’s shoulder, and felt Kshar’s joy and elation as if it were his own. Yes, jealousy was a strange concept in this room.
It felt as if this book had so many really amazing ideas, but the execution was sadly jumbled. 3 stars because I loved the overall premise.
TW: Violent beatings and group male rape, off-page.
Read
July 8, 2017Published.
August 22, 2019
This wasn’t at all what I expected. As a sequel, I started it with the assumption that (this one is a spoiler only if you haven’t read Incursion and the blurb of this book)
I can’t say I enjoyed where the author chose to lead the characters and that had little to do with the and much to do with what I felt was missing. The “romance” aspect left me with ambivalent feelings and I would have liked more focus on
On the plus side, I also can’t help appreciating the plot, which was masterfully dealt with, and the new direction the Doctrine Wars universe takes with this book.
All in all, my reading experience wasn’t completely pleasant and that had probably as much to do with me as with the book itself.
Trust Aleksandr Voinov to create amazing characters and an interesting relationship, set up certain expectations for the sequel, and then pull the rug from under my feet. At least this time I didn’t land on my face.
And yet, I can’t bring myself to give this less than 4 stars because, despite everything, it was just that good.
Content warning:
I can’t say I enjoyed where the author chose to lead the characters and that had little to do with the and much to do with what I felt was missing. The “romance” aspect left me with ambivalent feelings and I would have liked more focus on
On the plus side, I also can’t help appreciating the plot, which was masterfully dealt with, and the new direction the Doctrine Wars universe takes with this book.
All in all, my reading experience wasn’t completely pleasant and that had probably as much to do with me as with the book itself.
Trust Aleksandr Voinov to create amazing characters and an interesting relationship, set up certain expectations for the sequel, and then pull the rug from under my feet. At least this time I didn’t land on my face.
And yet, I can’t bring myself to give this less than 4 stars because, despite everything, it was just that good.
Content warning:
ahh-how-about-no
October 9, 2018Apparently, more than two dicks are involved in this romance situation.
And as we all know,
That is a no no for Wynne. As she is a selfish lil peanut and likes to keep it between two genitals in a relationship ;)
Blog : My blog here
Youtube : and youtube channel here
IG : Instagram here
And as we all know,
That is a no no for Wynne. As she is a selfish lil peanut and likes to keep it between two genitals in a relationship ;)
Blog : My blog here
Youtube : and youtube channel here
IG : Instagram here
February 18, 2018
When I started the book I didn't have many expectations aside seeing Kyle's journey of embracing his new form, species, hybridness? Idk. However his original plan got sidetracked by an event in his homeland and asks Grimm to take him there. Here's where his story collides with Arkady's, a Doctrine colonel with the mission to conquer and inDoctrine the planet Tamene.
Aleks is an autobuy to me so i didn't read the blurb, thus the introduction of Arkady was a surprise to me. Having read the last book of The Administration I found the Doctrine empire to be somewhat like it, specially with the mention of Revisionists who would be the Socioanalysts in The Administration (which is obvious because we're talking about authoritarian societies, put 10 dystopian books together and all the powers that be will be the same). Though both systems are authoritarian The Doctrine is militaristic.
The Colonel Arkady functions as a character that doesn't quite fit in the Doctrine criteria of what a perfect citizen must be, and discovers his worth as an individual when he meets Grimm and Kyle during his mission. A theme Aleks likes to explore and I don't get tired to read.
However, in the beginning it was hard to connect with the new character and I think it's because both Kyle and Grimm, specially Grimm's ability to see beyond the surface makes it seem like you're being told to like a character because they're good, have a good heart, etc. before seeing them actually do something that shows how kind they are in the inside. An aspect I always struggle with when it comes to storytelling, but I understood it here and let it slide until I finally got to see how different Arkady is from the others Doctrine members. Kyle's journey took the seat back but it was nice to see him grow and his bold personality is an enjoyable part of a somewhat slow, somber story.
The biggest flaw in my opinion is the rushed ending, after spending pages and pages about exploring a new culture, the suspense of the decision the elders of Tamene have to make to either peacefully accept The Doctrine colonizers or not, and being the witnesses of Kyle's and Arkady's self-discovery, the ending felt like a "let's fast pass this other important event and be done with the book", and i don't think Arkady's side mission deserved that kind of brush.
A great read nevertheless.
Aleks is an autobuy to me so i didn't read the blurb, thus the introduction of Arkady was a surprise to me. Having read the last book of The Administration I found the Doctrine empire to be somewhat like it, specially with the mention of Revisionists who would be the Socioanalysts in The Administration (which is obvious because we're talking about authoritarian societies, put 10 dystopian books together and all the powers that be will be the same). Though both systems are authoritarian The Doctrine is militaristic.
The Colonel Arkady functions as a character that doesn't quite fit in the Doctrine criteria of what a perfect citizen must be, and discovers his worth as an individual when he meets Grimm and Kyle during his mission. A theme Aleks likes to explore and I don't get tired to read.
However, in the beginning it was hard to connect with the new character and I think it's because both Kyle and Grimm, specially Grimm's ability to see beyond the surface makes it seem like you're being told to like a character because they're good, have a good heart, etc. before seeing them actually do something that shows how kind they are in the inside. An aspect I always struggle with when it comes to storytelling, but I understood it here and let it slide until I finally got to see how different Arkady is from the others Doctrine members. Kyle's journey took the seat back but it was nice to see him grow and his bold personality is an enjoyable part of a somewhat slow, somber story.
The biggest flaw in my opinion is the rushed ending, after spending pages and pages about exploring a new culture, the suspense of the decision the elders of Tamene have to make to either peacefully accept The Doctrine colonizers or not, and being the witnesses of Kyle's and Arkady's self-discovery, the ending felt like a "let's fast pass this other important event and be done with the book", and i don't think Arkady's side mission deserved that kind of brush.
A great read nevertheless.
July 8, 2017
I usually do like reading books by this author. The story was good. I read mainly for the romance (prefer when sex is used as a tool by the author to deepen the developing feelings between two characters, as opposed to being the final goal), and I look for a good, exciting plot to tie it all together (which I think it had based on the first half of the book that I read).
The deal breaker for me is . It is simply not my thing. However, I did try to keep on reading but felt that one of the characters, actually the chatacter I felt closest to in book 1, Kyle, started feeling bland and the focus seemed to be mostly on the new character, Arkady, who I did think was interesting but I would rather have read a separate story about him. The relationships seemed shallower too, compared to what I had hoped for.
I bought the book since I wanted to see how the author would explore and deepen Kyle and Kshar's relationship further, since that is the pairing I fell in love with in the first book. But I felt that that was not the main focus in this book. However, if you enjoy reading about , and smooth, casual, sexual relationships, with an interesting plot, I do think this is a good story. It was just not for me.
The deal breaker for me is . It is simply not my thing. However, I did try to keep on reading but felt that one of the characters, actually the chatacter I felt closest to in book 1, Kyle, started feeling bland and the focus seemed to be mostly on the new character, Arkady, who I did think was interesting but I would rather have read a separate story about him. The relationships seemed shallower too, compared to what I had hoped for.
I bought the book since I wanted to see how the author would explore and deepen Kyle and Kshar's relationship further, since that is the pairing I fell in love with in the first book. But I felt that that was not the main focus in this book. However, if you enjoy reading about , and smooth, casual, sexual relationships, with an interesting plot, I do think this is a good story. It was just not for me.
July 5, 2017
Ich hätte noch ein paar Sternchen mehr gegeben, wenn es möglich gewesen wäre :-)
Darum geht’s:
Kyle und Grimm sind eigentlich auf dem Weg zu Grimms Heimatplaneten, als sie auf ein paar Flüchtlinge von Kyles Heimat Tamene treffen. Diese Menschen wollten lieber ihre angestammte Welt verlassen, als die bevorstehende Invasion des Doctrine mitzuerleben. Kyle hasst die hirnlosen Zombie-Soldaten des Doctrine, denn dieses System ist eine Mischung aus Kommunismus und Sekte und übernimmt einen Planeten nach dem anderen unter dem Motto „schließ dich uns an oder stirb“. Kyle kann nicht anders, er muss nach Tamene reisen und Grimm lässt seinen Liebsten natürlich nicht allein.
So fand ich’s:
Kyle hat so seine Vorstellungen, wie die typischen Doctrine-Offiziere sind und was dieses System seiner Heimat antun wird. Im Doctrine muss man funktionieren, je gefühlloser und effizienter man die Ziele durchsetzt, desto höher ist man angesehen und Bedürfnisse des Einzelnen zählen nichts im Vergleich zum Wohlergehen der Gemeinschaft. Wer sich nicht freiwillig unterwirft, wird gnadenlos ausgerottet. Kyle sieht die Kultur seines Planeten in Gefahr, der nur schwach besiedelt ist und dessen Bevölkerung aus spirituellen Freigeistern besteht, die im Einklang mit der Natur und ohne Maschinen und Technik leben. Außerdem verdammt das Doctrine Homosexualität als Verbrechen, was auf Tamene ganz anders gesehen wird. Kyle befürchtet, mit dem Offizier, der die Verhandlungen auf Tamene leitet, nicht reden zu können, denn seiner Erfahrung nach sind alle Doctrine-Offiziere gefühllose Zombies.
Als Grimm und er schließlich auf den Befehlshaber Arkady Kidashell treffen, ist Kyle erstaunt, wie sehr er sich geirrt hat. Zwar treffen völlig verschiedene Philosophien aufeinander und die stärkste Macht in dieser Gleichung hat kaum Toleranz für Individualität. Wer sich also nicht einfügen kann oder will, ist quasi schon zum Tode verurteilt – oder kann man das doch verhindern?
Weil Grimm sich in der Kurzgeschichte „Incursion“ schon in Kyles Leben eingemischt hat, entwickelt Kyle immer mehr Eigenschaften von Grimms Volk und wandelt sich im Grunde selbst in einen Glyrinny um. Weder Kyle noch der Leser wissen viel über diese Wesen und je mehr Kyle an sich selbst spürt, wie er sich verändert, desto mehr erfährt er auch über Grimms Natur. Das ist ungeheuer spannend und in wundervollen Metaphern wird das Wesen der Glyrinny beleuchtet und greifbar gemacht. Dieser Aspekt des Buches hat mir besonders gut gefallen.
Arkady Kidashell ist einerseits ehrgeizig und will im Militär des Doctrine Karriere machen. Dafür passt er sich an und ist der perfekte Vertreter des Systems. Doch er hat auch seine eigenen Pläne. Und weil er eben nicht herz- und hirnlos ist, macht er Eindruck auf Grimm und vor allem auf Kyle.
Und auch die Liebe kommt nicht zu kurz. Kyle und Grimm vertiefen ihre Partnerschaft und so neu diese Beziehung auch ist, so klar ist doch ziemlich schnell, dass es beiden ernst miteinander ist. Auch wenn die Lage auf Tamene alles andere als lustig ist, gibt es doch entspannte und humorvolle Kabbeleien zwischen Kyle und Grimm, die man mit Vergnügen liest.
Da „Incursion“ die Vorgeschichte zu diesem Roman erzählt, empfehle ich, diese Kurzgeschichte zuerst zu lesen. Das erleichtert das Verständnis darüber, in welcher Welt sich das Ganze abspielt und man erfährt auch mehr über Kyle. Grimm gibt sich nach wie vor gerne so geheimnisvoll wie sein ganzes Volk.
Mir gefällt die Welt, die Aleksandr Voinov da erschaffen hat mit ihren verschiedenen Planeten und politischen Systemen, die noch jede Menge Möglichkeiten bietet, spannende Geschichten zu erzählen. Arkady und besonders natürlich Kyle und Grimm sind mir ans Herz gewachsen und ich würde mich sehr darüber freuen, wenn ich ihnen wieder begegnen würde. Dieser dicht gewebte Mix aus Weltraumabenteuer, einer guten Portion Spiritualität, Aliens, homosexueller Liebe, die durchaus auch explizit geschildert wird, unterschiedlichen Lebensweisen, die aufeinanderprallen, einer spannenden Handlung und wundervollen Charakteren spreche ich sehr gerne eine absolute Leseempfehlung aus. „Exile“ hat meinen Geschmack perfekt getroffen!
Darum geht’s:
Kyle und Grimm sind eigentlich auf dem Weg zu Grimms Heimatplaneten, als sie auf ein paar Flüchtlinge von Kyles Heimat Tamene treffen. Diese Menschen wollten lieber ihre angestammte Welt verlassen, als die bevorstehende Invasion des Doctrine mitzuerleben. Kyle hasst die hirnlosen Zombie-Soldaten des Doctrine, denn dieses System ist eine Mischung aus Kommunismus und Sekte und übernimmt einen Planeten nach dem anderen unter dem Motto „schließ dich uns an oder stirb“. Kyle kann nicht anders, er muss nach Tamene reisen und Grimm lässt seinen Liebsten natürlich nicht allein.
So fand ich’s:
Kyle hat so seine Vorstellungen, wie die typischen Doctrine-Offiziere sind und was dieses System seiner Heimat antun wird. Im Doctrine muss man funktionieren, je gefühlloser und effizienter man die Ziele durchsetzt, desto höher ist man angesehen und Bedürfnisse des Einzelnen zählen nichts im Vergleich zum Wohlergehen der Gemeinschaft. Wer sich nicht freiwillig unterwirft, wird gnadenlos ausgerottet. Kyle sieht die Kultur seines Planeten in Gefahr, der nur schwach besiedelt ist und dessen Bevölkerung aus spirituellen Freigeistern besteht, die im Einklang mit der Natur und ohne Maschinen und Technik leben. Außerdem verdammt das Doctrine Homosexualität als Verbrechen, was auf Tamene ganz anders gesehen wird. Kyle befürchtet, mit dem Offizier, der die Verhandlungen auf Tamene leitet, nicht reden zu können, denn seiner Erfahrung nach sind alle Doctrine-Offiziere gefühllose Zombies.
Als Grimm und er schließlich auf den Befehlshaber Arkady Kidashell treffen, ist Kyle erstaunt, wie sehr er sich geirrt hat. Zwar treffen völlig verschiedene Philosophien aufeinander und die stärkste Macht in dieser Gleichung hat kaum Toleranz für Individualität. Wer sich also nicht einfügen kann oder will, ist quasi schon zum Tode verurteilt – oder kann man das doch verhindern?
Weil Grimm sich in der Kurzgeschichte „Incursion“ schon in Kyles Leben eingemischt hat, entwickelt Kyle immer mehr Eigenschaften von Grimms Volk und wandelt sich im Grunde selbst in einen Glyrinny um. Weder Kyle noch der Leser wissen viel über diese Wesen und je mehr Kyle an sich selbst spürt, wie er sich verändert, desto mehr erfährt er auch über Grimms Natur. Das ist ungeheuer spannend und in wundervollen Metaphern wird das Wesen der Glyrinny beleuchtet und greifbar gemacht. Dieser Aspekt des Buches hat mir besonders gut gefallen.
Arkady Kidashell ist einerseits ehrgeizig und will im Militär des Doctrine Karriere machen. Dafür passt er sich an und ist der perfekte Vertreter des Systems. Doch er hat auch seine eigenen Pläne. Und weil er eben nicht herz- und hirnlos ist, macht er Eindruck auf Grimm und vor allem auf Kyle.
Und auch die Liebe kommt nicht zu kurz. Kyle und Grimm vertiefen ihre Partnerschaft und so neu diese Beziehung auch ist, so klar ist doch ziemlich schnell, dass es beiden ernst miteinander ist. Auch wenn die Lage auf Tamene alles andere als lustig ist, gibt es doch entspannte und humorvolle Kabbeleien zwischen Kyle und Grimm, die man mit Vergnügen liest.
Da „Incursion“ die Vorgeschichte zu diesem Roman erzählt, empfehle ich, diese Kurzgeschichte zuerst zu lesen. Das erleichtert das Verständnis darüber, in welcher Welt sich das Ganze abspielt und man erfährt auch mehr über Kyle. Grimm gibt sich nach wie vor gerne so geheimnisvoll wie sein ganzes Volk.
Mir gefällt die Welt, die Aleksandr Voinov da erschaffen hat mit ihren verschiedenen Planeten und politischen Systemen, die noch jede Menge Möglichkeiten bietet, spannende Geschichten zu erzählen. Arkady und besonders natürlich Kyle und Grimm sind mir ans Herz gewachsen und ich würde mich sehr darüber freuen, wenn ich ihnen wieder begegnen würde. Dieser dicht gewebte Mix aus Weltraumabenteuer, einer guten Portion Spiritualität, Aliens, homosexueller Liebe, die durchaus auch explizit geschildert wird, unterschiedlichen Lebensweisen, die aufeinanderprallen, einer spannenden Handlung und wundervollen Charakteren spreche ich sehr gerne eine absolute Leseempfehlung aus. „Exile“ hat meinen Geschmack perfekt getroffen!
July 20, 2017
I certainly had expectations before starting Exile, and realized early on that I had to rearrange them in order to make this a pleasant read. I'm just happy to say that this sequel was very satisfying.
The story is a direct sequel to Incursion, exploring more between our established couple, but also adds a new narrative perspective from Arkady, a Doctrine colonel. While Incursion was told solely from Kyle's perspective, be ready to share Exile between the minds of both Kyle and Arkady. It's both of their stories, equally shared.
Oddly enough, I feel like Exile was more about character exploration and self-discovery than anything else. This sets it apart from many science fiction stories involving aggressive societies where you expect space battles and such, but Voinov definitely tossed that stereotype down the proverbial trash bin.
Oh. And dat cover.
But really, Exile took me by surprised. It's a thorough story of self discovery and development in a relationship that started off with a bang, but left us wanting for more in its predecessor. Just don't expect fast-paced action and space battles.
The one thing I wish more than anything would be new entry told from perspective. Now that would be interesting!
The story is a direct sequel to Incursion, exploring more between our established couple, but also adds a new narrative perspective from Arkady, a Doctrine colonel. While Incursion was told solely from Kyle's perspective, be ready to share Exile between the minds of both Kyle and Arkady. It's both of their stories, equally shared.
Oddly enough, I feel like Exile was more about character exploration and self-discovery than anything else. This sets it apart from many science fiction stories involving aggressive societies where you expect space battles and such, but Voinov definitely tossed that stereotype down the proverbial trash bin.
Oh. And dat cover.
But really, Exile took me by surprised. It's a thorough story of self discovery and development in a relationship that started off with a bang, but left us wanting for more in its predecessor. Just don't expect fast-paced action and space battles.
The one thing I wish more than anything would be new entry told from perspective. Now that would be interesting!
December 28, 2022
I love that the author decided to write the sequel to Incursion. This didn’t go at all the way I anticipated so I really had no idea what was coming up next, at any point in the story. The plot line and characters were really interesting. This is more psychological or maybe the term is existential? than a sci fi with epic space battles.
This needs to be read after Incursion. It does work as a stand-alone compared to Dark Edge of Honour but although we dont meet the characters it does mention things that spoils the ending of that story. So if planning to read that one I’d definitely read it first.
This needs to be read after Incursion. It does work as a stand-alone compared to Dark Edge of Honour but although we dont meet the characters it does mention things that spoils the ending of that story. So if planning to read that one I’d definitely read it first.
July 19, 2017
When i started this i just assumed they would be going to Glyrinny space, but the plot was so well developed & so much broader than that. Loved the depth of learning about the shape changers & the Timean culture. Looking forward to the next book (hoping the Doctrine learns some flexibility) one thing i initially struggled a bit with was the addition of a another POV
July 15, 2017
So, I was ready to love that book based on the great start of Kshar and Kyle's relationship in Incursion. But even though I loved parts of Exile it didn't deliver on what I wanted after Incursion. The story was too heavily focused on Arkady (who I liked a lot as a character, don't get me wrong) so Kshar and Kyle's story felt like background noise. There were beautiful scenes of the three together, but I missed more scenes and story about the couple I came for when I started reading...so my rating will only be 3 stars after all.
***
Hm, doesn't happen often, but I really can't decide on a rating right now. There are parts that surprised me which I loved anyway, but made me miss others and I found the end..blurry, unresolved? I'll come back to rating this later.
***
Hm, doesn't happen often, but I really can't decide on a rating right now. There are parts that surprised me which I loved anyway, but made me miss others and I found the end..blurry, unresolved? I'll come back to rating this later.
May 6, 2019
Very poor sequal. Not much Kyle and Grimm. Third closeted male, Arkady, was added. Very tentative menage. Rushed weak ending. Nothing was done well in this book. Don't recommend.
July 15, 2017
There was a two layered love for this book: the cover and the contents.
I re-read Incursion so I could transition to the next level of Kyle and Kshar's story. I remember being disappointed by the brevity of the first book, just when the two characters were where I wanted them to be, the book ended. Now thankfully we have plenty of the two of them interacting (and is delightful and hot!), plus a new interesting character coming nothing less than from the Doctrine itself.
From what we get to know about the Doctrine in Dark Edge of Honour, it inspires fear and rejection. Fear because they are the equivalent to a religious nutter that only accepts conversion or death, no cohabitation, no diversity, no option to exists outside the system. Rejection because their values and structure completely negates individualism, and they use technology to literally brainwash the people who don't dance their only musical tune (so to speak). So that a person like Arkady manages no only to survive but to prosper and escalate to the higher ranks within the Doctrine is not less than a miracle.
So we start with Kyle and Kshar continuing their HEA from Incursion and as they are on their way to live their lives, they learn that Kyle's planet has fallen under the Doctrine's radar, and what that means: they are irrevocably condemned to disappear as they are or to be destroyed, no third option. From this point, is now us the readers who actually do an incursion into both worlds: Tamene and the Doctrine itself. How from inside things are somehow different as from how they are seen externally. Tamene is a harsh world where people live in a extremely rigid caste system, and the caste is above individuals' rights. In a way it has the same claustrophobic and oppressive immobility than the Doctrine, the system sacrifices the individuals. Obviously for Kyle it's 'his' world and he prefers it to the Doctrine. Likewise for Arkady the Doctrine dictatorship is better than Tamene's.
But there is a little subtle detail that will make all the difference: neither Arkady nor Kyle are 'pure' in their own worlds, and that will be the key on how things will evolve.
Enjoyable, funny, sexy, with melting hot sex, with heartbreaking (that cover...) and mind opening scenes, and yes, there is pain and torture too. Well, is Mr Voinov we are talking about :)
It will definitely be a re-read, some books you just cannot let go. And hopefully there will be more Doctrine Wars books coming.
I re-read Incursion so I could transition to the next level of Kyle and Kshar's story. I remember being disappointed by the brevity of the first book, just when the two characters were where I wanted them to be, the book ended. Now thankfully we have plenty of the two of them interacting (and is delightful and hot!), plus a new interesting character coming nothing less than from the Doctrine itself.
From what we get to know about the Doctrine in Dark Edge of Honour, it inspires fear and rejection. Fear because they are the equivalent to a religious nutter that only accepts conversion or death, no cohabitation, no diversity, no option to exists outside the system. Rejection because their values and structure completely negates individualism, and they use technology to literally brainwash the people who don't dance their only musical tune (so to speak). So that a person like Arkady manages no only to survive but to prosper and escalate to the higher ranks within the Doctrine is not less than a miracle.
So we start with Kyle and Kshar continuing their HEA from Incursion and as they are on their way to live their lives, they learn that Kyle's planet has fallen under the Doctrine's radar, and what that means: they are irrevocably condemned to disappear as they are or to be destroyed, no third option. From this point, is now us the readers who actually do an incursion into both worlds: Tamene and the Doctrine itself. How from inside things are somehow different as from how they are seen externally. Tamene is a harsh world where people live in a extremely rigid caste system, and the caste is above individuals' rights. In a way it has the same claustrophobic and oppressive immobility than the Doctrine, the system sacrifices the individuals. Obviously for Kyle it's 'his' world and he prefers it to the Doctrine. Likewise for Arkady the Doctrine dictatorship is better than Tamene's.
But there is a little subtle detail that will make all the difference: neither Arkady nor Kyle are 'pure' in their own worlds, and that will be the key on how things will evolve.
Enjoyable, funny, sexy, with melting hot sex, with heartbreaking (that cover...) and mind opening scenes, and yes, there is pain and torture too. Well, is Mr Voinov we are talking about :)
It will definitely be a re-read, some books you just cannot let go. And hopefully there will be more Doctrine Wars books coming.
June 10, 2018
Book 3. Can't wait for more.
There is war between planets, between ideologies. In Dark Edge of Honour and Incursion enemies become lovers on dusty planets while alien spies become more than trusted friends with their hunters. Here two previous characters intervene in a planet's conversion and take over by the Doctrine.
There is war between planets, between ideologies. In Dark Edge of Honour and Incursion enemies become lovers on dusty planets while alien spies become more than trusted friends with their hunters. Here two previous characters intervene in a planet's conversion and take over by the Doctrine.
January 5, 2023
“Humans were born as animals and needed careful steering and at times pruning to civilize them. Nothing could be accomplished if everybody followed their whims—however enticing they might be.”
If Incursion was the heart, Exile will be the soul. Much deeper than the first book, this book explores the concept of sacrifice, duty, love and loyalty. You can draw so many parallels to our world from the story at times I wondered if the inspiration for the Commonwealth was USSR or Great Britain although if I had to choose, I will say USSR. From the way commonwealth soldiers greeted themselves to the absolute sacrifice of individualism for the greater good definitely have communist undertones. You can even see elements of modern USA crusade of bringing democracy to backward tribal countries in the name of prosperity and human rights. And that’s the beauty of this book. It was a work of art and depending on which angle you saw things, you would draw a different conclusion. However, Arkady’s absolute conviction and blind loyalty is also reminiscent of Nazi soldiers.
There is also issues of social justice in the book, and while this book focuses on gay rights, I think one can’t insert any social justice issue and draw parallels on how society ostracizes anyone who deviates from what is considered standard and that change comes slowly, systematically and it takes a lot of sacrifices to get there.
The characters are all also flawed and beautiful. You can praise each one and in the same breathe criticize some of their choices. Each one has their own reasons and duty. It makes you question their motives and if they were truly honorable at the end. There were so many elements of this book that I cannot possibly do it justice in this review.
Read it for yourself and make your own interpretation but I will guarantee you one thing that this book will make you think and you will enjoy it. The romance is there to keep it light hearted and there is plenty of steam. I was really hoping that Arkady and Sturm had a chance. I kept my hope all the way till the end. As much as I would have like got them to have their own story, I think the ending was far more impactful. After all the planet was called Sacrifice!
If Incursion was the heart, Exile will be the soul. Much deeper than the first book, this book explores the concept of sacrifice, duty, love and loyalty. You can draw so many parallels to our world from the story at times I wondered if the inspiration for the Commonwealth was USSR or Great Britain although if I had to choose, I will say USSR. From the way commonwealth soldiers greeted themselves to the absolute sacrifice of individualism for the greater good definitely have communist undertones. You can even see elements of modern USA crusade of bringing democracy to backward tribal countries in the name of prosperity and human rights. And that’s the beauty of this book. It was a work of art and depending on which angle you saw things, you would draw a different conclusion. However, Arkady’s absolute conviction and blind loyalty is also reminiscent of Nazi soldiers.
There is also issues of social justice in the book, and while this book focuses on gay rights, I think one can’t insert any social justice issue and draw parallels on how society ostracizes anyone who deviates from what is considered standard and that change comes slowly, systematically and it takes a lot of sacrifices to get there.
The characters are all also flawed and beautiful. You can praise each one and in the same breathe criticize some of their choices. Each one has their own reasons and duty. It makes you question their motives and if they were truly honorable at the end. There were so many elements of this book that I cannot possibly do it justice in this review.
Read it for yourself and make your own interpretation but I will guarantee you one thing that this book will make you think and you will enjoy it. The romance is there to keep it light hearted and there is plenty of steam. I was really hoping that Arkady and Sturm had a chance. I kept my hope all the way till the end. As much as I would have like got them to have their own story, I think the ending was far more impactful. After all the planet was called Sacrifice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
This was a good reminder I hate love triangles. I knew what I was getting into, but I thought I can deal, because I really liked Incursion and both of the MCs, and it was so damn short I just wanted to continue reading.
Well, I would have been better off imagining the future of those 2 rather than get that image destroyed in the Exile, but eh, live and learn.
Triangle aside though, I also felt this story fell flat on almost every other aspect. Shallow characters, irrational behavior, superficial relationships presented as if deep (though based on what exactly I have no idea), story that outright depressed me with a totalitarian anti-individual society (1984 style) not only Jesuschrist.
Well, I would have been better off imagining the future of those 2 rather than get that image destroyed in the Exile, but eh, live and learn.
Triangle aside though, I also felt this story fell flat on almost every other aspect. Shallow characters, irrational behavior, superficial relationships presented as if deep (though based on what exactly I have no idea), story that outright depressed me with a totalitarian anti-individual society (1984 style) not only Jesuschrist.
July 18, 2017
3,5 rounded up. I didn't realise at first this was set in the same universe as both Incursion as well as The dark edge of honor. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the writing. I struggled with connecting with Arkady which was a shame because the story centers around him. In the first part of the story I was certain I'd give it 4 or higher, but the ending felt rushed and a bit unsatisfying. I would read another story in this universe though.
August 4, 2019
Amazing story
Wonder story and author actually elaborate the Doctrine’s idealism into story setting and give more back ground story to why people indulge such a idea. Totally worse reading!
Hope they do a audio book on this and publish another sequel!
Wonder story and author actually elaborate the Doctrine’s idealism into story setting and give more back ground story to why people indulge such a idea. Totally worse reading!
Hope they do a audio book on this and publish another sequel!
February 26, 2023
In the author’s note, Aleks points out that he’d like to write more in this universe. It’s definitely open to more stories, and I’d happily read them. Though I will admit that so far, the first book is still my favorite.
October 29, 2023
just WOW
Love this writing. Great characters, plots, oh and so hot. One of two fav authors. Can’t get enough and hope the word and wonderful work gets out to a wider audience. Rave!!!
Love this writing. Great characters, plots, oh and so hot. One of two fav authors. Can’t get enough and hope the word and wonderful work gets out to a wider audience. Rave!!!
December 31, 2018
In dieser Buchreihe stecken viele, faszinierende Ideen.
April 22, 2019
At one point I teared up which means Mr Voinov must’ve done something right with this book.
January 13, 2018
Not what I expected, and still Voinov sucks me in with another amazing story and fascinating characters.
Read
November 29, 2017good
Read
August 20, 2018DNF'ed at ~52%. I just don't give a damn about Arkady. I've got nothing against M/M/M, but this book in no substantial way addresses the rapid wrap up of Incursion. Kyle and Grimm have a lot more of their own story to tell and this Arkady crap is just a distraction. I can't get into it, so I'm done.
I had hoped this would be something similar to the Chaos Station series by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen, but with the darkness that only Voinov can write. Sadly, that is not the case.
Normally I give low ratings for DNF'ed books, but I'm not giving a rating here because Aleksandr Voinov is a fantastic writer. World building and depth are top tier. I just fundamentally disagree/dislike the creative choice in where this story went in this book. Just not my cup of tea.
I had hoped this would be something similar to the Chaos Station series by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen, but with the darkness that only Voinov can write. Sadly, that is not the case.
Normally I give low ratings for DNF'ed books, but I'm not giving a rating here because Aleksandr Voinov is a fantastic writer. World building and depth are top tier. I just fundamentally disagree/dislike the creative choice in where this story went in this book. Just not my cup of tea.
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