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Turbulence #1
Turbulence
Corporal Jacqs Glebov is a simple soldier who wants a bunk, decent food and the company of other battle-hardened men and women who understand the realities of fighting. Instead he's stuck patrolling a remote corner of the border with cadets straight out of boot camp. They don't understand him, and he sure doesn't have an ounce of respect for them.After a field promotion, Earth sends Commander Zeke Waters to the Candiru for some practical experience in a leadership role. Instead, Zeke falls in lust with the adamantly heterosexual Jacqs. The way Jacqs fights and the way he sees the world draws Zeke closer, even if common sense tells him to walk away.Even if they can find a way to reconcile their sexual differences, they are both still soldiers. The war will eventually take them away from each other unless they can find a way to escape the rules that have defined their lives.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2013
34 people are currently reading
1305 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
47 books1,166 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
November 11, 2013
Rating 4.5 stars
Jac (short for Jacqs, because I keep wanting to type ‘Jaques’) is a 38 year old, ex front line soldier. To say it bluntly, his life sucks. All he’s known is being a soldier in a war of humanity against the batfaces. And it was only one incident of many that caused him to be a gunner for a tin can in space, where he is working with the incompetents and newbies aboard the Candiru.
I believe you have to really like Jac in order to enjoy Turbulence. After all, the story is told from Jac’s third-person POV. Personally, I love this man! He talks like a red neck, is not afraid to tell both men and women to fuck off, and is never one to lie or bullshit. Jac is described as “simple,” and even he states he’s not a smart person. However, he’s far from a meathead – all brawn and no brain. I find Jac to be an intelligent person in his own occupation – mainly, he knows how to survive. He may not be quick on a sarcastic comeback to a conversation, but he can look at the crew of the Candiru and just knows they aren’t worth the spit it takes to hydrate them (his wording, not mine).
But despite all the rough in Jac, he’s one more thing: honest. He doesn’t run from a fight. Even after discovering his sexual identity, he didn’t do what many characters I’ve read had done. He didn’t go into denial. He didn’t avoid the person that made him question his sexuality. He didn’t try to lose himself in alcohol. He did what he always did, and charge straight ahead: fuck regrets, because in war, you could be dead in a minute against the batfaces. His honesty with himself and with life in general (mainly that it sucks, and you can’t do much about it when it’s war) was so refreshing in a genre full of “Oh woe is me.”
The book, while told from Jac’s perspective, also took time in introducing the Candiru’s crew. Not so much info that my brain felt overloaded, but enough to feel a sense of belonging myself. You could feel Jac’s disgust with everyone on the crew, with the exception of a few. And one of those people is the new commander, Zeke.
Zeke, a war hero of sorts, the kind of person whose picture is placed on recruitment posters throughout many planets. I really like Zeke, and his need to want to take on all responsibilities (the good and the bad). I won’t say much except that Jac is perfect for him, because Jac is never one to be shy on telling Zeke that life sucks - just because Zeke’s a commander doesn’t mean he can control the bad things that happen. What more can you ask for, if not an honest lover? *swoon*
The relationship wasn’t insta-lust/attraction either. Both guys got along well at first. Jac was suspicious of Zeke’s motives and actions, but it wasn’t one of those “he got an erection looking at the dude and didn’t know why” kind of situations.
So Zeke’s introduction to the Candiru, Jac’s relationship with Zeke and among other things start things off in this book. About 50% into the book is when we start having action that is prevalent in many of these types of space war stories. Despite the humor and Jac’s sarcasm and blunt comments (I love the way he talks, LOL), it is easy forget that this is a war story. I think it was easy for me to forget about this, and was brought back to the cruel reality of things when certain events happen and difficult decisions had to be made.
So I laughed a lot. There were moments I also got teary eyed, but was glad the book never got to the point of me having to bust out a roll of toilet paper. Turbulence had a good balance of emotions without pushing me too far along one end of the scale. It was also very thoughtful, because we don't always think in the mindset of someone growing up and only knowing war.
And oh, can’t forget the sex. Two alpha males (Jac is 6’5 and is 230 pounds of rock hard muscle and attitude, while Zeke isn’t too shabby either) in limited space. Hmm, need I say more?
Edit: I forgot to add my favorite quote!
"The world's going to take a shit on my head anywhere I go, but when we're together, it's easier to not think about how much it smells." - Jacqs
Jac (short for Jacqs, because I keep wanting to type ‘Jaques’) is a 38 year old, ex front line soldier. To say it bluntly, his life sucks. All he’s known is being a soldier in a war of humanity against the batfaces. And it was only one incident of many that caused him to be a gunner for a tin can in space, where he is working with the incompetents and newbies aboard the Candiru.
I believe you have to really like Jac in order to enjoy Turbulence. After all, the story is told from Jac’s third-person POV. Personally, I love this man! He talks like a red neck, is not afraid to tell both men and women to fuck off, and is never one to lie or bullshit. Jac is described as “simple,” and even he states he’s not a smart person. However, he’s far from a meathead – all brawn and no brain. I find Jac to be an intelligent person in his own occupation – mainly, he knows how to survive. He may not be quick on a sarcastic comeback to a conversation, but he can look at the crew of the Candiru and just knows they aren’t worth the spit it takes to hydrate them (his wording, not mine).
But despite all the rough in Jac, he’s one more thing: honest. He doesn’t run from a fight. Even after discovering his sexual identity, he didn’t do what many characters I’ve read had done. He didn’t go into denial. He didn’t avoid the person that made him question his sexuality. He didn’t try to lose himself in alcohol. He did what he always did, and charge straight ahead: fuck regrets, because in war, you could be dead in a minute against the batfaces. His honesty with himself and with life in general (mainly that it sucks, and you can’t do much about it when it’s war) was so refreshing in a genre full of “Oh woe is me.”
The book, while told from Jac’s perspective, also took time in introducing the Candiru’s crew. Not so much info that my brain felt overloaded, but enough to feel a sense of belonging myself. You could feel Jac’s disgust with everyone on the crew, with the exception of a few. And one of those people is the new commander, Zeke.
Zeke, a war hero of sorts, the kind of person whose picture is placed on recruitment posters throughout many planets. I really like Zeke, and his need to want to take on all responsibilities (the good and the bad). I won’t say much except that Jac is perfect for him, because Jac is never one to be shy on telling Zeke that life sucks - just because Zeke’s a commander doesn’t mean he can control the bad things that happen. What more can you ask for, if not an honest lover? *swoon*
The relationship wasn’t insta-lust/attraction either. Both guys got along well at first. Jac was suspicious of Zeke’s motives and actions, but it wasn’t one of those “he got an erection looking at the dude and didn’t know why” kind of situations.
So Zeke’s introduction to the Candiru, Jac’s relationship with Zeke and among other things start things off in this book. About 50% into the book is when we start having action that is prevalent in many of these types of space war stories. Despite the humor and Jac’s sarcasm and blunt comments (I love the way he talks, LOL), it is easy forget that this is a war story. I think it was easy for me to forget about this, and was brought back to the cruel reality of things when certain events happen and difficult decisions had to be made.
So I laughed a lot. There were moments I also got teary eyed, but was glad the book never got to the point of me having to bust out a roll of toilet paper. Turbulence had a good balance of emotions without pushing me too far along one end of the scale. It was also very thoughtful, because we don't always think in the mindset of someone growing up and only knowing war.
And oh, can’t forget the sex. Two alpha males (Jac is 6’5 and is 230 pounds of rock hard muscle and attitude, while Zeke isn’t too shabby either) in limited space. Hmm, need I say more?
Edit: I forgot to add my favorite quote!
"The world's going to take a shit on my head anywhere I go, but when we're together, it's easier to not think about how much it smells." - Jacqs
January 4, 2016
4.5 stars
I don't normally read SciFic M/M romances, but I love Lyn Gala and the reviews for this one are great.
Zeke and Jacqs have a volatile and passionate relationship that eventually turns to love. The sex was smoking hot!
Gotta love the wall-slamming sex! Oh and zero gravity sex! That melted my brain.
With SciFi a HEA is not always guaranteed, but we get an absolutely perfect one here. I loved it.
Highly recommended
I don't normally read SciFic M/M romances, but I love Lyn Gala and the reviews for this one are great.
Zeke and Jacqs have a volatile and passionate relationship that eventually turns to love. The sex was smoking hot!
Before Jacqs could figure out what he wanted to do, Zeke slammed into him, and then they both crashed into the wall. His first instinct was to fight, to shove back until he made room for himself. But then Zeke caught Jacqs by the shirtfront, fisting it as he pinned Jacqs against the wall. Zeke’s hot mouth pressed against Jacqs’s lips.
Gotta love the wall-slamming sex! Oh and zero gravity sex! That melted my brain.
With SciFi a HEA is not always guaranteed, but we get an absolutely perfect one here. I loved it.
Highly recommended
September 2, 2014
Wow. Oh, wow.
I didn’t intend to write a review for this book. I was just going to link my review to Xing's and call it a day.
But then I read some more.
Here we have Jacqs. Jacqs is unapologetically gruff and honest to a fault. He has pretty much alienated everyone around him with his rude behavior and stand-offishness (I made a new word!). What makes him so amazing is that he is so incredibly self-aware. He knows exactly who he is and if no one else likes it, well that’s just too bad. He will tell you exactly what he thinks without an ounce of guilt. And he’s 100% heterosexual. Or so he thinks.
Jacqs is settled in his life. He understands that he’s been placed on the Candiru with no intention of him ever leaving. He’s accepted his fate and is content for the most part. He doesn’t like change so his current way of life is just fine with him.
Then he meets Zeke. His new commander. His new intriguing commander. His new sexually arousing commander. And everything gets tilted on its head.
But does Jacqs balk at the idea of being attracted to Zeke? Does he lash out and push him away? Does he run? NO! After some careful introspection, he does what he normally does whenever something new comes at him. He meets it head on. He doesn’t back down. He actually seeks out Zeke and tells him what he’s feeling. He explores his new desires without any fear or trepidation.
This book was a breath of fresh air. The perfect balance between character driven storyline and action/adventure. A fine example of the classic space opera. And all the secondary characters were fully fleshed out as well. I was sucked into the story from the first word and wasn’t let go until the end of the epilogue. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I even shouted at my screen a time or two.
And it was all because of Jacqs. He made this alluring story all the more fascinating just by being who he was and having no regrets on how he as well as his life turned out. I wish I could meet someone like Jacqs in real life.
Lyn Gala gets top marks from me and now and forever will be an auto-buy for me.
November 21, 2013
3 weak Stars - a sci-fi adventure with twists and turns - both praise and criticism from me - ...intensely hot and fun in parts but overall a bit boring
The free short sci-fi "The Only Way Out Is In" novella *) continues directly into this book and represents approximately 40% or up to chapter 16.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I liked and was intrigued by the first part (see my fuller review about the first 40% of this story ~ 3 1/2 stars to the shorty). I enjoyed to follow the cocky gunner, Jacqs Glebovs's, way against his first attraction to a man. Yes, to a MAN! The very new Commander on the spaceship Candiru, the good looking Zeke Waters. They were such a great couple and the chemistry between them was unbeatable.
...But I'm a bit disappointed at the rest, the other half. I lost more and more of the feeling for it. Sadly disappeared almost all my interest in the (suspense?) events. Eventually, it became a battle of wills...~
Some parts in Turbulence (..mostly the romantic ones) is actually very good (and very well made), but I must admit that it was a lengthy and ultimately a very hard read for me. I'm sure that lovers of sci-fi or suspense or war stories would have much greater benefit from this than what I had. It was too much war policy and lengthy long scenes occasionally. It's a pretty dark and hopeless world view, which should aroused my interest, but I had to fight my way through more or less every single page in the end.
The love story is very tender and entertaining. The guys are adorable and funny to listening to - their bantering is super. The steaming part is worth the highest grade. ...But otherwise I was pretty bored. Sorry! Maybe it's me and I'll probably stick to more relationship-oriented romances from now on. Suspense, war etc are probably not really my thing nowadays.
I may be cranky and this book is perhaps worth a higher grade. I hate being the stubborn bitch but I have to write what I felt. Luckily, I was still quite happy and satisfied with the total when I finally finished. It hadn't felt right to drop down to two stars.
...It was quite okay in the end and I'm really pleased with the lovely epilogue. Now it's done... and I enjoyed Jacqs and Zeke - a wonderful couple.
~ This became, am I sorry to say, a fairly unstructured and slightly "slurred" review. All my energy is used and the clock is also way after midnight. ~
I LIKE - unfortunately, not so much as I wanted...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*) The Only Way Out Is In is a free 100 pages novella from M/M Romance Group with a pic of the very tough guy Jayne from the TV drama Firefly (a series I loved..) as inspiration.
The free short sci-fi "The Only Way Out Is In" novella *) continues directly into this book and represents approximately 40% or up to chapter 16.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I liked and was intrigued by the first part (see my fuller review about the first 40% of this story ~ 3 1/2 stars to the shorty). I enjoyed to follow the cocky gunner, Jacqs Glebovs's, way against his first attraction to a man. Yes, to a MAN! The very new Commander on the spaceship Candiru, the good looking Zeke Waters. They were such a great couple and the chemistry between them was unbeatable.
‘Damn, but Zeke was beautiful. Every time he saw the man, it plucked at something in Jacqs's chest. If he didn't know better, he'd call it an addiction.’
...But I'm a bit disappointed at the rest, the other half. I lost more and more of the feeling for it. Sadly disappeared almost all my interest in the (suspense?) events. Eventually, it became a battle of wills...~
Some parts in Turbulence (..mostly the romantic ones) is actually very good (and very well made), but I must admit that it was a lengthy and ultimately a very hard read for me. I'm sure that lovers of sci-fi or suspense or war stories would have much greater benefit from this than what I had. It was too much war policy and lengthy long scenes occasionally. It's a pretty dark and hopeless world view, which should aroused my interest, but I had to fight my way through more or less every single page in the end.
The love story is very tender and entertaining. The guys are adorable and funny to listening to - their bantering is super. The steaming part is worth the highest grade. ...But otherwise I was pretty bored. Sorry! Maybe it's me and I'll probably stick to more relationship-oriented romances from now on. Suspense, war etc are probably not really my thing nowadays.
“The world's going to take a shit on my head anywhere I go, but when we're together, it's easier to not think about how much it smells.”
I may be cranky and this book is perhaps worth a higher grade. I hate being the stubborn bitch but I have to write what I felt. Luckily, I was still quite happy and satisfied with the total when I finally finished. It hadn't felt right to drop down to two stars.
...It was quite okay in the end and I'm really pleased with the lovely epilogue. Now it's done... and I enjoyed Jacqs and Zeke - a wonderful couple.
~ This became, am I sorry to say, a fairly unstructured and slightly "slurred" review. All my energy is used and the clock is also way after midnight. ~
I LIKE - unfortunately, not so much as I wanted...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*) The Only Way Out Is In is a free 100 pages novella from M/M Romance Group with a pic of the very tough guy Jayne from the TV drama Firefly (a series I loved..) as inspiration.
December 17, 2013
Turbulence came together in an interesting way. It started out as Firefly fan fiction, when a fantastic someone requested a story about Joss Whedon’s Firefly crew member Jayne during the Love Has No Boundaries event for the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. Lyn Gala took the prompt and turned it into what would become my favorite story of this year’s event: The Only Way In Is Out (100 pages, get it for free here).
My love for that novella has a lot to do with the fact that I’m a Firefly fangirl. Addict. Crazy. To the extent that my hatred for Fox for canceling the show after only one season knows no boundaries and will be everlasting. For those who, oddly enough, have never heard of or watched Firefly and the conclusive film Serenity, you can find a few clues to Jayne’s personality in my review for The Only Way In Is Out. To answer your question: Yes, I think it’s necessary to be familiar with Firefly and Jayne’s character to appreciate what Gala did in The Only Way In Is Out. Chances are that you won’t get along with our Jayne here otherwise. Gala may have renamed him Jacqs; he still is a pretty special guy.
The novella barely stilled my hunger, so imagine my excitement when Gala expanded it into a book of no less than 340 pages! As it turns out I still like the original story best. Sure, Turbulence is well-written, has a couple of nice alpha on alpha sex scenes and the kind of testosterone fueled wrestling scenes that this author always does so well. But overall, some of the magic was lost for me in the extended part and I found that I had to really push myself to read on.
Pinpointing what precisely caused this... Jacqs’ personality as well as that of his love interest Zeke seemed to have changed rather dramatically in the extended part. If you, like me, are delighted when you come across unconventional heroes in your M/M, chances are that you will be a tad disappointed when the tough and boorish MC, who has only just discovered his sexuality, changes into a guy with mushy tendencies. There’s hand holding, there’s thinking about ‘the man he loves’ and both men worry about each other like mother hens. I had hoped their fling would take a more amusing and interesting direction. Don’t tell me sharing a bunk with a Jacqs doesn’t have more potential than turning it into a butterflies & daisies experience!
What got to me most though, was the...lack of humor? Firefly is a series that made me cry from laughing so hard, not in the last place because of Jayne’s hilarious, politically incorrect character. He may be a dim-witted asshole, at least he is incredibly funny because of it. Since Turbulence is based on this very series and character, making comparisons is unavoidable. And unfortunately, those aren’t in Turbulence’s favor. Without Firefly’s signature humor, Jacqs simply is too bland a character for me to really enjoy reading about.
Still, there’s no doubt that Gala is a fantastic writer who has written a bunch of impressive works (for example; have you read Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts yet? You should!). And although this book didn’t live up to my expectations completely, its world will probably make the hearts of science fiction fans beat faster. Then there’s of course the Firefly factor. If you loved that series, I would definitely recommend reading The Only Way In Is Out and, if you like what you read, see for yourself if Turbulence works for you.
My love for that novella has a lot to do with the fact that I’m a Firefly fangirl. Addict. Crazy. To the extent that my hatred for Fox for canceling the show after only one season knows no boundaries and will be everlasting. For those who, oddly enough, have never heard of or watched Firefly and the conclusive film Serenity, you can find a few clues to Jayne’s personality in my review for The Only Way In Is Out. To answer your question: Yes, I think it’s necessary to be familiar with Firefly and Jayne’s character to appreciate what Gala did in The Only Way In Is Out. Chances are that you won’t get along with our Jayne here otherwise. Gala may have renamed him Jacqs; he still is a pretty special guy.
The novella barely stilled my hunger, so imagine my excitement when Gala expanded it into a book of no less than 340 pages! As it turns out I still like the original story best. Sure, Turbulence is well-written, has a couple of nice alpha on alpha sex scenes and the kind of testosterone fueled wrestling scenes that this author always does so well. But overall, some of the magic was lost for me in the extended part and I found that I had to really push myself to read on.
Pinpointing what precisely caused this... Jacqs’ personality as well as that of his love interest Zeke seemed to have changed rather dramatically in the extended part. If you, like me, are delighted when you come across unconventional heroes in your M/M, chances are that you will be a tad disappointed when the tough and boorish MC, who has only just discovered his sexuality, changes into a guy with mushy tendencies. There’s hand holding, there’s thinking about ‘the man he loves’ and both men worry about each other like mother hens. I had hoped their fling would take a more amusing and interesting direction. Don’t tell me sharing a bunk with a Jacqs doesn’t have more potential than turning it into a butterflies & daisies experience!
What got to me most though, was the...lack of humor? Firefly is a series that made me cry from laughing so hard, not in the last place because of Jayne’s hilarious, politically incorrect character. He may be a dim-witted asshole, at least he is incredibly funny because of it. Since Turbulence is based on this very series and character, making comparisons is unavoidable. And unfortunately, those aren’t in Turbulence’s favor. Without Firefly’s signature humor, Jacqs simply is too bland a character for me to really enjoy reading about.
Still, there’s no doubt that Gala is a fantastic writer who has written a bunch of impressive works (for example; have you read Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts yet? You should!). And although this book didn’t live up to my expectations completely, its world will probably make the hearts of science fiction fans beat faster. Then there’s of course the Firefly factor. If you loved that series, I would definitely recommend reading The Only Way In Is Out and, if you like what you read, see for yourself if Turbulence works for you.
May 26, 2014
Meh. Took me a long time to get into it. I wasn't crazy about Jacqs though he did grow on me. The story took A LOT of time to quantify various sexualities that I found tedious. Why does everything have to have a specific and precise label? I did get more interested as the story progressed. I think, essentially, it was more sci-fy than I was anticipating, but I can't say I didn't enjoy their… ahem, physicality. *eyebrow raise*
January 15, 2014
3.5 stars
Jacqs, brusque speech and a bristling demeanor get him into more trouble than he deserves. First impressions are not his friend, and silver-tongued he's not. While you're at it toss out PC, plays well with others and gives a shit. He truly is a man of action.
Zeke, a hero and recruitment poster dream. His appearance on the ship is a surprise in a couple different ways and it means change is a blowing. Experienced and being vetted for more, he's seen the front lines of this war and knows how ugly the truth is.
Experienced is the opposite of the Caridu personnel. With a crew so green one can only hope they don't run into anything.
What didn't work was the encyclopedia required to reference the various sexual identities in this book. I loved that there were so many, but crammed into a single book was a bit overload. I think it might have worked better to have fewer characters' orientations explained and kept the head spinning to a minimum.
Recommended to space opera fans and alpha v. alpha lovers
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Jacqs, brusque speech and a bristling demeanor get him into more trouble than he deserves. First impressions are not his friend, and silver-tongued he's not. While you're at it toss out PC, plays well with others and gives a shit. He truly is a man of action.
One of these days he had to learn how to schedule trouble for the last day of leave instead of the first.
Zeke, a hero and recruitment poster dream. His appearance on the ship is a surprise in a couple different ways and it means change is a blowing. Experienced and being vetted for more, he's seen the front lines of this war and knows how ugly the truth is.
Experienced is the opposite of the Caridu personnel. With a crew so green one can only hope they don't run into anything.
Compared to everyone else around here, she was only averagely incompetent.But even in the far reaches of space, things happen...
Life didn’t owe them one minute together, and now it looked like life felt a need to remind them all of that fact.Cue the hyperspace shift from the quiet complacency of daily ship life to mission orders received. There was nice development of the characters before the action intensified. Jacq's transformation during the story was less of a surprise to him than everyone else. Watching him and Zeke battle it out was fun. Actually, it was pretty darn hot. Seeing Jacq bite his tongue was funny and the ending was unexpected, untraditional, and I loved it.
What didn't work was the encyclopedia required to reference the various sexual identities in this book. I loved that there were so many, but crammed into a single book was a bit overload. I think it might have worked better to have fewer characters' orientations explained and kept the head spinning to a minimum.
Recommended to space opera fans and alpha v. alpha lovers
Favorite quote:
“The world’s going to take a shit on my head anywhere I go, but when we’re together, it’s easier to not think about how much it smells.”
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Want to read
October 22, 2013
I have a feeling this is going to be really good!
November 22, 2013
This is a fun, absorbing, very-accessible SciFi story, with enough thought in the setting and world-building to be plausible and interesting, but not so much that it demands close attention or detracts from the human story. The charm of the book is definitely in its POV character, Jacqs, who is unusual, memorable and worth spending time with.
Jacqs is an experienced soldier, a big man and a fighter, with a very straightforward world-view and attitude. He grew up in refugee camps and on a smugglers' ship, and somewhere along the way developed an extreme pragmatism. He also has a blindspot for bullshit - not that he doesn't recognize it when he sees it, but that he has no concept of why people feel compelled to spew it or live with it, or expect anyone to believe it or go along with it. He's not particularly intelligent, but he isn't stupid either, just simple, in perceptions and reactions.
When Jacqs believes something, he acts on it. This explains his current long assignment in a back-waters patrolling ship. His habit of acting on it is to punch out the guy who needs punching, regardless of what regulations say. Jacqs makes no allowances for status, whether the object of his ire is giving rotten food to starving refugees, or grabbing a woman roughly, whether she's a whore or no. He's been promoted and busted back half a dozen times, and just lives with that cycle.
Jacqs also has a blindspot he isn't aware of, for the variety of human sexual experiences and preferences. In this future, people register their preferences, to avoid misunderstanding. Jacqs is registered as hetero, and his loathing for the gay man on crew whom he knows best seems to reinforce that. But a new pan-sexual commander, who is also a veteran and a fighter, begins to tip his perceptions off-level. And it becomes clear that his background, size and belligerent attitude have kept him from figuring out who he really is. The new commander, Zeke, is about to change all that.
In a way, this character reminded me slightly of Al in Muscling Through - he doesn't have Al's fundamental sweetness and goodness, but he has the same clarity of vision that cuts to the heart of a situation without even realizing all the civilized obscuring layers exist. Of course, once he gets to the heart, Jacqs is likely to either fight it or fuck it, but there is a straightforwardness to him that is admirable to those who see it. And Zeke, the battle-front veteran with an artificial leg who lands on his ship, is a man who also can see through the appearance of things to their heart.
This was a fast, fun read with some hot sex scenes and a MC and his love interest who stand apart and fascinated me. I haven't read this author before, but I definitely will now. Highly recommended.
Jacqs is an experienced soldier, a big man and a fighter, with a very straightforward world-view and attitude. He grew up in refugee camps and on a smugglers' ship, and somewhere along the way developed an extreme pragmatism. He also has a blindspot for bullshit - not that he doesn't recognize it when he sees it, but that he has no concept of why people feel compelled to spew it or live with it, or expect anyone to believe it or go along with it. He's not particularly intelligent, but he isn't stupid either, just simple, in perceptions and reactions.
When Jacqs believes something, he acts on it. This explains his current long assignment in a back-waters patrolling ship. His habit of acting on it is to punch out the guy who needs punching, regardless of what regulations say. Jacqs makes no allowances for status, whether the object of his ire is giving rotten food to starving refugees, or grabbing a woman roughly, whether she's a whore or no. He's been promoted and busted back half a dozen times, and just lives with that cycle.
Jacqs also has a blindspot he isn't aware of, for the variety of human sexual experiences and preferences. In this future, people register their preferences, to avoid misunderstanding. Jacqs is registered as hetero, and his loathing for the gay man on crew whom he knows best seems to reinforce that. But a new pan-sexual commander, who is also a veteran and a fighter, begins to tip his perceptions off-level. And it becomes clear that his background, size and belligerent attitude have kept him from figuring out who he really is. The new commander, Zeke, is about to change all that.
In a way, this character reminded me slightly of Al in Muscling Through - he doesn't have Al's fundamental sweetness and goodness, but he has the same clarity of vision that cuts to the heart of a situation without even realizing all the civilized obscuring layers exist. Of course, once he gets to the heart, Jacqs is likely to either fight it or fuck it, but there is a straightforwardness to him that is admirable to those who see it. And Zeke, the battle-front veteran with an artificial leg who lands on his ship, is a man who also can see through the appearance of things to their heart.
This was a fast, fun read with some hot sex scenes and a MC and his love interest who stand apart and fascinated me. I haven't read this author before, but I definitely will now. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2014
This is officially out tomorrow. This is my longest piece since Blowback, and it's sci-fi. *fingers crossed*
June 13, 2019
Overall book rating: 4.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
It’s all be said in a great many wonderful reviews. But I have to confirm that taking so long to get around to reading this was a loss on my part.
I’m happy to say that I rectified that, and that I loved every moment of the journey.
Jacqs is something else. Not at all your average guy. He has a unique way of thinking and it makes him a real special character. Lots of people agree with me that in the beginning, he might seem a little ‘slow’ or ‘not-that-bright’, but he’s anything but. Telling about some of my favorite Jacqs moments will bring on a bit of a spoiler so I’m not going there, but trust me, trust he others, he is SPECIAL and you will LOVE him.
Zeke. Well he’s about the most perfect person to go stumbling onto the ship. The perfect person for Jacqs. Zeke grew up on the other side of life but he gets Jacqs like nobody ever has before.
They are so good to each other. There really isn’t much more to say.
I loved this story. I even cried. Again in one of my Jacqs moments. My heart broke for Zeke, for Jacqs and for the crew of this little outcast ship.
These guys are true hero’s. They are MY hero’s.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
It’s all be said in a great many wonderful reviews. But I have to confirm that taking so long to get around to reading this was a loss on my part.
I’m happy to say that I rectified that, and that I loved every moment of the journey.
Jacqs is something else. Not at all your average guy. He has a unique way of thinking and it makes him a real special character. Lots of people agree with me that in the beginning, he might seem a little ‘slow’ or ‘not-that-bright’, but he’s anything but. Telling about some of my favorite Jacqs moments will bring on a bit of a spoiler so I’m not going there, but trust me, trust he others, he is SPECIAL and you will LOVE him.
Zeke. Well he’s about the most perfect person to go stumbling onto the ship. The perfect person for Jacqs. Zeke grew up on the other side of life but he gets Jacqs like nobody ever has before.
They are so good to each other. There really isn’t much more to say.
I loved this story. I even cried. Again in one of my Jacqs moments. My heart broke for Zeke, for Jacqs and for the crew of this little outcast ship.
These guys are true hero’s. They are MY hero’s.
October 22, 2013
The first three chapters or so of this were released earlier this year as a short story (The Only Way Out Is In) from a prompt submitted for the Goodreads 2013 Love Has No Boundaries event. I will borrow from my review of that short for this longer version of the story.
Jacqs, a combat soldier demoted to lowly gunner on the spaceship Candiru, is based on a character in Firefly, a popular TV sci-fi series. And like his inspiration, he is a jerk. He seems to be constantly on the sexual prowl and to hear Jacqs talk, he has fended off and has no interest in the advances of ‘hypersexualized, queer-turned and pansexual types’. The lad doth protest too much, methinks.
”Jacqs had never sexed a male. He was pure het. Always had been, always would be.”
Lesson one: never say never…
It’s so easy to dislike him. Uncouth, dim, narrow-minded… What is up with this guy? But, there is a little more to the picture, hints of an early life full of hardship, neglect, and abuse—
“Jacqs couldn’t quite imagine telling anyone how he felt sick inside watching people get bullied.”
From the age of eight he grew up fending for himself, living in a refugee camp, fighting for scraps… That could explain a few things.
When his new CO, Zeke Waters, comes on board, things start changing and one of them is Jacqs. Hidden under all the bluster we see there is a heart. Training sessions between the two on a sparring mat turn into a different kind of mating dance. Worthy opponents with similar life experiences, Zeke and Jacqs could be a match made in heaven.
It’s little wonder that Jacqs is so focused on sexual categorization, there is a lot of it in this world where people register their sexual identities (see the glossary at the end of the book). It’s perhaps overused in the story… at least that’s how it felt at times… But, it’s a huge clue that Jacqs has only been interested in a certain type of woman: tough, aggressive, and usually for sale. Zeke (registered pansexual) is strong, ambitious and self confident. When he shows up onboard he brings a different kind of officer, one who will listen and study his crew, and use logic to train them into better soldiers (after all there is a war on and the alien ‘batfaces’ are an ever-present threat). Jacqs comes to a realization that what attracts him sexually may not be gender-based as much as it is attraction to certain character attributes.
I do find it amazing how much Jacqs changes in the story, but I chalk it up to personal growth and his meeting ‘the right person at the right time’. And having more room for understanding and experimentation. So, Jacqs’ character does a huge turn-around and we see that he’s not only flexible at survival but in love too.
The author craftily expands the short story, coloring in the characters and giving them depth. While this is where the writing shines, in the character build, the middle part of the story stalls for me because of it. I keep thinking… but there’s a war raging out there and we seem stuck on this ship with a lot of talk and introspection.
This is the only real issue I have with the pacing, I wish it had been interspersed with a bit more action. Finally, the crew gets called to a dangerous mission to rescue a diplomatic ship which has crash landed and needs help with repairs. Jacqs is sent out with some of the other crew. This action sequence is great and brings the pacing back up to speed and maintains it to the end.
The sex, as expected, is very good. Even more, there is a helluva sweet scene of zero gravity sexing (‘zexting’)— a first in my sci-fi reading…
“… Jacqs grabbed Zeke’s hips and used sheer force to pull himself down onto Zeke and hold himself there as he thrust into him… the physics of reaction threatened to send Jacqs sailing away... the lack of gravity tried to steal that hard edge that he needed to come… small drops of cum slipped free of their bodies and floated up, tiny white pearls scattered between them.”
A fun scene, and visualizing the clean-up afterwards… oh, yeah…
It’s the last half of the book when the action picks up that elevates it for me. The enemy aliens finally make an appearance, and there is some good political intrigue and high drama. The ending, though, while clever, feels unsettled. It’s another big change for these two guys and I can’t quite buy that this is it for them.
Kudos to the author for taking a prompt that asked for a not very likable character and turning him around, while managing to keep him true to himself. Again, great characters and world-building, and some great action.
For this review, give-aways, author interviews, and much more:
April 20, 2024
4.5 stars
It did drag a little in the middle.
Love Jacqs :)
It did drag a little in the middle.
Love Jacqs :)
December 28, 2014
I loved this, and I do NOT usually read sci fi.
This book features two very hot alpha males. I know, Jacqs was scarred and blunt to a fault, but I just loved that about him. He wasn't educated, but he had more common sense than almost all of his crew mates. He was adamantly straight, until he met the new Commander for his ship, Zeke.
Zeke was also scarred, as good soldiers tend to be. Both of these men were of the take no shit variety, and they meshed really well. Their fight/training scenes were just as hot as their sex scenes, and their sex scenes were smoking- passionate and violent and perfect.
Jacqs doesn't do the typical "I can't be gay!" wangsting around, he realized there was a lot to sex and sexual preference than he'd ever known, and he knows that happiness and feeling good is in short supply where he is from, so when he finds a piece of happiness, he grabs on and does not let go. I loved that about him. I loved that there were hidden depths behind his gruff exterior, and I loved that, because of Zeke, his crew finally realized that and came to appreciate who and what he really was.
I do remember that this book originally came from a short story written for a reader with Firefly's Jayne in mind, and knowing that, I did have his voice in my head a lot of the time, but fortunately I was able to disconnect his face and put my own on it. I had tons of fun reading this, and might have to rethink my usual no sci fi stance.
This book features two very hot alpha males. I know, Jacqs was scarred and blunt to a fault, but I just loved that about him. He wasn't educated, but he had more common sense than almost all of his crew mates. He was adamantly straight, until he met the new Commander for his ship, Zeke.
Zeke was also scarred, as good soldiers tend to be. Both of these men were of the take no shit variety, and they meshed really well. Their fight/training scenes were just as hot as their sex scenes, and their sex scenes were smoking- passionate and violent and perfect.
Jacqs doesn't do the typical "I can't be gay!" wangsting around, he realized there was a lot to sex and sexual preference than he'd ever known, and he knows that happiness and feeling good is in short supply where he is from, so when he finds a piece of happiness, he grabs on and does not let go. I loved that about him. I loved that there were hidden depths behind his gruff exterior, and I loved that, because of Zeke, his crew finally realized that and came to appreciate who and what he really was.
I do remember that this book originally came from a short story written for a reader with Firefly's Jayne in mind, and knowing that, I did have his voice in my head a lot of the time, but fortunately I was able to disconnect his face and put my own on it. I had tons of fun reading this, and might have to rethink my usual no sci fi stance.
October 4, 2014
Gah! Outstanding user-friendly homoerotic sci-fi saga. Fantastic imperfect characterization depth and originality. What a well-written world!
September 24, 2022
OK so I DNFed this thing at first, but then I had nothing better to do so I read it. Even paid to continue reading past the sample.
A few reviewers complained about the endless explaining of the various sexualities, that there was too much emphasis on that. I agree. This was where I felt bored.
But once I got past that in the beginning and Jac and Walker began to engage in earnest, and then the intrigue with battles and batface aliens happened, it got a lot more interesting. The sex was fine. Happened frequently, even one scene with zero gravity, but I've read a whole lot hotter in MM romances, so it was just OK.
Overall worth a read. I ended up liking Jac quite a bit. And I give credit to this book for being an alpha-alpha MM romance. These types are rare and to be covetted!
A few reviewers complained about the endless explaining of the various sexualities, that there was too much emphasis on that. I agree. This was where I felt bored.
But once I got past that in the beginning and Jac and Walker began to engage in earnest, and then the intrigue with battles and batface aliens happened, it got a lot more interesting. The sex was fine. Happened frequently, even one scene with zero gravity, but I've read a whole lot hotter in MM romances, so it was just OK.
Overall worth a read. I ended up liking Jac quite a bit. And I give credit to this book for being an alpha-alpha MM romance. These types are rare and to be covetted!
July 25, 2016
3.5 stars
Took me a while to get into it, but I ended up liking 'Turbulence' quite a lot.
Jacqs Glebov isn't popular on his ship, but that's not a problem because he doesn't like his shipmates anyway. He's too brash and straight-forward for the delicate inexperienced flowers he bunks with. Jacqs is a gunner on a patrol ship in a remote and relatively calm region, which is incredibly boring.
When their ship gets a new commander, Zeke Waters, Jacqs thinks he's finally found a comrade-in-arms. Zeke has also served at the front, and knows the reality of the war. He's tough, and willing to make the decisions that will get the job done. As Jacqs and Zeke get to closer, the electricity between them is hard to deny. Jacqs hasn't considered sleeping with men before, but he's willing to give it a try with Zeke.
This book wasn't at all what I was expecting. The action is minimal, and comes much later in the book. The focus, instead, is on the crew of the Candiru and how they interact with each other, cut off from the rest of human society in a small ship.
I thought that the story was too slow at times, especially in the first half. There were just so many discussions about different sexual identities that I could read. It felt very lecture-y. I was happy when the story picked up and we got more of a traditional sci-fi plot.
The chemistry between Jacqs and Zeke was off the charts, and that was clear from the start. Though it takes Jacqs a while to catch on to why he feels drawn to Zeke, he doesn't hold back once he accepts that his sexuality wasn't as rigid as he'd thought. The two go at each other hard, and don't waste any opportunity to get frisky.
Their emotional connection was likewise undeniable. I could understand what they saw in each other, beyond the hot sex. These are two hardened men looking for an equal, someone to go head-to-head with. Their verbal and physical sparring was entertaining, and sweet. Jacqs and Zeke just made sense together. The happy ending might not be conventional, but I thought it was perfect for Jacqs and Zeke.
Overall, I enjoyed Jacqs and Zeke's sci-fi MM romance.
Took me a while to get into it, but I ended up liking 'Turbulence' quite a lot.
Jacqs Glebov isn't popular on his ship, but that's not a problem because he doesn't like his shipmates anyway. He's too brash and straight-forward for the delicate inexperienced flowers he bunks with. Jacqs is a gunner on a patrol ship in a remote and relatively calm region, which is incredibly boring.
When their ship gets a new commander, Zeke Waters, Jacqs thinks he's finally found a comrade-in-arms. Zeke has also served at the front, and knows the reality of the war. He's tough, and willing to make the decisions that will get the job done. As Jacqs and Zeke get to closer, the electricity between them is hard to deny. Jacqs hasn't considered sleeping with men before, but he's willing to give it a try with Zeke.
This book wasn't at all what I was expecting. The action is minimal, and comes much later in the book. The focus, instead, is on the crew of the Candiru and how they interact with each other, cut off from the rest of human society in a small ship.
I thought that the story was too slow at times, especially in the first half. There were just so many discussions about different sexual identities that I could read. It felt very lecture-y. I was happy when the story picked up and we got more of a traditional sci-fi plot.
The chemistry between Jacqs and Zeke was off the charts, and that was clear from the start. Though it takes Jacqs a while to catch on to why he feels drawn to Zeke, he doesn't hold back once he accepts that his sexuality wasn't as rigid as he'd thought. The two go at each other hard, and don't waste any opportunity to get frisky.
Their emotional connection was likewise undeniable. I could understand what they saw in each other, beyond the hot sex. These are two hardened men looking for an equal, someone to go head-to-head with. Their verbal and physical sparring was entertaining, and sweet. Jacqs and Zeke just made sense together. The happy ending might not be conventional, but I thought it was perfect for Jacqs and Zeke.
Overall, I enjoyed Jacqs and Zeke's sci-fi MM romance.
November 21, 2013
4 sparkly stars!! I'm sad that it's over :(
This book centers around a man named Jacqs. He is a simple man really. He wants to do his job, do it well, and pretty much be left alone because he thinks that most people are idiots. Although he also considers himself to be stupid at times because he tends to say and do things that get him into trouble with his superior officers. He is blunt to a fault, but honest. He has a good heart, but doesn't need anyone to fuss over him. There is a war between two races, he knows his place in the war, and he understands the reality of it. He doesn't beat around the bush and he's usually a little more than grouchy on his best day. Or, in a nutshell, he's awesome!
Zeke enters the story as Jacqs commanding officer. He's an excellent soldier, and good with people. He sees through Jacqs's bluntness and they become friends as they both like to spar and neither likes to lose. The perfect match!
As the story builds, so does the relationship. The war takes on some twists and tough decisions need to be made.
I loved the story and both of the main characters. I loved how Jacqs would put things into his own perspective and just blurt out what was in his head before really thinking about it. I really loved him with Zeke! I'm definitely glad that I read this sooner rather than later! Excellent read, two thumbs up!
This book centers around a man named Jacqs. He is a simple man really. He wants to do his job, do it well, and pretty much be left alone because he thinks that most people are idiots. Although he also considers himself to be stupid at times because he tends to say and do things that get him into trouble with his superior officers. He is blunt to a fault, but honest. He has a good heart, but doesn't need anyone to fuss over him. There is a war between two races, he knows his place in the war, and he understands the reality of it. He doesn't beat around the bush and he's usually a little more than grouchy on his best day. Or, in a nutshell, he's awesome!
Zeke enters the story as Jacqs commanding officer. He's an excellent soldier, and good with people. He sees through Jacqs's bluntness and they become friends as they both like to spar and neither likes to lose. The perfect match!
As the story builds, so does the relationship. The war takes on some twists and tough decisions need to be made.
I loved the story and both of the main characters. I loved how Jacqs would put things into his own perspective and just blurt out what was in his head before really thinking about it. I really loved him with Zeke! I'm definitely glad that I read this sooner rather than later! Excellent read, two thumbs up!
July 11, 2014
I liked this a lot.
I liked Jacqs and Zeke. Loved their chemistry. Great world creation.
Some of the conversations were a little silly, I think not purposefully. Also I felt like it was a bit long. Also a lot of sex scenes. I think I skimmed two. The ending left me kind of wanting more as well.
Overall, though, fantastic sci0fi read. Would rec.
I liked Jacqs and Zeke. Loved their chemistry. Great world creation.
Some of the conversations were a little silly, I think not purposefully. Also I felt like it was a bit long. Also a lot of sex scenes. I think I skimmed two. The ending left me kind of wanting more as well.
Overall, though, fantastic sci0fi read. Would rec.
Want to read
November 20, 2016Thank you so much for the gift, Paul!! <3
April 12, 2021
I really like the way Lyn Gala does sci-fi. And Jacqs was so unlikeable in the first few pages that I'm not sure I would have kept going if this wasn't an author I already trusted! Luckily, we very quickly start to see the man behind the mouth, and it didn't take long for me to love him.
The friendship-building in Part 1 is lovely, and the action of Part 2 is great. I wish it hadn't gone warp speed in the sexual discovery/feels department in between, but the disconnect between Part 3 and the rest actually bothered me more.
From what I can tell, this was originally written as a shorter story and then lengthened later, and I'm guessing that's what caused the noticeable pacing/momentum problem. I think it would have been the perfect opportunity to fix the pacing of the relationship development between the first two parts, which would have made that final part seem less like a placeholder that's just counting time until we can get to the final action scene/resolution, but overall it worked fine. I even liked the ending for the most part, as odd as it was.
But I don't actually read with a critical eye, especially when I'm enjoying something as much as I enjoyed this, so the fact that I can still remember the structural problems so well 10 days (and 10 books) later, means they were pretty jarring. Definitely affected the rating.
The friendship-building in Part 1 is lovely, and the action of Part 2 is great. I wish it hadn't gone warp speed in the sexual discovery/feels department in between, but the disconnect between Part 3 and the rest actually bothered me more.
From what I can tell, this was originally written as a shorter story and then lengthened later, and I'm guessing that's what caused the noticeable pacing/momentum problem. I think it would have been the perfect opportunity to fix the pacing of the relationship development between the first two parts, which would have made that final part seem less like a placeholder that's just counting time until we can get to the final action scene/resolution, but overall it worked fine. I even liked the ending for the most part, as odd as it was.
But I don't actually read with a critical eye, especially when I'm enjoying something as much as I enjoyed this, so the fact that I can still remember the structural problems so well 10 days (and 10 books) later, means they were pretty jarring. Definitely affected the rating.
December 24, 2013
This sprung from a freebie Firefly fic The only Way Out Is In The characters of the first book were an instant hit with me so I was excited to read this extended version and see more of them, however it didn't quite win me over.
The original story blends into the first chapters rather than a cut and paste job. The basic characters are the same; uncouth Jacq with his rough smarts and the weathered military Zeke. They're Men, they clash together in a testosterone fuelled blaze.
All good. Yet somehow the book falls flat. In fact, in this longer version the characters loose a lot of their power. Jacq's not as feisty as I'd have hoped and Zeke becomes a dispensable soldier sent to be out of sight. Also they both start fussing over each other and worrying every minute... Side characters mostly blend into the background not getting developed any more than in the freebie. The world getting bigger makes the characters appear smaller.
Gala took a risk making this sci-fi story about mere cogs in the great battle machine. You're not looking at your Kirk or Picard boldly going anywhere, this ship is far from the main battle and power roles. Ultimately humanity isn't even the victorious side. To me this perspective was an unusual one and a challenging one to attempt, yet unfortunately its a big part of what steals the appeal from the book. Gala created two strong men then left them to flounder - everything happens to them and they seem strangely passive about it. All the masochism, bluster, viritole, wasted. Also none of the humour that gave the Firefly crew their charm.
I expected to see the crew put to the test, it felt more that they sailed off unscathed leaving our 'heroes' behind. The enemy race didn't give me any sense of menace, the very brief look we have of them seemed anti-climax. And the ending left me very undecided I felt unsatisfied finishing the book, the ending very meh and made them pointless in the large scheme of things.
Its not bad, its well written and there are things to like here, but the freebie set too high a precedent. The free version I'd recommend and read again, this longer version I'm far less likely too, though if you enjoyed the first you may well like this.
The original story blends into the first chapters rather than a cut and paste job. The basic characters are the same; uncouth Jacq with his rough smarts and the weathered military Zeke. They're Men, they clash together in a testosterone fuelled blaze.
All good. Yet somehow the book falls flat. In fact, in this longer version the characters loose a lot of their power. Jacq's not as feisty as I'd have hoped and Zeke becomes a dispensable soldier sent to be out of sight. Also they both start fussing over each other and worrying every minute... Side characters mostly blend into the background not getting developed any more than in the freebie. The world getting bigger makes the characters appear smaller.
Gala took a risk making this sci-fi story about mere cogs in the great battle machine. You're not looking at your Kirk or Picard boldly going anywhere, this ship is far from the main battle and power roles. Ultimately humanity isn't even the victorious side. To me this perspective was an unusual one and a challenging one to attempt, yet unfortunately its a big part of what steals the appeal from the book. Gala created two strong men then left them to flounder - everything happens to them and they seem strangely passive about it. All the masochism, bluster, viritole, wasted. Also none of the humour that gave the Firefly crew their charm.
I expected to see the crew put to the test, it felt more that they sailed off unscathed leaving our 'heroes' behind. The enemy race didn't give me any sense of menace, the very brief look we have of them seemed anti-climax. And the ending left me very undecided I felt unsatisfied finishing the book, the ending very meh and made them pointless in the large scheme of things.
Its not bad, its well written and there are things to like here, but the freebie set too high a precedent. The free version I'd recommend and read again, this longer version I'm far less likely too, though if you enjoyed the first you may well like this.
October 3, 2015
This was a bit of a surprise, it started off with mostly sex between new commander Zeke and old hand crew member Jacqs but then turned into a really exciting story. I then found myself almost wanting to skip the sex scenes (which were great btw!) to find out what happened. Although this is a complete story I didn't realise until right at the end that it's part of a series. I'm torn as the next book is a het romance - which I don't enjoy - however, it's a continuation of Zeke and Jacqe's story and I'm dying to find out what happened to them! Tough decision....
October 25, 2013
4.5 stars
I don't think I've enjoyed Lyn Gala's book this much in a long, long time. My two favorite books of hers are Urban Shaman and Gathering Storm. And, now, Turbulence has joined them.
I know the book started as a short story (which I didn't read) and was inspired by Firefly and Jacqs by the character of Jane. There are some similarities, but this is a world of its own. I guess, part of your enjoyment in the book will depend on how much you like Jacqs - and I liked him plenty.
Jacqs is socially retarded and uneducated, but he has heart and courage and he will find a way to your heart. It's easy to dismiss him as dumb (something even he does), but that is far from truth. He grew up in refugee camps and was abducted by smugglers before he joined the military in the ongoing war with aliens. He has a strong protective streak and often fights bullies which leads him to trouble. He grew up believing that homosexuals and pansexuals (you'll have to read the book to get the complex way people see sexuality in this world) are weak, so, in the beginning, he appears bigoted in a very redneck way. But, once he realizes that is not true - thanks to Zeke - he throws himself in a relationship with no qualms whatsoever, surprising everyone. It was wonderful to see how people's opinion about him changed throughout the book and how he manages to make friends even without trying.
Zeke is and officer who lost his leg and his crew and was sent to Jacqs's ship to hone his leadership. He grew up quite differntly than Jacqs and, while he knows well the realities of war, a part of him still believes that he can change the world. Jacqs is there to give him piece of his mind - unvarnished truth every time. He is a brilliant officer who listens and wants to better his crew for their own sake. He and Jacqs compliment each other perfectly - in bed and out of it. Their training and bed sessions were hot beyond words and their banter had me grinning on more than one occasion.
This world is at war, so there is little world-building that isn't connected to it. The humanity is tired, its resources dwindling and aliens ('batfaces') encroaching its territory. When their ship is called to rescue a stranded vessel, Jacqs and Zeke and their crew get involved in a secret mission that could determine the destiny of human kind. The action picks up and both Jacqs and Zeke get tested.
Now, I can't say I am particularly fond of the ending. Don't worry, our guys are together and happy, but... it just didn't ring completely true. It was more attuned to Jacqs's personality and life than to Zeke's - to Jacqs, the life is better than ever and that is not difficult to achieve considering. Still, I could not see them settling into new life completely. These two guys have spent their entire lives fighting and I could see them taking a breather, but could not see them just accepting this new fate. I know that the author plans another book in this world (with M/F pairing - Shank Lacroix and Allie Grah, two of guys' ship mates), but I sincerely hope she plans another book with these two men - another adventure. Plus, Allie promised to come back for them and I hold her to her word.
Overall, this is a good sci-fi novel with great characters - and I would love to hear from them again.
I don't think I've enjoyed Lyn Gala's book this much in a long, long time. My two favorite books of hers are Urban Shaman and Gathering Storm. And, now, Turbulence has joined them.
I know the book started as a short story (which I didn't read) and was inspired by Firefly and Jacqs by the character of Jane. There are some similarities, but this is a world of its own. I guess, part of your enjoyment in the book will depend on how much you like Jacqs - and I liked him plenty.
Jacqs is socially retarded and uneducated, but he has heart and courage and he will find a way to your heart. It's easy to dismiss him as dumb (something even he does), but that is far from truth. He grew up in refugee camps and was abducted by smugglers before he joined the military in the ongoing war with aliens. He has a strong protective streak and often fights bullies which leads him to trouble. He grew up believing that homosexuals and pansexuals (you'll have to read the book to get the complex way people see sexuality in this world) are weak, so, in the beginning, he appears bigoted in a very redneck way. But, once he realizes that is not true - thanks to Zeke - he throws himself in a relationship with no qualms whatsoever, surprising everyone. It was wonderful to see how people's opinion about him changed throughout the book and how he manages to make friends even without trying.
Zeke is and officer who lost his leg and his crew and was sent to Jacqs's ship to hone his leadership. He grew up quite differntly than Jacqs and, while he knows well the realities of war, a part of him still believes that he can change the world. Jacqs is there to give him piece of his mind - unvarnished truth every time. He is a brilliant officer who listens and wants to better his crew for their own sake. He and Jacqs compliment each other perfectly - in bed and out of it. Their training and bed sessions were hot beyond words and their banter had me grinning on more than one occasion.
This world is at war, so there is little world-building that isn't connected to it. The humanity is tired, its resources dwindling and aliens ('batfaces') encroaching its territory. When their ship is called to rescue a stranded vessel, Jacqs and Zeke and their crew get involved in a secret mission that could determine the destiny of human kind. The action picks up and both Jacqs and Zeke get tested.
Now, I can't say I am particularly fond of the ending. Don't worry, our guys are together and happy, but... it just didn't ring completely true. It was more attuned to Jacqs's personality and life than to Zeke's - to Jacqs, the life is better than ever and that is not difficult to achieve considering. Still, I could not see them settling into new life completely. These two guys have spent their entire lives fighting and I could see them taking a breather, but could not see them just accepting this new fate. I know that the author plans another book in this world (with M/F pairing - Shank Lacroix and Allie Grah, two of guys' ship mates), but I sincerely hope she plans another book with these two men - another adventure. Plus, Allie promised to come back for them and I hold her to her word.
Overall, this is a good sci-fi novel with great characters - and I would love to hear from them again.
June 30, 2022
I love a good Lyn Gala sci-fi romance, and Turbulence has all the stuff she does best. Extremely exciting battle scenes, smoking hot sex and romance, and a super cool new world.
July 4, 2014
Man, what a ride. 5 stars for Jacqs alone.
Man, did I get sucked into this story, this world and these characters or what? You get the gist from the blurb right? I’m not going to go into what Turbulence is all about, read the blurb and you’ve got the basics. I want to tell you about all the things that make this so much more than sci-fi, M/M romance.
I love M/M romance stories. You know, the 100+ page stories about the relationship, there’s some angst, some self-discovery and then an HEA?
Those?
I love those. But, if you read too many in a row, it won’t matter how good they are, they are going to run together and that’s not fair to them. You’ve got to have a book that is going to give you more and take you somewhere else in there too. This is one of those books.
There is an incredible amount of world building and politics that needed to be explained but it never read like an instruction manual or a laundry list of rules and regs. The history and state of their world evolved organically with the story and I was never left confused as to why or who. After reading Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts I can see how Lyn Gala is a master of this. Being that the bulk of the story takes place on one spaceship, the Candiru, while the earth is at war, the situation has a monumental impact on the crew and every part of their lives. Knowing what is happening and learning about Jacqs’ past explains everything about who he is and why he acts the way he does.
So, Jacqs. One of the most memorable characters I’ve read. He’s big, he’s rough, he’s scary and he likes it that way. He keeps people at arms-length on purpose. He’s a simple man who has no tolerance for stupidity and indecision. Problem is, he deals with it daily as much of the crew on his ship are either fresh out of training and/or have never been to the front to experience the true impact of the war.
“Jacqs snorted. Stupidity didn’t deserve more of a response than that.”
A new captain is assigned to his ship and Zeke confuses Jacqs to no end. Their dialog is classic and I loved reading it. Jacqs is one of those characters who can be witty without meaning to be, brilliant on accident and insightful to the point of being scary. Unfortunately a lot of those qualities get buried in his gruff delivery and overall lack of social skills and no one really takes the time to know the real Jacqs. Fortunately for Jacqs, Zeke does come along and he does see and more importantly, he appreciates Jacqs for who he is. Scars and all.
What was so incredibly refreshing about the relationship between Jacqs and Zeke was Jacqs reaction to the fact that he wasn’t the het he thought he was. He didn’t freak out, get overly aggressive or push Zeke away. He went to Zeke and TALKED about it. What a novel idea and interesting concept. As an FYI - Sexuality in this world is very different and it was incredibly interesting to read about the dynamics, and that made Jacqs reaction believable and completely normal for him. Jacqs not the kind of guy to back away from something, so he barrels right in and gets a handle on who he is and who he can be for Zeke.
As the two become closer and Jacqs gets the major revelation about his sexuality, the reality of the war comes to the ship and the real tension and worry that the two have for each other is so well done and I got completely wrapped up in the mission. I really felt the confusion and stress that they were under when Jacqs finally made it back to the ship. The war they knew was changing and they had no clue what was coming for their future.
There is just so much crazy stress as the war seems to be coming to an end and not a favorable one for the humans. Thankfully Jacqs and Zeke did have some great stress relieving activity throughout and their chemistry together was off the charts. I loved that Zeke truly appreciated everything about Jacqs and those little moments as Jacqs was figuring that out were quite sweet.
I really had no idea how this was going to end. You really have to read it to get the full impact of their situation on what turns out to be their last mission. It was really well played out and I loved how it turned out for them. Even though it wasn’t any kind of a traditional HEA, it was for them and their world.
There are WAY too many great Jacqs quotes to pick out just one or two to give a taste of how he thinks. I do think this thought process about his sexuality sums up Jacqs well:
Jacqs didn’t rightly like self-introspection. It never led to good things. It didn’t even lead to mediocre things, not in his estimation. But, at the same time, he’d never run away from a fight in his life, not when it came to bullies in the camps, not when he’d faced off against the batfaces for the first time, and not when he had demons rolling around in his head. He battled them, and he either won or lost the fight, but he didn’t go hiding.
Thanks to Lyn Gala for being our AotM, this was good times for me!
Man, did I get sucked into this story, this world and these characters or what? You get the gist from the blurb right? I’m not going to go into what Turbulence is all about, read the blurb and you’ve got the basics. I want to tell you about all the things that make this so much more than sci-fi, M/M romance.
I love M/M romance stories. You know, the 100+ page stories about the relationship, there’s some angst, some self-discovery and then an HEA?
Those?
I love those. But, if you read too many in a row, it won’t matter how good they are, they are going to run together and that’s not fair to them. You’ve got to have a book that is going to give you more and take you somewhere else in there too. This is one of those books.
There is an incredible amount of world building and politics that needed to be explained but it never read like an instruction manual or a laundry list of rules and regs. The history and state of their world evolved organically with the story and I was never left confused as to why or who. After reading Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts I can see how Lyn Gala is a master of this. Being that the bulk of the story takes place on one spaceship, the Candiru, while the earth is at war, the situation has a monumental impact on the crew and every part of their lives. Knowing what is happening and learning about Jacqs’ past explains everything about who he is and why he acts the way he does.
So, Jacqs. One of the most memorable characters I’ve read. He’s big, he’s rough, he’s scary and he likes it that way. He keeps people at arms-length on purpose. He’s a simple man who has no tolerance for stupidity and indecision. Problem is, he deals with it daily as much of the crew on his ship are either fresh out of training and/or have never been to the front to experience the true impact of the war.
“Jacqs snorted. Stupidity didn’t deserve more of a response than that.”
A new captain is assigned to his ship and Zeke confuses Jacqs to no end. Their dialog is classic and I loved reading it. Jacqs is one of those characters who can be witty without meaning to be, brilliant on accident and insightful to the point of being scary. Unfortunately a lot of those qualities get buried in his gruff delivery and overall lack of social skills and no one really takes the time to know the real Jacqs. Fortunately for Jacqs, Zeke does come along and he does see and more importantly, he appreciates Jacqs for who he is. Scars and all.
What was so incredibly refreshing about the relationship between Jacqs and Zeke was Jacqs reaction to the fact that he wasn’t the het he thought he was. He didn’t freak out, get overly aggressive or push Zeke away. He went to Zeke and TALKED about it. What a novel idea and interesting concept. As an FYI - Sexuality in this world is very different and it was incredibly interesting to read about the dynamics, and that made Jacqs reaction believable and completely normal for him. Jacqs not the kind of guy to back away from something, so he barrels right in and gets a handle on who he is and who he can be for Zeke.
As the two become closer and Jacqs gets the major revelation about his sexuality, the reality of the war comes to the ship and the real tension and worry that the two have for each other is so well done and I got completely wrapped up in the mission. I really felt the confusion and stress that they were under when Jacqs finally made it back to the ship. The war they knew was changing and they had no clue what was coming for their future.
There is just so much crazy stress as the war seems to be coming to an end and not a favorable one for the humans. Thankfully Jacqs and Zeke did have some great stress relieving activity throughout and their chemistry together was off the charts. I loved that Zeke truly appreciated everything about Jacqs and those little moments as Jacqs was figuring that out were quite sweet.
I really had no idea how this was going to end. You really have to read it to get the full impact of their situation on what turns out to be their last mission. It was really well played out and I loved how it turned out for them. Even though it wasn’t any kind of a traditional HEA, it was for them and their world.
There are WAY too many great Jacqs quotes to pick out just one or two to give a taste of how he thinks. I do think this thought process about his sexuality sums up Jacqs well:
Jacqs didn’t rightly like self-introspection. It never led to good things. It didn’t even lead to mediocre things, not in his estimation. But, at the same time, he’d never run away from a fight in his life, not when it came to bullies in the camps, not when he’d faced off against the batfaces for the first time, and not when he had demons rolling around in his head. He battled them, and he either won or lost the fight, but he didn’t go hiding.
Thanks to Lyn Gala for being our AotM, this was good times for me!
January 3, 2015
Signal To Noise 2.0, except with hunky alpha soldiers instead of twinky twins. Also more action, more character and relationship development, a juicier and more complex plot, more sex and a shittier ending.
The rating is a little misleading, because to be fair, I enjoyed this book an enormous amount. Jacqs in an awesome main character, refreshing and likeable, mostly because of his remarkable self-awareness and rationality (and the sass. Oh, yeah, and the unbelievable goodness of his golden little heart). He doesn't make a big deal out of the little things, 'cause he's got big deals and he's got little things. (I'M SORRY)
The whole crew is intriguing, colourful and sympathetic. (And then they die, but that's not the point.)
The side of the story that's more focused on politics is surprisingly exciting even when there isn't any killing and shooting and running being done, and the killing and shooting and running are adrenalinic and visual.
And still, at the end of this adventure, I'm feeling kind of underwhelmed.
Maybe because the story did end up being a little too drawn out, even though I was anticipating a longer, meatier book about Jacqs and Zeke and the Candiru. Or maybe because the ending is completely shit, and I can't even figure out if it's supposed to be an inadequately satisfying conclusion or just a poorly disguised cliffhanger.
I'm obviously going to read Drift, and I'm going to read it soon, because Lyn Gala is Lyn Gala and this is, all things considered, a damn good book.
The rating is a little misleading, because to be fair, I enjoyed this book an enormous amount. Jacqs in an awesome main character, refreshing and likeable, mostly because of his remarkable self-awareness and rationality (and the sass. Oh, yeah, and the unbelievable goodness of his golden little heart). He doesn't make a big deal out of the little things, 'cause he's got big deals and he's got little things. (I'M SORRY)
The whole crew is intriguing, colourful and sympathetic. (And then they die, but that's not the point.)
The side of the story that's more focused on politics is surprisingly exciting even when there isn't any killing and shooting and running being done, and the killing and shooting and running are adrenalinic and visual.
And still, at the end of this adventure, I'm feeling kind of underwhelmed.
Maybe because the story did end up being a little too drawn out, even though I was anticipating a longer, meatier book about Jacqs and Zeke and the Candiru. Or maybe because the ending is completely shit, and I can't even figure out if it's supposed to be an inadequately satisfying conclusion or just a poorly disguised cliffhanger.
I'm obviously going to read Drift, and I'm going to read it soon, because Lyn Gala is Lyn Gala and this is, all things considered, a damn good book.
November 10, 2018
The MC, Jacqus Glebov is based on Jayne (from the show "Firefly" - if you haven't seen it yet, you should do it!). And when I found that out I really thought I'd hate the book. I was actually really trying not to like Jac but I ended up kind of liking him despite all my efforts :P
The story was interesting and it kept me going (except I got a bit bored during the sexing because I'm not in the mood for sex scenes these days) and the ending was unexpected. I'm not sure I want to read about Grah in book two though, she really got on my nerves... but Ms. Gala would probably make me love her too, so I'll give it a shot.
The story was interesting and it kept me going (except I got a bit bored during the sexing because I'm not in the mood for sex scenes these days) and the ending was unexpected. I'm not sure I want to read about Grah in book two though, she really got on my nerves... but Ms. Gala would probably make me love her too, so I'll give it a shot.
November 21, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this reading experience. I think I’ve realized I’m more of a sci-fi ‘watcher’ than I am a sci-fi ‘reader’… mostly. I say mostly because I’ve read a few books this year that were set in far off places and loved them, still think about them, went on to buy one as an actual, honest to goodness, real live book after having read the e-book.
Having said that, I think I have to be in the mood to read the necessarily unavoidable long passages involved in presenting a whole new universe that is ample enough to draw me in. And the details are there: I can see the sparring room, I can feel the scrape of Zeke’s leg against the bedframe, I can hear Jacqs’ grumbling voice when he listens to Zeke and holds his tongue, the better for both of them. I can turn my nose up at the slop from the food replicator, see the pallor on the alcoholic captain’s face and hear the groans of both of these men as they go at it, and they do.
Believe me, I’m as shocked at my reaction to this story as any of you who know me. You’re talking to a girl whose first crush at the age of five and a half was a swashbuckling smartass by the name of Han Solo back in ’77. Hell, Greedo is eyeing me from a bookshelf as I type this. And the character on which Jacqs is based is a most enjoyable and integral part of the universe that is that television program.
If you’re someone who absolutely loves all of the minutiae of a world, even if the story is a bit thin in places, then you will enjoy reading this book. There is an 8-course meal ready and waiting for you.
Details and cultural factors in this story felt obvious to me, as in parallels to or commentary on our current society. All at once, certain aspects of this universe felt appalling and yet freeing – a complicated mix, quite a feat. If only it resulted in a stronger reaction from me. I guess using the word ‘appalling’ would indicate strong feelings, but not really. I had to step outside of the story to gauge my own reaction, put myself in the place of the characters, instead of feeling it from them. It should be a seamless transaction, the transference of emotion from character to reader. For me, that wasn’t always the case here.
The most obvious example of… being obvious is the ending. Will they or won’t they get to ride off into the sunset together? Before we find that out, let’s toss them into a seemingly impossible situation, give them a chance but keep the perfection of a tandem bicycle ride into that sunset just out of reach, aaaaaaaaaaaand ‘the end’. *bows*
I actually didn’t envision being this critical earlier on in the read and I think that literally means that it was a better read earlier on. It started off a bit slow, the sort of middle got much better, then it felt like no one was sure how we should try to provide a proper crescendo, let alone ending.
There were good things about this book, have no doubt. The earlier parts of the connection between Jacqs and Zeke are banter-filled, adrenaline tinged, sweet, revealing and frustrating. All good things.
Most of the sex scenes are hot and they feel true to the characters and their personalities. I still say that the first time Jacqs gets him a taste of cock, Zeke’s, it’s one of the best I’ve read, simply because it’s not perfect. These two do start to invest in each other, and I did feel something for them both, but nothing so strong that it made me desperate to turn the page. The supporting characters are each unique, though maybe a few too many to keep track of since some of them don’t get much page time, but are made out to be very important to the story. I know, I said good things but it seems each good thing has a slightly off cousin standing next to it, stealing a bit of the shine.
Here’s the crux of it all: it feels like this may be a “it’s not you, it’s me” kind of situation. The sheer creativity involved in creating the world is deserving of admiration, the knowledge of structure is there, dialogue felt natural and the connection between Jacqs and Zeke is almost complete. Parts were enjoyable, others not so much. An uneven experience, twas. Middle of the road, which for me means this won’t be a re-read.
Having said that, I think I have to be in the mood to read the necessarily unavoidable long passages involved in presenting a whole new universe that is ample enough to draw me in. And the details are there: I can see the sparring room, I can feel the scrape of Zeke’s leg against the bedframe, I can hear Jacqs’ grumbling voice when he listens to Zeke and holds his tongue, the better for both of them. I can turn my nose up at the slop from the food replicator, see the pallor on the alcoholic captain’s face and hear the groans of both of these men as they go at it, and they do.
Believe me, I’m as shocked at my reaction to this story as any of you who know me. You’re talking to a girl whose first crush at the age of five and a half was a swashbuckling smartass by the name of Han Solo back in ’77. Hell, Greedo is eyeing me from a bookshelf as I type this. And the character on which Jacqs is based is a most enjoyable and integral part of the universe that is that television program.
If you’re someone who absolutely loves all of the minutiae of a world, even if the story is a bit thin in places, then you will enjoy reading this book. There is an 8-course meal ready and waiting for you.
Details and cultural factors in this story felt obvious to me, as in parallels to or commentary on our current society. All at once, certain aspects of this universe felt appalling and yet freeing – a complicated mix, quite a feat. If only it resulted in a stronger reaction from me. I guess using the word ‘appalling’ would indicate strong feelings, but not really. I had to step outside of the story to gauge my own reaction, put myself in the place of the characters, instead of feeling it from them. It should be a seamless transaction, the transference of emotion from character to reader. For me, that wasn’t always the case here.
The most obvious example of… being obvious is the ending. Will they or won’t they get to ride off into the sunset together? Before we find that out, let’s toss them into a seemingly impossible situation, give them a chance but keep the perfection of a tandem bicycle ride into that sunset just out of reach, aaaaaaaaaaaand ‘the end’. *bows*
I actually didn’t envision being this critical earlier on in the read and I think that literally means that it was a better read earlier on. It started off a bit slow, the sort of middle got much better, then it felt like no one was sure how we should try to provide a proper crescendo, let alone ending.
There were good things about this book, have no doubt. The earlier parts of the connection between Jacqs and Zeke are banter-filled, adrenaline tinged, sweet, revealing and frustrating. All good things.
Most of the sex scenes are hot and they feel true to the characters and their personalities. I still say that the first time Jacqs gets him a taste of cock, Zeke’s, it’s one of the best I’ve read, simply because it’s not perfect. These two do start to invest in each other, and I did feel something for them both, but nothing so strong that it made me desperate to turn the page. The supporting characters are each unique, though maybe a few too many to keep track of since some of them don’t get much page time, but are made out to be very important to the story. I know, I said good things but it seems each good thing has a slightly off cousin standing next to it, stealing a bit of the shine.
Here’s the crux of it all: it feels like this may be a “it’s not you, it’s me” kind of situation. The sheer creativity involved in creating the world is deserving of admiration, the knowledge of structure is there, dialogue felt natural and the connection between Jacqs and Zeke is almost complete. Parts were enjoyable, others not so much. An uneven experience, twas. Middle of the road, which for me means this won’t be a re-read.
December 24, 2015
Finally... not one, but TWO pansexual/bisexual (um... stenosexual) characters that I can relate to. YES!! Loved Jacqs and Zeke. Full review to come.
UPDATED:
Lyn Gala’s sci-fi has become my newest addiction. Excellent world-building, perfect pacing, all around well-written. This story has it all: spaceships, action, political maneuverings, blazing hot sexy times in just the right proportion to story, AND a society in which one declares their sexuality publicly on their records (but can also change it at any time) and no one looks down on them for it (um… well, unless they are dyssexual).
But it was the characters that truly captivated me. And not only the main characters, but ALL of them were amazingly well-drawn, nuanced, and varied. We get a few strong kick-ass females, a few brainy, brave but fragile females; some wimpy milksops of both sexes, an alcoholic captain who still manages to pull his head out when needed, a hot, smart, skilled long-haired guy with a background as a pirate background (who shows up again in book two, yeehaw!), and I still haven’t gotten to talking about the awesome main characters yet!
Jacqs Glebov doesn’t think of himself as smart, but he has a simple, straight forward way of seeing things, a natural common sense, and top notch skills at his job. He was such an amazing character. None of the usual angst when he figures out after meeting Zeke, the new commander that he’s not heterosexual after all. Not entirely. I’d actually never heard of stenosexual, but it totally makes sense! I love that more than I can say. As someone who has always been attracted to people, not their gender, that makes total sense to me. I don’t understand why its so hard for folks to get that bi/pan does not mean we are sluts or we want both or we are just not ready to come out, etc. Can’t folks just understand that the equipment someone has isn’t what matters for some of us, but rather personality and/or many other attributes. I’ve had a hard time with the way many m/m books that portray bisexual/pansexual characters… so this book was like a breath of fresh air for me. I completely and totally adore Jacqs.
Not to say that I don’t also admire Zeke, the new commander. He’s a smart alpha male, an officer/leader who doesn’t let rank/authority go to his head. He’s handsome and competent, but he’s accessible, level headed, and not full of himself. He listens to his men rather than putting on airs. And he is pansexual. Double score!
This book was perfect for me, and I rarely re-read books, but I might just make an exception for this one. Oh, and one more thing this story has done to me. It’s rather made me eager to do something I haven’t done much at all over the last several years…read a M/F romance! Gasp! Because the M/F book two of this series is calling my name, folks!
UPDATED:
Lyn Gala’s sci-fi has become my newest addiction. Excellent world-building, perfect pacing, all around well-written. This story has it all: spaceships, action, political maneuverings, blazing hot sexy times in just the right proportion to story, AND a society in which one declares their sexuality publicly on their records (but can also change it at any time) and no one looks down on them for it (um… well, unless they are dyssexual).
But it was the characters that truly captivated me. And not only the main characters, but ALL of them were amazingly well-drawn, nuanced, and varied. We get a few strong kick-ass females, a few brainy, brave but fragile females; some wimpy milksops of both sexes, an alcoholic captain who still manages to pull his head out when needed, a hot, smart, skilled long-haired guy with a background as a pirate background (who shows up again in book two, yeehaw!), and I still haven’t gotten to talking about the awesome main characters yet!
Jacqs Glebov doesn’t think of himself as smart, but he has a simple, straight forward way of seeing things, a natural common sense, and top notch skills at his job. He was such an amazing character. None of the usual angst when he figures out after meeting Zeke, the new commander that he’s not heterosexual after all. Not entirely. I’d actually never heard of stenosexual, but it totally makes sense! I love that more than I can say. As someone who has always been attracted to people, not their gender, that makes total sense to me. I don’t understand why its so hard for folks to get that bi/pan does not mean we are sluts or we want both or we are just not ready to come out, etc. Can’t folks just understand that the equipment someone has isn’t what matters for some of us, but rather personality and/or many other attributes. I’ve had a hard time with the way many m/m books that portray bisexual/pansexual characters… so this book was like a breath of fresh air for me. I completely and totally adore Jacqs.
Not to say that I don’t also admire Zeke, the new commander. He’s a smart alpha male, an officer/leader who doesn’t let rank/authority go to his head. He’s handsome and competent, but he’s accessible, level headed, and not full of himself. He listens to his men rather than putting on airs. And he is pansexual. Double score!
This book was perfect for me, and I rarely re-read books, but I might just make an exception for this one. Oh, and one more thing this story has done to me. It’s rather made me eager to do something I haven’t done much at all over the last several years…read a M/F romance! Gasp! Because the M/F book two of this series is calling my name, folks!
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