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Reciprocity
All Kaeri Hawen wants is a peaceful life in the Lower Terrace. No more collecting debts. No more breaking kneecaps.
But then the Boss’s loose cannon of a son massacres a dozen rival gangsters with a single pull of the trigger. Kaeri’s quiet retirement is off the menu—for now.
Kaeri knows she’ll get no rest if this looming gang war erupts into the streets. If she wants out of her life of crime, she’ll have to stop Kasper and his devilish weapon first.
Maria Cantabile is a clever young noblewoman with a penchant for tinkering and a devastating right cross. She’s descended into the Lower Terrace to retrieve two precious possessions: her delinquent little sister, and the stolen prototype of her reciprocating repeater carbine.
Kaeri knows just where to find both—the girl and the gun sit in Kasper’s greedy, bloodied hands.
The deadly noblewoman and the gold-hearted gangster will have to work together to stop a city-wide bloodbath. They’ll have to break their own rules, and betray their own families. They’ll have to risk falling in love. Do they have what it takes to save the Lower Terrace, and save each other?
This dieselpunk crime fantasy is perfect for readers who enjoy the hard boiled noir fiction of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, but want to see more LGBT romance and airships. If that sounds like your shot of whiskey, check out RECIPROCITY!
But then the Boss’s loose cannon of a son massacres a dozen rival gangsters with a single pull of the trigger. Kaeri’s quiet retirement is off the menu—for now.
Kaeri knows she’ll get no rest if this looming gang war erupts into the streets. If she wants out of her life of crime, she’ll have to stop Kasper and his devilish weapon first.
Maria Cantabile is a clever young noblewoman with a penchant for tinkering and a devastating right cross. She’s descended into the Lower Terrace to retrieve two precious possessions: her delinquent little sister, and the stolen prototype of her reciprocating repeater carbine.
Kaeri knows just where to find both—the girl and the gun sit in Kasper’s greedy, bloodied hands.
The deadly noblewoman and the gold-hearted gangster will have to work together to stop a city-wide bloodbath. They’ll have to break their own rules, and betray their own families. They’ll have to risk falling in love. Do they have what it takes to save the Lower Terrace, and save each other?
This dieselpunk crime fantasy is perfect for readers who enjoy the hard boiled noir fiction of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, but want to see more LGBT romance and airships. If that sounds like your shot of whiskey, check out RECIPROCITY!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2018
13 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Sean M. Locke
2 books7 followersWhy hello! I see you’ve stumbled on my Goodreads page. If you’re here, then you’d like to know at least a little about me, so here are a few words:
I love good stories. Frequently I read something that’s very good, but some small part of my brain says, “Oh, why aren’t there stories that do this, or a story with that kind of character.” Like most writers, I listened to that little part of my brain and decided that if I wanted to read stories that do this, or had that kind of character, I’d have to write them my damn self. So there we are.
I’m also a family man and a salary man. I try to be a good husband, I raise teenagers, and I work in a cubicle with my fellow corporate stooges. Since you have to feed children every day, and the bank wants their mortgage check every month, I stay in the day job. I write in whatever interstitial slices of time I can.
I say that I like science fiction and fantasy stories, though oddly enough I don’t own a lot of books with swords or elves or rayguns or spaceships on the covers. As a result, the stories I write could be shelved in fantasy or science fiction, though you won't likely find any cover art featuring a fire-breathing dragon or a giant robot, or a giant fire-breathing dragon robot.
At least ... not yet! That's a heck of an idea.
I love good stories. Frequently I read something that’s very good, but some small part of my brain says, “Oh, why aren’t there stories that do this, or a story with that kind of character.” Like most writers, I listened to that little part of my brain and decided that if I wanted to read stories that do this, or had that kind of character, I’d have to write them my damn self. So there we are.
I’m also a family man and a salary man. I try to be a good husband, I raise teenagers, and I work in a cubicle with my fellow corporate stooges. Since you have to feed children every day, and the bank wants their mortgage check every month, I stay in the day job. I write in whatever interstitial slices of time I can.
I say that I like science fiction and fantasy stories, though oddly enough I don’t own a lot of books with swords or elves or rayguns or spaceships on the covers. As a result, the stories I write could be shelved in fantasy or science fiction, though you won't likely find any cover art featuring a fire-breathing dragon or a giant robot, or a giant fire-breathing dragon robot.
At least ... not yet! That's a heck of an idea.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 5, 2019
Ready for the sequel already!
This story is filled with action and adventure, set in a dark and creepy world. It is intense with explosions and limbs being chopped off, but the writing carries a light tone in a lot of places and it's actually funny too.
It is full of gay/queer characters but the focus of the story is not on the gayness or queerness of the characters. They just are who they are, doing what they do: killing people, chopping off hands, throwing grenades, and falling in love.
This story is filled with action and adventure, set in a dark and creepy world. It is intense with explosions and limbs being chopped off, but the writing carries a light tone in a lot of places and it's actually funny too.
It is full of gay/queer characters but the focus of the story is not on the gayness or queerness of the characters. They just are who they are, doing what they do: killing people, chopping off hands, throwing grenades, and falling in love.
June 18, 2019
Woah this was a lot. I really liked the main character, Kaeri though. She's one tough cookie. There are a lot of characters in this book but you don't get lost while you're reading. I liked the banter between Kaeri and Maria, it's just a shame their time together was cut short. The ending sounded promising for the both of them though. Good book all around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2018
****I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.****
RECIPROCITY, by Sean Locke, is the sort of genre-mashup I didn't know I wanted until I read it. To call it noir is to ignore that it's also low fantasy--maybe science fantasy? There's definitely some super weird science driving the gravity-defying airship sequences happening here. But to focus on that sidesteps that Locke really nails the lingo of hardboiled detective fiction in a really, really delightful way. What's more surprising is that it all works. I love it when this kind of thing happens. Although utterly different in tone, it reminded me of Mieville's THE CITY AND THE CITY in its ability to marry unexpected genres together in a seamless way.
RECIPROCITY also delivers some really excellent queer representation! Hidden in this rollicking adventure, between gangster showdowns and alleyway brawls, is a surprisingly sweet love story. The main character, Kaeri, falls for the apparent damsel in distress, Maria Cantabile. It helps that Kaeri falls for her in no small part because she is a damsel who is not easily distressed, and who can largely take care of herself. Maria is a fencer, and knows her way around guns. But she is in over her head, and she and Kaeri are a hell of a team.
This is a delightful book. Come for the style and flair and airships. Stay for the well-shaded lesbian romance.
RECIPROCITY, by Sean Locke, is the sort of genre-mashup I didn't know I wanted until I read it. To call it noir is to ignore that it's also low fantasy--maybe science fantasy? There's definitely some super weird science driving the gravity-defying airship sequences happening here. But to focus on that sidesteps that Locke really nails the lingo of hardboiled detective fiction in a really, really delightful way. What's more surprising is that it all works. I love it when this kind of thing happens. Although utterly different in tone, it reminded me of Mieville's THE CITY AND THE CITY in its ability to marry unexpected genres together in a seamless way.
RECIPROCITY also delivers some really excellent queer representation! Hidden in this rollicking adventure, between gangster showdowns and alleyway brawls, is a surprisingly sweet love story. The main character, Kaeri, falls for the apparent damsel in distress, Maria Cantabile. It helps that Kaeri falls for her in no small part because she is a damsel who is not easily distressed, and who can largely take care of herself. Maria is a fencer, and knows her way around guns. But she is in over her head, and she and Kaeri are a hell of a team.
This is a delightful book. Come for the style and flair and airships. Stay for the well-shaded lesbian romance.
August 5, 2020
it was a good, fast-paced steampunk/sci-fi gangster thriller, but not rly for me
Three Reasons to Read this Book
Review copy kindly provided by Sean M. Locke
Rep: lesbian mc & li, gay side characters
CWs: gore, violence
Three Reasons to Read this Book
Review copy kindly provided by Sean M. Locke
Rep: lesbian mc & li, gay side characters
CWs: gore, violence
January 15, 2019
3.5 stars.
at first it took me a couple of pages to understand the world building and the actual plot, but after that the book became immensely better.
there is a big cast and the plot complex, but I enjoyed it a lot, there are a lot of action scenes!
the book is basically a sci-fi ganster noir tale with a queer lead, what more do you need?
at first it took me a couple of pages to understand the world building and the actual plot, but after that the book became immensely better.
there is a big cast and the plot complex, but I enjoyed it a lot, there are a lot of action scenes!
the book is basically a sci-fi ganster noir tale with a queer lead, what more do you need?
March 8, 2020
This was an excellent read!
I adore gangster stories. I love the grittiness, the sharp tongues, the atmosphere, the whole shebang. Reciprocity delivered on all of these things, and it did it with flair. I guess this story falls into dieselpunk, which I admittedly have limited experience with--all I know is I adored the old-school feel (sharp suits, fedoras, saucy gowns, and firearms) being blended with next-level tech, swords, and an interesting world filled with intriguing characters.
The narrative flowed seamlessly. There was never a point where my attention wandered, because I was so interested in everything Kaeri had to say, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I genuinely cannot impress the point enough that this was thoroughly immersive. I could smell the different aromas, feel the tension (sexual or otherwise), hear each voice, clear and distinct from one another, feel the pain or thrills of fear, taste the alcohol or food being consumed, even the gunpowder in the air.
This is one of the best books I've had the privilege to read this year, and I completely recommend this to lovers of noir, dieselpunk, sci-fi, f/f budding romance, and anyone looking for something with a familiar yet original flavour.
I adore gangster stories. I love the grittiness, the sharp tongues, the atmosphere, the whole shebang. Reciprocity delivered on all of these things, and it did it with flair. I guess this story falls into dieselpunk, which I admittedly have limited experience with--all I know is I adored the old-school feel (sharp suits, fedoras, saucy gowns, and firearms) being blended with next-level tech, swords, and an interesting world filled with intriguing characters.
The narrative flowed seamlessly. There was never a point where my attention wandered, because I was so interested in everything Kaeri had to say, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I genuinely cannot impress the point enough that this was thoroughly immersive. I could smell the different aromas, feel the tension (sexual or otherwise), hear each voice, clear and distinct from one another, feel the pain or thrills of fear, taste the alcohol or food being consumed, even the gunpowder in the air.
This is one of the best books I've had the privilege to read this year, and I completely recommend this to lovers of noir, dieselpunk, sci-fi, f/f budding romance, and anyone looking for something with a familiar yet original flavour.
December 27, 2018
To prevent a gang war (and associated bad stuff), our two heroines from opposite sides of the airship must betray their families and put their trust in each other.
This story is a fascinating blend of genres, including some SF, some fantasy, and a healthy does of detective noir. We have gangsters, fantasy/alien races, and a far off planet with super science devices. All of it mixes together in a fast paced story which grabbed my attention and kept me flipping pages long after I should have been asleep.
The writing is excellent and the characters are well developed and fun. I always like stories with strong, capable women and in this story we manage to get two of them. This was a lot of fun and I hope for more stories from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This story is a fascinating blend of genres, including some SF, some fantasy, and a healthy does of detective noir. We have gangsters, fantasy/alien races, and a far off planet with super science devices. All of it mixes together in a fast paced story which grabbed my attention and kept me flipping pages long after I should have been asleep.
The writing is excellent and the characters are well developed and fun. I always like stories with strong, capable women and in this story we manage to get two of them. This was a lot of fun and I hope for more stories from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
April 18, 2024
I really liked the gist overall but I was SO CONFUSED trying to keep up with everything. I don’t think that is entirely the fault of the book— I think the fact that it took me like 9 months to read it and the fact that I kept getting overwhelmed by the worldbuilding is why I couldn’t quite keep up. The plot is explained to you several times and Kaeri tells you her every thought which helps but I struggled to keep all the different parties involved straight. The ending seemed hopeful for Kaeri and Maria so I hope they work it out!!! The biggest problem I felt was that parts of the plot/story/world were not explained well enough, so trying to immerse yourself fully was difficult. I really like Kaeri and Maria and I wish they got more time together, but their story was quite romantic nonetheless. Also very good vibes!!
January 4, 2019
Good setting, good characters, good story, good drama. I particularly enjoyed how the story balances the attraction between the main pairing at both a physical and emotional level.
Our MC also does some truly terrible things in order to achieve her goals, despite her otherwise very upright nature. I'm looking forward to seeing how she handles that as a person and how it impacts her relationships with other characters.
This thing is way too high quality to be on Kindle Unlimited. I'd recommend anyone purchase it if you can.
I don't know if I can quite justify a 5 star, but it's easily a 4.
Our MC also does some truly terrible things in order to achieve her goals, despite her otherwise very upright nature. I'm looking forward to seeing how she handles that as a person and how it impacts her relationships with other characters.
This thing is way too high quality to be on Kindle Unlimited. I'd recommend anyone purchase it if you can.
I don't know if I can quite justify a 5 star, but it's easily a 4.
December 27, 2018
All she wanted to have now but life is not so easy. A man has stolen a gun which can kill many with one shot. She now to get the weapon and the man before it can happen again. Their sister and their weapon has been stolen and they want them both back. Can they worked together for the same goal? What will happen between them? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2018
This is a gripping thriller amidst a masterfully crafted world. The battle scenes are fantastic, and the relationship between the leading lady Kaeri, a rugged mobster wanting to get out, and Maria, a noble out of her element, is compelling. Moral dilemmas, conflicting loyalties, shrewd detectives with conflicts of interest and gangsters with a heart of gold will have you glued to the page.
December 7, 2018
A solid debut. The first third feels pretty rushed, but after that it slows down and I could really enjoy the story.
ETA: forgot to mention, I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
ETA: forgot to mention, I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
December 10, 2018
Reciprocity by Sean M. Locke is a wonderful story to read. This is a wonderful story that I fell in love with it has wnderful characters and a wonderful story line, that I highly recommend to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2019
Good debut novel
I think this author has potential. The writing wasn't perfect (is it ever?), but I really liked the story and the characters. I hope to see where thos goes in the future. Go ahead, enjoy your reading ;)
I think this author has potential. The writing wasn't perfect (is it ever?), but I really liked the story and the characters. I hope to see where thos goes in the future. Go ahead, enjoy your reading ;)
June 16, 2019
An excellent sci-fi noir mobster story with a lesbian lead.
I am not that much into mafia stories and I was not able to relate to everything here, but boy, oh, boy, is this a solid piece! The writing is slick and clever, the world-building is captivating, and the characters are cool and complex. I would definitely love to follow Kaeri and Maria in another adventure, perhaps in a sequel? ;)
I am not that much into mafia stories and I was not able to relate to everything here, but boy, oh, boy, is this a solid piece! The writing is slick and clever, the world-building is captivating, and the characters are cool and complex. I would definitely love to follow Kaeri and Maria in another adventure, perhaps in a sequel? ;)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews