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Pandora Project: Runaway Star
Elios Campbell is working on a top-secret translating messages from the Pandora, an alien spaceship on the edge of human territory. A favor from his mentor drops Elios into the arms of Sender Kinnison, a pilot who seems like everything Elios has ever wanted.
Their attraction is immediate and threatens to lead to more in a hurry. Even Elios' wary heart and Sender's burdened soul can't keep them apart, until a single tragic moment changes their lives forever. Elios is helpless, as Sender, driven by ghosts and duty, goes racing out of reach. Fate brings them together one last time, but can Elios take another chance on his runaway star?
Their attraction is immediate and threatens to lead to more in a hurry. Even Elios' wary heart and Sender's burdened soul can't keep them apart, until a single tragic moment changes their lives forever. Elios is helpless, as Sender, driven by ghosts and duty, goes racing out of reach. Fate brings them together one last time, but can Elios take another chance on his runaway star?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2009
6 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Anah Crow
58 books195 followersUnder Construction!
F.A.Q.
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F.A.Q.
Do you want to participate in Generic_Author_Event?
Drop me a line, please! If you're looking for a book for donation or a blog post from me, I'm usually cool with that.Are you going to write a sequel to Some_Book_You_Wrote?
The up front answer is no, unless the book cover indicates that it's part of a series. If there's going to be a sequel to a book, you'll know once I've signed the contract.Who is this Dianne person?
Only the light of my life and all that rot. She e-sides here: http://www.foxwrites.com/ Without her, you wouldn't see much from me at all, not even the books that don't have her name on the cover.Do you read your email?
All the time. I think the question you want is do I answer my email? Occasionally. Badly. I'm a terrible, terrible emailer.You're reading X books at once?!
Only occasionally at once. I can read two books at the same time, but I get dizzy. Mostly, I just switch books depending on my mood. It's unusual for me to have less than four on the go at a time.Do you read reviews of your books?
No, sorry! I'm here, yes, but I prefer not to read reviews (no matter how lovely they are) because once a book has left my hands and is available to the readers, my relationship to it changes. It's all grown up. :) I have a clutter of booklings to nurture so they will join the others on your shelves.Will you read/review my book?
Sorry, but no. There are a number of reasons for this but the biggest is—I suck at doing these things. I'm a horrible procrastinator. I get wound up and then blank out what I'm supposed to do. My ADHD goes galumphing through my head like a bull in a china shop, wrecking everything.I'm a writer and you hated/loved my book!
I'm sure you're a lovely person, either way. Please have one or both of: "I'm sorry!" or "You're welcome!"Can I be excused now?
Of course you can! Thanks for reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 1, 2013
Not what I expected from this author. The science fiction elements weren't very strong and the societies were based on ancient Rome and Early Christian communities. The story was character driven and revolved around a highly skilled linguist, Elios, and his interactions with a conservatively-reared fighter pilot, Sender. The main conflict is Sender's internal crisis of faith caused by his desires.
While I appreciate this is a big issue for many individuals marginalized by religion due to non-heteronormative desires, I found it heavy-handed and clumsy. I needed more plot and more world building for this to be successful for me.
Favorite quote:
While I appreciate this is a big issue for many individuals marginalized by religion due to non-heteronormative desires, I found it heavy-handed and clumsy. I needed more plot and more world building for this to be successful for me.
Favorite quote:
“It’s difficult to travel in new territory. Frightening. Old paths are easier to find.
June 2, 2019
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars round down because of weak HFN ending
Story - 3.5 stars round down because of weak HFN ending
August 24, 2019
21Aug2019: No change only because I don't usually change a rating downward. And I think that my excitement over the SciFi aspects of this during my first reading made me a tad generous. If I were to re-rate it I would give it 4.25 at best...even with the narrator providing an excellent performance. In my previous review I mentioned wanting a sequel covering the trip to Pandora - and I still do - but I realized the SciFi elements might have only been a background to tell the romance and so there's not likely to be a Book 2 with the way the definitive HEA was delivered.
17Apr2016: 4.5 Stars
A M/M Romance Group Team Spin Spellapalooza Challenge read. (Go Team 6 - Living In Spin!!!)
I am a sucker for a scifi romance and this was amazingly well-told. I loved the alternate reality vision of what Earth might have evolved into, the space exploration. It had some elements of BSG that I loved - the differing colonies, the poly families (well, that was more prevalent on the show Caprica), the desire for some to escape the lives their parents' beliefs & backgrounds limited them to. The world-building was nothing short of spectacular. I felt transported to this other world...and I wouldn't have minded being anywhere in this reality (but not on Themis - thank you, no).
A world that was nice as much as it was functional. Some parts were ugly, others beautiful. The whole story was a bit painful, but it was hopeful, too. It was life.
A couple of things I must point out my adoration for:
✐ Co-ed locker rooms. Yes, because that would be the ultimate example of women being treated equally at their jobs as pilots. That one of the characters was able to just whip off her bra in front of her male cohorts without batting an eye took my breath away; naked breasts weren't ogled, nudity not sexually objectified. (The last time that happened to me was, I shit you not, watching Starship Troopers. Even BSG wasn't that progressive.)
✐ Seriously, I cannot stress how much I loved the poly families. Elios' family had 4 Moms & 3 Dads. I WANT MORE OF THIS IN ALL FICTION.
✐ The use of music as language. Not just the music, but the emotion projected through the music to convey a deeper (or altogether different) meaning to the words. Someone with a background in both music and linguistics must have written those sections of the book because it was so precisely done, so beautifully explained, that I with neither a background nor understanding of either, was able to understand exactly how important each breakthrough was.
✐ Advanced healing techniques and medical treatments, colonized space, space exploration, enormous science funding budgets. Makes me wonder if this isn't how the future would have looked for us if not for the events that lead up to practically eliminating a poly-theistic "modern" (Western) world. *shrug* Something to think about...
✐ OMFG I love that they named the tiniest cat, the runt of the litter, the kitten they weren't sure would live or die...Schrödinger. My inner geek approves wholeheartedly.
Finally, I'd love to read about what the Auriga crew has to get used to, the growing pains of confinement, and it's five year mission (hey, wait a minute) toward the source of that message and to know what it finds when they finally reach the Pandora. But then again, maybe not. That whole myth is a bit terrifying; I can only imagine how horrific the tale could be spun into for a scifi book. *shudder* Yeah, no. Never mind.
17Apr2016: 4.5 Stars
A M/M Romance Group Team Spin Spellapalooza Challenge read. (Go Team 6 - Living In Spin!!!)
I am a sucker for a scifi romance and this was amazingly well-told. I loved the alternate reality vision of what Earth might have evolved into, the space exploration. It had some elements of BSG that I loved - the differing colonies, the poly families (well, that was more prevalent on the show Caprica), the desire for some to escape the lives their parents' beliefs & backgrounds limited them to. The world-building was nothing short of spectacular. I felt transported to this other world...and I wouldn't have minded being anywhere in this reality (but not on Themis - thank you, no).
A world that was nice as much as it was functional. Some parts were ugly, others beautiful. The whole story was a bit painful, but it was hopeful, too. It was life.
A couple of things I must point out my adoration for:
✐ Co-ed locker rooms. Yes, because that would be the ultimate example of women being treated equally at their jobs as pilots. That one of the characters was able to just whip off her bra in front of her male cohorts without batting an eye took my breath away; naked breasts weren't ogled, nudity not sexually objectified. (The last time that happened to me was, I shit you not, watching Starship Troopers. Even BSG wasn't that progressive.)
✐ Seriously, I cannot stress how much I loved the poly families. Elios' family had 4 Moms & 3 Dads. I WANT MORE OF THIS IN ALL FICTION.
✐ The use of music as language. Not just the music, but the emotion projected through the music to convey a deeper (or altogether different) meaning to the words. Someone with a background in both music and linguistics must have written those sections of the book because it was so precisely done, so beautifully explained, that I with neither a background nor understanding of either, was able to understand exactly how important each breakthrough was.
✐ Advanced healing techniques and medical treatments, colonized space, space exploration, enormous science funding budgets. Makes me wonder if this isn't how the future would have looked for us if not for the events that lead up to practically eliminating a poly-theistic "modern" (Western) world. *shrug* Something to think about...
✐ OMFG I love that they named the tiniest cat, the runt of the litter, the kitten they weren't sure would live or die...Schrödinger. My inner geek approves wholeheartedly.
Finally, I'd love to read about what the Auriga crew has to get used to, the growing pains of confinement, and it's five year mission (hey, wait a minute) toward the source of that message and to know what it finds when they finally reach the Pandora. But then again, maybe not. That whole myth is a bit terrifying; I can only imagine how horrific the tale could be spun into for a scifi book. *shudder* Yeah, no. Never mind.
January 2, 2012
I enjoyed this one a lot. The world is extremely fascinating as well as the conflict between the characters and their duties but this was one book I didn't want to put down.
I loved how broken both these characters are. Elios, an important linguist, is afraid to get into a relationship because of how hurt he still is over his last lover leaving him for someone else right when they were supposed to start a family. Sender, a pilot, is ashamed of his desire for other men since it's against his religion. Both these characters aren't looking for anything serious but once they get together they can't stop the feelings that grow. Unfortunately, when something happens back at Sender's home colony, it starts to drift them apart and requires Sender to choose between duty and love.
This world is extremely fascinating with the different colonies and the Pandora project that Elios and Sender's world revolves around. It had a lot of potential but one thing that kept annoying me was how confused I'd get at times. It's a great sci-fi book but while some things are explained, it's not as detailed as I would have liked which caused my confusion. When talk of Pandora happened, I would always have questions about it. What is it? Why do they need to look at it? What is the point of the project? Why would the project take five years? By the end of the book, some things are explained but not everything so I was still left with unanswered questions. I also felt like the story ended too soon. I was hoping to see them go up to Pandora and how they'd make a relationship work up there but it ends before that which makes it feel a bit like a cliffhanger.
However, while I was confused, I truly loved this book. I fell in love with Sender and Elios, Macy and Sender's sister, Katy. Macy is extremely hilarious and does everything he can to smooth Sender and Elios' relationship when it gets rocky because he just wants Sender to be happy and he knows Elios makes Sender happy.
Overall, this was a great book. It's entertaining, fascinating and was very easy for me to immerse myself in. It lacked a few details in places I thought were important but the conflict and the characters more than made up for that especially with how easily I was able to connect with all of them. The problems they go through were fascinating to me and I was happy to see them work through them. It's a fun read while at the same time a tad angsty and intense. Definitely recommended.
I loved how broken both these characters are. Elios, an important linguist, is afraid to get into a relationship because of how hurt he still is over his last lover leaving him for someone else right when they were supposed to start a family. Sender, a pilot, is ashamed of his desire for other men since it's against his religion. Both these characters aren't looking for anything serious but once they get together they can't stop the feelings that grow. Unfortunately, when something happens back at Sender's home colony, it starts to drift them apart and requires Sender to choose between duty and love.
This world is extremely fascinating with the different colonies and the Pandora project that Elios and Sender's world revolves around. It had a lot of potential but one thing that kept annoying me was how confused I'd get at times. It's a great sci-fi book but while some things are explained, it's not as detailed as I would have liked which caused my confusion. When talk of Pandora happened, I would always have questions about it. What is it? Why do they need to look at it? What is the point of the project? Why would the project take five years? By the end of the book, some things are explained but not everything so I was still left with unanswered questions. I also felt like the story ended too soon. I was hoping to see them go up to Pandora and how they'd make a relationship work up there but it ends before that which makes it feel a bit like a cliffhanger.
However, while I was confused, I truly loved this book. I fell in love with Sender and Elios, Macy and Sender's sister, Katy. Macy is extremely hilarious and does everything he can to smooth Sender and Elios' relationship when it gets rocky because he just wants Sender to be happy and he knows Elios makes Sender happy.
Overall, this was a great book. It's entertaining, fascinating and was very easy for me to immerse myself in. It lacked a few details in places I thought were important but the conflict and the characters more than made up for that especially with how easily I was able to connect with all of them. The problems they go through were fascinating to me and I was happy to see them work through them. It's a fun read while at the same time a tad angsty and intense. Definitely recommended.
April 1, 2011
I've read several other books by this talented pair of authors, "Tatterdemalion" and "One Real Thing," both of which I really loved. Although this book was a good, solid read (hence the title of my review), it was not the duo's best. Yes, the editing is excellent and the writing/narrative is strong, but it left me feeling a bit disappointed.
Unlike some of the writers' other stories, this book has lots of hot and heavy, explicit sex which is very satisfying. After a while, though, I found myself dying for more plot and less sex! The relationship between the men was so sweet, it made my chest ache when they were apart, something I've enjoyed with all of the writers' stories. But I was SO looking forward to hearing more about the Pandora and understanding (or even beginning to understand) what that part of the story was all about. Instead, the story ended and the entire Pandora saga was left for another day (perhaps?). I'm probably spoiled after "Tatterdemalion," which created and delivered a very satisfying "universe" of magic and adventure. I was expecting more of the same here.
I realize, you may laugh at me (I often laugh at myself about this!), reading homoerotica and expecting plot, but in past stories I've read from this duo, I've been very satisfied with all of the elements (sex, plot, romance, etc.), not just romance and sex! A good read, but not as good as it could be.
Unlike some of the writers' other stories, this book has lots of hot and heavy, explicit sex which is very satisfying. After a while, though, I found myself dying for more plot and less sex! The relationship between the men was so sweet, it made my chest ache when they were apart, something I've enjoyed with all of the writers' stories. But I was SO looking forward to hearing more about the Pandora and understanding (or even beginning to understand) what that part of the story was all about. Instead, the story ended and the entire Pandora saga was left for another day (perhaps?). I'm probably spoiled after "Tatterdemalion," which created and delivered a very satisfying "universe" of magic and adventure. I was expecting more of the same here.
I realize, you may laugh at me (I often laugh at myself about this!), reading homoerotica and expecting plot, but in past stories I've read from this duo, I've been very satisfied with all of the elements (sex, plot, romance, etc.), not just romance and sex! A good read, but not as good as it could be.
January 25, 2015
I really liked the characters and their struggles with their religion and duties, family, love and happiness. Even if the story takes place in the future (with nice world-building and an authentic feeling), the problems addressed are relevant in our time and give the story depth. I felt the sympathy I had for the characters made me like them and feel for them, even when their decision hurt others. I knew where the decisions came from, could understand the why and love the way the outfall was dealt with.
I did however feel like there was a big science-fiction arc started in the beginning that ended no-where for me. While I loved the way the relationship played out, I really expected a greater fallout from the danger that is teased. The conclusion of the book is very open and almost enthusiastic. It felt like the whole subplot was given much too little weight.
I think this story could have been turned into an amazing book series or a super novel. The sci-fi aspects were very well done, but the focus is almost exclusively on the romance and emotional struggles.
I did however feel like there was a big science-fiction arc started in the beginning that ended no-where for me. While I loved the way the relationship played out, I really expected a greater fallout from the danger that is teased. The conclusion of the book is very open and almost enthusiastic. It felt like the whole subplot was given much too little weight.
I think this story could have been turned into an amazing book series or a super novel. The sci-fi aspects were very well done, but the focus is almost exclusively on the romance and emotional struggles.
May 25, 2020
3.5 Stars
I really loved this story but I really disliked how it ended. This one is in desperate need of another book or at the very least an epilogue but with the book having been published in 2012 I don't think it's likely there will be either. I don't like that feeling of being left hanging. I'm disappointed but it's a good story none the less.
TAGS
-- Scifi -- hook up turns to more -- sweet -- made me chuckle -- made me smile -- made me cry -- family/kids -- loved the MCs... Sender & Elios -- read in one sitting -- I want more
August 30, 2020
#1 read on kindle- I don't know why but I didn't enjoy this. I've enjoyed other Anah Crow so because of that I finished Escape Velocity. Three days later I can't honestly remember what it was about.
It really wasn't very science fictiony.
#2 listened to on Audible-I read this book Wayback in April 2015 and it really bothered me why didn’t I like this. So during quarantine I have a lot of extra reading time so this time I decided to listen and try and figure out why it was a fail because these are capable writers.
I realized what I originally had said was that it didn’t feel science fictiony. That’s what was wrong, it didn’t need to be set in space. This exact story could’ve and should’ve been set on earth today in any cloistered community somewhere with access to either the Air Force or maybe an advanced science company. This is really a story of acceptance. So if you’re not gonna go all the way and become a true science fiction don’t bother.
It really wasn't very science fictiony.
#2 listened to on Audible-I read this book Wayback in April 2015 and it really bothered me why didn’t I like this. So during quarantine I have a lot of extra reading time so this time I decided to listen and try and figure out why it was a fail because these are capable writers.
I realized what I originally had said was that it didn’t feel science fictiony. That’s what was wrong, it didn’t need to be set in space. This exact story could’ve and should’ve been set on earth today in any cloistered community somewhere with access to either the Air Force or maybe an advanced science company. This is really a story of acceptance. So if you’re not gonna go all the way and become a true science fiction don’t bother.
July 23, 2011
It has good elements but all coming unbalance. The first half are too slow and too much about sex. Problems solved too easily in a few sentences. Even I expected a si-fi and found that it's not (just happened in some AU world that pp lived in space and story opened like some of si-fi but it's really not the one), I still want to like it but really can't.
February 8, 2019
3.5 rounded down. It wasn't good enough to be bumped into 4.
The beginning was really promising. The narrator is pretty amazing and doing the science fictiony stuff and then the story just got plain old boring. I felt like I had to force myself to get through the last few chapters and eventually skipped to the very last chapter just to be like I finished it.
The beginning was really promising. The narrator is pretty amazing and doing the science fictiony stuff and then the story just got plain old boring. I felt like I had to force myself to get through the last few chapters and eventually skipped to the very last chapter just to be like I finished it.
April 1, 2019
This was such a nice surprise! I'm a fan of sci-fi, futuristic books but this one is more character oriented. The society and religious differences are prevalent but those are good layers for me.
Elios and Sender are such a great fit, and the addition of Katie made it so good for me all around.-
Elios and Sender are such a great fit, and the addition of Katie made it so good for me all around.-
October 10, 2012
Not nearly enough science fiction. The book ended just as it was about to get interesting.
June 4, 2020
Marketed as a sci-fi romance, this book does fine at the romance part - sweet, sexy, not over-dramatic - but fails rather miserably at the sci-fi part. The worldbuilding seems interesting, but is nowhere near properly developed. (How exactly did this future human society end up worshipping ancient Roman deities...?) Basically, the entire story could have been set on contemporary Earth with no more than a couple of little tweaks, that's how pointless the sci-fi aspect was. The only real conflict stemmed from one protagonist's strict and narrowminded religious upbringing and internalized homophobia - a subject that a) inevitably makes me want to shake the character in question and tell him to just lay off the superstitious claptrap and stop sabotaging himself already and b) about which about a gazillion contemporary novels exist, so do we really need to shove it into sci-fi too? I enjoyed the lovestory, I just wish there'd been more actual plot beside it.
March 3, 2012
Overall
I went into Escape Velocity with extremely high hopes, previously having enjoyed Crow and Fox's One Real Thing. However, my initial read left me disappointed and flummoxed on how the writing could feel so weak compared to ORT. By the end, I was enjoying the story more and was left overall satisfied (althought still disappointed). I wrote a review reflecting that, put it aside and read some other books, then came back to Escape Velocity.
While it didn't transform into an amazing novel between reads, many of my initial feelings did change slightly, and I'll try to present both in my review. I enjoyed the novel more on my second reading, which could partially be due to my general mood, but the weaknesses and strengths still stood by the end.
Strengths
On my first read, I had difficulty relating with either of the main characters, and the focus on sex and their jobs in the beginning left me lukewarm about Sender on the first part of the second read as well. However, Elios felt more approachable in the second read and was easier to empathize with as an injured party trying not to get his heart broken again. Most of my difficulties with Sender centered around his hang ups with religion, not with his interactions with his friends, Elios, or on the job. I liked Sender, but I couldn't relate to his religious plight. Overall I liked the characters and I liked the heart-wrenching path the tale took (I especially liked the heart-wrenching path the book took).
The sci-fi elements of this story--including all the world building--were well handled, providing just enough detail to flesh out what was going on without bogging down the story. The clashing cultures, the colonized world, the contrast between Themis and Luna, and the beautiful descriptions all add to a vivid image of where the characters are. Also, I appreciate the dichotomy of Themis being described as grungy, old, and weighed down with politics, culture and population while Luna is clean, sunny, and open. Themis is visualized as a bureaucratic hell and Luna is its heavenly counterpart.
Despite my desire to see more of the Pandora project developed (see below), I enjoyed the direction this story--the romantic part--took. The conflict, the pained emotions, and the strength of the characters all lent themselves to a whirlwind story with a satisfying ending.
Weaknesses
My initial thought was that the writing wasn't bad, but it fell flat for me. It felt stiff and a little awkward, which made it difficult to really sink into the characters. Because of that, the sex scenes didn't really melt me and until about 50% of the way, I wasn't really into what was happening. My second read let me analyze the language closer, and I found the majority of the story had fairly good writing, but some phrases and structures were awkward and stiff. This was balanced out by other phrases' brilliance and originality. I wouldn't mark this as a great read, but it's not something to suffer through either.
While I enjoy--in fact search out--books with religious themes, I was not convinced by Sender's continued following of his family's religious beliefs. Obviously he was raised with it, but the story never conveyed a sense that he really believed it, despite casual mentions that he thought what he was doing was wrong. So when he has to choose between the religious followings and his own happiness, I couldn't comprehend why he'd even hesitate. In my second read I came to terms with this a little more, as I could see that he made decisions not based on his beliefs but on his obligations, yet I still couldn't buy his beliefs/struggles.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
I went into Escape Velocity with extremely high hopes, previously having enjoyed Crow and Fox's One Real Thing. However, my initial read left me disappointed and flummoxed on how the writing could feel so weak compared to ORT. By the end, I was enjoying the story more and was left overall satisfied (althought still disappointed). I wrote a review reflecting that, put it aside and read some other books, then came back to Escape Velocity.
While it didn't transform into an amazing novel between reads, many of my initial feelings did change slightly, and I'll try to present both in my review. I enjoyed the novel more on my second reading, which could partially be due to my general mood, but the weaknesses and strengths still stood by the end.
Strengths
On my first read, I had difficulty relating with either of the main characters, and the focus on sex and their jobs in the beginning left me lukewarm about Sender on the first part of the second read as well. However, Elios felt more approachable in the second read and was easier to empathize with as an injured party trying not to get his heart broken again. Most of my difficulties with Sender centered around his hang ups with religion, not with his interactions with his friends, Elios, or on the job. I liked Sender, but I couldn't relate to his religious plight. Overall I liked the characters and I liked the heart-wrenching path the tale took (I especially liked the heart-wrenching path the book took).
The sci-fi elements of this story--including all the world building--were well handled, providing just enough detail to flesh out what was going on without bogging down the story. The clashing cultures, the colonized world, the contrast between Themis and Luna, and the beautiful descriptions all add to a vivid image of where the characters are. Also, I appreciate the dichotomy of Themis being described as grungy, old, and weighed down with politics, culture and population while Luna is clean, sunny, and open. Themis is visualized as a bureaucratic hell and Luna is its heavenly counterpart.
Despite my desire to see more of the Pandora project developed (see below), I enjoyed the direction this story--the romantic part--took. The conflict, the pained emotions, and the strength of the characters all lent themselves to a whirlwind story with a satisfying ending.
Weaknesses
My initial thought was that the writing wasn't bad, but it fell flat for me. It felt stiff and a little awkward, which made it difficult to really sink into the characters. Because of that, the sex scenes didn't really melt me and until about 50% of the way, I wasn't really into what was happening. My second read let me analyze the language closer, and I found the majority of the story had fairly good writing, but some phrases and structures were awkward and stiff. This was balanced out by other phrases' brilliance and originality. I wouldn't mark this as a great read, but it's not something to suffer through either.
While I enjoy--in fact search out--books with religious themes, I was not convinced by Sender's continued following of his family's religious beliefs. Obviously he was raised with it, but the story never conveyed a sense that he really believed it, despite casual mentions that he thought what he was doing was wrong. So when he has to choose between the religious followings and his own happiness, I couldn't comprehend why he'd even hesitate. In my second read I came to terms with this a little more, as I could see that he made decisions not based on his beliefs but on his obligations, yet I still couldn't buy his beliefs/struggles.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
August 15, 2009
Elios Campbell and Sender Kinnison are part of a top secret government project that was formed when messages from an alien spaceship where heard with a sense of urgency and warning. The appropriate response of course is to build a similar spaceship to go meet the aliens and see what they’ve been saying. While the premise sounds like a cliché gambit, don’t worry; the authors have delivered a superbly written story filled with engaging characters and enough hints of the project to grab interest without diverting the focus from the romance of the main characters.
Elios Campbell is one of the linguists assigned to decipher the sounds recorded from Pandora, the alien spaceship. A workaholic and reeling from a disastrous breakup with a co-worker, Elias is settled into a safe, if somewhat mundane existence that feeds the love of his work and need to recover from heartbreak. His one gift to himself was to ask for a favor from an influential senator which allowed Elios to experience a flight in the prototype spaceships built for protection and attack, if needed, against Pandora. Although not overly adventurous, Elios is caught between his need for safety and the risks inherent in experiencing life to it’s fullest.
Sender Kinnison is the hotshot pilot that takes Elios on his brief trip through the sky. The attraction is immediate between the two men, but both are cautious requiring a touch of alcohol and some meddling from Sender’s squad to get the two together. They end up going to Elios’ apartment for a fun filled night of surprisingly hot and sizzling sex, which leads to much more. For all his adrenaline seeking ways, Sender is a contrast from his innate nature and his upbringing. He is at times tender and sweet, at others aggressive and demanding, but struggles against his strict, religious background and parental expectations. Sender has accepted who and what he is yet it conflicts with his deep held belief that the person Sender has become is innately wrong.
This internal conflict of Sender’s comes to a head when his parents are killed and he must take responsibility for his much younger sister. Now he must reconcile his upbringing with his current dreams and happiness against his sister’s future. It’s not an easy task to handle and it’s no wonder that Sender is sent into an emotional tailspin and retreats to the familiar in his confusion. Both characters have flaws and fears which shape not only the people they are but how they react to problems and conflicts. Their relationship develops quickly but has enough depth and emotion to give weight regardless of the short time it has to build. Elios and Sender’s struggle to come to terms with their past and their hope for a future makes for a genuine and captivating tale, much like the characters themselves.
The science fiction backdrop was interesting with enough world building to capture my attention (and I love science fiction) without giving into the futuristic lure of too many details and unnecessary information. Between the characters budding relationship and then conflict, the premise of the book as related to the alien ship provided a few teasing hints while giving enough references to a future sequel. Added to the charming secondary characters that rounded out a well-defined set of characters, the authors have given a wonderful first offering in a new series.
Sender and Elios are immediate favorite characters, even though at times their struggle was described perfectly as someone with a blind spot that just can’t figure out how to go around it. Thankfully both find their path together and set up future appearances that will be eagerly awaited. Hopefully in subsequent books, there will be more about the Pandora project and Macy charmingly begs for his own story. There is not too much science fiction that this book can’t be enjoyed by anyone and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written romance with wonderful characters and an engaging story with honest anguish on the path to a happy ever after.
Elios Campbell is one of the linguists assigned to decipher the sounds recorded from Pandora, the alien spaceship. A workaholic and reeling from a disastrous breakup with a co-worker, Elias is settled into a safe, if somewhat mundane existence that feeds the love of his work and need to recover from heartbreak. His one gift to himself was to ask for a favor from an influential senator which allowed Elios to experience a flight in the prototype spaceships built for protection and attack, if needed, against Pandora. Although not overly adventurous, Elios is caught between his need for safety and the risks inherent in experiencing life to it’s fullest.
Sender Kinnison is the hotshot pilot that takes Elios on his brief trip through the sky. The attraction is immediate between the two men, but both are cautious requiring a touch of alcohol and some meddling from Sender’s squad to get the two together. They end up going to Elios’ apartment for a fun filled night of surprisingly hot and sizzling sex, which leads to much more. For all his adrenaline seeking ways, Sender is a contrast from his innate nature and his upbringing. He is at times tender and sweet, at others aggressive and demanding, but struggles against his strict, religious background and parental expectations. Sender has accepted who and what he is yet it conflicts with his deep held belief that the person Sender has become is innately wrong.
This internal conflict of Sender’s comes to a head when his parents are killed and he must take responsibility for his much younger sister. Now he must reconcile his upbringing with his current dreams and happiness against his sister’s future. It’s not an easy task to handle and it’s no wonder that Sender is sent into an emotional tailspin and retreats to the familiar in his confusion. Both characters have flaws and fears which shape not only the people they are but how they react to problems and conflicts. Their relationship develops quickly but has enough depth and emotion to give weight regardless of the short time it has to build. Elios and Sender’s struggle to come to terms with their past and their hope for a future makes for a genuine and captivating tale, much like the characters themselves.
The science fiction backdrop was interesting with enough world building to capture my attention (and I love science fiction) without giving into the futuristic lure of too many details and unnecessary information. Between the characters budding relationship and then conflict, the premise of the book as related to the alien ship provided a few teasing hints while giving enough references to a future sequel. Added to the charming secondary characters that rounded out a well-defined set of characters, the authors have given a wonderful first offering in a new series.
Sender and Elios are immediate favorite characters, even though at times their struggle was described perfectly as someone with a blind spot that just can’t figure out how to go around it. Thankfully both find their path together and set up future appearances that will be eagerly awaited. Hopefully in subsequent books, there will be more about the Pandora project and Macy charmingly begs for his own story. There is not too much science fiction that this book can’t be enjoyed by anyone and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written romance with wonderful characters and an engaging story with honest anguish on the path to a happy ever after.
October 4, 2024
Religions and cultures collide when Elios and Sender meet. Sender is from a conservative planet which is in poverty. Leaving the planet was the only way for him to have a better life and give his parents a chance to have another child. As a pilot in the military on Luna, Sender has it made. If only he could find a person to marry and be with for the rest of his life. The problem? He's gay and extrapolating from context clues we learn this is a bad thing based on how he's raised.
This story gives a very clear picture on how the duo of authors want a certain religion presented. They use negative terms like "backward" or "back water" to describe Sender's home. In addition, they make a point to say this one conservative world is the ONLY one that isn't thriving and is the poorest colony. Because...as the reader infers, it's due to their conservative ways and rigid religious ways. This comes across a bit heavy handed which caused me to not enjoy this book as much. This plot device is the reason for the break up between Elios and Sender.
Elios, he's a linguistics specialist who apparently has a terrible taste in men. Elios is no saint. I felt sorry for him at first but after a bit, I realized he's not able to communicate and just shuts people down. I'm not really sure what happened between him and Aric, but I'm left wondering if there was more to it than Elios' accusations. Especially after Elios gives Sender no chance to explain and leaves in a huff. Elios is a black or white, all or nothing kind of guy, despite his claims of wanting a compromise. I don't think anyone can live to Elios's standards.
These flawed characters were interesting to observe. It's nice to have main character who aren't perfect and yet somehow manage to find a way to work it out. I like this in a story. The two coming together through growth is a sweet journey if sad at times. Macy I think is my favourite in the story because he's the one who tries the best. He actually sees it from different perspectives and that is what I liked most. He wasn't judgmental. I would have liked to have learned more about Pandora but it never materialized. Perhaps another story will be written where we finally learn about Pandora. This book is recommended for m/m readers who enjoy a bit of futuristic fantasy.
*Review Copy from http://www.netgalley.com/*
This story gives a very clear picture on how the duo of authors want a certain religion presented. They use negative terms like "backward" or "back water" to describe Sender's home. In addition, they make a point to say this one conservative world is the ONLY one that isn't thriving and is the poorest colony. Because...as the reader infers, it's due to their conservative ways and rigid religious ways. This comes across a bit heavy handed which caused me to not enjoy this book as much. This plot device is the reason for the break up between Elios and Sender.
Elios, he's a linguistics specialist who apparently has a terrible taste in men. Elios is no saint. I felt sorry for him at first but after a bit, I realized he's not able to communicate and just shuts people down. I'm not really sure what happened between him and Aric, but I'm left wondering if there was more to it than Elios' accusations. Especially after Elios gives Sender no chance to explain and leaves in a huff. Elios is a black or white, all or nothing kind of guy, despite his claims of wanting a compromise. I don't think anyone can live to Elios's standards.
These flawed characters were interesting to observe. It's nice to have main character who aren't perfect and yet somehow manage to find a way to work it out. I like this in a story. The two coming together through growth is a sweet journey if sad at times. Macy I think is my favourite in the story because he's the one who tries the best. He actually sees it from different perspectives and that is what I liked most. He wasn't judgmental. I would have liked to have learned more about Pandora but it never materialized. Perhaps another story will be written where we finally learn about Pandora. This book is recommended for m/m readers who enjoy a bit of futuristic fantasy.
*Review Copy from http://www.netgalley.com/*
May 19, 2012
I did enjoy this sci-fi story, set some time in the quite distant future where Earth has a number of colonies which are widely different from each other.
I was fascinated by Luna, where most of the action occurs, and Elios' Roman religion. I wasn't sure how it came about that early gods were being worshipped in this setting, and would like to have seen more of the religion and how it's part of society: it's intriguing. Other religions were mentioned too, and I hope to see more of these cultures later on.
The main characters, Sender and Elios, are very good. They are compelling, human and you really care what happens to them. The secondary characters of their workmates and families are well done too, and came across not as mere sketches but real people.
In the end I wanted more. This volume, the start of the 'Pandora Project' series, has the feel of an extended prologue.
As with some other stories I've read recently, I got the feeling that so much sex was included not to establish a romance, which had been done quite early on and very well, but to pad out a short book into something that would stand alone more convincingly. Maybe others would think the purpose of the book to titillate in every chapter, but I preferred it for its plot, which was interesting and, as I said, I wanted more of. I will definitely get book 2, but hope there's less padding and more progressing the story now we've got the premise out of the way, so to speak.
Very imaginitive main story, which I'm looking forward to reading, about alien first contact and the men who are interpreting their communication, and planning to intercept their ship.
Definitely going to follow the series, and had this first volume had a bit less padding and elaborated on the interesting world building instead I'd have given it 4 stars more happily, but as it stands it's 3.5 rounded up.
I was fascinated by Luna, where most of the action occurs, and Elios' Roman religion. I wasn't sure how it came about that early gods were being worshipped in this setting, and would like to have seen more of the religion and how it's part of society: it's intriguing. Other religions were mentioned too, and I hope to see more of these cultures later on.
The main characters, Sender and Elios, are very good. They are compelling, human and you really care what happens to them. The secondary characters of their workmates and families are well done too, and came across not as mere sketches but real people.
In the end I wanted more. This volume, the start of the 'Pandora Project' series, has the feel of an extended prologue.
As with some other stories I've read recently, I got the feeling that so much sex was included not to establish a romance, which had been done quite early on and very well, but to pad out a short book into something that would stand alone more convincingly. Maybe others would think the purpose of the book to titillate in every chapter, but I preferred it for its plot, which was interesting and, as I said, I wanted more of. I will definitely get book 2, but hope there's less padding and more progressing the story now we've got the premise out of the way, so to speak.
Very imaginitive main story, which I'm looking forward to reading, about alien first contact and the men who are interpreting their communication, and planning to intercept their ship.
Definitely going to follow the series, and had this first volume had a bit less padding and elaborated on the interesting world building instead I'd have given it 4 stars more happily, but as it stands it's 3.5 rounded up.
January 25, 2012
This is the summary off the back of the book.
Linguist Elios Campbell is thrilled to be granted flight time in a Colonial Guard fighter jet, until he catches sight of his pilot. Spending time with Sender Kinnison holds even more appeal than the flight itself.
Sender's desire for other men is forbidden by his faith and his family. He tries to resist his attraction to Elios, who is unlike anyone he's ever known. When he fails, the incredible sex quickly leads to something deeper, forcing Sender to question his long-held beliefs.
Then, duty calls Sender home to the repressed colony of Themis. Will he be forced to give up a future with Elios to honor the ghosts of his past?
This is what I think of the book.
I am officially a sap, I cried through out the second half of this book. If I am honest I didn't want to like this book, because it deals with religion and I try to avoid those, but it won me over really quickly. I decided to read it because it has a couple of my favourite themes for a fantasy/scifi book, space pilots and man on man love.
This is a really passionate story of learning to be yourself with out guilt and duty. I liked that in this book you got two different view of religion. One very intolerant and how that can effect you when you don't fit the mould and the other is supportive so there is no strict mould. this gave the story a whole different dynamic and emotional backdrop that really effected me. if this is how this authors book are in general then I will be looking out for more but keeping hankies at the ready!!
Linguist Elios Campbell is thrilled to be granted flight time in a Colonial Guard fighter jet, until he catches sight of his pilot. Spending time with Sender Kinnison holds even more appeal than the flight itself.
Sender's desire for other men is forbidden by his faith and his family. He tries to resist his attraction to Elios, who is unlike anyone he's ever known. When he fails, the incredible sex quickly leads to something deeper, forcing Sender to question his long-held beliefs.
Then, duty calls Sender home to the repressed colony of Themis. Will he be forced to give up a future with Elios to honor the ghosts of his past?
This is what I think of the book.
I am officially a sap, I cried through out the second half of this book. If I am honest I didn't want to like this book, because it deals with religion and I try to avoid those, but it won me over really quickly. I decided to read it because it has a couple of my favourite themes for a fantasy/scifi book, space pilots and man on man love.
This is a really passionate story of learning to be yourself with out guilt and duty. I liked that in this book you got two different view of religion. One very intolerant and how that can effect you when you don't fit the mould and the other is supportive so there is no strict mould. this gave the story a whole different dynamic and emotional backdrop that really effected me. if this is how this authors book are in general then I will be looking out for more but keeping hankies at the ready!!
May 25, 2017
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; SEPT 2013
Narrator: Charles Carr
I only bought this because of Charles Carr. It's a pity the story couldn't match Carr's narrating skills and I also couldn't help the impression that he wasn't all that impressed with the book either. If you really want to experience Carr's skill with characterization, listen to The Hardest Thing by James Lear. Not just the sample - it's too short to be useful - but the entire book.
I've enjoyed this writing duo's books before but this one fell flat for me. I'd bought the first version, titled Pandora Project: Runaway Star and it was a dnf. I was hoping this newly-revised version (so it's claimed) would be better but it isn't.
Narrator: Charles Carr
I only bought this because of Charles Carr. It's a pity the story couldn't match Carr's narrating skills and I also couldn't help the impression that he wasn't all that impressed with the book either. If you really want to experience Carr's skill with characterization, listen to The Hardest Thing by James Lear. Not just the sample - it's too short to be useful - but the entire book.
I've enjoyed this writing duo's books before but this one fell flat for me. I'd bought the first version, titled Pandora Project: Runaway Star and it was a dnf. I was hoping this newly-revised version (so it's claimed) would be better but it isn't.
December 6, 2018
3.5 stars
I really liked the narration. There was emotion and distinction behind the different characters and I felt immersed in the story
The story itself was ok. It dragged a bit though I did tear up at spots. I liked the characters and their interactions. I didn’t quite get why a futuristic society was based off of Roman culture and fundamental Christian like religion. I also didn’t understand why Roman culture meant polyamorous. There wasn’t enough description of why or how the societies worked compared to the length of the novel.
A final note: I really appreciated the description of Sender’s sister. She seemed very age appropriate.
I really liked the narration. There was emotion and distinction behind the different characters and I felt immersed in the story
The story itself was ok. It dragged a bit though I did tear up at spots. I liked the characters and their interactions. I didn’t quite get why a futuristic society was based off of Roman culture and fundamental Christian like religion. I also didn’t understand why Roman culture meant polyamorous. There wasn’t enough description of why or how the societies worked compared to the length of the novel.
A final note: I really appreciated the description of Sender’s sister. She seemed very age appropriate.
March 10, 2015
I hope there is a sequel. The world the authors set up has left me wanting more. I want to know more about Pandora especially, and I'd also love to read more about Elios and Sender and their life together, how Aric reacts to Elios' new family, and I'd love for Macy to get some happiness of his own too.
July 22, 2013
3.5 stars
October 7, 2018
Ended before it began
This book ended just as it was about to get interesting. Elios is a linguist on a top secret project to translate an alien distress recording. Sender is a training pilot who takes Elios up for an approved joy ride. They hit it off and jump into a relationship much to fast. When tragedy strikes Sender’s family he has to make a decision that may permanently separate him from Elios. So that’s basically it in a nutshell. There was hardly any sci-fi except for the alien recording. After the insta-love start it dragged in the middle but started to pick up at the end. I mean it just ended! If the authors decide to write additional chapters with more sci-fi which looked like where it was headed, I might just read it.
This book ended just as it was about to get interesting. Elios is a linguist on a top secret project to translate an alien distress recording. Sender is a training pilot who takes Elios up for an approved joy ride. They hit it off and jump into a relationship much to fast. When tragedy strikes Sender’s family he has to make a decision that may permanently separate him from Elios. So that’s basically it in a nutshell. There was hardly any sci-fi except for the alien recording. After the insta-love start it dragged in the middle but started to pick up at the end. I mean it just ended! If the authors decide to write additional chapters with more sci-fi which looked like where it was headed, I might just read it.
October 29, 2019
A sweet novella. Very surface-y and rushed as all novellas can't help but feel, but I think the authors did a lot in a limited number of words. The characters and their dynamic were lovely, and I really like the sci-fi worldbuilding and the overarching plot. Generation ships are a source of fascination for me in sci-fi and this was a new (to me, at least) way to look at it! Can't help but feel like things have been set up for more books, so I really hope this is the first in a series. And the romance was really very adorable, rushed as it was.
Things got wrapped up veeeeery quickly in the end and I do wish we had gotten more out of Elios' ex; it felt like there was more to his story. But this was still a nice read; wouldn't mind revisiting it.
Things got wrapped up veeeeery quickly in the end and I do wish we had gotten more out of Elios' ex; it felt like there was more to his story. But this was still a nice read; wouldn't mind revisiting it.
April 1, 2019
This was a book I tried to read several years ago, so maybe it's unfair of me to mark it as not finished now, without even attempting to reread it. But, as I read through other people's reviews, I began to remember why I stopped.
It just... didn't hold my interest. It felt like it dragged and the world didn't grab me as much as I want a sci-fi story to grab me. My interest fizzled out and I forgot all about it as quickly as I could. I'm not sure if I would call it a bad book, just not of my taste.
So no, I won't bother trying to reread it, unfortunately. I'll just leave it as unfinished.
It just... didn't hold my interest. It felt like it dragged and the world didn't grab me as much as I want a sci-fi story to grab me. My interest fizzled out and I forgot all about it as quickly as I could. I'm not sure if I would call it a bad book, just not of my taste.
So no, I won't bother trying to reread it, unfortunately. I'll just leave it as unfinished.
December 28, 2017
I liked the book but didn't love it. Maybe if it was longer and could have built up the worlds better as well as more insight into the 2 main characters I would have like it more. Elios and Sender - didn't really get a good feel with either of these two. There didn't seem to be enough details of them to get a better idea of what they looked liked. I can only imagine what it is like to want one thing yet believe that it is wrong due to a person's religion. Overall the story was good just wished it was a little longer and we got to see what happened with Elios and Sender afterwards.
July 28, 2017
This one just really dragged on for me. Took me almost 4 days to finish
It was good but I won't be rereading it or suggesting it to anyone else.
It was good but I won't be rereading it or suggesting it to anyone else.
December 10, 2017
Not sure how many times we get told the MCs names on a page, I listened to the audio, but it was way too many, I got bored with the book because of it.
DNF.
DNF.
January 27, 2019
Interesting world-building. I kind of wish there'd been more detail and background on this version of humanity making it to space, because there were some really intriguing hints dropped.
July 8, 2020
Less than five minutes in and I'm done. Definitely *not* for me.
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