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tracydurnell's review
4.0
An interesting future for humanity, mixing in alien genes that lead people to have a secondary gender of alpha, beta or omega. One hero is an alpha and the other an omega. The practical effect of this secondary gender is either heat or ruts, basically getting really horny for several days, and the ability to form mating bonds.
This gender is reflected throughout the worldbuilding, with cultural mores reflecting these biologists needs. Interestingly, the omega hero has been on a suppressant for ten years that eliminates all sexual arousal, but his doctor refuses to refill his prescription and he's finally forced to confront his sexuality.
The author has clearly made efforts to create a world reflective of the diversity in real life. People of all races, a disabled squad leader, a trans commander, gay and straight pairings, and diversity spread throughout all roles. I especially liked pointing out that the character who uses a wheelchair in gravity has equal mobility to non-disabled characters in low G. The society appears free of homophobia.
The omega hero has a secret backstory that's left him with a lot of emotional baggage that he has to confront. He struggles with accepting his sexuality and it makes him a little wishy washy. It's understandable but I also feel for his best friend getting yanked back and forth.
Along with the secondary gender, there are some physical changes to human bodies, which are common in SFR stories (scent glands for marking and, ahem, enlarged members for bonding). So if you're into that you'll find it here.
This gender is reflected throughout the worldbuilding, with cultural mores reflecting these biologists needs. Interestingly, the omega hero has been on a suppressant for ten years that eliminates all sexual arousal, but his doctor refuses to refill his prescription and he's finally forced to confront his sexuality.
The author has clearly made efforts to create a world reflective of the diversity in real life. People of all races, a disabled squad leader, a trans commander, gay and straight pairings, and diversity spread throughout all roles. I especially liked pointing out that the character who uses a wheelchair in gravity has equal mobility to non-disabled characters in low G. The society appears free of homophobia.
The omega hero has a secret backstory that's left him with a lot of emotional baggage that he has to confront. He struggles with accepting his sexuality and it makes him a little wishy washy. It's understandable but I also feel for his best friend getting yanked back and forth.
Along with the secondary gender, there are some physical changes to human bodies, which are common in SFR stories (scent glands for marking and, ahem, enlarged members for bonding). So if you're into that you'll find it here.
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