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angelas_book_nook's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
krin's review
3.75
The first 70% of this book was quite good for an indie debut. It was noticeably indie though - almost fanfic-like. And it became more obvious in that last 30%, almost like the author and his betas ran out of steam for editing. But ultimately, so much of this worked for me even though it has a lot of stuff I don't normally read (i.e., fantasy/sci-fi, more erotica than romance, BDSM). The author's character work is great and he created a very cool sense of place. And the way sex work was centred and portrayed was really good. Ultimately, this was a compelling story with interesting characters that kept me engaged despite lacking polish. I will definitely read the next one when it come out.
katherineshawwrites's review against another edition
5.0
This is a spicier book than I'd usually read, but it's SO much more than an erotic sci-fi story. The plot is powerful and gripping, covering topics which are not only engaging but hugely relevant to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond right now. The characterisation is excellent - I am in love with Laith - and the enemies to lovers romantic subplot is *chef's kiss*. Go in with your eyes wide open, as it's a very adult book with fairly graphic sexual content, but it is handled extremely well, is relevant to the plot (they are sex workers after all), and doesn't slow the progression of the larger story. Great book - I can't wait for the sequel!
ddanddauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. I forgot to copy my more detailed review and need to rewrite it, but just know that this book is gay as fuck and hot as hell. It manages to write sexy, flawed and wonderful characters without fetishizing them. Not to mention it contains the hottest smut I've read in a while.
my only complaint is that the formatting is lacking. The chapter headings aren't enlarged or bolded which is a bit odd, and the margin spacing is quite a bit larger than standard.
my only complaint is that the formatting is lacking. The chapter headings aren't enlarged or bolded which is a bit odd, and the margin spacing is quite a bit larger than standard.
junisreading's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many things to say about this BUT I JUST FINISHED AND WHERES THE REST OF IT????!!!!! I won’t be able to sleep after that ending, what the fuck
scriptrix's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
amphipodgirl's review against another edition
4.0
11 pm: Spouse: "Don't stay up too late!" Me: "Yeah, I'll come soon."
Midnight: Oh, I'll just read one more chapter.
1 am: Puts book down to brush teeth, run dishwasher and go to bed.
1:15 am Picks up book again
2:00 am finally goes to bed.
Yeah. It was like that.
It's an indeterminate time in the future and the Purity Laws have made Earth a crappy place to be other than cis/het/allo/monogamous -- but freedom prevails on the James Baldwin space station. Our POV character is Dorian, a femme cis male dominant sex worker; he gets assigned to train novice sub Laith (trans male).
Laith and Dorian both catch FeELinGs and there's a lot of political intrigue and a mystery to detect. It's a whole lot going on, and I did occasionally get confused about what was happening or who someone was. But the whole thing is quite compulsively readable and I definitely enjoyed it.
Because of the sex work framing, it contains a wide variety of sex acts practiced by people of all kinds of genders, in duos, trios, and quads -- more sexual variety than I can remember seeing in any other novel.
Recommended for sure.
Midnight: Oh, I'll just read one more chapter.
1 am: Puts book down to brush teeth, run dishwasher and go to bed.
1:15 am Picks up book again
2:00 am finally goes to bed.
Yeah. It was like that.
It's an indeterminate time in the future and the Purity Laws have made Earth a crappy place to be other than cis/het/allo/monogamous -- but freedom prevails on the James Baldwin space station. Our POV character is Dorian, a femme cis male dominant sex worker; he gets assigned to train novice sub Laith (trans male).
Laith and Dorian both catch FeELinGs and there's a lot of political intrigue and a mystery to detect. It's a whole lot going on, and I did occasionally get confused about what was happening or who someone was. But the whole thing is quite compulsively readable and I definitely enjoyed it.
Because of the sex work framing, it contains a wide variety of sex acts practiced by people of all kinds of genders, in duos, trios, and quads -- more sexual variety than I can remember seeing in any other novel.
Recommended for sure.
alwaysteatime's review
5.0
While erotica and romance aren't my usual genres to read, the book hooked me in immediately and I couldn't put it down once I'd started. The world-building is fun and expertly woven into the story so you aren't lost nor overwhelmed as you go; the cast is diverse, memorable, and just so fun to read about (none of that side characters being more interesting or shoehorned in business! Everyone here has a story you'll want to hear about); and the plot is suspenseful with twists at every corner.
There are a couple of times where the Big Plot is mentioned feels a little sudden, but it all ties back in by the end and falls together perfectly, and with a perfect lead-in to the next novel. Hargrave writes characters that are real, respected, and explores dynamics that are impossible not to love. This is a story about perseverance, love, found family, and the very real struggle of the sex work and LGBTQ+ community within a fun new setting.
Impactful characterizations are one of my favorite things to see as a reader, and Hargrave accomplishes making unforgettable characters the are each so unique and individual from each other. Dorian's voice is powerful and convincing; so much so that I found myself wishing I could have a conversation with him at times, to console him or argue with him, or even just tell him he's doing a good job.
I can't wait for the next books, both in this world to get to learn more about it (and see where that end will lead them!), and from Hargrave.
There are a couple of times where the Big Plot is mentioned feels a little sudden, but it all ties back in by the end and falls together perfectly, and with a perfect lead-in to the next novel. Hargrave writes characters that are real, respected, and explores dynamics that are impossible not to love. This is a story about perseverance, love, found family, and the very real struggle of the sex work and LGBTQ+ community within a fun new setting.
Impactful characterizations are one of my favorite things to see as a reader, and Hargrave accomplishes making unforgettable characters the are each so unique and individual from each other. Dorian's voice is powerful and convincing; so much so that I found myself wishing I could have a conversation with him at times, to console him or argue with him, or even just tell him he's doing a good job.
I can't wait for the next books, both in this world to get to learn more about it (and see where that end will lead them!), and from Hargrave.
spookieboogie's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
fish_beholder's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
This starts out as a hot queer sci-fi novel but gets seriously intense. It wasn't what I was expecting, and while I enjoyed it, there were a couple times where I almost had to stop.
when the novel starts the space station is a queer leftist utopia, but the background of the love story is how that changes and the "Purity" faction takes over. I expected a hail Mary HEA right up until the end and I'm kinda gutted that it didn't happen. The ending is open, hopefully there's a sequel on the horizon. Yes your was an amazing book, but if you're looking for hot gay escapism to distract you from painful reality, the climax is going to fucking hurt.</end spoiler>
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Transphobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Outing