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Scorpion (Memory of Scorpions #1)

by Aleksandr Voinov (Goodreads Author)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 395 ratings · 127 reviews

The book has been removed from circulation and will be re-issued in May, 2013.

You learn your wisest lessons from your enemies. Assuming, of course, you survive the encounter.

Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he's ever known—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed st...more

ebook, 242 pages

Published May 2011 by Dreamspinner Press

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Jan 31, 2013 Aleksandr Voinov added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: books-i-wrote

This has gone out of contract (it was pulled at end-December 2012). I'm currently re-editing it to prepare it for publication in mid-2013, with a sequel scheduled, too.

ETA: 15 January 2013 - first editing pass is done.

ETA: 31 January 2013 - Cover is in the works, second editing pass is pretty much done. We're on track!

36 likes · like · see review

Jan 15, 2013 LisaT - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog LisaT131 rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: m-m, soldiers

Shelves: adult, favorites, kindle, m-m-romance, soldiers

~~~

Voinov created this rather small, compact world with huge outer fringes. He brought big concepts down to a tightly woven story that led me along an unexpected path. Once I got started on that path, I couldn't stop.

"Hatred had blossomed from the vine of contempt in his heart, flowers of dark, grim splendor."

Voinov's character development once again, shined through. The story has a war torn grittiness that still allowed for characters that were complex, rich and worthy. The main character, Ke...more

11 likes · like · see review

May 23, 2011 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, m-m

I'm going to start out by saying that, because this is an Aleksandr Voinov story, I expected perfection. That's why I might be extra strict.

Scorpion is not your everyday m/m novel. It's a fantasy story (with heavy erotic undercurrents), it's quite dark and it features a strong, multilayered hero: Kendras.

Kendras was the most interesting part of the story. His will to survive, his inner and outer struggles, his strength and his journey to self discovery were really engaging.
In the beginning of th...more I'm going to start out by saying that, because this is an Aleksandr Voinov story, I expected perfection. That's why I might be extra strict.

Scorpion is not your everyday m/m novel. It's a fantasy story (with heavy erotic undercurrents), it's quite dark and it features a strong, multilayered hero: Kendras.

Kendras was the most interesting part of the story. His will to survive, his inner and outer struggles, his strength and his journey to self discovery were really engaging.
In the beginning of the story we meet Kendras when he has just escaped death. He is tired, wounded and alone but he is determined. He's a Scorpion afterall and they never give up. As the story unfolds, so does the world and we learn more about its inhabitants, the political issues, the power struggles and the way Kendras and the Scorpions fit in the whole.

I loved how this was set up, I loved the world building and I especially loved the attention to detail.
Typical for Voinov, the characters are morally ambiguous, with Widowmaker being the most notable (his name alone tells many tales). Another character which I found interesting was Selvan, the slave who showed strength while appearing weak.

However, the two other major secondary characters, Steele and Adrastes, fell flat for me -both for different reasons.
I really liked the potential of Steele. He started out great but his character and characterization grew weaker with each chapter. I felt like there could have been so much more. I just didn't feel him.
Adrastes on the other hand had archetypal qualities. I understand that his perfect hero elements were ascribed to him by Kendras- whose head we were in the entire book- but it did make him feel like a cardboard cutout, especially compared to Kendras.

Another peeve were some parts of the dialogue. I felt like certain segments didn't flow well, I had to go back and reread parts. Especially in the beginning, there is more inner monologue and reflection than dialogue and I couldn't follow the characters' verbal reactions to each other, given the little amount of talk that was actually done. There was also some word repetition which I think could have been avoided.

I was also slightly disappointed by the ending. The last part of the book just didn't quite reach the quality of the beginning of the book.

This all being said: Scorpion still is a well written story with a great main character and an interesting world. I know it's unfair to expect perfection, but I just don't feel we've seen Voinov's full potential.
A 4- rating, rounding it up to 4. (less)

15 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2013 Aleksandr Voinov added it · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-wrote

And it's up on NetGalley.

12 likes · like · see review

May 13, 2013 Shelley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-2013-favorite, action-packed, addictive-reading, damn-it-s-so-good, fantastical, favorite-author, fire-of-my-loins, forced-slavery, historical, m-m, memorable, military-hero, oh-yes-yes-yes, uber-alpha-male

Christ! Aleksandr Voinov rocks my freaking world AGAIN!

photo 300-army_zps5a125350.jpg

This author nails it for me. Every. Single. Time. Nobody writes military m/m like this.

Scorpion is a dark(er) military fantasy set in the old empire of Shara, where three cities fight and plot against each other. This is a tale of warriors and nobles and the battles they wage for ultimate power. Politics and skulduggery, power plays with brutal costs and sex - really fierce warrior type sex.

Voinov gives you, the reader front row seats to th...more

14 likes · like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Gwenith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lost-in-fantasy

A Majestical Read!~

A Book of Love ,War and Death...

The Goal~ " Never Stop Fighting"

Gosh, where shall I start, okay, the findings~ I found that this book has so many dreamy elements that allow me to feel like I was riding horse back into a different realm..a lovely realm to say the least! Thus,the descriptive writing and world building was spectacular without a doubt.

Names of the character's are simply unforgettable...Puppy...gosh, I just want to hug him just for his name alone, Steele, hummmm...more

7 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m-romance, military

4.5 stars. This was such a great read! Aleksandr Voinov created a highly developed world with strong, multi-faceted characters. The world was fascinating. It was like I stepped right into the lands of Dalman and Fetin with the Scorpions lined up and ready for battle.

The story begins with Kendras, alone and badly hurt after fighting in a war with his fellow brothers - The Scorpions. The Scorpions are a unit of elite warriors that fight side by side as brothers and who follow the motto "Never Stop...more 4.5 stars. This was such a great read! Aleksandr Voinov created a highly developed world with strong, multi-faceted characters. The world was fascinating. It was like I stepped right into the lands of Dalman and Fetin with the Scorpions lined up and ready for battle.

The story begins with Kendras, alone and badly hurt after fighting in a war with his fellow brothers - The Scorpions. The Scorpions are a unit of elite warriors that fight side by side as brothers and who follow the motto "Never Stop Fighting". Kendras is picked up and offered help by a gray-eyed mercenary named Steel. Steel helps Kendras but of course Steel's assistance isn't for free. Although Kendras agrees to Steels terms, his first priority is to find his surviving brothers or any who may have fallen. Nothing else matters to Kendras. Most importantly he needs to find the leader of the Scorpions, "The Officer". Kendras finds himself entangled in a web of political and religious struggles all the while dealing with his own internal turmoil; his resolve to never stop fighting versus his self-doubt. I love Kendras. He's strong and loyal, yet he shows touches of vulnerability. Great combo!

All the characters were so well developed, I loved them all. The only issue I had was with Steel. I was constantly waiting for more from him. Even though he's ruthless, I still felt like there was a place in his heart for Kendras but I just wish I saw it or I felt it a bit more. (view spoiler)

I really hope to see more of Widow, Selvan, and Kiran. They're great characters. We don't know much about Kiran but he's very interesting. And Widow, well he's in a class by himself. Need more of him! I also liked the little touches of humor throughout.

What really came through for me most was "The Officer" and what Kendras felt for him. I loved the flash backs and listening to the officer's words through Kendras. I felt like I knew him even without having met him.

This was such a wonderful fantasy story of loyalty, honor, survival, and love.
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May 20, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fave-authors, may-2011, m-m, reading-with-the-girls

Ruthless men fucking and fighting and surviving...yep I guess this could be a lot of what you see in this book...And there was that, but damn there was so much more.

Kendras is thelast man in his unit, of the Scorpions, after a heinous battle he is reduced to begging on the streets he is injured and destitute with nowhere to turn to. He is picked up as a trick by awarrior, he's not sure what this man wants with him, but he is in no position to refuse...Steel takes him to a safe place and helps hi...more

13 likes · like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 deirdre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, m-m, lendable-nook

this is a fantastic read!! of course!!

story line and characters sucked me in immediately. compelling character development that stays solid through out the story arc. i became completely immersed in the world created here and was pulled through a host of emotions, as with all of Voinov's work.

this is also one that i have been thinking about through out the 18+ hours since i finished the second read through. you will NOT be disappointed! i am certain i will read this a few more times.

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 L-D rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, assassin-hitman-mercenary, romance, military-soldier-spec-ops, tats-piercings-scars-yum, nook-lendable

This book hit a lot of perfect notes for me. Mercenaries, soldiers, battles, intrigue...it's all there. I can see that this plot may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love action/adventure and the stronger the alpha males the better.

Kendras is definitely a strong alpha male, while not exactly lovable, it's easy to respect all that he has been through. I'm not sure if it's his exotic looks or his attitude that attracts other men to him, but whatever it is, he has it in spades. I thought charac...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Crys Harris rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars.

The world building was effortless and excellent. I got a sense of the players and some of the culture, but it flowed naturally in the story in such a way that I just took Fetin and Dalman for granted. The pace of the story was brisk and I can't think of one time where I got impatient with what was happening.

The bests part of the book were the dialogue and the rich and well-rounded secondary characters. I enjoyed the fact that the romance was almost secondary to the main character's 'c...more

3 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2011 SueM rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, menage, fantasy, war, spy-asassin, ipad-ereader

A well written complex novel with intense, detailed characters. It's a fantasy novel with a historical feel - reminiscent of the Romans or gladiators. While there is a romance, it isn't the main focus of the story to me. Instead the focus is on the political drama with its resultant wars, battles and assassinations. If you're in the mood for a poltical drama filled with the brutality of a war, betrayal, loyalty, honor, basic rough sex (including a couple of menages) and set with a background rom...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Merrian rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a 4.5 star read for me

I first read this book when it was published and now that I am on Goodreads want to share my love of Scorpion. This is a book you should judge by it's beautiful, brooding cover. While a lot happens in this world of warring city states and corrupt priesthoods it is Kendras' own journey and what he thinks and does that matters.

Scorpion is not only an m/m romance but a military fantasy story set in a complex world. In many ways it is an homage to Glen Cook's Black Comp...more This is a 4.5 star read for me

I first read this book when it was published and now that I am on Goodreads want to share my love of Scorpion. This is a book you should judge by it's beautiful, brooding cover. While a lot happens in this world of warring city states and corrupt priesthoods it is Kendras' own journey and what he thinks and does that matters.

Scorpion is not only an m/m romance but a military fantasy story set in a complex world. In many ways it is an homage to Glen Cook's Black Company books "Soldiers die the company lives on" is the Black Company creed and I think these words are the start point for the tale of the Scorpions who have no home but each other.

There has been fighting and betrayal - it looks like the Scorpions, what remains of the 17th one of the great legions of Shara, are finished. Kendras, badly injured finds himself alone and penniless in Dalman, the place where he grew up and whom he was fighting against. He is taken on for nefarious and deeply murderous political reasons by Grey Eyes/Steel, a mercenary captain. There is nothing sweet about this story that begins with Kendras exchanging sex for survival.

Grey Eyes doesn't reckon with the driving fact of Kendras' life - to find any of his brothers still alive and to ensure the Scorpions live on. I don't know whether it is because we are so much in Kendras' head along with his laser focus on the Officer and his Scorpions but Grey Eyes was always a pale character for me. As the story unfolds he fades more because Kendras wants to shake him off and isn't interested. In a sense just as he is a favored tool of the High Priest of the Sea God he is a tool of the plot.

There is murder and rough sex. This is a world shaped through violence. Yet as always, with Aleks' stories, the world is rich and complex. I loved the details such as when Kendras reflects on the sacrifices to the sea; blue flowers and condemned prisoners and sees the pilgrims with faces painted blue.

The importance of the Scorpion's annals to the survivors also speaks of the importance of remembering to identity and purpose. As Kendras and the Officer/Adrastes struggle to find a way to survive for themselves, their city and the Scorpions the later part of the story also reflects on faith and belief, especially interesting in the face of the venality of the sea priests and Adrastes intention to take the war to them.

The few women who appear so briefly in the story are all strong and tough and interesting in their own right. I do appreciate this in a primarily m/m story. I am also glad that the necessary heir is obtained without recourse to a woman being made a baby machine.

This isn't a nice world but I want to go back. I want to know Widowmaker and the Lady Protector's story. How did Kendras end up a gutter rat in Dalman City? How does Adrastes go about making his Empire? Adrastes life itself before he was betrothed to the Scorpions has many tales hidden in it.

My rating takes .5 off from a potential 5 star rating due to my sense of Grey Eyes as a plot mechanism and to the fast ending which left me with a feeling of that's it?

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1 like · like · see review

Nov 06, 2011 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kudos to the author. I cannot remember a time where I’ve been lured into empathizing with a character who beat the MC half to death. But I did. So much so, that I found myself cheering their relationship on.

If you’re not into fantasy, don’t let that stop you from reading this book; the world-building is exquisite and doesn’t require a roadmap to follow.

This story snagged me from the first page. Highly recommended.

2 likes · like · see review

May 20, 2011 Simsala*is getting slow* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, fantasy

The four stars are an "appreciate",not a "like".
Yes,this is an exceptional and very well written story - but absolutely not my thing.
Men! - fucking,fighting and hurting each other...and revel in it.Oh my,....

7 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2012 Dee Wy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-fantasy, war-military

I really liked this. A good solid story of war, loyalty and love.

2 likes · like · see review

May 25, 2011 Amara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, mm

I loved this book. Warriors, mercenaries, battles, intrigue, love, hot growly sex, you name it, this book had it. Packed full of awesome!

This book had me page one. By the end of the first chapter I was a goner, completely enthralled, could not put it down. The writing carried me away; Intense, complex, twists and turns that kept me guessing, vivid descriptions that painted pictures I could see and feel, strong, complex characters that gripped me and wouldn’t let go, a unique world that still fel...more

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Nov 11, 2011 Edina Rose rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was captivating until I realised the happy couple will not be Kendras-Steel but Kendras and someone else. I did not learn to care about the man who would be Kendras happy ending and that cut in half my interest for the rest of the story.

But what a story! There was so much testosterone even the eunuch was plenty virile! Violence, cruelty, rape, very rough sex ... People who like tough romance will be well served.

4 likes · like · see review

May 09, 2011 Harper rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, fantasy, m-m-romance, publisher-dsp, read-in-2011

Awesome! Great characters and world-building, subtle, but satisfying, romance. Started and finished it today. Every spare moment I had, this baby was in my hands, and it didn't disappoint me from start to finish. Loved Kendras and I'm already looking forward to the sequel. Recommended!

And might I just add that the cover for this is gorgeous! Reese Dante did a fabulous job. Almost makes me wish I'd bought the paperback instead of the ebook...but I was much too impatient for that. :)

3 likes · like · see review

May 19, 2011 Td rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, dark, sniff, enemies-rivals-to-lovers

I'm having a hard time putting thoughts about this book into words. I'll just say I thought it was fascinating from beginning to end. Recommended to those who want a well developed, intense, ruthless read with unexpected twists at every turn.

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 22, 2012 Carey rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book really surprised me with how much I ended up liking it. I couldn't predict what would happen, which is a rare joy for me as a reader! The story and characters were strong enough that if all the sex were stripped out of it, it still would have been a really enjoyable book.

The world building was such that i fell into it without thinking twice...similar enough to our past that it didn't seem outlandish at all, yet just different enough to be interesting (which i think is a hallmark of thi...more

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2013 Helle marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, military, soldiers, warrior, war, historical

Have pre-ordered the book today, jubii just have to be patient and wait until it comes out
...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 21, 2011 Colleen Coover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m-romance

This is one tough as nails fantasy novel. While it falls under the umbrella of M/M romance, because it features relationships and sex between men, don't expect hearts and flowers. But do expect to be satisfied by a well-constructed adventure.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 27, 2012 Grammy 1 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just when I had thought the Soul Series which I had just read and reviewed by this author was sooo dark and painful, Mr Voinov, pulls me in again, this time into a fantasy world of warriors, mercenaries, intrigue and deceit and into the mind of Kendras, a walk from boy to man.

Kendras, being brought up in the streets, not knowing his family or past, is bought by a man who leads an elite group of warriors. He is brought to be trained by all the members of the team enjoying each other both sexually...more Just when I had thought the Soul Series which I had just read and reviewed by this author was sooo dark and painful, Mr Voinov, pulls me in again, this time into a fantasy world of warriors, mercenaries, intrigue and deceit and into the mind of Kendras, a walk from boy to man.

Kendras, being brought up in the streets, not knowing his family or past, is bought by a man who leads an elite group of warriors. He is brought to be trained by all the members of the team enjoying each other both sexually and in fighting skills so they are a brotherhood. The leader is called ‘the officer’ and the group is called The Scorpions. To Kendras this man is everything. We see him wanting the same in return.

Mr Voinov is a master story teller and weaves this one through the eyes of Kendras. Kendras has no political aspirations, he has no family and no sense of self. He is a fighter and here he learns from “the officer’ a man never gives up.

Injured during the first battle they are in, separated from his team, Kendras is shipped off with other injured and finds himself in a tavern with a few coppers in his pocket and a man standing in front of him with “steel grey eyes” offering him a bed and healing time. We learn Steel is a mercenary in charge of a group of men who work for the highest bidder. Again, Voinov shows us the sexual side of these

Warriors, needing physical release and human touch no matter the sexual preference. It is Kendras’ greatest desire to go back and find his Scorpions and ‘the officer’ who he has given his heart and soul to.

This story is not an easy read, following this warrior through the intrigue of the politics in this strange land, the priests, the gods, the kings and his two leaders

Steel, who has shown Kendras his love and then his ire, and the officer he follows both in mind, teachings and love. This is one intense read. All the characters both primary and secondary are in your face, most are likeable and believeable. This plot is one hell of a read by this exquisite storyteller. I loved Widow, the snarky troublemaker and what twists and turns we learn about him.

Voinov seems to write first you see it, then you don’t kind of books. His story line is always driven by a simple story, then takes twist and turns that you do not see coming. He intrigues me, and I do not even try to question it ,I just give in to the story and follow his lead. This is not your simple m/m romance either. These men face war and dying at any given moment and the sex is tough, dark and sweaty. Yet there are moments of such sweet tenderness your heart aches.

I applaud this book for one of the best I have read recently. I must admit once I passed the first chapter, I had a hard time in putting it down. If you do nothing else after reading this review, please look up this author on Amazon, Goodreads or where ever you purchase books. Outstanding author.

Review by Gloria Lakritz

Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
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1 like · like · see review

Jun 22, 2012 Celine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, fantasy-scifi, m-m, effing-amazing

I'm putting this one up in my 'effing amazing' pile! Damn did I like it!
We get swept away to a whole new world with map (ooh love it when there is maps involved). I'm just a sucker for fantasy :)

up until now i only read contemporary novels by Voinov and i'm really amazed at how good this turned out. I kept thinking back to the fantasy novels by Tanith Lee I used to read in my teens and twenties. You get immersed in a new world, so vividly described and all the intrigue and royal politics and hi...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 16, 2011 Mel Bradley rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am usually not one for historical reads, but the description of this one intrigued me and I’m glad that I gave it a try. Set in a very different world than we live in now, this story was an engaging tale that explored over-coming circumstances, creating your own family, and the different levels of class within a society – all with smoking hot soldiers. The writing had a few stumbles – there were some paragraphs that either seemed repetitive or irrelevant, but the characters were very well deve...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Lisa by: top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com

Shelves: alternate-history, m-m, military, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. For as long as there have been politics and religion, there has been war. For as long as there has been war, there have been soldiers, men of honor and purpose who will fight to the death for the sake of their country, for their beliefs, for loyalty to their brothers-in-arms, for the love and respect of their commanding officers.

Some men are born warriors. Some are made.

Kendras is a man with no family ties, who is rescued from the hands of death, not once but twice, by two very different men—one...more For as long as there have been politics and religion, there has been war. For as long as there has been war, there have been soldiers, men of honor and purpose who will fight to the death for the sake of their country, for their beliefs, for loyalty to their brothers-in-arms, for the love and respect of their commanding officers.

Some men are born warriors. Some are made.

Kendras is a man with no family ties, who is rescued from the hands of death, not once but twice, by two very different men—one man earns Kendras’s love and respect. One man demands them. Both will possess his body, but only one will have his heart.

Kendras’s journey begins when he is chosen to become a part of a band of brothers known as Scorpions, warriors who are not only partners on the battlefield but who are also partners promised to each other in both body and spirit. The mantra “never stop fighting” is etched upon Kendras’s soul every bit as deeply as the scorpion tattoos are etched upon his hands. It is a directive that will lead him through the political and religious maneuverings between warring factions which will eventually decimate the Scorpions, leaving Kendras at the mercy of a man who is determined to gain the soldier’s obedience by any means necessary. Kendras soon learns that there is a time to fight to live and a time to stand down to survive. It is a hard learned truth, but one that guides him on the mission to find any surviving members of the Scorpions; above all, the officer, the man who owns Kendras, body and soul, a man with a secret that, when revealed, will set Kendras’s destiny on a new course.

Scorpion is an outstanding alternate history novel, rich in scope; one that is presented so comprehensively and is written with such authority that it feels as though it might be a historically factual piece. It is a tale peopled by characters who, regardless of how well drawn they are, still have undercurrents and backstories to them that made me want to delve deeper into their lives and their thoughts.

Aleksandr Voinov has written a story of military and political intrigue in which an adversary becomes an unexpected ally, allies become lovers; alliances are formed to reinforce a family’s rule, and sex, like war, is at times a fight for control and dominance.

The only danger from this Scorpion is that you may not want to put it down.(less)

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May 24, 2011 Book Utopia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, fantasy, m-m

4.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 5.

Aleksandr Voinov is one of my finds this year, but this was the first solo title of his I’d picked up. I started it wondering how it would differ from the collaborative work I’d read. I finished it wondering how long I would have to wait before reading more of his solo attempts.

The story is a complex one. It takes place in a fantasy world where three cities vie for dominance – Dalman, Fetin, and Vededrin, each with their own internal politics as well. Kendr...more 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding it up to 5.

Aleksandr Voinov is one of my finds this year, but this was the first solo title of his I’d picked up. I started it wondering how it would differ from the collaborative work I’d read. I finished it wondering how long I would have to wait before reading more of his solo attempts.

The story is a complex one. It takes place in a fantasy world where three cities vie for dominance – Dalman, Fetin, and Vededrin, each with their own internal politics as well. Kendras is a soldier of a group known as the Scorpions, an elite band of men led by one known only as the officer. At the top of the story, he has been badly injured, his foot crushed beneath a siege engine when he is left for dead. He has no money, no knowledge if his comrades are alive or dead, so when a gray-eyed man offers to pay him for sexual favors, he accepts. It’s the only way to live. The man, who introduces himself as a mercenary named Steel, takes Kendras under his wing, providing medical attention and offering a place to recuperate. In return, he’d like Kendras’s aid in a job once he’s better. Kendras agrees, as a measure of expediency, and thus starts his participation in a story of politics, fighting to the death, and Machiavellian intrigue.

It’s not an easy read, but it’s made compelling by the author’s visceral prose. Action leaps from the page in slashes of red and gray and black, and the pace is relentless. Even when the characters are at rest, there’s a sense of constant forward motion, made possible by the vibrant description and underlying energies of his cast. It’s the novel’s greatest strength, making it nearly futile to try putting the book down, even to regroup and try to assimilate all of the background information necessary to understand and fully appreciate the machinations of what’s going on.

The dense world-building is both a good and bad thing. While it provides a lot of substance for a reader to sink into, there’s so much of it that it took me a while to get everything straight, and even then, I wasn’t always sure I was reading something right. It’s not for the lack of explanation. There’s a lot of it in there. For me, I think that part of my slowness in fully comprehending what was going on politically stemmed from where those explanations were placed. For instance, much of chapter three is a flashback to when Kendras first joined up with the Scorpions. Near the end of his initiation (or betrothal as it’s called), the officer takes him up onto the mountain, presumably to be the last of the Scorpions Kendras spends time with. There, he lays a lot of the foundation of this fantasy world’s history. It’s clear and concise, but honestly, most of it went right past me. Why? Because Kendras wasn’t concerned about any of that. He’s wrapped up in all his strong feelings for the officer and anticipation of what’s to come. I was just as wrapped up in Kendras by this point, which meant the necessary exposition the officer was giving glanced off my awareness. I don’t know if this would be a problem for other readers (though honestly, I don’t consider it a problem for myself, it was just a stumbling block). When I’m that engaged with a story, I’m so immersed I find it difficult to dissociate. It’s a credit to the author that I could get that deep so quickly as much as it is anything else.

Along with the detailed world-building, there is a wide cast of rich characters to discover. Characterizations are generally strong. Kendras and Widow especially leap off the page, as well as minor characters such as Vistar and Kiran. I do have some reservations about two of the other primaries, though. Steel and the officer both have pivotal roles in the way things develop, and while the romance centers around Kendras and his hero worship of the officer, I never really believed Steel was such a bad option. As a reader, I met him first, in an act that if not altruistic was certainly merciful. He was also considerably flawed, which made him more interesting to me than the perfect officer, too. Toss in the fact that the officer’s characterization is colored by Kendras’s rose-colored glasses, and I found it harder to completely write off Steel.

Sex is plentiful and sometimes coarse, so readers who are sensitive to the hero having relations with anyone other than their love interest should probably be aware. It’s also much more heavily focused on the politics and intrigue rather than the romance. Neither of these were issues for me, and in fact, made the book more realistic and absorbing as a result. The author has shot up to one of my favorite finds this year, and I’m excited about what we’re going to get from him in the future.(less)

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May 18, 2011 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, favorites

I was really resentful of things that took me away from this book when I was reading--little things like food, sleep, children...The world that was built here feels like it could easily lend itself to many more stories; its history seems rich enough, certainly, as does its present. And there are several support characters and relationships I'd love to know more about (although I suppose the M/F ones are out of the question? *sigh*)

I will admit, I have a thing for a (well-done) Sekrit Baby, and I...more

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May 11, 2011 jessa ♥dhanger♥ EvilDarkSide rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, paranormal-romance-fantasy

Critically injured in battle, Kendras is left wondering if he is the only 'Scorpion' alive. While still wounded and recovering from a traumatic injury, Kendras sets out in search of his fellow comrades with the hope that they still live. Never stop fighting is his motto, the 'Scorpion' motto...and one that he takes fully to heart. Faced with the devastating loss of the majority of his fallen comrades, he continues the search for the few left and for his commanding officer...a man who shares much...more Critically injured in battle, Kendras is left wondering if he is the only 'Scorpion' alive. While still wounded and recovering from a traumatic injury, Kendras sets out in search of his fellow comrades with the hope that they still live. Never stop fighting is his motto, the 'Scorpion' motto...and one that he takes fully to heart. Faced with the devastating loss of the majority of his fallen comrades, he continues the search for the few left and for his commanding officer...a man who shares much more than just duty with Kendras.

"If you become a good soldier, you'll receive your freedom and the scorpions. If you become a fair soldier, you'll only receive your freedom to seek your own master and destiny. If you end up a bad soldier, we'll sell you on and fate will have you. It's better than being dead.”

Unknowingly Kendras is pulled into the middle of political intrigue. A street rat inadvertantely thrown into the mix with nobles, war and politics, Kendras continues to get blindsided by many revelations. But, as the story unravels, he never stops being loyal and true to the Scorpions...even though there are many secrets and dealings that go much deeper than just a unit of fierce warriors. Adrastes, the officer, is holding one of those secrets, and it's something that threatens to pull Kendras deeper into the unknown. Kendras soon finds himself in the role of a leader and gains confidence and honor quickly through Adrastes strength and belief in him.

“Only the officer has the courage to tell me the truth. Only he will never betray me for his own gain. He would die for me.”
“I would.” Kendras released the tension in a hissed breath. “Gladly.”
“Men like you make empires possible, Kendras. We'll build something much larger than the Scorpions, I promise you that. And you, my lover, at my side, guarding my path. Because it'll be a very dark night before the new day breaks.”

This book was full of action, adventure, mystery, romance and a few twists that are the product of spectacular writing. I love it when I come across a story that surprises me at every turn and Aleksandr Voinov manages to pull it off quite brilliantly. Kendras is the type of character that will have you rooting for him up until the very last word. I'm eager for his story to continue and I'll be impatiently waiting for the sequel! *ahem* Aleks...no pressure. (less)

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