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Escape Velocity

by Anah Crow (Goodreads Author), Dianne Fox

3.59 of 5 stars 3.59 · rating details · 111 ratings · 22 reviews

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...more

ebook, 2nd Edition, 150 pages

Published January 2nd 2012 by Carina Press (first published January 28th 2009)

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Jan 02, 2012 Nikyta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: carina-press, angst, bubbles-safe, cliff-hanger, broken-to-bits, injury-recovery, interesting-jobs, kids-or-dependent-family, military, m-m, net-galley-reviewed, otherworld, wayyyyy-too-much-sex, scifi-fantasy, separated-for-a-bit, space, closet-cases, religion

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 relig...more 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. (less)

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Jan 04, 2012 MandyM rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance

3.25 stars. A moving romance coupled with a fascinating setting lift this story above the rest.

This story had an amazing amount of depth for its length. Elios is a linguist working on deciphering the alien language coming from an enormous (but deserted) space vessel on the outreaches of the galaxy. Sender is the leader of a small team of space pilots competing with other teams for the chance to accompany the five-year research trip to investigate this mysterious vessel (called Pandora).

Both men...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Shira Anthony rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, m-m-slash, sci-fi

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.

(view spoiler)...more 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.

(view spoiler)

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.

(less)

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May 19, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 25, 2012 Kerry sullivan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-fiction, romance, fantasy-scifi

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...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Keri123179 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loved-it

I really debated on whether or not to even read this book.
After reading the reviews on this book along with my misgivings about reading space-related books, I was unsure if I would even like this book.

I am so glad that I chose to read this anyway.

Even though the background was somewhat confusing, I felt like I was missing a previous book with the information I needed to know what the goals in space were.

I found that the story itself was great, I loved the relationship development between the tw...more

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Dec 02, 2009 ElaineY marked it as mission-aborted · review of another edition

Shelves: mm

I'm aborting this. It started off well and I liked both Sender and Elios but the story once the two got it on was so boring my eyes were crossing.

As usual, the lone star is for my reference only - indicating I started but did not finish.

1 like · like · see review

May 07, 2012 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, alt-reality-futuristic, m-m, netgalley-reviews

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...more 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/*(less)

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Jan 05, 2012 Meggie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, romance

The story was interesting and pulling enough.
Sender was a strange silent character. His ideas about living his life in a sin were old fetched and only shown us how weak as a character he was. He was boring with his doubts and silent sadness. I rather read about strong willed characters who are not full of self doubts.
On other hand, Elios was warm, tragic character and as a reader I felt pity for him, even if was stronger one in this relationship.
At least we got an HEA ending, which was realis...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: queer, review-copy, romance, science-fiction

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 betwe...more

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Aug 15, 2009 Kassa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 wi...more 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.(less)

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Jul 23, 2011 Zuyuan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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.

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May 09, 2010 Rosie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

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.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 10, 2010 Ingrid rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

I should give it 3,5 star. There are a few things that I like about this book and few things that I like less. It's a sci-fi ( dystopian) and I very much like the world they have built and most of the story. It was too mushy in places for my taste.

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Oct 22, 2012 ~♥*Marianna*♥~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

This one is really freaking good!

I was plesantly surprised. I've never read anything by this author before and I took a chance.

So glad I did.

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Jan 26, 2012 Nik rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kids, m-m, paranormal-woowoo-fantasy, should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-now, tattoos-piercings, calibre

The book started off quite solidly. Elios and Sen and their slow build relationship- I loved.So, I continued to read along and then I got to the angsty portion of the story. I don't know exactly what about it that was off putting for me...it almost felt too short, or unfinished in some way. I mean there was defined angst and situations but it was visited so briefly it was like blink and you missed it. For it to be the pivotal point...you made the turn fast.

Over all a really good story. I hope t...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Shelley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, mm-challenge-2012, scifi

3.5 stars

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Jun 04, 2012 Paisley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-crow-fox, do-me-scientist, do-me-spaceman, type-smut-love-scifi

3.5

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Jan 03, 2010 heardtheowl rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

actually made me cry. wish there was a sequel.

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Mar 26, 2013 Josephine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A sweet romance with wobbly legs, clearly an expanded novella, this was entertaining enough to make me consider reading the sequel (when it comes out).

Read my entire review on my blog.

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Oct 09, 2012 Charming Euphemism rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, scifi

Not nearly enough science fiction. The book ended just as it was about to get interesting.

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Aug 30, 2012 Latetocomics rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio

purchased via audible....and currently listenning to it and enjoying it but wasn't aware it was previously published. Trying not to read reviews just yet...

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May 19, 2013 Lolene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 16, 2013 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 10, 2013 Kris (KindleRomance) marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: 00-acquire

May 09, 2013 Snowtulip marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 09, 2013 A.l. marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 07, 2013 Ashlee added it

May 07, 2013 Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 06, 2013 Stacey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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