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The ESTO Universe
Sub Zero
Returning to the frozen planet Aren died on was bound to have complications...
A Science Fiction Mystery from Angel Martinez
Major Aren Dalsgaard's newest assignment is to investigate a series of murders on the frigid planet, Drass, where relations between the Treaty settlers and the indigenous inhabitants have taken a nasty turn. A linguist and trained xenologist, Major Dalsgaard should be the ideal Special Investigations Officer for this case, but Drass is where he died, over a hundred and twenty years ago.
Sent by his family to the chigyel city, Nyachung finds himself confronted with a murder charge, racial prejudice, and a man who claims to be a hero from his grandmother’s generation. The man could be crazy or he could be lying to manipulate Nyachung, but the sincerity in those spring-green eyes disturbs him more than anything else he's encountered in the foreigners’ city.
Evidence that makes no sense, mysterious boxes, and a suspicion that they can't trust anyone in the city drives the major and Nyachung together and out into the wilderness. No one's telling Major Dalsgaard everything, but every step leads him closer to a feeling of imminent catastrophe if he can't wrap this case up in time.
Publisher's Note: This is the second edition of the story. The only changes made were edits.
A Science Fiction Mystery from Angel Martinez
Major Aren Dalsgaard's newest assignment is to investigate a series of murders on the frigid planet, Drass, where relations between the Treaty settlers and the indigenous inhabitants have taken a nasty turn. A linguist and trained xenologist, Major Dalsgaard should be the ideal Special Investigations Officer for this case, but Drass is where he died, over a hundred and twenty years ago.
Sent by his family to the chigyel city, Nyachung finds himself confronted with a murder charge, racial prejudice, and a man who claims to be a hero from his grandmother’s generation. The man could be crazy or he could be lying to manipulate Nyachung, but the sincerity in those spring-green eyes disturbs him more than anything else he's encountered in the foreigners’ city.
Evidence that makes no sense, mysterious boxes, and a suspicion that they can't trust anyone in the city drives the major and Nyachung together and out into the wilderness. No one's telling Major Dalsgaard everything, but every step leads him closer to a feeling of imminent catastrophe if he can't wrap this case up in time.
Publisher's Note: This is the second edition of the story. The only changes made were edits.
173 pages, ebook
First published August 19, 2012
19 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
93 books677 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 16, 2020
NOW AVAILABLE
I received an ARC for review.
This is a murder mystery set in the future on an unwelcoming planet of ice storms and dangerous fauna.
It's also a story about about alienation and racism and recovering from trauma.
This novel was originally published in 2012 and is now re-released -- coincidentally timely with its background of a visibly different but equally human formerly-enslaved and now despised underclass with little legal representation.
Also timely in its reminder that we do not, alas, live in a world that grows ever better and more just. This is narrated through the distressed perspective of the investigator, who died a century ago and thus missed the worsening prejudices against the dangpo (a population who was genetically altered to survive extreme cold) and the creation of legal and economic strictures to marginalize them.
So our poor MC not only didn't want to be brought back to life in the first place (his spouse died with him, and now everyone he knew is gone) but has to face the reality that all the diplomatic work he did to establish peaceful relations has been undone and the entire interplanetary system is more corrupt than it was in his day. Plus he is enfeebled by the cryogenic freeze. And the local authorities turn out to be not so keen on having these murders investigated.
Nevertheless, Aren persists, with the help of his stalwart and quietly sarcastic sergeant, Emma, and a local who had come to town to investigate an unrelated (or IS it? dundundun!) mystery. Aren is a highly sympathetic character, an intelligent and honorable officer who struggles to balance honor and ethics against the demands of his government and chain of command, and who feels compelled to fulfill his duty even though he'd personally prefer to stay in bed being sad and exhausted.
You thought this was a romance? Well, there is a romance. And I guess the book technically qualifies for the romance genre in that there is a growing affective relationship and it SPOILER ends happily, with the two people together. (What? It's labelled as a romance, that's not really a spoiler, is it?) But most of the page time is devoted to exploring either the world of Drass and its inhabitants, or the mysteries and the motives behind them. I would compare this more to the sort of action or mystery film where the romantic subplot is important to the characters' development as people rather than to the outcome of the plot. I would recommend this more for science-fiction fans; for people who want more steam, try the previous ESTO novel, Gravitational Attraction.
Note regarding the series: The two I've read functioned as stand-alones with no shared characters or plot. They're just set in the same interplanetary context and deal with some related economic and political concerns.
I received an ARC for review.
This is a murder mystery set in the future on an unwelcoming planet of ice storms and dangerous fauna.
It's also a story about about alienation and racism and recovering from trauma.
This novel was originally published in 2012 and is now re-released -- coincidentally timely with its background of a visibly different but equally human formerly-enslaved and now despised underclass with little legal representation.
Also timely in its reminder that we do not, alas, live in a world that grows ever better and more just. This is narrated through the distressed perspective of the investigator, who died a century ago and thus missed the worsening prejudices against the dangpo (a population who was genetically altered to survive extreme cold) and the creation of legal and economic strictures to marginalize them.
So our poor MC not only didn't want to be brought back to life in the first place (his spouse died with him, and now everyone he knew is gone) but has to face the reality that all the diplomatic work he did to establish peaceful relations has been undone and the entire interplanetary system is more corrupt than it was in his day. Plus he is enfeebled by the cryogenic freeze. And the local authorities turn out to be not so keen on having these murders investigated.
Nevertheless, Aren persists, with the help of his stalwart and quietly sarcastic sergeant, Emma, and a local who had come to town to investigate an unrelated (or IS it? dundundun!) mystery. Aren is a highly sympathetic character, an intelligent and honorable officer who struggles to balance honor and ethics against the demands of his government and chain of command, and who feels compelled to fulfill his duty even though he'd personally prefer to stay in bed being sad and exhausted.
You thought this was a romance? Well, there is a romance. And I guess the book technically qualifies for the romance genre in that there is a growing affective relationship and it SPOILER ends happily, with the two people together. (What? It's labelled as a romance, that's not really a spoiler, is it?) But most of the page time is devoted to exploring either the world of Drass and its inhabitants, or the mysteries and the motives behind them. I would compare this more to the sort of action or mystery film where the romantic subplot is important to the characters' development as people rather than to the outcome of the plot. I would recommend this more for science-fiction fans; for people who want more steam, try the previous ESTO novel, Gravitational Attraction.
Note regarding the series: The two I've read functioned as stand-alones with no shared characters or plot. They're just set in the same interplanetary context and deal with some related economic and political concerns.
July 23, 2016
It's good but nothing to get overly excited about.
Major Aren Dalsgaard died on the planet Drass over a hundred years ago and now they've brought him back to life to investigate three murders of local merchants. Once back on Drass, the Major quickly learns that things aren't as simple as they appear to be.
It was a quick read. The plot was fun and entertaining. The pacing was okay. As with most M/M romance novels any pacing is broken up by the sex which was nothing special either.
I guess depending on how fast you read it would be a fun distraction for a Sunday afternoon but not much more.
November 19, 2012
4.75
Review Summary: This is a heartwarming tale of adventure, of coming back alive and learning to love again, wonderful friendships, and, of course, rescuing the world in the process.
Review: Angel Martinez does SF/F very well, as I discovered with Gravitational Attraction. That was the sole reason I read this book. I didn’t find the blurb or the cover particularly appealing, but I figured it was worth a try since I’d loved that one so much. This is a worthy addition to that universe, and I’m so glad I took the chance.
It might seem strange to describe a futuristic SF/F novel as “real” but that’s exactly what this story was. The world-building and descriptions gave me a strong sense of place, and I so completely felt what the characters were that it was as if I were right there with them. Their actions and reactions were believable and made sense in context.
I ached with Aren’s grief for his lost love and his difficulties adapting to a world much changed in the hundred years since he’d last lived in it. He had been revived from cryogenesis when we met him, but during the course of the story we watched him thaw and truly return to life. I particularly enjoyed seeing that process. His attraction to Nyachung was almost immediate, and mutual, but there was no insta-love here. They got to know each other and care for each other, and Nya wisely gave Aren the space to grieve. They only became lovers after Aren finally released the bulk of his grief.
There was one moment when I thought Aren’s transition from old love to new was perhaps a bit too rapid, and I paused to reread and consider. I ultimately decided that it was believable that Aren would feel that way in that moment, even if the actual process took a bit more time to be truly complete. Having concluded that even that was, after all, realistic and believable, I happily picked up the thread of the story and continued on. Later I realized the time-frame of the story was longer than I’d realized, so that may also not have been as sudden as it seemed to me.
It took me a little while to warm up to Nyachung, as the initial description made him sound almost childlike; hardly hero material. But I quickly realized he was out of his element and handling himself well under the circumstances, and in fact had great strength, wisdom, and maturity. I came to really respect and adore him, and I admired how he was an active part of the resolution at the end when it could have been easy to let Aren ride to the rescue alone.
There were really three main characters in this story. In addition to Aren and Nyachung, Emma is an awesome friend and sidekick. We get each of their POVs at times, and I thought it worked really well because Emma provided an outside perspective the two guys involved obviously lacked. It made for an easy way to see that Aren, in particular, was feeling more or differently than he might realize. Those who object to the frequent depiction in m/m of women as horrible creatures will find Emma a refreshing exception. She is extremely capable, as well as compassionate, wise, and has a great sense of humor.
I hope Angel Martinez plans to write more books in this universe, as I’m very eager to spend more time there. Reading this made me want to reread Gravitational Attraction. And then I can imagine wanting to read this again. If I’m lucky, by the time I’ve done that she’ll have a new addition to the series. Pretty please with no synthetic sugar on top? (Read this story and that last bit will make perfect sense, I promise)
This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review Summary: This is a heartwarming tale of adventure, of coming back alive and learning to love again, wonderful friendships, and, of course, rescuing the world in the process.
Review: Angel Martinez does SF/F very well, as I discovered with Gravitational Attraction. That was the sole reason I read this book. I didn’t find the blurb or the cover particularly appealing, but I figured it was worth a try since I’d loved that one so much. This is a worthy addition to that universe, and I’m so glad I took the chance.
It might seem strange to describe a futuristic SF/F novel as “real” but that’s exactly what this story was. The world-building and descriptions gave me a strong sense of place, and I so completely felt what the characters were that it was as if I were right there with them. Their actions and reactions were believable and made sense in context.
I ached with Aren’s grief for his lost love and his difficulties adapting to a world much changed in the hundred years since he’d last lived in it. He had been revived from cryogenesis when we met him, but during the course of the story we watched him thaw and truly return to life. I particularly enjoyed seeing that process. His attraction to Nyachung was almost immediate, and mutual, but there was no insta-love here. They got to know each other and care for each other, and Nya wisely gave Aren the space to grieve. They only became lovers after Aren finally released the bulk of his grief.
There was one moment when I thought Aren’s transition from old love to new was perhaps a bit too rapid, and I paused to reread and consider. I ultimately decided that it was believable that Aren would feel that way in that moment, even if the actual process took a bit more time to be truly complete. Having concluded that even that was, after all, realistic and believable, I happily picked up the thread of the story and continued on. Later I realized the time-frame of the story was longer than I’d realized, so that may also not have been as sudden as it seemed to me.
It took me a little while to warm up to Nyachung, as the initial description made him sound almost childlike; hardly hero material. But I quickly realized he was out of his element and handling himself well under the circumstances, and in fact had great strength, wisdom, and maturity. I came to really respect and adore him, and I admired how he was an active part of the resolution at the end when it could have been easy to let Aren ride to the rescue alone.
There were really three main characters in this story. In addition to Aren and Nyachung, Emma is an awesome friend and sidekick. We get each of their POVs at times, and I thought it worked really well because Emma provided an outside perspective the two guys involved obviously lacked. It made for an easy way to see that Aren, in particular, was feeling more or differently than he might realize. Those who object to the frequent depiction in m/m of women as horrible creatures will find Emma a refreshing exception. She is extremely capable, as well as compassionate, wise, and has a great sense of humor.
I hope Angel Martinez plans to write more books in this universe, as I’m very eager to spend more time there. Reading this made me want to reread Gravitational Attraction. And then I can imagine wanting to read this again. If I’m lucky, by the time I’ve done that she’ll have a new addition to the series. Pretty please with no synthetic sugar on top? (Read this story and that last bit will make perfect sense, I promise)
This review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave, where I received the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2014
3.5
Solid world-building and characterization, with a satisfying mystery. I really liked everything to do with the "cryo" resurrection, and I loved the side-kick Sergeant, Emma. I have a pretty severe personal problem with depictions of "noble" peoples who differ too sharply from corrupt, fallen humanity. The contrast here was disappointingly heavy-handed, with the human settlers portrayed as greedy, genocidal bigots, while the planet natives are so good they don't even understand the concept of war. However, the scenes where Aren confronts his past are truly moving and effective, and the whole story was told with admirable efficiency.
Bottom Line: there can never be enough M/M sci-fi in my opinion, and this is both well-written and original. Though the book managed to hit one of my big personal peeves, there was a lot I really enjoyed. Recommend.
Solid world-building and characterization, with a satisfying mystery. I really liked everything to do with the "cryo" resurrection, and I loved the side-kick Sergeant, Emma. I have a pretty severe personal problem with depictions of "noble" peoples who differ too sharply from corrupt, fallen humanity. The contrast here was disappointingly heavy-handed, with the human settlers portrayed as greedy, genocidal bigots, while the planet natives are so good they don't even understand the concept of war. However, the scenes where Aren confronts his past are truly moving and effective, and the whole story was told with admirable efficiency.
Bottom Line: there can never be enough M/M sci-fi in my opinion, and this is both well-written and original. Though the book managed to hit one of my big personal peeves, there was a lot I really enjoyed. Recommend.
June 29, 2013
...Impressive world building, great characterization, and an interesting plot. I liked that the gruff Major and the sweet Nyachung weren't cardboard cutouts but had depths to their personalities. My only wish would be for more of the romance :)
June 29, 2023
DNF ~51%
Interesting concept, and I think I'd have enjoyed this if it just focused on the sci-fi plot and didn't have any romance. Which is a weird thing for me to say, but the romance here genuinely skeeved me out a bit. I have no problems with age gaps, but the way it was approached here felt creepy--you can't have the older character think of the younger one as a child for the first part of the book and then just go "oh yeah, but I mean, obviously he isn't *really* a child"... I have no idea why the author made that choice in the first place. The MC is also grieving his dead spouse who, for him, died very recently, and I just didn't buy the emotional connection or nuances here at ALL. Very odd choice all around.
Interesting concept, and I think I'd have enjoyed this if it just focused on the sci-fi plot and didn't have any romance. Which is a weird thing for me to say, but the romance here genuinely skeeved me out a bit. I have no problems with age gaps, but the way it was approached here felt creepy--you can't have the older character think of the younger one as a child for the first part of the book and then just go "oh yeah, but I mean, obviously he isn't *really* a child"... I have no idea why the author made that choice in the first place. The MC is also grieving his dead spouse who, for him, died very recently, and I just didn't buy the emotional connection or nuances here at ALL. Very odd choice all around.
March 27, 2014
It’s a challenge writing a science-fiction adventure/mystery romance. It’s such a balancing act getting all the pieces right and working well together without burying the reader in all the dressing. I’m intrigued by this author -- Angel Martinez seems to get it right. I’m new to her stuff, have only read one other piece by her, Prisoner 374215. Written for GoodReads’ gay romance group 2013 writing event, ‘Love Has No Boundaries’, that excellent short story had such an impact, it made me want to try more of her stuff.
While Sub Zero feels like an earlier piece (I would have liked a darker treatment of the psychological trauma to it’s main characters, Aren and Nyachung), it still shows the same wonderful attention to character and world building as last year’s Prisoner. After the typical beginning setup, you feel totally immersed into a small part of this strange ESTO universe.
I especially liked the use of foreign terms which are well integrated and never overdone. We get a feel for the political and social tensions facing the two groups of people inhabiting Drass, an ice-covered colony planet. Aren Dalsgaard is sent there to investigate the murders of some of the chigyel settlers/colonizers. The indigenous group, the dangpo mimang (first people), are being blamed for the murders. This does nothing to help the phobia the settlers have against the dangpo who are seen as savages. Nyanchung is a young dangpo singer/storyteller, arrested for committing or having a hand in the settler murders. Lucky for him, Aren is open-minded and diligent in his investigation… very much unlike the local authorities.
I was really interested in the dangpo people… they are reminiscent of the ‘Freemen’ of Frank Herbert’s Dune. They have their own intricate culture set apart from any technology. We also find out that Aren has a very close connection to these people. From a previous incarnation.
And that’s the other very interesting premise… Aren has been resurrected from a cryo-sleep. Such a cool juxtaposition… he is ‘thawed out’ one hundred years after his death, finding himself thrown back into a world that is greatly changed, feeling himself still frozen in a past time. And investigating crimes on a snow-covered planet.
I would have liked more development of Aren’s psychological adjustment to this ‘new world’ he wakes up to. Nyachung, too, recovers very quickly from his torture at the hands of the chigyel. The romance itself is fine. Aren and Nyachung are thrown together, and then drawn together because of mutual admiration, and Aren’s connection to the dangpo. But I would have liked more time with them together and alone. The mystery itself is good, too. Even though it’s not too difficult to figure out who the bad guys are, the ‘why’ of it all is well done.
This is an engaging and very well written piece of science fiction. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work (and wouldn’t mind a revisit with Aren and Nyachung).
This review was written for an 'author focus/retrospective look' at some of Angel Martinez' work. For more reviews please visit:
September 21, 2013
Yeah mama! This book is awesome sci-fi with incredible world building done in an extremely short amount of time. Ms. Martinez really knows how to make you live in the worlds she creates. 4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 'cause why the hell not.
Major Aren Dalsgaard is struggling to find his way back, going through the motions of duty while battling his own body’s weakness. You see he has been brought back to life after over a hundred years of death. Not having been allowed to die with his native lover Aren instead was locked in a cryogenic chamber until they were able to find a way to save his life. Aren now has to find away to deal with the pain of being alive and still do his duty. When murders begin to occur on a planet Aren is sent into investigate. Only problem is it’s on the same planet upon which he died.
Nyachung is the singer for his people. He has come to the chigyel city to find an answer to the questions they seek. Dangpo have been disappearing as they ask questions about the strange black boxes set in an arc around their homes. Nyachung hopes that he can be the one to find the answer. Instead he finds himself arrested and charged with the murders that have been occurring around the city. Only the arrival of Aren and his understanding of the dangpo culture saves Nyachung from death himself.
These two are such the beautiful balm to each other’s souls. Aren is struggling to come to grips with the idea that he’s alive while his hundred years dead love is not. He’s learning to cope with new regulations and faster technology. And seeing the mishandling of all the things he’d tried to accomplish in his first life. Nyachung is fighting for his people in the only way he knows how. Naïve to the workings of the outside world in a large degree he is still a leader of his people and strong in his own right. Both are lonely in their current existence and are drawn to one another’s strength as they search for a rock in the ocean of emotional or situation drifts they find themselves lost in. Together they are the support the other needs to handle everything being thrown at them.
Becca…what can I say, she’s such a stalwart soul and I enjoyed seeing her opinions shade more and more towards the indigenous people as the book progressed. She’s so reserved about stating her opinion and almost cold in her demeanor. But yet you know she’s exactly whom you’d want at your back in a crisis, in large part because deep down she cares bucket loads.
Something needs to be said again about Ms. Martinez’s world building. This is the second book I’ve read by her with incredible descriptive worlds. I planet of ice meant only for mining and a people that have been “created” in order to work it…fascinating! Only earning their freedom after being abandoned by their overlords when the mining slowed the dangpo have developed into a much more complex people on their own. This isn’t a very long book either and the amount of impact she can put into such a short amount of space is phenomenal. She is quickly becoming one my favorite authors.
I really enjoyed everything about this book. It had the surprises you want and the heart you need. The little bit of mystery keeps the plotting moving smoothly along as two needy souls find each other in the midst of upheaval in their lives. Absolutely wonderful novel!
Major Aren Dalsgaard is struggling to find his way back, going through the motions of duty while battling his own body’s weakness. You see he has been brought back to life after over a hundred years of death. Not having been allowed to die with his native lover Aren instead was locked in a cryogenic chamber until they were able to find a way to save his life. Aren now has to find away to deal with the pain of being alive and still do his duty. When murders begin to occur on a planet Aren is sent into investigate. Only problem is it’s on the same planet upon which he died.
Nyachung is the singer for his people. He has come to the chigyel city to find an answer to the questions they seek. Dangpo have been disappearing as they ask questions about the strange black boxes set in an arc around their homes. Nyachung hopes that he can be the one to find the answer. Instead he finds himself arrested and charged with the murders that have been occurring around the city. Only the arrival of Aren and his understanding of the dangpo culture saves Nyachung from death himself.
These two are such the beautiful balm to each other’s souls. Aren is struggling to come to grips with the idea that he’s alive while his hundred years dead love is not. He’s learning to cope with new regulations and faster technology. And seeing the mishandling of all the things he’d tried to accomplish in his first life. Nyachung is fighting for his people in the only way he knows how. Naïve to the workings of the outside world in a large degree he is still a leader of his people and strong in his own right. Both are lonely in their current existence and are drawn to one another’s strength as they search for a rock in the ocean of emotional or situation drifts they find themselves lost in. Together they are the support the other needs to handle everything being thrown at them.
Becca…what can I say, she’s such a stalwart soul and I enjoyed seeing her opinions shade more and more towards the indigenous people as the book progressed. She’s so reserved about stating her opinion and almost cold in her demeanor. But yet you know she’s exactly whom you’d want at your back in a crisis, in large part because deep down she cares bucket loads.
Something needs to be said again about Ms. Martinez’s world building. This is the second book I’ve read by her with incredible descriptive worlds. I planet of ice meant only for mining and a people that have been “created” in order to work it…fascinating! Only earning their freedom after being abandoned by their overlords when the mining slowed the dangpo have developed into a much more complex people on their own. This isn’t a very long book either and the amount of impact she can put into such a short amount of space is phenomenal. She is quickly becoming one my favorite authors.
I really enjoyed everything about this book. It had the surprises you want and the heart you need. The little bit of mystery keeps the plotting moving smoothly along as two needy souls find each other in the midst of upheaval in their lives. Absolutely wonderful novel!
April 9, 2013
A sci-fi MM romantic-suspense involving a human (Aren) and a dangpo - a human that has been genetically-altered to live on planet Drass (Nyachung).
Aren died on Drass, but was recently revived having been cryogenically frozen for 100 years. Aren is a major in the interplanetary force, and is asked to return to Drass, to investigate some murders. He meets Nyachung, when the alien is accused of the murders.
My main concern was that Aren and Nyachung would be anatomically compatible for sex…turns out they are.
The story tracks Aren struggles to come to terms with his past, as he returns to a planet where his first death is legend. I was moved by Nyachung's compassion for Aren's physical and existential struggles.
I enjoyed having multiple POVs - which included the two MCs and a secondary character - although there were times when more detail would have been helpful.
Aren died on Drass, but was recently revived having been cryogenically frozen for 100 years. Aren is a major in the interplanetary force, and is asked to return to Drass, to investigate some murders. He meets Nyachung, when the alien is accused of the murders.
My main concern was that Aren and Nyachung would be anatomically compatible for sex…turns out they are.
The story tracks Aren struggles to come to terms with his past, as he returns to a planet where his first death is legend. I was moved by Nyachung's compassion for Aren's physical and existential struggles.
I enjoyed having multiple POVs - which included the two MCs and a secondary character - although there were times when more detail would have been helpful.
December 6, 2012
I Really enjoyed. Very nice science fiction story. No Sex, oops 1 scene, but the story moved along nicely without it. It had the feel of a Star Trek episode: where they go down to the planet for one reason, and then end up getting involved in something totally different. I had a very good time with this one.
I would recommend this to Sci-Fi fans who also like the old Star Trek Episodes (orig. or Next Gen).
Happy Reading, this is a good one!
I would recommend this to Sci-Fi fans who also like the old Star Trek Episodes (orig. or Next Gen).
Happy Reading, this is a good one!
December 9, 2012
4.5 stars
I liked this much, much more than Gravitational Attraction. I liked that book a lot, but transition from lust to love was maybe two seconds apart. The author's imagination and description of alien world saved that book, but this one just worked for me. Not perfect by any means and love still happened a bit to quickly, but I was in the mood for a good sci-fi and this was good. The characters - Aren, Nyachung and Emma - were great. Aren's grief and his return to life, Nya's insecurity in foreign surroundings and confidence and strength among his people, Emma's capability, compassion and wry humor were fantastic. Emma is one of the rare great female characters in m/m fiction. I was so happy when she found her way to the guys again. The author's descriptions of Drass and Dangpo society were imaginative and I wish the book was a little longer so she could linger a bit more there. A quick, lovely read.
I liked this much, much more than Gravitational Attraction. I liked that book a lot, but transition from lust to love was maybe two seconds apart. The author's imagination and description of alien world saved that book, but this one just worked for me. Not perfect by any means and love still happened a bit to quickly, but I was in the mood for a good sci-fi and this was good. The characters - Aren, Nyachung and Emma - were great. Aren's grief and his return to life, Nya's insecurity in foreign surroundings and confidence and strength among his people, Emma's capability, compassion and wry humor were fantastic. Emma is one of the rare great female characters in m/m fiction. I was so happy when she found her way to the guys again. The author's descriptions of Drass and Dangpo society were imaginative and I wish the book was a little longer so she could linger a bit more there. A quick, lovely read.
March 16, 2014
Angel Martinez is awesome at world building, she nails the SF/F genre whether it is humorous or serious. I did not want to put the book down once I started reading it. It has social and ethical dilemmas, political intrigue, power struggles, miscommunication, deliberate misinformation to create discord and prejudice and inequality. It also has love, friendship, loyalty, equality and romance.
Her characters are well developed and my heart broke for Aren more than once in the story. Nya is a character that I grew to love more gradually as his character grew in the book and Emma was delightful and grounded the story for me - she was like a link from the present time period to Aren's past. She is intelligent, loyal, humorous and kind.
I am looking forward to more books in the ESTO Universe series.
Her characters are well developed and my heart broke for Aren more than once in the story. Nya is a character that I grew to love more gradually as his character grew in the book and Emma was delightful and grounded the story for me - she was like a link from the present time period to Aren's past. She is intelligent, loyal, humorous and kind.
I am looking forward to more books in the ESTO Universe series.
October 9, 2012
3.5 stars. Major Aren "goes native," loses his " noble savage" lover and emerges from a cryogenic sleep to complete his rescue of a virtually helpless indigenous population, 100 years later. Aren gets two chances to be the compassionate imperialist, a Lawrence of Arabia for the exploited inhabitants of a mineral rich, frozen planet.
Empowered and informed of a conspiracy to wipe out the indigenes, Aren and his lover stage a non violent demonstration in the streets main city to protest the exploitation and planned genocide.
Well written with brisk pacing, full of repeating tropes of imperialism, colonialism, and a kind of racial prejudice. I wish it had been longer, to more fully explore the fascinating themes presented.
Empowered and informed of a conspiracy to wipe out the indigenes, Aren and his lover stage a non violent demonstration in the streets main city to protest the exploitation and planned genocide.
Well written with brisk pacing, full of repeating tropes of imperialism, colonialism, and a kind of racial prejudice. I wish it had been longer, to more fully explore the fascinating themes presented.
June 15, 2015
3.5 STARS
April 13, 2021
I loved this queer SFF story. It has a really well defined sense of place--a planet colonized by humans not once, but twice. The first colonizers abandoned their genetically engineered slaves who then became indigenous and more and more undervalued in the eyes of the second wave of humans when they arrive.
The main protagonists are a human and a not-quite-human, one sent to solve a murder, one accused of it. They fall in love, they solve the mystery, they bring a better sense of balance to the world. It sounds so simple.
But the universe is deeply textured, the details are painted with a bright, engaging brush and the relationship between the MCs grows at a steady, tender pace. It's lovely and you should read it.
The main protagonists are a human and a not-quite-human, one sent to solve a murder, one accused of it. They fall in love, they solve the mystery, they bring a better sense of balance to the world. It sounds so simple.
But the universe is deeply textured, the details are painted with a bright, engaging brush and the relationship between the MCs grows at a steady, tender pace. It's lovely and you should read it.
December 19, 2020
Loved the characters, the world building, the plot, defintely in the re read pile
June 9, 2022
4.25 stars
July 26, 2014
4.5 stars
Angel Martinez has a definite knack for writing science fiction (Prisoner 374215, Gravitational Attraction), as I was once again sucked into the world created.
Major Aren Dalsgaard was a beloved hero of the planet Drass, who died alongside his lover 103 years ago. So when he finds himself alive again, and about to return to Drass, he also finds that being brought back from death is not easy physically, mentally, and most of all, emotionally.
Called in to investigate the murder of several businessmen at the alleged hands of the planet's first inhabitants, the dangpo, he finds that the world had not only vastly changed, but much of what he had fought so hard for over one hundred years earlier had been lost.
When a suspect is apprehended shortly after his arrival, he is horrified by the lack of care that is taken in the investigation. Not only is Nyachung, the dangpo suspect is in a cell far too warm for him, but no effort had been made to determine if he was a genetic match for the murderer.
This is the start of series of seemingly overlooked points of investigation, that when combined, bears the hallmarks of a conspiracy against the dangpo, though the reasons behind it remain unclear.
From here, Aren, Nyachung, and Emma, the sergeant assigned as Aren's assistant, find their investigation leads them back to Nyachung's home, a home that had also been Aren's in his previous life.
I really liked the relationship between all three characters, although, obviously, the romance is between Aren and Nyachung. Aren's transformation from a man bearing impossible grief and pain to the leader he once was, and becomes again (with Nyachung and Emma's help), is balanced by Nyachung's transformation from a bewildered, naïve suspect to the confident tale singer he is at home.
Some may feel that the timescale is rather rushed, but I found that it was believable given the characters of the two men. Emma's gruff-sergeant's persona was the perfect counterpoint to the two stubborn yet impulsive men. While this is undeniably a science fiction story, it really is a romance at its heart, with Aren being blessed with a second chance at love.
Angel Martinez has a definite knack for writing science fiction (Prisoner 374215, Gravitational Attraction), as I was once again sucked into the world created.
Major Aren Dalsgaard was a beloved hero of the planet Drass, who died alongside his lover 103 years ago. So when he finds himself alive again, and about to return to Drass, he also finds that being brought back from death is not easy physically, mentally, and most of all, emotionally.
Called in to investigate the murder of several businessmen at the alleged hands of the planet's first inhabitants, the dangpo, he finds that the world had not only vastly changed, but much of what he had fought so hard for over one hundred years earlier had been lost.
When a suspect is apprehended shortly after his arrival, he is horrified by the lack of care that is taken in the investigation. Not only is Nyachung, the dangpo suspect is in a cell far too warm for him, but no effort had been made to determine if he was a genetic match for the murderer.
This is the start of series of seemingly overlooked points of investigation, that when combined, bears the hallmarks of a conspiracy against the dangpo, though the reasons behind it remain unclear.
From here, Aren, Nyachung, and Emma, the sergeant assigned as Aren's assistant, find their investigation leads them back to Nyachung's home, a home that had also been Aren's in his previous life.
I really liked the relationship between all three characters, although, obviously, the romance is between Aren and Nyachung. Aren's transformation from a man bearing impossible grief and pain to the leader he once was, and becomes again (with Nyachung and Emma's help), is balanced by Nyachung's transformation from a bewildered, naïve suspect to the confident tale singer he is at home.
Some may feel that the timescale is rather rushed, but I found that it was believable given the characters of the two men. Emma's gruff-sergeant's persona was the perfect counterpoint to the two stubborn yet impulsive men. While this is undeniably a science fiction story, it really is a romance at its heart, with Aren being blessed with a second chance at love.
September 4, 2012
This book opens a whole new world up in just the first few chapters, and I got so completely caught up in it that I had trouble putting it down to do my work, or to sleep.
Nyachung and Major Aren Dalsgaard are the perfect couple with Sergeant Emma Wickstorm to keep them both safe. Aren had lived one life, died with his life’s love, but his family and the military thought he deserved another chance so they put in is cryo suspense until they could find an antidote to the venom that killed him. Now, over a hundred years later, they have found the solution and brought him back. Aren is not sure he wants to be back, everyone and everything he had ever known is gone. Sgt Wickstorm is his aid and medical observer on this mission, she is his touchstone to the changed world he finds himself in. She is a war veteran and while giving him the respect due his rank and experience she takes nothing from him when it comes to his health.
This story shows the growth of a friendship, two of them actually, and the finding of love again and for the first time. The friendship between Aren and Emma is fun to watch, a craggy sergeant with a young, but not young, major who is still trying to wake up from cryo sleep and get his strength and stamina back. Emma becomes a focal point in this story, a very important cast member that lends so much support to the main characters and definitely color to the story as well.
The love is a thing that grows between Nyachung and Aren. Not something that just blooms because Nya is the same race as Aren’s lost love, and to Nya Aren is a legend; but a living emotion that evolves as the two men get to know each other’s strengths and weakness. There are also four murders and a conspiracy against the dangpo mimang – the natives to the plant they are on - to wade their way through.
This story moves forward fairly quickly without losing sight of its characters and their growth. All the characters were very well developed and I loved each one. I will most definitely be picking up more of Ms. Martinez’s books. This was a five star read, thank you so much for sharing this new world with us. Will there be more stories along the way for us to look forward too?
Nyachung and Major Aren Dalsgaard are the perfect couple with Sergeant Emma Wickstorm to keep them both safe. Aren had lived one life, died with his life’s love, but his family and the military thought he deserved another chance so they put in is cryo suspense until they could find an antidote to the venom that killed him. Now, over a hundred years later, they have found the solution and brought him back. Aren is not sure he wants to be back, everyone and everything he had ever known is gone. Sgt Wickstorm is his aid and medical observer on this mission, she is his touchstone to the changed world he finds himself in. She is a war veteran and while giving him the respect due his rank and experience she takes nothing from him when it comes to his health.
This story shows the growth of a friendship, two of them actually, and the finding of love again and for the first time. The friendship between Aren and Emma is fun to watch, a craggy sergeant with a young, but not young, major who is still trying to wake up from cryo sleep and get his strength and stamina back. Emma becomes a focal point in this story, a very important cast member that lends so much support to the main characters and definitely color to the story as well.
The love is a thing that grows between Nyachung and Aren. Not something that just blooms because Nya is the same race as Aren’s lost love, and to Nya Aren is a legend; but a living emotion that evolves as the two men get to know each other’s strengths and weakness. There are also four murders and a conspiracy against the dangpo mimang – the natives to the plant they are on - to wade their way through.
This story moves forward fairly quickly without losing sight of its characters and their growth. All the characters were very well developed and I loved each one. I will most definitely be picking up more of Ms. Martinez’s books. This was a five star read, thank you so much for sharing this new world with us. Will there be more stories along the way for us to look forward too?
June 17, 2020
Angel Martinez is a new author to me, and Sub Zero is my first book of theirs. I was absolutely blown away. I loved their writing and I loved this book so much that it's on the top of my list of all-time favorites. This book is a sci-fi mystery with suspense elements. The world building is just so amazing. The characters are so well-developed. I really enjoyed and cared about all the main characters: Emma, Nya and Aren. Sub Zero also had all the feels. It had whimsy and wit; I laughed so hard where it was appropriate. I cried for the pain that Aren suffered. I was angry on behalf of Nya's people being mistreated. In short, this story was perfect all around. It was just so beautifully and perfectly crafted. I'm going to read more of Angel's books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2013
I am fond of Angel Martinez's writing, and this is one of her best in my view.
I love sci-fi, alternate universes, dystopian works of all kinds. This world is well made, and I liked the characters.
Vassily the Beautiful was the previous novel I fell in love with from this author, and I'm encouraged to see she's keeping up the standard.
I'll definitely buy the next one that comes along :)
I love sci-fi, alternate universes, dystopian works of all kinds. This world is well made, and I liked the characters.
Vassily the Beautiful was the previous novel I fell in love with from this author, and I'm encouraged to see she's keeping up the standard.
I'll definitely buy the next one that comes along :)
August 4, 2013
I won a free copy of this and was excited to read it after learning it was set in the same world as the free "Prisoner 374215", which I loved. This did not disappoint, I may not have associated it with Prisoner 374215 without knowing it was the same world, but it was well written and really kept my interest. I do not consider myself a huge sci-fi, alternate world fan, but Angel Martinez certainly writes a good story, and I will continue to look for her books.
May 13, 2014
I am a huge fan of Angel Martinez's science fiction stories and this was a thrill for me to read. I'm always rooting for an underdog, native peoples being taken advantage of but coming out on top is a favorite plot for me as well.
Sweet romance, wonderful sci-fi world and lovely HEA ending. Loved it - well done!
Sweet romance, wonderful sci-fi world and lovely HEA ending. Loved it - well done!
February 7, 2013
Another new favorite book!
I really like how this book came together in the end. It happened a bit too quickly for my taste. But I suppose that's the sign of a good book - one that I devour and then am suddenly surprised when it ends.
I will definitely be adding this to my "favorites to re-read" shelf. :)
I really like how this book came together in the end. It happened a bit too quickly for my taste. But I suppose that's the sign of a good book - one that I devour and then am suddenly surprised when it ends.
I will definitely be adding this to my "favorites to re-read" shelf. :)
March 23, 2013
Here we can talk about a good created storyline. This book is really well written and enjoyable from the start till the end. Aren, the main protagonist, got his second chance in life itself and in love. At the end he chosen well, to live with a lover and new dreams.
February 8, 2014
This was very good. Interesting and a great new world to explore.
Reread: Loved it just as much as the first time!
Reread: Loved it just as much as the first time!
March 30, 2016
3.75 Stars Rounded Up
June 30, 2016
An amazing, well written, romantic sci-fi novella. Solid tech, nice world building, well drawn characters, beautiful story. Highly recommended. (Have a tissue or two handy.)
June 8, 2020
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since I heard about it years ago and am so glad it has been re-released. I loved Sub Zero – it was a very satisfying enjoyable read. It has Sci-Fi, a tortured hero, a deceptively delicate love interest who comes into his own self as a leader of his peoples, and a trusty gruff Sergeant sidekick, who will have your back no matter what. What is not to like? –well nothing – the whole book was a joy to read.
Major Aren Dalsgaard returns to the Ice planet of Drass over 120 years after he was killed.
He was a hero back in his first life on Drass. Now he has been revived from cryo and has been awoken to a strange world – where he does not know what is going on and all his contemporaries are dead. He is physically, mentally and emotionally fragile and feels frozen inside, echoing the Ice Planet. Aren is sent back to solve a set of murders that are set to further rile up the tensions between Treaty settlers and the indigenous Dangpo and is accompanied by the practical veteran Sergeant Emma Wickstrom.
The final member of the team is acquired in the Chigyel city. Nyachung – a Dangpo – has gone to the city to try and find out about mysterious black boxes that have appeared in their lands, but instead becomes a murder suspect.
From there on it becomes a task for the threesome to solve the various mysteries as they go on a journey, both literal and figurative. The back story to Aren is revealed and the origins of the Dangpo. I liked the world building that goes on and Angel Martinez is excellent at this – even though the book is not long, we get to know about this portion of the ESTO universe. The descriptions are like snapshots of the planet and the way of life.
Nyachung goes from the timid, out of his depth character in the city, to a confident man at home in his own environment. Aren, by visiting his old haunts comes to terms with his past and his emotions thaw, although it was very painful and heart-breaking to read about. He is sometimes too stubborn, and it is good that he has the wise, caring, compassionate and funny Emma at his back. She is a cracking character and a sympathetic woman to boot. She gives a third point of view to our 2 main protagonists – who are sometimes too blinkered to see what is really going on.
The plot gradually unfolds, villains are identified and Aren and Nyachung come together, the latter sees Aren for himself and not the legend from before. Aren come to terms with his past and present and can see the lovely Nyachung as a man, and the talented singer and leader that he is.
The finale is grand in scope, with the Dangpo going on mass to the city to peacefully protest and has a heart stopping moment too – which I will not spoil. The epilogue was very satisfying – bringing our three back together, looking forward to a better future.
The writing is excellent, and flashes of humour intersperse the story. For a not long book, racism, colonialism and greed are touched on, plus marginalism of the indigenous Dangpo and indifference to their plight by the settlers. We meet some names from the previous ESTO books – the Andalusian Corporation – who made the Dangpo originally to be miners and then abandoned them, plus a mention of the Corzin and the Eridani Sector Alliance.
In summary, a cracker of a book which I thoroughly enjoyed, and am on my second read through now, and then I will re-read the rest of the ESTO books to immerse myself in all things ESTO again.
I received an ARC free copy of this for an honest review.
Major Aren Dalsgaard returns to the Ice planet of Drass over 120 years after he was killed.
He was a hero back in his first life on Drass. Now he has been revived from cryo and has been awoken to a strange world – where he does not know what is going on and all his contemporaries are dead. He is physically, mentally and emotionally fragile and feels frozen inside, echoing the Ice Planet. Aren is sent back to solve a set of murders that are set to further rile up the tensions between Treaty settlers and the indigenous Dangpo and is accompanied by the practical veteran Sergeant Emma Wickstrom.
The final member of the team is acquired in the Chigyel city. Nyachung – a Dangpo – has gone to the city to try and find out about mysterious black boxes that have appeared in their lands, but instead becomes a murder suspect.
From there on it becomes a task for the threesome to solve the various mysteries as they go on a journey, both literal and figurative. The back story to Aren is revealed and the origins of the Dangpo. I liked the world building that goes on and Angel Martinez is excellent at this – even though the book is not long, we get to know about this portion of the ESTO universe. The descriptions are like snapshots of the planet and the way of life.
Nyachung goes from the timid, out of his depth character in the city, to a confident man at home in his own environment. Aren, by visiting his old haunts comes to terms with his past and his emotions thaw, although it was very painful and heart-breaking to read about. He is sometimes too stubborn, and it is good that he has the wise, caring, compassionate and funny Emma at his back. She is a cracking character and a sympathetic woman to boot. She gives a third point of view to our 2 main protagonists – who are sometimes too blinkered to see what is really going on.
The plot gradually unfolds, villains are identified and Aren and Nyachung come together, the latter sees Aren for himself and not the legend from before. Aren come to terms with his past and present and can see the lovely Nyachung as a man, and the talented singer and leader that he is.
The finale is grand in scope, with the Dangpo going on mass to the city to peacefully protest and has a heart stopping moment too – which I will not spoil. The epilogue was very satisfying – bringing our three back together, looking forward to a better future.
The writing is excellent, and flashes of humour intersperse the story. For a not long book, racism, colonialism and greed are touched on, plus marginalism of the indigenous Dangpo and indifference to their plight by the settlers. We meet some names from the previous ESTO books – the Andalusian Corporation – who made the Dangpo originally to be miners and then abandoned them, plus a mention of the Corzin and the Eridani Sector Alliance.
In summary, a cracker of a book which I thoroughly enjoyed, and am on my second read through now, and then I will re-read the rest of the ESTO books to immerse myself in all things ESTO again.
I received an ARC free copy of this for an honest review.
June 25, 2020
This was referred to me by QueeRomanceInk and as a new member with them I was not sure how it would go - I am pleased to say, very well.
Without restating the description too much Aren Dallsgaad died on the ice planet Drass over a hundred years ago without completing his envoy mission. As the preeminent expert on the natives there - the dangpo - and a fluent speaker of their language he is revived to investigate a series of murders involving them. I guess death just isn't the hurdle it used to be in the future, nor do you get to retire from the Corporation that easily.
Along the way of trying to solve this case, he battles bureaucracy, racism, the after-effects of death, the hostile environment, and his awakening feelings for the graceful young native who reminds him so much of his lost boyfriend.
Sort of like Dune on ice (but with far less sandworms) m. Martinez keeps us in suspense as we explore this strange world, its history, customs and people as Aren inches closer to solving the mystery despite opposition from the people who are supposed to be helping him. I read this in conjunction with watching The Revenant so I was really hoping for some gripping, gritty arctic adventure/survival action a la A.D. Foster's The Icerigger Trilogy: Icerigger, Mission to Moulokin, and The Deluge Drivers. Sadly although there is some snow-tramping, the narrative revolves mostly around the investigation, the dangpo people and the romance between Aren and Nyachung; a wise choice by Martinez as otherwise it might have stalled running down too many threads.
The use of Tibetan root words grounds the work in relation to the real world, and adds welcome flavour to the culture making this feel more like an alien world instead of Earth-plus. It also underpins the description of the natives as being very familiar and essentially human, yet different from us in many ways.
The emotions between Aren and his nyingdu feel genuine and grow naturally at a slow pace as the story unfolds. I was very happy with how this played out - actual romance in science-fiction instead of just rutting hole-stuffing. Rest assured though that there are very tender and sensual love scenes between them. And snuggling!
A little light on action and being more of a whodunnit/mystery I was happy with this and the overall setting. I see m. Martinez leaves it open for a sequel with the planet mostly unexplored and Major Dalsgaard's assistant Sgt. Emma Wickstrom also having lost her partner and emotionally closed off.
There may be more SSA adventures in the snow in store for us. I hope so.
Edit:
I realised I have badly neglected Emma in this review, she's actually a great character and I enjoyed her dry, laid back sarcastic humour, quiet strength and steadfast support for her superior, even when it seemed pointless and could hurt her career. I'd definitely like to see more of her story and how she got to this point in her life.
Here's a great sample of their interaction and Emma not just being a mindless orderly :
Without restating the description too much Aren Dallsgaad died on the ice planet Drass over a hundred years ago without completing his envoy mission. As the preeminent expert on the natives there - the dangpo - and a fluent speaker of their language he is revived to investigate a series of murders involving them. I guess death just isn't the hurdle it used to be in the future, nor do you get to retire from the Corporation that easily.
Along the way of trying to solve this case, he battles bureaucracy, racism, the after-effects of death, the hostile environment, and his awakening feelings for the graceful young native who reminds him so much of his lost boyfriend.
Sort of like Dune on ice (but with far less sandworms) m. Martinez keeps us in suspense as we explore this strange world, its history, customs and people as Aren inches closer to solving the mystery despite opposition from the people who are supposed to be helping him. I read this in conjunction with watching The Revenant so I was really hoping for some gripping, gritty arctic adventure/survival action a la A.D. Foster's The Icerigger Trilogy: Icerigger, Mission to Moulokin, and The Deluge Drivers. Sadly although there is some snow-tramping, the narrative revolves mostly around the investigation, the dangpo people and the romance between Aren and Nyachung; a wise choice by Martinez as otherwise it might have stalled running down too many threads.
The use of Tibetan root words grounds the work in relation to the real world, and adds welcome flavour to the culture making this feel more like an alien world instead of Earth-plus. It also underpins the description of the natives as being very familiar and essentially human, yet different from us in many ways.
The emotions between Aren and his nyingdu feel genuine and grow naturally at a slow pace as the story unfolds. I was very happy with how this played out - actual romance in science-fiction instead of just rutting hole-stuffing. Rest assured though that there are very tender and sensual love scenes between them. And snuggling!
A little light on action and being more of a whodunnit/mystery I was happy with this and the overall setting. I see m. Martinez leaves it open for a sequel with the planet mostly unexplored and Major Dalsgaard's assistant Sgt. Emma Wickstrom also having lost her partner and emotionally closed off.
There may be more SSA adventures in the snow in store for us. I hope so.
Edit:
I realised I have badly neglected Emma in this review, she's actually a great character and I enjoyed her dry, laid back sarcastic humour, quiet strength and steadfast support for her superior, even when it seemed pointless and could hurt her career. I'd definitely like to see more of her story and how she got to this point in her life.
Here's a great sample of their interaction and Emma not just being a mindless orderly :
"You break that boy's heart sir, and I'll break your skull."
Major Dalsgaard turned to her with narrowed eyes. "Pardon, Sergeant? What was that?"
"I said, 'Best eat your soup, sir. It's getting cold.'"
"Right, That's what I thought"
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