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Saronna's Gift
Saronna Maynard never expected to be sold into an off-world household. She and Duncan Trushenko, her new protector, have very little in common. Saronna grew up in a small village outside of New Jerusalem, the largest city on Krueger’s World. Duncan grew up on many worlds, and has traveled the galaxy. He is dumbstruck to return from a business trip and find that his father has purchased a companion for him.
Saronna is terrified by the strangeness of the house and her sense of powerlessness, but in a very short time she realizes she might be better off—and safer—in Duncan’s house than in her father’s. For one thing, Duncan doesn’t believe in witches. Also, the more time she spends with Duncan, the harder it is for her to believe all men are as evil as her mother taught her. But safer or not, Saronna is still intent on keeping her secrets. After all, she’s still on Krueger’s World.
Saronna is terrified by the strangeness of the house and her sense of powerlessness, but in a very short time she realizes she might be better off—and safer—in Duncan’s house than in her father’s. For one thing, Duncan doesn’t believe in witches. Also, the more time she spends with Duncan, the harder it is for her to believe all men are as evil as her mother taught her. But safer or not, Saronna is still intent on keeping her secrets. After all, she’s still on Krueger’s World.
- GenresScience FictionRomance
474 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2015
3 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Webster Buxton
18 books31 followersI live in Maryland with my husband and a sweet-natured beagle named Cosmo, who gets me out of the house every day.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 25, 2022
Saronna is being sold. It may sound harsh, but it works for her. Freedom. No veil, no division of men and women. Off Worlders have a different outlook on life than here on Kruegar’s World. The Threecon World travels the galaxy, each planet sharing their culture.
Saronna was being purchased for Duncan by his father. She had used her gifts to keep her father from getting rid of her, but it hadn’t worked on Vladimir Trushenko. She’s kept it secret…She’s a witch.
The cover tells of the life Saronna was born into, that women had only one purpose in life, to please man. Cruel customs, obedience, no education….unless taught secretly, and Saronna’s mother had taught her to read. There was a purpose to it.
Duncan has introduced Saronna to electronics, including an ereader, encouraging her to read and get an education. He even hires a tutor for her. I loved watching Saronna, her struggle, her sacrifice as she grew, learned, changed and became her own person, no matter the pressure put on her. I have a feeling that will be a good fit, once she figures out how she is being manipulated by those she is supposed to be able to trust.
I would surely be dead if I was born under such an oppressive system…my mouth would have been the end of me. LOL
And to think this goes on today makes me say, “I can’t believe this is happening in the twenty first century”. People can change, and I was happy to be along for Saronna’s ‘coming of age’, and she comes a long way, baby.
Carmen Webster Buxton has created a world for Saronna that is rich in detail, the characters are riveting, drawing me in, making me feel…almost…as if I am there with them, through the good and bad, wishing, hoping for the happy ever after ending that I have come to love so much.
Unputdownable. I read 463 pages in one sitting.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Saronna’s Gift by Carmen Webster Buxton.
Saronna was being purchased for Duncan by his father. She had used her gifts to keep her father from getting rid of her, but it hadn’t worked on Vladimir Trushenko. She’s kept it secret…She’s a witch.
The cover tells of the life Saronna was born into, that women had only one purpose in life, to please man. Cruel customs, obedience, no education….unless taught secretly, and Saronna’s mother had taught her to read. There was a purpose to it.
Duncan has introduced Saronna to electronics, including an ereader, encouraging her to read and get an education. He even hires a tutor for her. I loved watching Saronna, her struggle, her sacrifice as she grew, learned, changed and became her own person, no matter the pressure put on her. I have a feeling that will be a good fit, once she figures out how she is being manipulated by those she is supposed to be able to trust.
I would surely be dead if I was born under such an oppressive system…my mouth would have been the end of me. LOL
And to think this goes on today makes me say, “I can’t believe this is happening in the twenty first century”. People can change, and I was happy to be along for Saronna’s ‘coming of age’, and she comes a long way, baby.
Carmen Webster Buxton has created a world for Saronna that is rich in detail, the characters are riveting, drawing me in, making me feel…almost…as if I am there with them, through the good and bad, wishing, hoping for the happy ever after ending that I have come to love so much.
Unputdownable. I read 463 pages in one sitting.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Saronna’s Gift by Carmen Webster Buxton.
May 9, 2015
First of all, I want to say that I hope Carmen Webster Buxton writes a follow-up novel to this. I really want to read it. Also, I read this book as an ARC - advanced reader copy - in exchange for an honest review.
It is plain to see that she put a lot of work into the world-building and cultures in this story, which happily passes the Bechdel Test. The narrative is rich with detail and information, without being overwhelming. You know how some sci-fi books just throw technobabble at you and never explain it? I'm glad to say that is avoided in this book, and any relevant tech in the story is explained and has purpose. Webster Buxton has a good opportunity to explain these things gracefully, as our Saronna is very naive about technology, science, other cultures, etc.
Saronna's naivety comes from the cult she was raised in: they treat women as chattel - they are suppressed by a lack of education and a lack of independence. For me, this is one of the most interesting parts of the story: how did such a backwards cult come to inhabit and claim its own planet? How does such a society exist in a future age? I love how Webster Buxton answers those questions in the story, as I find her idea to be extremely plausible. It's a solid "historical" backbone for this story.
Taking things one step further and having a sub-cult within Kreuger's domain, which is the diametric opposite to the patriarchy he created, is terribly interesting. The cult of Mother Eve is as pernicious as the patriarchy which caused its inception. Having supported someone very close to me who has left a cult, what Saronna is struggling through is not a small thing. Saronna basically has two of those cults to escape, though you could argue her dedication to Mother Eve helped her to doff the shackles of the patriarchy much quicker. Truly, you could read this book twice and still not glean every little detail out of it! I love books like that.
I also appreciate that Webster Buxton has given us a range of characters who have different levels of knowledge and education, who look in on Kreuger's World, the patriarchal society in it, and Saronna herself, differently. From the anthropologist, who is able to lend a more educated perspective to the situation with her studies, to Duncan - who only has second-hand information about the planet until he arrives at the start of the story. Even Duncan's father Vladimir, who is only really interested in the money he can make on the planet, sees the planet in terms of business opportunities and tries to blend in with the cultural norms so he can capitalize in his business ventures. I could gush about almost every character in this story, as I found even the sub-characters were unique, interesting, and not motivated to the same end-goals. Almost immediately I wanted to assign them an actor or actress I'd like to see them played by in a movie. Vonda is definitely> played by Sigourney Weaver. Warhlou would have been played by André the Giant, for me.
All in all, I found myself very pleased after reading Saronna's Gift. It left me thoughtful and reviewing my own understanding of the world, which I think any good book should do.
It is plain to see that she put a lot of work into the world-building and cultures in this story, which happily passes the Bechdel Test. The narrative is rich with detail and information, without being overwhelming. You know how some sci-fi books just throw technobabble at you and never explain it? I'm glad to say that is avoided in this book, and any relevant tech in the story is explained and has purpose. Webster Buxton has a good opportunity to explain these things gracefully, as our Saronna is very naive about technology, science, other cultures, etc.
Saronna's naivety comes from the cult she was raised in: they treat women as chattel - they are suppressed by a lack of education and a lack of independence. For me, this is one of the most interesting parts of the story: how did such a backwards cult come to inhabit and claim its own planet? How does such a society exist in a future age? I love how Webster Buxton answers those questions in the story, as I find her idea to be extremely plausible. It's a solid "historical" backbone for this story.
Taking things one step further and having a sub-cult within Kreuger's domain, which is the diametric opposite to the patriarchy he created, is terribly interesting. The cult of Mother Eve is as pernicious as the patriarchy which caused its inception. Having supported someone very close to me who has left a cult, what Saronna is struggling through is not a small thing. Saronna basically has two of those cults to escape, though you could argue her dedication to Mother Eve helped her to doff the shackles of the patriarchy much quicker. Truly, you could read this book twice and still not glean every little detail out of it! I love books like that.
I also appreciate that Webster Buxton has given us a range of characters who have different levels of knowledge and education, who look in on Kreuger's World, the patriarchal society in it, and Saronna herself, differently. From the anthropologist, who is able to lend a more educated perspective to the situation with her studies, to Duncan - who only has second-hand information about the planet until he arrives at the start of the story. Even Duncan's father Vladimir, who is only really interested in the money he can make on the planet, sees the planet in terms of business opportunities and tries to blend in with the cultural norms so he can capitalize in his business ventures. I could gush about almost every character in this story, as I found even the sub-characters were unique, interesting, and not motivated to the same end-goals. Almost immediately I wanted to assign them an actor or actress I'd like to see them played by in a movie. Vonda is definitely> played by Sigourney Weaver. Warhlou would have been played by André the Giant, for me.
All in all, I found myself very pleased after reading Saronna's Gift. It left me thoughtful and reviewing my own understanding of the world, which I think any good book should do.
April 29, 2015
First let me state from the start I was drawn into this story. In other words, I liked this. Saronna's Gift has interesting characters and good solid writing. Carmen Webster Buxton is definitely a talented author. I have no problem rating it five stars. Worth the time.
May 12, 2015
3.5 stars. The world building was one of the most interesting parts of this novel. Saronna, after a lifetime of endemic, systematic physical and mental abuse, was finally freed to find herself as a person. Her growth was powerful and one of the stronger points of the novel. The fact that she intends to return and try to change things for the rest of her sex is brave and noble and I wish her luck. The men were more problematic creatures. I liked Duncan well enough up until his response to finding out why she wouldn't commit herself to him. He suddenly became childish and self-destructive -- what did he expect after all Saronna and the other women on her planet have endured? That she would suddenly become like all the women from his society just because he cared? Her baggage is a heavy burden and not something easily released or resolved. For all her triumphs, she will likely fight versions of this battle over and over throughout her life. His father came across as creepy and self-absorbed; he bought a girl for his son because his similar "rescue" worked out so well for him. It never occurred to him that his mistress saw him as just a kinder master than any she had been forced to endure before. Luckily there is growth for all characters concerned.
Saronna's Gift could have been a better novel, which is why I couldn't rate it higher. But as it is, it's thought provoking.
Netgalley provided me a copy of this novel for an honest review.
Saronna's Gift could have been a better novel, which is why I couldn't rate it higher. But as it is, it's thought provoking.
Netgalley provided me a copy of this novel for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
I just loved the blending of the old with the new. I felt grounded in reality because Krueger's world reminded me of some places on Earth today, yet there were new experiences to be had with the speculative feel of the book as well--the hovering geese, plant variety, and I just love Warhlou, the toothy alien giant, I guess you'd say. The characters were well rounded, except for Naomi, but then again, I've met people in reality that I always thought "Surely there's more," and turns out, there wasn't! Ha! Dr. Zelda had a lot going for her. I would have loved to have heard a bit more of her backstory. She shows up to impart much needed insight and wisdom, yet I didn't really feel that I knew her like I wanted to. There really should be a sequel. Seriously, you can't leave us hanging! In a nutshell, this book was hard to put down. There were no spots where I was just trying to hang in there until I got to something meatier. It moved along very well.
February 28, 2015
Saronna's Gift was a nice read. A touch of sci-first, a touch of paranormal and a touch of the religious occult. At times I felt the writer tried too hard to include too many aspects of all of these. Thanks to Carmen Webster Buxton for sharing her story and to Goodreads First Reads for the opportunity to experience it.
March 20, 2019
Enjoyable read. This book will appeal to readers who like a book centered around a romance in a different setting with a touch of magic.
This book was provided to me by net galley in exchange for a honest review
This book was provided to me by net galley in exchange for a honest review
June 20, 2021
Excellent sci fi romantic adventure
Webster's ThreeCon series continues to provide excellent, character-driven science fiction. The sleeper worlds are diverse and, in this case, unpleasantly believable. The aliens are amazing. The humor is very well done, and the serious topics are handled appropriately. I am reading this series in KU and will buy it to reread. Everyone needs a HEA once ina while.
Webster's ThreeCon series continues to provide excellent, character-driven science fiction. The sleeper worlds are diverse and, in this case, unpleasantly believable. The aliens are amazing. The humor is very well done, and the serious topics are handled appropriately. I am reading this series in KU and will buy it to reread. Everyone needs a HEA once ina while.
March 18, 2020
Fascinating look at what our future could be!
No plot spoiler, but if Handmaider's Tale took on futuristic and slight paranormal twists, with a little romance thrown in, it could be a prequel. I especially appreciated the excellent writing style, attention to detail and good grammar. love the characters - well, most of them. Will be watching for more of Buxton's work.
No plot spoiler, but if Handmaider's Tale took on futuristic and slight paranormal twists, with a little romance thrown in, it could be a prequel. I especially appreciated the excellent writing style, attention to detail and good grammar. love the characters - well, most of them. Will be watching for more of Buxton's work.
March 20, 2020
To gain Autonomy
I loved this book! The author’s world building skills are superlative, and her character building is only slightly less. I never knew what was going to happen next. The people in this book went through major trials and tribulations. I am interested in reading more books by this author.
I loved this book! The author’s world building skills are superlative, and her character building is only slightly less. I never knew what was going to happen next. The people in this book went through major trials and tribulations. I am interested in reading more books by this author.
did-not-finish
April 21, 2022DNF'd @ 11% 4/20/22
February 10, 2015
Read like a middle eastern city with a spaceport.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews