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Taking Shield #2
Heart Scarab
Shield Captain Bennet is on Telnos, a unpleasant little planet inhabited by religious fanatics and unregistered miners running illegal solactinium mines. It’s about to be about to be overrun by the Maess. Bennet’s job is to get out as many civilians as he can, but the enemy arrives before the evacuation is complete. Caught in a vicious fire fight, Bennet is left behind, presumed dead. His family is grieving. Joss, his long-term partner, grieves with them; lost, unhappy, remorseful. First Lieutenant Flynn has no official ‘rights’ here. He isn’t family. He isn’t partner or lover. All he is, is broken.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2015
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410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 5, 2022
Preparing to write this review feels like getting ready to rip a band-aid off. So I guess all I can do is take a deep breath, get a grip, and give it a good, sharp yank —
How, you may wonder, did I get from a 4-star rating for the 1st book to 2 stars for the second?
It went something like this:
at 8%: I'm having trouble staying interested — but the same thing happened with the first book, so hang in there! (Also: The worldbuilding seems kind of sketchy.)
10%: Whoa, I didn't see that coming! Love it!
50%: This is probably only a 3-star read, but I'll rate it 4 anyway, just because of its part in the series, the series I'm sure I'll read all 5 books of, despite this one being just so-so. (Also: The worldbuilding really is sketchy.)
62%: Wait wait wait — how did this change from a space opera into a soap opera? Who set all these drama llamas loose? How much more screaming and crying and begging will I have to endure? For how many more pages will Bennet discuss his love life with his mother? Can somebody please just shoot me and put me out of my misery? (Also: WTF is up with the worldbuilding???)
65% and on: *Worldbuilding rant rant rant Worldbuilding*
100%: Are you shitting me? Did I interpret that twist right? If so, there goes all my praise about how good the characterization is, because that is completely out of character and I don't buy it for a moment. That's a plot device, pure and simple. Faux drama, and I call bullshit!
*And now here's the above-referenced rant, tucked down here out of the way so you can skip it. Never say I don't love you guys, because not only am I trying to protect you from my rant, I pared it way, way down from its original full-length glory.
In a nutshell, the worldbuilding problem boils down to:
This is atrocious science fiction.
(Deep breaths, Teal, deep breaths. You can do it.)
You want the non-nutshell version (you masochist, you)?
This story is set ~10,000 years in our future, with a human population descended from those who left Earth behind 6000 years ago. (And to complicate things further for herself — and for us — the author somehow has tied ancient Egypt into all of this too.)
Creating far-future worlds is a particularly daunting task for SF writers. Society, technology, culture, mores, EVERYTHING will be so, so different from what we know right here and now.
So the rough guideline I use is to mentally cast back a comparable amount of time into the past and compare that to the present day. How different are our lives from those of people who lived 6000 - 10,000 years ago? Then extrapolate forward, and let your mind be boggled by how different future human societies are going to be from ours.
What a balancing act SF writers face. Let your imagination run wild and create a future world too unfamiliar, and your readers can't keep up. Books that push the envelope this way, like Aristoi or The Machineries of Empire series, may be (are) brilliant, but despite that, they're not very accessible. They are challenging to read.
There has to be a cleverly-contrived middle ground between the imaginative and the familiar/relatable. Because if the writer goes too far to the opposite extreme, essentially taking current-day NYC and plopping it down onto a distant planet ten millennia into the future, readers may be alienated because that's f'ing preposterous.
And there you have the gist of my book rage. For the last 40-ish% percent of the book, the author apparently forgot the book was set in the future.
In a society with FTL travel, instantaneous communication across interstellar distances, and the ability to generate artificial gravity — things that are totally, utterly, and completely beyond our own capabilities — almost nothing else has changed from the present day. Medical care and technology hasn't evolved. Entertainment options and services haven't evolved. Housing, transportation, family structure, capitalism, food (food!), clothing styles haven't evolved. Prejudice against homosexuality hasn't evolved — it's still associated with pedophilia and with having good fashion sense! You still take a taxi across town and tip the driver, for fuck's sake.
Is that how things were 10,000 years in the past?
Then don't expect me to believe that's how they're going to be 10,000 years in the future.
This lazy, sloppy worldbuilding — no, this neglecting to do the worldbuilding — killed this series for me. I honestly don't see a way to continue on. I was so pleased with Book 1 that I thought I'd be binging all 5 books back-to-back. Even though the worldbuilding issue was apparent there, it didn't dominate the story, so I was able to grit my teeth and make the conscious decision to solider on, tolerating it for the sake of all that was good in the story. But now, unless I can find a way to mentally recast this as fantasy instead of science fiction, I don't see how I can read any further.
Sorry, Bennet and Flynn. I hope you get your HEA eventually... 10,000 years from now.
How, you may wonder, did I get from a 4-star rating for the 1st book to 2 stars for the second?
It went something like this:
at 8%: I'm having trouble staying interested — but the same thing happened with the first book, so hang in there! (Also: The worldbuilding seems kind of sketchy.)
10%: Whoa, I didn't see that coming! Love it!
50%: This is probably only a 3-star read, but I'll rate it 4 anyway, just because of its part in the series, the series I'm sure I'll read all 5 books of, despite this one being just so-so. (Also: The worldbuilding really is sketchy.)
62%: Wait wait wait — how did this change from a space opera into a soap opera? Who set all these drama llamas loose? How much more screaming and crying and begging will I have to endure? For how many more pages will Bennet discuss his love life with his mother? Can somebody please just shoot me and put me out of my misery? (Also: WTF is up with the worldbuilding???)
65% and on: *Worldbuilding rant rant rant Worldbuilding*
100%: Are you shitting me? Did I interpret that twist right? If so, there goes all my praise about how good the characterization is, because that is completely out of character and I don't buy it for a moment. That's a plot device, pure and simple. Faux drama, and I call bullshit!
*And now here's the above-referenced rant, tucked down here out of the way so you can skip it. Never say I don't love you guys, because not only am I trying to protect you from my rant, I pared it way, way down from its original full-length glory.
In a nutshell, the worldbuilding problem boils down to:
This is atrocious science fiction.
(Deep breaths, Teal, deep breaths. You can do it.)
You want the non-nutshell version (you masochist, you)?
This story is set ~10,000 years in our future, with a human population descended from those who left Earth behind 6000 years ago. (And to complicate things further for herself — and for us — the author somehow has tied ancient Egypt into all of this too.)
Creating far-future worlds is a particularly daunting task for SF writers. Society, technology, culture, mores, EVERYTHING will be so, so different from what we know right here and now.
So the rough guideline I use is to mentally cast back a comparable amount of time into the past and compare that to the present day. How different are our lives from those of people who lived 6000 - 10,000 years ago? Then extrapolate forward, and let your mind be boggled by how different future human societies are going to be from ours.
What a balancing act SF writers face. Let your imagination run wild and create a future world too unfamiliar, and your readers can't keep up. Books that push the envelope this way, like Aristoi or The Machineries of Empire series, may be (are) brilliant, but despite that, they're not very accessible. They are challenging to read.
There has to be a cleverly-contrived middle ground between the imaginative and the familiar/relatable. Because if the writer goes too far to the opposite extreme, essentially taking current-day NYC and plopping it down onto a distant planet ten millennia into the future, readers may be alienated because that's f'ing preposterous.
And there you have the gist of my book rage. For the last 40-ish% percent of the book, the author apparently forgot the book was set in the future.
In a society with FTL travel, instantaneous communication across interstellar distances, and the ability to generate artificial gravity — things that are totally, utterly, and completely beyond our own capabilities — almost nothing else has changed from the present day. Medical care and technology hasn't evolved. Entertainment options and services haven't evolved. Housing, transportation, family structure, capitalism, food (food!), clothing styles haven't evolved. Prejudice against homosexuality hasn't evolved — it's still associated with pedophilia and with having good fashion sense! You still take a taxi across town and tip the driver, for fuck's sake.
Is that how things were 10,000 years in the past?
Then don't expect me to believe that's how they're going to be 10,000 years in the future.
This lazy, sloppy worldbuilding — no, this neglecting to do the worldbuilding — killed this series for me. I honestly don't see a way to continue on. I was so pleased with Book 1 that I thought I'd be binging all 5 books back-to-back. Even though the worldbuilding issue was apparent there, it didn't dominate the story, so I was able to grit my teeth and make the conscious decision to solider on, tolerating it for the sake of all that was good in the story. But now, unless I can find a way to mentally recast this as fantasy instead of science fiction, I don't see how I can read any further.
Sorry, Bennet and Flynn. I hope you get your HEA eventually... 10,000 years from now.
November 27, 2017
Rating: 4.5* of five
#ReadingIsResistance to gay men in armed service vanishing, now or in the future.
HEART SCARAB gets my full attention at my blog because the second TAKING SHIELD book is about grief, love, and honor, and how they can conspire to ruin lives, eat happiness, and leave devastation in their wake. What a great #Booksgiving idea for your dearly beloved space opera fan!
Author Butler takes us deeper into the life of Shield Captain Bennet, eighteen months following the events on Maess-held planet T18 and on board the Gyrfalcon. As Bennet performs his duty to evacuate illegal religious-fanatic colonists on Telnos, soon to be behind Maess—the faceless, unknown aliens winning a war of annihilation against humanity's great-to-the-10th-power grandchildren—lines, he obsesses over his failing relationship with his elegant, worldly lover Joss; his burgeoning love for Pilot Flynn stationed on his father's ship the Gyrfalcon; and his patient, long-suffering Lieutenant Rosie listens to him and moons and pines for him completely unheeded, unnoticed, unconsidered for the position she (along with the rest of humanity, I'd guess) craves: Bennet's lover.
But that's just the beginning of Bennet's troubles at Author Butler's hands.
And that's why I read space opera: Pile the troubles on with the highest-possible stakes! Then make the stakes personal! Then by gawd create some scary aliens with a baseless grudge and an attitude, some super-advanced tech that is actually just like what we have now on steroids so I can believe it.
Why I read this space opera is simple: gay guy. Bennet flies in the face of humanity's one apparently eternal character flaw, religious belief, to live his truth as a man who loves men. Add to that his father's strong religious convictions and his family's long tradition of military service, his older lover's patrician disdain for exactly *how* his luxurious lifestyle is maintained, and military anti-fraternization rules that Bennet takes very seriously and that prevent him from pursuing his new love for Flynn and you have a witches' brew of good drama.
Still very little sex. Very little indeed. And what there is is non-graphic by today's standards. More than in Gyrfalcon, I think, though I haven't done a statistical analysis. I can assure the eww-ick squeamish that no unpleasantly meaty words are used and with a small effort of intentional misunderstanding the import of the few sexual scenes can be contextualized as emotional intimacies that can't be expressed in any other way without falseness. Who here hasn't had what you *knew* was break-up sex while pretending the pleasures of a familiar touch were, after all, enough? Yeah, me too, and so does Bennet when the flypaper and prayers that've kept Joss in his life finally blow apart under the final assault: Death.
Bennet, you see, has the bad taste and rude vigor to return from the dead. It's just...unseemly. And after Joss, in the manner of their people, has made sacrifices of his and Bennet's favorite artwork, the perfect and glorious antiquities Joss (archaeologist by training) offered up to the gods for Bennet (ancient historian by academic training) to use in the Field of Reeds, back comes Bennet hale and hearty and not in the Field of Reeds at all! The...the...joy? embarrassment? confusion? of it all.
And that "hale and hearty" is solely a valid description when matched against "dead and rotting on an alien-held planet." Bennet is in shards, physically and psychically and emotionally. His body will heal slowly, his psyche and emotions might or might not heal at all ever, and he might well never get to use his new bionic knee back in his deeply loved Shield role. A soldier who's too broken to soldier is by definition A Very Unhappy Man. Add to this soldier's woes the emotional mismatch between himself and his partner. The immense, irresistible force of falling in love with the right one. The awful reality of wartime military service meaning unavoidable separation from your lover.
*happy sigh*
I will say my wish (expressed in my review of Gyrfalcon) to get to sympathize with poor overmatched Joss came true. I was sad for him as he was hollowed out by loss and the hideous, regret-charged acid bath that is grief. All the times one falls short, one is unkind impatient unwilling to understand or empathize...oh gods and goddesses those will keep a soul awake and agonized as they replay unchanging and unchangeable in the darkness! But far more painful is the way they play out like movies on a screen while living, breathing people are making noises meant to distract console *reach* you in the locked projection booth of your failings.
Yes, Joss, I know that one. Author Butler was cruel to you. Goodness knows you deserved it, but...well...don't we all.
And the ending of this story is fascinating. It is unusual within the genre of gay-male-centered fiction. I will read the next installment of Taking Shield, called Makepeace, as soon as I've caught my breath and begun to accept the changes wrought on my feelings already.
Which, if I need to say it, is the hallmark of a really good read.
#ReadingIsResistance to gay men in armed service vanishing, now or in the future.
HEART SCARAB gets my full attention at my blog because the second TAKING SHIELD book is about grief, love, and honor, and how they can conspire to ruin lives, eat happiness, and leave devastation in their wake. What a great #Booksgiving idea for your dearly beloved space opera fan!
Author Butler takes us deeper into the life of Shield Captain Bennet, eighteen months following the events on Maess-held planet T18 and on board the Gyrfalcon. As Bennet performs his duty to evacuate illegal religious-fanatic colonists on Telnos, soon to be behind Maess—the faceless, unknown aliens winning a war of annihilation against humanity's great-to-the-10th-power grandchildren—lines, he obsesses over his failing relationship with his elegant, worldly lover Joss; his burgeoning love for Pilot Flynn stationed on his father's ship the Gyrfalcon; and his patient, long-suffering Lieutenant Rosie listens to him and moons and pines for him completely unheeded, unnoticed, unconsidered for the position she (along with the rest of humanity, I'd guess) craves: Bennet's lover.
But that's just the beginning of Bennet's troubles at Author Butler's hands.
And that's why I read space opera: Pile the troubles on with the highest-possible stakes! Then make the stakes personal! Then by gawd create some scary aliens with a baseless grudge and an attitude, some super-advanced tech that is actually just like what we have now on steroids so I can believe it.
Why I read this space opera is simple: gay guy. Bennet flies in the face of humanity's one apparently eternal character flaw, religious belief, to live his truth as a man who loves men. Add to that his father's strong religious convictions and his family's long tradition of military service, his older lover's patrician disdain for exactly *how* his luxurious lifestyle is maintained, and military anti-fraternization rules that Bennet takes very seriously and that prevent him from pursuing his new love for Flynn and you have a witches' brew of good drama.
Still very little sex. Very little indeed. And what there is is non-graphic by today's standards. More than in Gyrfalcon, I think, though I haven't done a statistical analysis. I can assure the eww-ick squeamish that no unpleasantly meaty words are used and with a small effort of intentional misunderstanding the import of the few sexual scenes can be contextualized as emotional intimacies that can't be expressed in any other way without falseness. Who here hasn't had what you *knew* was break-up sex while pretending the pleasures of a familiar touch were, after all, enough? Yeah, me too, and so does Bennet when the flypaper and prayers that've kept Joss in his life finally blow apart under the final assault: Death.
Bennet, you see, has the bad taste and rude vigor to return from the dead. It's just...unseemly. And after Joss, in the manner of their people, has made sacrifices of his and Bennet's favorite artwork, the perfect and glorious antiquities Joss (archaeologist by training) offered up to the gods for Bennet (ancient historian by academic training) to use in the Field of Reeds, back comes Bennet hale and hearty and not in the Field of Reeds at all! The...the...joy? embarrassment? confusion? of it all.
And that "hale and hearty" is solely a valid description when matched against "dead and rotting on an alien-held planet." Bennet is in shards, physically and psychically and emotionally. His body will heal slowly, his psyche and emotions might or might not heal at all ever, and he might well never get to use his new bionic knee back in his deeply loved Shield role. A soldier who's too broken to soldier is by definition A Very Unhappy Man. Add to this soldier's woes the emotional mismatch between himself and his partner. The immense, irresistible force of falling in love with the right one. The awful reality of wartime military service meaning unavoidable separation from your lover.
*happy sigh*
I will say my wish (expressed in my review of Gyrfalcon) to get to sympathize with poor overmatched Joss came true. I was sad for him as he was hollowed out by loss and the hideous, regret-charged acid bath that is grief. All the times one falls short, one is unkind impatient unwilling to understand or empathize...oh gods and goddesses those will keep a soul awake and agonized as they replay unchanging and unchangeable in the darkness! But far more painful is the way they play out like movies on a screen while living, breathing people are making noises meant to distract console *reach* you in the locked projection booth of your failings.
Yes, Joss, I know that one. Author Butler was cruel to you. Goodness knows you deserved it, but...well...don't we all.
And the ending of this story is fascinating. It is unusual within the genre of gay-male-centered fiction. I will read the next installment of Taking Shield, called Makepeace, as soon as I've caught my breath and begun to accept the changes wrought on my feelings already.
Which, if I need to say it, is the hallmark of a really good read.
August 20, 2015
Great science fiction, shaky at best romance.
To be fair, I did not read the first story in this series. I suspect that if I had my allegiances would have been different coming into the story, but I'm not sure I would have been satisfied as a reader in terms of the romance.
Bennet is a military man. The rebellious son who paves his own way ignoring his father's wishes. He's stubborn, determined, and duty-bound, the epitome of noblesse oblige.
Joss, twice Bennet's age and the dilettante academic who loves him. They've been together since Bennet was eighteen and pursuing him. He's sophisticated and torn while Bennet is way on missions. He wants Bennet to give up the military and stay home--he's already been egregiously injured once.
Joss was right. This mission takes Bennet's life as far as his loved one know. Planetside he meets a scrabble of people not evacuated before the Maess invasion. There are some great characters introduced: Ifan, local miner/ex-infantry man who finds Bennet and Luke, orphaned child Ifan and he find while surveying the local holdings for survivors of the Maess attack. True to Bennet form, they are important characters in his life until he moves on and then they're discarded.
The beginning is heavily militaristic, but when the botched mission turns more domestic as Bennet navigates his injuries, and subsisting with the other refugees while plotting an escape plan. And leave they do, but not without consequences.
During the formal grieving observances Flynn reenters the storyline. Flynn, the talented pilot who once saved Bennet and stole his heart. The first book in the series from my understanding has a much greater emphasis on this relationship. And thus, a love triangle emerges.
Bennet is an unmitigated ass to Joss during his recovery. Definitely his father's son there. Cruel in his dismissal of Joss's care seeing it as a slight against his weakness. They have been together for years, and there have been changes or rather Bennet has changed and Joss expects things to be the same.
The line between open relationship and infidelity is very thin, both Joss and Bennet teeter on it as their actions wobble their quasi-marriage, they made vows that are not legal in Albion. Then they take off the gloves and hurt each other in ways that only someone who loves you can. The status quo is no longer working for Bennet and Joss is angry that his wishes in their relationship are ignored.
Basically, Bennet is the sort of man who expects to the be sun and have all others orbit him, in this he is like his father. He doesn't do compromise, and frankly, he deserves to be alone. But, he keeps finding people who are willing to bend over backwards for him. So as far as leading heroes goes he does not engender positive feelings. And, the set up for the third story hints heavily not to expect better from him.
I loved the expeditions, but honestly would have loved to see the romance dropped. I hated the dynamics, the backstabbing and disregard founded on poor communication.
Overall, the science fiction military exploits is the win while the romance leaves a bitter taste.
Favorite passage:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
To be fair, I did not read the first story in this series. I suspect that if I had my allegiances would have been different coming into the story, but I'm not sure I would have been satisfied as a reader in terms of the romance.
Bennet is a military man. The rebellious son who paves his own way ignoring his father's wishes. He's stubborn, determined, and duty-bound, the epitome of noblesse oblige.
Joss, twice Bennet's age and the dilettante academic who loves him. They've been together since Bennet was eighteen and pursuing him. He's sophisticated and torn while Bennet is way on missions. He wants Bennet to give up the military and stay home--he's already been egregiously injured once.
Joss was right. This mission takes Bennet's life as far as his loved one know. Planetside he meets a scrabble of people not evacuated before the Maess invasion. There are some great characters introduced: Ifan, local miner/ex-infantry man who finds Bennet and Luke, orphaned child Ifan and he find while surveying the local holdings for survivors of the Maess attack. True to Bennet form, they are important characters in his life until he moves on and then they're discarded.
The beginning is heavily militaristic, but when the botched mission turns more domestic as Bennet navigates his injuries, and subsisting with the other refugees while plotting an escape plan. And leave they do, but not without consequences.
During the formal grieving observances Flynn reenters the storyline. Flynn, the talented pilot who once saved Bennet and stole his heart. The first book in the series from my understanding has a much greater emphasis on this relationship. And thus, a love triangle emerges.
Bennet is an unmitigated ass to Joss during his recovery. Definitely his father's son there. Cruel in his dismissal of Joss's care seeing it as a slight against his weakness. They have been together for years, and there have been changes or rather Bennet has changed and Joss expects things to be the same.
The line between open relationship and infidelity is very thin, both Joss and Bennet teeter on it as their actions wobble their quasi-marriage, they made vows that are not legal in Albion. Then they take off the gloves and hurt each other in ways that only someone who loves you can. The status quo is no longer working for Bennet and Joss is angry that his wishes in their relationship are ignored.
Basically, Bennet is the sort of man who expects to the be sun and have all others orbit him, in this he is like his father. He doesn't do compromise, and frankly, he deserves to be alone. But, he keeps finding people who are willing to bend over backwards for him. So as far as leading heroes goes he does not engender positive feelings. And, the set up for the third story hints heavily not to expect better from him.
I loved the expeditions, but honestly would have loved to see the romance dropped. I hated the dynamics, the backstabbing and disregard founded on poor communication.
Overall, the science fiction military exploits is the win while the romance leaves a bitter taste.
Favorite passage:
“Having it all.”
“Yes. Isn’t that the way you like it?”
Sure it was. Only once you’d got it all, you sometimes wondered what it was you’d got and why the hell you’d wanted it in the first place.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
May 14, 2021
This second book in a very good series is well worth reading for SciFi fans. The romance thread is still glacially slow and muted at the end, although there is forward movement here. Joss, Bennet's long-time partner, is a focus as their relationship unravels, leaving space, perhaps, for Flynn.
Bennet is on a backwater colony planet, trying to evacuate religious fanatic colonists, when the Maees strike. In the scramble to get off the ground, he is injured and his helmet transponder is destroyed. As his family and friends mourn his loss, Bennet is working with some local outlaws to escape the notice of the Maees, and get a small group of survivors off the planet and to safety.
The action is fun, the mourning of those who believe Bennet is dead is affecting. I did have a quibble with the way Joss shoots himself in the foot - I was hoping that Bennet wouldn't get that out-of-jail-free card. I like when splitting up is necessary but hard and with blame to both. However this book took me deeper into the characters and the world-building, and I really enjoyed it.
Once again, the ending is just another beginning, not a cliff, but not an HFN. On to book 3.
Bennet is on a backwater colony planet, trying to evacuate religious fanatic colonists, when the Maees strike. In the scramble to get off the ground, he is injured and his helmet transponder is destroyed. As his family and friends mourn his loss, Bennet is working with some local outlaws to escape the notice of the Maees, and get a small group of survivors off the planet and to safety.
The action is fun, the mourning of those who believe Bennet is dead is affecting. I did have a quibble with the way Joss shoots himself in the foot - I was hoping that Bennet wouldn't get that out-of-jail-free card. I like when splitting up is necessary but hard and with blame to both. However this book took me deeper into the characters and the world-building, and I really enjoyed it.
Once again, the ending is just another beginning, not a cliff, but not an HFN. On to book 3.
August 19, 2019
4.25 Stars
This installment of the series was much more character-driven and less action oriented than the last. Still plenty of excitement and danger, but more time was spent focused on the players.
Getting Joss' POV was interesting in that it definitely humanized him, but not necessarily in a good way. I felt the pain of his loss while grieving for a mistakenly dead Bennett (and was frequently in tears along with the rest of his family, especially his Dad), but for the most part his reaction felt very self-centered and that never endeared me to the character. I was very glad to see the backside of him, and not just because he was an impediment (sort of, not really though) to Bennett and Flynn...but because of how much Bennett compromised and hurt just to keep him happy. (Without the same compromise from Joss; Joss' compromise was to sleep with anyone he wanted to while not getting as much of Bennett's time and attention as he wanted and then bitch about it the whole time they were back together during Bennett's weeks-long leaves. Big whooop. Bennett grew up, Joss is still very immature to me despite being 2 decades older.)
LOVED the reunion between Bennett and Flynn. That connection coming so soon on the heels of seeing how Joss and Bennett interacted was so illuminating. The differences were heart-breaking (knowing it couldn't last) and amazing (because it was so very romantic). *sigh* I am 100% Team Flynnett.
Also, we get several portions from Rosie's POV...which, huh. I don't know. Maybe it was my own mistaken impression that she was to Bennett what Cruz was to Flynn (BFFs and a deeper appreciation/love than romance) but yeah, that's not the Rosie we get here. I'm honestly a bit flummoxed because, despite how this future is painted as still severely homophobic (or at best, lukewarm on same-sex relationships), it never once veered toward the more familiar misogynistic attitudes about women in authority. The women in book 1 kicked major ass...and still do. I'm just not sure where Rosie put her balls (metaphorically, and probably sexist of me to say it) when she decided to pursue Bennett as single-mindedly as she did. She knew he loved Flynn, would always love Flynn as he decided that no other man would do. And, it felt like he was settling for Rosie when he acquiesced to her advances - as someone to warm his bed and keep him company (since he's never really lived alone) plus keep him from thinking of Flynn...and that she was settling for less than Bennett's full emotional involvement. I expected more from her.
So, we'll see.
Still devouring the series because if nothing else the SciFi parts are engaging, especially when it comes to the war with the Maess. I do have to handwave away quite a bit because this is supposed to be several thousand years in the future and yet seems only a couple hundred years (if that) ahead of us in technological advancement. Where's the nanites and re-grow tanks for major injuries? Crap, I expect humanity to have those, to an extent, within this century! When it comes to medical treatment this reads like...well, like a contemporary novel resorting to Revolutionary War level care. And not because that's all the resources they have on hand and must resort to using, but because that's just the way Things Are Done.
So, yeah...handwaving, but disappointed. But only a little...
On to the next one!!
This installment of the series was much more character-driven and less action oriented than the last. Still plenty of excitement and danger, but more time was spent focused on the players.
Getting Joss' POV was interesting in that it definitely humanized him, but not necessarily in a good way. I felt the pain of his loss while grieving for a mistakenly dead Bennett (and was frequently in tears along with the rest of his family, especially his Dad), but for the most part his reaction felt very self-centered and that never endeared me to the character. I was very glad to see the backside of him, and not just because he was an impediment (sort of, not really though) to Bennett and Flynn...but because of how much Bennett compromised and hurt just to keep him happy. (Without the same compromise from Joss; Joss' compromise was to sleep with anyone he wanted to while not getting as much of Bennett's time and attention as he wanted and then bitch about it the whole time they were back together during Bennett's weeks-long leaves. Big whooop. Bennett grew up, Joss is still very immature to me despite being 2 decades older.)
LOVED the reunion between Bennett and Flynn. That connection coming so soon on the heels of seeing how Joss and Bennett interacted was so illuminating. The differences were heart-breaking (knowing it couldn't last) and amazing (because it was so very romantic). *sigh* I am 100% Team Flynnett.
Also, we get several portions from Rosie's POV...which, huh. I don't know. Maybe it was my own mistaken impression that she was to Bennett what Cruz was to Flynn (BFFs and a deeper appreciation/love than romance) but yeah, that's not the Rosie we get here. I'm honestly a bit flummoxed because, despite how this future is painted as still severely homophobic (or at best, lukewarm on same-sex relationships), it never once veered toward the more familiar misogynistic attitudes about women in authority. The women in book 1 kicked major ass...and still do. I'm just not sure where Rosie put her balls (metaphorically, and probably sexist of me to say it) when she decided to pursue Bennett as single-mindedly as she did. She knew he loved Flynn, would always love Flynn as he decided that no other man would do. And, it felt like he was settling for Rosie when he acquiesced to her advances - as someone to warm his bed and keep him company (since he's never really lived alone) plus keep him from thinking of Flynn...and that she was settling for less than Bennett's full emotional involvement. I expected more from her.
So, we'll see.
Still devouring the series because if nothing else the SciFi parts are engaging, especially when it comes to the war with the Maess. I do have to handwave away quite a bit because this is supposed to be several thousand years in the future and yet seems only a couple hundred years (if that) ahead of us in technological advancement. Where's the nanites and re-grow tanks for major injuries? Crap, I expect humanity to have those, to an extent, within this century! When it comes to medical treatment this reads like...well, like a contemporary novel resorting to Revolutionary War level care. And not because that's all the resources they have on hand and must resort to using, but because that's just the way Things Are Done.
So, yeah...handwaving, but disappointed. But only a little...
On to the next one!!
March 8, 2017
3.75 STARS
OK this book was really going places, being book #2 in the Taking Shield series, it was excellent, as was book #1 in this sci-fi series.
I didn't like the way this ended though, and no I don't need my HEA, but I don't like being left feeling confused on a cliffhanger with no mention on when the next book is going to be released.
I think there are a few books planned for this series but talk about how NOT to end a novel. Come on.
The writing is excellent, I love the fast paced rhythm to the storyline. These books don't linger, they're snappy. Situations arise and bang they're resolved. I like this and it works well for these books. The MC is great but due to being in one relationship since he was 18 with a much older lover for nine years, it's like he's emotionally tackling new relationships now like an actual 18 year old after he broke it off with his partner. The end of this book did my head in. I'll will read one more book when it's released but BLAH, I don't know what to say to that ending.
EDIT now I know there's another book about to be released I'm changing my rating.
OK this book was really going places, being book #2 in the Taking Shield series, it was excellent, as was book #1 in this sci-fi series.
I didn't like the way this ended though, and no I don't need my HEA, but I don't like being left feeling confused on a cliffhanger with no mention on when the next book is going to be released.
I think there are a few books planned for this series but talk about how NOT to end a novel. Come on.
The writing is excellent, I love the fast paced rhythm to the storyline. These books don't linger, they're snappy. Situations arise and bang they're resolved. I like this and it works well for these books. The MC is great but due to being in one relationship since he was 18 with a much older lover for nine years, it's like he's emotionally tackling new relationships now like an actual 18 year old after he broke it off with his partner. The end of this book did my head in. I'll will read one more book when it's released but BLAH, I don't know what to say to that ending.
EDIT now I know there's another book about to be released I'm changing my rating.
February 10, 2020
Title/Author: Heart Scarab by Anna Butler
Series/Standalone: book two
Genre/sub-genre: science fiction with some MM romance
Book Format: ebook
Length: 396 pages
LGBTQ+ Orientation: Gay
Violence: Yes, some distressing war scenes do occur.
Well written/Editor Needed: well written, though I do wonder why we were inside Joss’ head so much, when those parts could have been cut down a lot, maybe even completely without losing much. I also wonder about the world-building. When we’re not in space dealing with scary aliens we’re basically in 2019 United States on Earth, even though Earth is long gone in this world.
Would I Recommend?: yes
Personal thoughts: I really liked the first part of this book. There was plenty of action, lots of plot to ponder, and wonder what would happen next. But the second part was long and drawn out with lots of repetition that got very boring toward the end, where it seemed more like a bland contemporary romance. Anyway, I loved the first half and couldn’t put it down, so I will give book three a chance in a bit.
Series/Standalone: book two
Genre/sub-genre: science fiction with some MM romance
Book Format: ebook
Length: 396 pages
LGBTQ+ Orientation: Gay
Violence: Yes, some distressing war scenes do occur.
Well written/Editor Needed: well written, though I do wonder why we were inside Joss’ head so much, when those parts could have been cut down a lot, maybe even completely without losing much. I also wonder about the world-building. When we’re not in space dealing with scary aliens we’re basically in 2019 United States on Earth, even though Earth is long gone in this world.
Would I Recommend?: yes
Personal thoughts: I really liked the first part of this book. There was plenty of action, lots of plot to ponder, and wonder what would happen next. But the second part was long and drawn out with lots of repetition that got very boring toward the end, where it seemed more like a bland contemporary romance. Anyway, I loved the first half and couldn’t put it down, so I will give book three a chance in a bit.
December 29, 2015
Reviewed for The Novel Approach.
God, what a ride this book was. As a fan of the first book, I was thrilled to read this one. It gripped me from the beginning and took me for a ride until the very end. And I cannot wait for the third book.
After a failed attempt to evacuate the religious fanatics from Telnos before the Maess invade, Bennet is presumed dead; his signal is gone and Rosie has watched him fall after a strafing run. Left to pick up the pieces and move on are the people who loved him the most: his family, his lover Joss, his lieutenant Rosie, and Flynn.
Anna Butler is spectacular at characterization. While I had hated Joss in the first book, for the first half of this one I felt for him. She not only shows things from his perspective, but also switches to second person POV sometimes to show the depth of his thoughts and connect readers to Joss. The second half of the book I wanted to punch him. The same goes for Rosie. I felt for her and her unrequited love for Bennet, but I also hated how she couldn’t accept that he was in love with men. And Flynn. Oh, my poor Flynn. How can you not love him? The cocky flyboy who finds himself in love for the first time in his life only to discover his lover dead…and he’s unable to do anything about it.
While the first book deals a lot with the action part of science fiction, and the first half of this one does as well, the second half is more about the recovery process of loss, grief, and acceptance. How does one cope in a situation like this, where loved ones are gone for so long and placed in dangerous situations? I suppose it’s much like today’s military.
I highly recommend this book, though not without a few words of warning. First, you should definitely read the first book. The relationship between Bennet and Flynn is established in that book, and while T18 isn’t discussed much, it’s still integral to how their relationship began. And why would you want to miss out on Flynn finally falling in love? Second, though I do talk about romance, this book is not a romance. Yes, there are some romantic subplots, but as a whole, the book is science fiction and the relationships, while important, are not the main part of the book.
So, if you haven’t, go back and read the first book, and then come back for round two.
God, what a ride this book was. As a fan of the first book, I was thrilled to read this one. It gripped me from the beginning and took me for a ride until the very end. And I cannot wait for the third book.
After a failed attempt to evacuate the religious fanatics from Telnos before the Maess invade, Bennet is presumed dead; his signal is gone and Rosie has watched him fall after a strafing run. Left to pick up the pieces and move on are the people who loved him the most: his family, his lover Joss, his lieutenant Rosie, and Flynn.
Anna Butler is spectacular at characterization. While I had hated Joss in the first book, for the first half of this one I felt for him. She not only shows things from his perspective, but also switches to second person POV sometimes to show the depth of his thoughts and connect readers to Joss. The second half of the book I wanted to punch him. The same goes for Rosie. I felt for her and her unrequited love for Bennet, but I also hated how she couldn’t accept that he was in love with men. And Flynn. Oh, my poor Flynn. How can you not love him? The cocky flyboy who finds himself in love for the first time in his life only to discover his lover dead…and he’s unable to do anything about it.
While the first book deals a lot with the action part of science fiction, and the first half of this one does as well, the second half is more about the recovery process of loss, grief, and acceptance. How does one cope in a situation like this, where loved ones are gone for so long and placed in dangerous situations? I suppose it’s much like today’s military.
I highly recommend this book, though not without a few words of warning. First, you should definitely read the first book. The relationship between Bennet and Flynn is established in that book, and while T18 isn’t discussed much, it’s still integral to how their relationship began. And why would you want to miss out on Flynn finally falling in love? Second, though I do talk about romance, this book is not a romance. Yes, there are some romantic subplots, but as a whole, the book is science fiction and the relationships, while important, are not the main part of the book.
So, if you haven’t, go back and read the first book, and then come back for round two.
September 3, 2015
The first book in this series was a wonderful combination of sci fi epic and romance, the balance just right. Here the world-building is still awesomely detailed and refined, even if the speech patterns read a bit awkward at times (UK English?), and the plot shines when Bennet’s on Telnos. That place is described vividly and comes off as a really bad place to be. Best parts of the book, in my honest opinion.
The end leaves a clear opening for the third in the series, called Makepeace. Bennet and Flynn are obviously wanting to be together, but duty drives them apart. Joss is pretty much done for here, and I fail to see what his character could contribute in future stories. However, a minor thread suggests both Bennet and Flynn, when separated, might get involved with… women…? Bennet and Rosie…? Flynn and Cruz…? Hmm….
Overall, though weaker than the first book in the series, Heart Scarab continues the storyline well. The melodrama could be toned down in favor of the more sci fi elements, to be sure, and I’m hoping future stories reflect that favorable trend by giving greater emphasis to the aspects that made the first book shine.
Read the full review at Joyfully Jay.
The end leaves a clear opening for the third in the series, called Makepeace. Bennet and Flynn are obviously wanting to be together, but duty drives them apart. Joss is pretty much done for here, and I fail to see what his character could contribute in future stories. However, a minor thread suggests both Bennet and Flynn, when separated, might get involved with… women…? Bennet and Rosie…? Flynn and Cruz…? Hmm….
Overall, though weaker than the first book in the series, Heart Scarab continues the storyline well. The melodrama could be toned down in favor of the more sci fi elements, to be sure, and I’m hoping future stories reflect that favorable trend by giving greater emphasis to the aspects that made the first book shine.
Read the full review at Joyfully Jay.
February 4, 2020
Brilliant - just brilliant! This second book in the Taking Shield series jumps a year into the future from when book 1 ended. I was moved emotionally to tears at several places. The author took great pains to gives both sides/POVs of a failing relationship between two fascinating individuals with flaws - the break-up was neither melodramatic nor flippant but unfolded realistically.
As usual, Ms Butler does not fail in delivering riveting sci-fi / military maneuvers and action with brisk plot pacing. A fantastic cast of supporting secondary characters did not distract from the on-going developing relationship between Flynn (the maverick pilot) and Bennet (the tactical special ops man). A well deserved 5 stars from me. I cannot wait for the next book instalment of this excellent series - the taster chapter provided at the end of this book drove me mad wanting MORE!
As usual, Ms Butler does not fail in delivering riveting sci-fi / military maneuvers and action with brisk plot pacing. A fantastic cast of supporting secondary characters did not distract from the on-going developing relationship between Flynn (the maverick pilot) and Bennet (the tactical special ops man). A well deserved 5 stars from me. I cannot wait for the next book instalment of this excellent series - the taster chapter provided at the end of this book drove me mad wanting MORE!
September 17, 2018
3.5 stars
While I did not enjoy reading about Joss's self-centered mourning, especially as I wondered just which version of Bennet he was mourning - the young, idealistic kid he still wanted or the man who he never really actually knew - I did enjoy this story. Getting through those parts was a bit like walking through a Telnos bog - which was an interesting juxtaposition on the author's part.
I like Bennet's parents, especially Meriel who isn't afraid to give her son a good dressing down for his part and behavior in his relationship, but she's realistic enough to stay out of it otherwise. Caeden, too, is a surprise - giving his tacit approval of Bennet and Flynn's relationship.
While I did not enjoy reading about Joss's self-centered mourning, especially as I wondered just which version of Bennet he was mourning - the young, idealistic kid he still wanted or the man who he never really actually knew - I did enjoy this story. Getting through those parts was a bit like walking through a Telnos bog - which was an interesting juxtaposition on the author's part.
I like Bennet's parents, especially Meriel who isn't afraid to give her son a good dressing down for his part and behavior in his relationship, but she's realistic enough to stay out of it otherwise. Caeden, too, is a surprise - giving his tacit approval of Bennet and Flynn's relationship.
August 9, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
When I read the first book in this series, Gryfalcon, I was a little reluctant. I’m not a huge fan of sci-if, but it sounded interesting, so I bailed in. I was pleasantly surprised and fell in love with the characters and the world created by Anna Butler. To my own shock, I gave Gryfalcon 4.5 Stars. Heart Scarab is even better.
In Heart Scarab, all the great characters are back and I’m already familiar with the various military and academic divisions, so falling back into the story was as smooth as silk. Bennet and his long time partner, Joss, are still at odds over Bennet’s refusal to leave Shield and take a position with the Thebaid Institute where Bennet would be safe at home with Joss all the time. Bennet loves Shield. He loves his ship, the Hyperion, and his crew, especially his second in command and best friend, Rosie. He will never leave voluntarily which is something Joss will never understand.
And… there is Flynn. Bennet has not forgotten the nights he spent with the sexy, bad boy Mosquito pilot who saved him from the Maess drones after a hair raising mission on T18…or the nights they spent together on the Gryfalcon afterward. And Flynn hasn’t forgotten either, even though it’s been way over a year since their time together. A time that Bennet spent with Joss, and a time that Flynn spent remembering and dreaming of Bennet.
But this story really took off for me when Bennet and Rosie and the rest of the Hyperion’s crew were on Telnos, with descriptions so vivid that I could feel the heat and humidity, smell the awful odors, hear the constant buzz of insects and feel the stinging, crawling things on my skin. A horrible place. And Bennet was left there; left for dead when the Maess arrived before they could rescue all of the inhabitants. He wasn’t dead, but badly hurt…left in an inhospitable environment now populated by the awful Maess drones and a few unforgettable characters who help him heal and survive.
I could go on, but not without getting into way too much detail. The aftermath of Bennet’s “death” on Telnos for his family and lovers, his near death and difficult survival, is some of the most emotionally intense scenes I’ve ever read, with so much emotional depth that my heart ached for them all.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi, you’ll love this book. If, like me, you aren’t a particular fan of sci-fi, but love a great adventure, you’ll love this book. In fact, almost everyone will love this book! It’s worth your time. It’s worth your money. A great 5 Star read.
Enjoy.
When I read the first book in this series, Gryfalcon, I was a little reluctant. I’m not a huge fan of sci-if, but it sounded interesting, so I bailed in. I was pleasantly surprised and fell in love with the characters and the world created by Anna Butler. To my own shock, I gave Gryfalcon 4.5 Stars. Heart Scarab is even better.
In Heart Scarab, all the great characters are back and I’m already familiar with the various military and academic divisions, so falling back into the story was as smooth as silk. Bennet and his long time partner, Joss, are still at odds over Bennet’s refusal to leave Shield and take a position with the Thebaid Institute where Bennet would be safe at home with Joss all the time. Bennet loves Shield. He loves his ship, the Hyperion, and his crew, especially his second in command and best friend, Rosie. He will never leave voluntarily which is something Joss will never understand.
And… there is Flynn. Bennet has not forgotten the nights he spent with the sexy, bad boy Mosquito pilot who saved him from the Maess drones after a hair raising mission on T18…or the nights they spent together on the Gryfalcon afterward. And Flynn hasn’t forgotten either, even though it’s been way over a year since their time together. A time that Bennet spent with Joss, and a time that Flynn spent remembering and dreaming of Bennet.
But this story really took off for me when Bennet and Rosie and the rest of the Hyperion’s crew were on Telnos, with descriptions so vivid that I could feel the heat and humidity, smell the awful odors, hear the constant buzz of insects and feel the stinging, crawling things on my skin. A horrible place. And Bennet was left there; left for dead when the Maess arrived before they could rescue all of the inhabitants. He wasn’t dead, but badly hurt…left in an inhospitable environment now populated by the awful Maess drones and a few unforgettable characters who help him heal and survive.
I could go on, but not without getting into way too much detail. The aftermath of Bennet’s “death” on Telnos for his family and lovers, his near death and difficult survival, is some of the most emotionally intense scenes I’ve ever read, with so much emotional depth that my heart ached for them all.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi, you’ll love this book. If, like me, you aren’t a particular fan of sci-fi, but love a great adventure, you’ll love this book. In fact, almost everyone will love this book! It’s worth your time. It’s worth your money. A great 5 Star read.
Enjoy.
March 7, 2017
This was neither a full blown sci-fi nor a romance.
Wait though!!!! I didn't mean it in a discouraging way.
This book is an in-between stage, a suspension if you will.
The story starts with the history of Bennett and Joss.
It's very sweet and I do feel for Joss in the end, even if he turns out to be stuck in his ways just like one of his beloved mummies - dead to the change. His rituals, his sacrifice, which I found heartbreaking and endearing at the same time, reflects vividly on his character and the state of his affairs with Bennett. He is done, he just won't admit it to himself and the world.
The middle of the book is a state of suspension.
Bennett is in between the worlds physically and metaphorically; between life and death, stuck on a planet run over by hostiles.
Bennett knows that Joss belongs in his past, but he's yet to do something about it when and if he gets back. His relationship with Flynn is uncertain, at best.
This part, tho, is where all the exciting sci-fi is. Not enough to please the majority of the genre fans (it seems), because it's not this book's true focus, but very satisfying at the same time.
There is no romance in the third part of the story either, despite all the feels between Flynn and Bennett. Bennett is still in transition. His old life is no more. His future, that depends on his health, is unpredictable at this point.
Flynn, however much in love, is too independent, with a very strong sense of purpose. His life is not his own, he will not resign and compromise his integrity. I love that about him. About both characters.
I don't think I am risking a spoiler: there is no HEA here, not even a HFN, the boys simply cannot be together at this stage of their lives. I hope very much that book three will tie everything together ...or book four. I am not picky :D Looking forward to it.
Maddening writing skills :)
Wait though!!!! I didn't mean it in a discouraging way.
This book is an in-between stage, a suspension if you will.
The story starts with the history of Bennett and Joss.
It's very sweet and I do feel for Joss in the end, even if he turns out to be stuck in his ways just like one of his beloved mummies - dead to the change. His rituals, his sacrifice, which I found heartbreaking and endearing at the same time, reflects vividly on his character and the state of his affairs with Bennett. He is done, he just won't admit it to himself and the world.
The middle of the book is a state of suspension.
Bennett is in between the worlds physically and metaphorically; between life and death, stuck on a planet run over by hostiles.
Bennett knows that Joss belongs in his past, but he's yet to do something about it when and if he gets back. His relationship with Flynn is uncertain, at best.
This part, tho, is where all the exciting sci-fi is. Not enough to please the majority of the genre fans (it seems), because it's not this book's true focus, but very satisfying at the same time.
There is no romance in the third part of the story either, despite all the feels between Flynn and Bennett. Bennett is still in transition. His old life is no more. His future, that depends on his health, is unpredictable at this point.
Flynn, however much in love, is too independent, with a very strong sense of purpose. His life is not his own, he will not resign and compromise his integrity. I love that about him. About both characters.
I don't think I am risking a spoiler: there is no HEA here, not even a HFN, the boys simply cannot be together at this stage of their lives. I hope very much that book three will tie everything together ...or book four. I am not picky :D Looking forward to it.
Maddening writing skills :)
October 31, 2016
So very good! This is the second book of the amazing Taking Shield sci-fi series and it's a little different in tone, but just as engaging as the first. This book does not stand alone, so do read the first book, Gyrfalcon, well, first. Here's what I said about the first book, and it all still applies--amazing characterisation, amazing world-building, amazing depth, amazing plot, amazing writing...just amazing all around. On finishing the first book, I immediately dove right into to this one and absolutely loved it--it's vivid, gripping, moving, and so captivating. Taking place over a year later, this particular book is less about zooming around in space fighting a war (though there is that) and more about the personal dramas following Bennet's presumed death. One of my favourite things about this series is the depth and complexity of the characters and their relationships and their growth--it's all very human and realistic and full of messy and complicated situations. No, this isn't a romance series, but the love story is central while still being in the background and getting very little page time, if that makes sense, and it's intense and complicated. While this book is a little quieter in terms of action, it's big on emotion and personal growth and sets up a lot for the next book, which is particularly action-packed. This is a big, sweeping story which has completely drawn me in and there's so much more to come. This (along with the other two Taking Shield books) is definitely one of my favourite things I've read this year.
November 1, 2017
3* for chapter 1-23 minus 1* for chapter 24.
The 23 chapters were good; there's the main plot that kept me hooked, there're emotional scenes that tugged at my heartstrings, there's exciting action, there's character growth on the romance part, there's finally an end to old and stale romantic relationship, and there's a sweet new romance.
The 23 chapters were good; there's the main plot that kept me hooked, there're emotional scenes that tugged at my heartstrings, there's exciting action, there's character growth on the romance part, there's finally an end to old and stale romantic relationship, and there's a sweet new romance.
August 11, 2015
3.75 stars
I'm just shaking my head. The first one in the series was OUTSTANDING, a perfect blend of sci-fi and a background love story. I expected more of the same in the second one, and wow was I disappointed. The sci-fi aspect of book two was excellent. But the other three quarters of the author's focus, Joss who is Bennett's partner of nine years, was excruciating in detail and length. I doubt many readers cared enough about Joss from the first book to appreciate anything about this level of detail about their early relationship. A relationship that was failing in the first book and coming apart at the seams in this book.
In summary, the story had the same great world building, character development, and core story as the first book. Just FAR too much focus on Bennett's relationship with Joss.
I look forward to the author getting back on track with her focus on the sci-fi aspect of the series in Book Three.
I'm just shaking my head. The first one in the series was OUTSTANDING, a perfect blend of sci-fi and a background love story. I expected more of the same in the second one, and wow was I disappointed. The sci-fi aspect of book two was excellent. But the other three quarters of the author's focus, Joss who is Bennett's partner of nine years, was excruciating in detail and length. I doubt many readers cared enough about Joss from the first book to appreciate anything about this level of detail about their early relationship. A relationship that was failing in the first book and coming apart at the seams in this book.
In summary, the story had the same great world building, character development, and core story as the first book. Just FAR too much focus on Bennett's relationship with Joss.
I look forward to the author getting back on track with her focus on the sci-fi aspect of the series in Book Three.
August 12, 2015
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Lots of lovely, lovely H/C :) I feel for Bennet, both his frustration and pain - which came to a head. And how he realized he'd grown up and grown apart from Joss and was ready to move on. Which was neither quick nor easy. I liked how the book didn't skip that, and dealt with the emotions and gave the reader closure. Poor Flynn though - Him and Bennet are going to be spending most of their time apart it seems with their different jobs - so I am eagerly awaiting the next book of this saga that has me roped in.
This book had a little bit more of clues on the overall war storyline, but was heavier in the character arc - which was fine with me.
This book had a little bit more of clues on the overall war storyline, but was heavier in the character arc - which was fine with me.
July 27, 2015
Original Post: eARC Review: Heart Scarab (Taking Shield #2) by Anna Butler
Reviewed by: Ray
(Warning: Contains Spoilers)
3 stars (barely)
This is book two of the Taking Shield Series, book one of which was Gyrfalcon. It continues the somewhat disjointed story of Captain Bennet of Shield, and Lieutenant Flynn of Fleet. Ms. Butler’s universe exists on a planet that thousands of years ago became the last refuge of humanity, and from which they subsequently spread across the galaxy. There are three divisions of military involved, Infantry, Fleet, and Shield; of which, Shield is the force that does the behind-the-lines dirty work that the other divisions aren’t trained to do. Think of them as Delta Force, Army Rangers, and Navy Seals all rolled into one elite force.
In Book one, Bennet and Flynn met, had a four- or five-day affair near the end of the book, and went their separate ways. In Book two, Captain Bennet and his Shield group are assigned the task of removing illegal settlers from a remote planet that is threatened by an alien enemy, referred to simply as the Maess.
Bennet’s group comes under attack during the evacuation, and he is left behind, presumed dead. Part of the book spends a great deal of time with flashbacks and exposition, as people who know Bennet react to his presumed death. Too much time was spent on that, as far as this reader is concerned.
In any case, Bennet’s old force is eventually sent to the planet to rescue any survivors among the settlers, and Bennet is discovered, alive, mostly well, and leading a group of settlers and ex-military. He is seriously wounded during the evacuation, and spends weeks in the hospital.
During his recovery, his tumultuous relationship with his long-time lover comes to and end, and there’s enough angst in that situation to satisfy even the most jaded of readers who enjoy wallowing in misery vicariously. During this period, Flynn, now on a six-week leave, comes to visit Bennet. They spend the better part of five weeks in bed, celebrating the love they now admit they feel for one another.
This book, like its predecessor, is in dire need of a glossary. In the narrative, many things are referenced that were explained in the earlier book, but not in this one.
The first book had a really interesting story, badly damaged by careless writing, and poor editing; and I reluctantly concluded that Ms. Butler has no respect for either her readers nor her craft.
She consistently makes the same mistakes in this book—largely having to do with invalid and non-standard dialogue tags. Her characters don’t always ‘say’ things to each other. They often grumble, demand, snap, and protest, among other things; none of which are acceptable dialogue tags.
In addition to the above, it is obvious that Ms. Butler has little or no respect for the English language, either. This book was published in the US and Australia by a US-based publisher, and uses British spelling throughout. I’m well-read enough to be able to deal with things like honour, colour, and other UK spellings, although I find some of the usages annoying.
What became apparent, as I read this book for the second time, was this; Ms. Butler seems to have a disdain for dictionaries, and apparently likes to make up her own rules as she goes along. She is particularly fond of using two words when one is correct, i.e., straightaway becomes straight away. I checked this with Merriam-Webster, and with both the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries in the UK, and straightaway is one word on both sides of the Atlantic. She also hyphenates words when it isn’t necessary. Other examples abound.
Where the first book suffered from poor editing, I found myself wondering if this book was edited at all. There are grammatical errors here and there, and I’m not talking about the differences between US and UK usage. There are also careless errors everywhere. For example, the word story and storey were both used in the same paragraph when describing a multi-story house. In the UK, they use ‘storey.’
The bottom line is this—the book felt as though it had been hurriedly written. Much too hurriedly. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the author has a critique group, and I suggest to her in all honesty that they are serving her badly. If I were she, I would fire them all and find another group to work with—one that can be honest with her about her writing. Presuming she can find a group who knows anything at all about writing.
As for the sex. Why is it that M/M authors assume that anal penetration is the be-all and end-all of gay sex. I’ve been gay for more decades than I care to think about, and I can state, without fear of contradiction, that a great many gay men are totally oral. Some authors, particularly female authors seem obsessed with penetration. A fellow author suggests that they frequently want one of their male characters to act more like a female, and he may be right. This is also true when the author describes the way the men react to sexual experiences.
Then we come to the end of the story. Bennet and Flynn have been having sex virtually nonstop for the better part of five weeks, and Flynn’s leave is up. They are both devastated at the prospect of Flynn reporting back to Fleet and having to leave Bennet behind. The extent of their emotional devastation over the idea of separation is totally unbelievable. Bennet is a strong military type, accustomed to going behind enemy lines and blowing up things. Flynn is essentially a fighter pilot, who regularly faces equally hazardous situations. Men like that are always good at compartmentalizing things. They have to be in order to survive. It is not realistic to have them acting like refugees from a Victorian novel, or a Harlequin romance. For that matter, I don’t think most women act that way, either. Certainly not the ones I’ve known over the years. The cowering vapid heroine having vapors on her fainting couch is a total construct of romance writers, and is not to be believed.
The book more than hints that the two men might seek solace with females when they can no longer be together, and that sets up possibilities for the next book in the series that many readers will neither like nor believe.
I give the book three stars, because the story is so interesting. It is unfortunate that the writing doesn’t measure up to the story.
Note: Copy provided by Pride Promotions for an honest review.
Reviewed by: Ray
(Warning: Contains Spoilers)
3 stars (barely)
This is book two of the Taking Shield Series, book one of which was Gyrfalcon. It continues the somewhat disjointed story of Captain Bennet of Shield, and Lieutenant Flynn of Fleet. Ms. Butler’s universe exists on a planet that thousands of years ago became the last refuge of humanity, and from which they subsequently spread across the galaxy. There are three divisions of military involved, Infantry, Fleet, and Shield; of which, Shield is the force that does the behind-the-lines dirty work that the other divisions aren’t trained to do. Think of them as Delta Force, Army Rangers, and Navy Seals all rolled into one elite force.
In Book one, Bennet and Flynn met, had a four- or five-day affair near the end of the book, and went their separate ways. In Book two, Captain Bennet and his Shield group are assigned the task of removing illegal settlers from a remote planet that is threatened by an alien enemy, referred to simply as the Maess.
Bennet’s group comes under attack during the evacuation, and he is left behind, presumed dead. Part of the book spends a great deal of time with flashbacks and exposition, as people who know Bennet react to his presumed death. Too much time was spent on that, as far as this reader is concerned.
In any case, Bennet’s old force is eventually sent to the planet to rescue any survivors among the settlers, and Bennet is discovered, alive, mostly well, and leading a group of settlers and ex-military. He is seriously wounded during the evacuation, and spends weeks in the hospital.
During his recovery, his tumultuous relationship with his long-time lover comes to and end, and there’s enough angst in that situation to satisfy even the most jaded of readers who enjoy wallowing in misery vicariously. During this period, Flynn, now on a six-week leave, comes to visit Bennet. They spend the better part of five weeks in bed, celebrating the love they now admit they feel for one another.
This book, like its predecessor, is in dire need of a glossary. In the narrative, many things are referenced that were explained in the earlier book, but not in this one.
The first book had a really interesting story, badly damaged by careless writing, and poor editing; and I reluctantly concluded that Ms. Butler has no respect for either her readers nor her craft.
She consistently makes the same mistakes in this book—largely having to do with invalid and non-standard dialogue tags. Her characters don’t always ‘say’ things to each other. They often grumble, demand, snap, and protest, among other things; none of which are acceptable dialogue tags.
In addition to the above, it is obvious that Ms. Butler has little or no respect for the English language, either. This book was published in the US and Australia by a US-based publisher, and uses British spelling throughout. I’m well-read enough to be able to deal with things like honour, colour, and other UK spellings, although I find some of the usages annoying.
What became apparent, as I read this book for the second time, was this; Ms. Butler seems to have a disdain for dictionaries, and apparently likes to make up her own rules as she goes along. She is particularly fond of using two words when one is correct, i.e., straightaway becomes straight away. I checked this with Merriam-Webster, and with both the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries in the UK, and straightaway is one word on both sides of the Atlantic. She also hyphenates words when it isn’t necessary. Other examples abound.
Where the first book suffered from poor editing, I found myself wondering if this book was edited at all. There are grammatical errors here and there, and I’m not talking about the differences between US and UK usage. There are also careless errors everywhere. For example, the word story and storey were both used in the same paragraph when describing a multi-story house. In the UK, they use ‘storey.’
The bottom line is this—the book felt as though it had been hurriedly written. Much too hurriedly. I seem to recall reading somewhere that the author has a critique group, and I suggest to her in all honesty that they are serving her badly. If I were she, I would fire them all and find another group to work with—one that can be honest with her about her writing. Presuming she can find a group who knows anything at all about writing.
As for the sex. Why is it that M/M authors assume that anal penetration is the be-all and end-all of gay sex. I’ve been gay for more decades than I care to think about, and I can state, without fear of contradiction, that a great many gay men are totally oral. Some authors, particularly female authors seem obsessed with penetration. A fellow author suggests that they frequently want one of their male characters to act more like a female, and he may be right. This is also true when the author describes the way the men react to sexual experiences.
Then we come to the end of the story. Bennet and Flynn have been having sex virtually nonstop for the better part of five weeks, and Flynn’s leave is up. They are both devastated at the prospect of Flynn reporting back to Fleet and having to leave Bennet behind. The extent of their emotional devastation over the idea of separation is totally unbelievable. Bennet is a strong military type, accustomed to going behind enemy lines and blowing up things. Flynn is essentially a fighter pilot, who regularly faces equally hazardous situations. Men like that are always good at compartmentalizing things. They have to be in order to survive. It is not realistic to have them acting like refugees from a Victorian novel, or a Harlequin romance. For that matter, I don’t think most women act that way, either. Certainly not the ones I’ve known over the years. The cowering vapid heroine having vapors on her fainting couch is a total construct of romance writers, and is not to be believed.
The book more than hints that the two men might seek solace with females when they can no longer be together, and that sets up possibilities for the next book in the series that many readers will neither like nor believe.
I give the book three stars, because the story is so interesting. It is unfortunate that the writing doesn’t measure up to the story.
Note: Copy provided by Pride Promotions for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
Not sure where this was going
While I still enjoyed the story, all the action was in the first half leaving the later half a little boring.
I never really liked Joss but I do feel Bennet broke the spirit of the agreement in book one so I felt bad for Joss. Bennet was a really bad patient and very hard on Joss without ever explain what it was he was annoyed with.
I liked Flynn and was rooting for a HEA for the two of them but, after reading other reviews for the rest of the series, it seems that’s not going to happen. That plus the “twist” and a new triangle happening leaves me unsure as to whether I’ll finish the series.
While I still enjoyed the story, all the action was in the first half leaving the later half a little boring.
I never really liked Joss but I do feel Bennet broke the spirit of the agreement in book one so I felt bad for Joss. Bennet was a really bad patient and very hard on Joss without ever explain what it was he was annoyed with.
I liked Flynn and was rooting for a HEA for the two of them but, after reading other reviews for the rest of the series, it seems that’s not going to happen. That plus the “twist” and a new triangle happening leaves me unsure as to whether I’ll finish the series.
July 29, 2018
Loved it. Not really a mm-romance, yet!, but I hope the overall arc of the series will get there. The SF elements were also limited, even though the story is definitely in the realm of space opera. but it promises so much for the next books.
August 11, 2018
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this sequel, just like the first book. But I did notice a few too many spelling mistakes. Twice, the name of an important character was misspelled and that REALLY bothered me.
I like that this is more scifi space opera than romance. It's hard to find.
I really enjoyed this sequel, just like the first book. But I did notice a few too many spelling mistakes. Twice, the name of an important character was misspelled and that REALLY bothered me.
I like that this is more scifi space opera than romance. It's hard to find.
September 27, 2018
THE FEELS!!!!
Read the first one before this one.
Read the first one before this one.
September 24, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
A fabulous sequel to Gyrfalcon. You get to see more of the emotion and relationship between everyone in this book but there’s still so much going on. This book was amazing and I seriously want all of the books in the series rightnowrightnow, but at the same time I don’t want the series to end. Once again I sucked into this story and this world where I had to know what happened to Bennet. It was heartbreaking seeing how everyone reacted to his death. Flynn though. He was the hardest to read because he had to mourn on his own. His emotions were raw and I cried with him. I feel like we got Joss’ true self a bit more in this story and I didn’t like him much. I understood why he acted the way he did and all of the things about change and growing were completely spot on and were the biggest factors into his and Bennet’s relationship ending. But Joss also wasn’t cut out to be a military spouse. You could tell from his flashbacks that he never really intended for Bennet to go into the military. He thought he could persuade Bennet to stay and be a civilian forever. Joss truly loved Bennet and he as deeply sentimental of their time together. You could feel his grief. But it was also apparent that even if Flynn had never entered the picture they weren’t ever going to make it forever. I did understand Bennet’s mother’s loyalty though. She worked hard to get Joss into the fold of the family as a way of keeping Bennet around. I would venture to guess she was one of the reasons they managed to make it as long as they did. That moment when Joss realized it was finally and completely over. That was hard to read because he realized all the hurt they both caused and went through, it still wasn’t enough. I felt bad for Joss right in that moment. It’s hard to see Flynn and Bennet still not be in the right time or place to be together yet but there’s so much love between them it’s absolutely beautiful. There are tons of clues sprinkled throughout the book about the Maess. Added with some things that turned out to be clues in the last book, at least I think they are, that I have some interesting guesses for the future of the science fiction aspect to the series. There were some things about one of Bennet’s friends and officers aboard his ship revealed that I didn’t see coming but hindsight lets me see where the clues were there. I hope the plot, the one that comes up in the epilogue but was hinted at through the book, gets resolved and put away quickly, though I don’t think it will. I don’t want it getting in the way of Bennet and Flynn being together. But even if it goes the way that’s hinted at that’s alright. I’m still eager for the next book.
Four and a half stars!
A fabulous sequel to Gyrfalcon. You get to see more of the emotion and relationship between everyone in this book but there’s still so much going on. This book was amazing and I seriously want all of the books in the series rightnowrightnow, but at the same time I don’t want the series to end. Once again I sucked into this story and this world where I had to know what happened to Bennet. It was heartbreaking seeing how everyone reacted to his death. Flynn though. He was the hardest to read because he had to mourn on his own. His emotions were raw and I cried with him. I feel like we got Joss’ true self a bit more in this story and I didn’t like him much. I understood why he acted the way he did and all of the things about change and growing were completely spot on and were the biggest factors into his and Bennet’s relationship ending. But Joss also wasn’t cut out to be a military spouse. You could tell from his flashbacks that he never really intended for Bennet to go into the military. He thought he could persuade Bennet to stay and be a civilian forever. Joss truly loved Bennet and he as deeply sentimental of their time together. You could feel his grief. But it was also apparent that even if Flynn had never entered the picture they weren’t ever going to make it forever. I did understand Bennet’s mother’s loyalty though. She worked hard to get Joss into the fold of the family as a way of keeping Bennet around. I would venture to guess she was one of the reasons they managed to make it as long as they did. That moment when Joss realized it was finally and completely over. That was hard to read because he realized all the hurt they both caused and went through, it still wasn’t enough. I felt bad for Joss right in that moment. It’s hard to see Flynn and Bennet still not be in the right time or place to be together yet but there’s so much love between them it’s absolutely beautiful. There are tons of clues sprinkled throughout the book about the Maess. Added with some things that turned out to be clues in the last book, at least I think they are, that I have some interesting guesses for the future of the science fiction aspect to the series. There were some things about one of Bennet’s friends and officers aboard his ship revealed that I didn’t see coming but hindsight lets me see where the clues were there. I hope the plot, the one that comes up in the epilogue but was hinted at through the book, gets resolved and put away quickly, though I don’t think it will. I don’t want it getting in the way of Bennet and Flynn being together. But even if it goes the way that’s hinted at that’s alright. I’m still eager for the next book.
June 18, 2020
Unlike its predecessor, Heart Scarab is more of a touchy-feely installment. There’s much less technical-ese to it and more of emotion as author Anna Butler kills off Bennet. Wait, what? you say. You can’t kill of the hero of the story. Don’t worry, he’s not dead. Just left behind and presumed dead. And that presumption is the driving force behind this book.
Bennet and his Shield crew find themselves on a Telnos, a miserable planet inhabited be religious fanatics and unregistered miners, and it’s about to be overrun by the Maess. The Shield’s goal to get as many people out as possible before it’s too late. Then it ends up being too late as the Maess arrive before the evacuation is complete with everyone running for their lives. Bennet turns back to help the last remaining troopers and the last Rosie sees of him is a silhouette as he is thrown back after an explosion.
So begins the fallout of Bennet’s death. How his family, friends and loved ones process it all in. Quite a bit of this grieving follows along with Joss. Guilt, pain, loss. Yeah, I think when it came to Joss I may have felt a smidge of sympathy for him. Then again, maybe not. Really it was Bennet my sympathies laid with. Yes, both were less than perfect and we got to experience their relationship bloom from the beginning via flashbacks. Was it an older man luring in a younger one to recapture his youth? Was it a young man testing out his gay wings? Flattery and seduction on both sides but in the end both were probably at fault of their relationship demise. It was obvious which one of them was having their cake and eating it, too, which is why I never warmed up to Joss.
And then Bennet turns out to not be dead! WooHoo! The hows whats whys my lips are sealed but about that spectacular rescue, let’s just say it’s good to be a Commander’s son. Bennet survival has two sides to it. Pre-rescue, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Not so sci-fi ish now, instead it’s about the people left behind and how they survived. Ifan, Luke, Janerse and the others, gotta love the characters the author comes up with but why or why can’t the rescue not come without tears! Post-rescue did no favors to Joss. Having moved from partners to martyr and patient did not put either in a flattering light but it finally had Bennet coming to the decision he knew for a long time he would have to be made.
I signed up to read this series because I wanted a sci-fi series to lose myself in. That was not what Heart Scarab turned out to be. However, if we wanted to really get to know Bennet, then the series of events that take place within these pages become a necessary evil. It’s all leading somewhere with or without a HFN or HEA although my mind is still refusing to accept where the author is leading us. And I’m not even going to grumble on how the book ended because surely it will make sense in the long run. Right?
Bennet and his Shield crew find themselves on a Telnos, a miserable planet inhabited be religious fanatics and unregistered miners, and it’s about to be overrun by the Maess. The Shield’s goal to get as many people out as possible before it’s too late. Then it ends up being too late as the Maess arrive before the evacuation is complete with everyone running for their lives. Bennet turns back to help the last remaining troopers and the last Rosie sees of him is a silhouette as he is thrown back after an explosion.
So begins the fallout of Bennet’s death. How his family, friends and loved ones process it all in. Quite a bit of this grieving follows along with Joss. Guilt, pain, loss. Yeah, I think when it came to Joss I may have felt a smidge of sympathy for him. Then again, maybe not. Really it was Bennet my sympathies laid with. Yes, both were less than perfect and we got to experience their relationship bloom from the beginning via flashbacks. Was it an older man luring in a younger one to recapture his youth? Was it a young man testing out his gay wings? Flattery and seduction on both sides but in the end both were probably at fault of their relationship demise. It was obvious which one of them was having their cake and eating it, too, which is why I never warmed up to Joss.
And then Bennet turns out to not be dead! WooHoo! The hows whats whys my lips are sealed but about that spectacular rescue, let’s just say it’s good to be a Commander’s son. Bennet survival has two sides to it. Pre-rescue, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Not so sci-fi ish now, instead it’s about the people left behind and how they survived. Ifan, Luke, Janerse and the others, gotta love the characters the author comes up with but why or why can’t the rescue not come without tears! Post-rescue did no favors to Joss. Having moved from partners to martyr and patient did not put either in a flattering light but it finally had Bennet coming to the decision he knew for a long time he would have to be made.
I signed up to read this series because I wanted a sci-fi series to lose myself in. That was not what Heart Scarab turned out to be. However, if we wanted to really get to know Bennet, then the series of events that take place within these pages become a necessary evil. It’s all leading somewhere with or without a HFN or HEA although my mind is still refusing to accept where the author is leading us. And I’m not even going to grumble on how the book ended because surely it will make sense in the long run. Right?
September 5, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Dan
I’m really happy to report that book two in the series is as good, if not better than, the original. In “Heart Scarab” we continue the story of Shield Captain Bennet and his ship the Hyperion. This time we catch up to them on the planet of Telnos, which as the blurb mentions, is a nasty little planet, where the air reeks and where there are swamps and mud and bugs everywhere. Bennet is there to rescue a group of illegal colonists and illegal miners who have snuck onto the planet, even though it is directly in the path of the alien Maess advance.
When the aliens arrive early and catch the rescue in mid-stream, the Hyperion has to leave without rescuing everyone. One of the casualties of the battle is Bennet, who is shot down by the alien drones who are attacking.
But while the family, and Bennet’s jerk of a partner Joss (who I still despise as you can see) are grieving, we the readers know that Bennet was pulled from below a pile of corpses and is struggling for life.
What will happen to him now? The enemy have overrun the planet, and the Shield ships have withdrawn to human controlled space. Is there any way for Bennet to get off the planet, and somehow rescue the other people left behind? What about Flynn? He is still on the Gyrfalcon serving under Bennet’s father. How will he take the news of Bennet’s “death”?
I really enjoy this author’s writing style. I’m not exaggerating at all when I say this is a mainstream science fiction series that I would expect to see at the city library if I went looking for it. It is that well written. The world building is quite complex, as are the characters.
I highly recommend this book, as well as its predecessor, “Gyrfalcon”, which I reviewed yesterday. If you are as much of a sci-fi fan as I am, you will definitely enjoy this series. And the series isn’t over! The end of this second book gives us a teaser chapter of the third book in the series which I sincerely hope is coming soon!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I’m really happy to report that book two in the series is as good, if not better than, the original. In “Heart Scarab” we continue the story of Shield Captain Bennet and his ship the Hyperion. This time we catch up to them on the planet of Telnos, which as the blurb mentions, is a nasty little planet, where the air reeks and where there are swamps and mud and bugs everywhere. Bennet is there to rescue a group of illegal colonists and illegal miners who have snuck onto the planet, even though it is directly in the path of the alien Maess advance.
When the aliens arrive early and catch the rescue in mid-stream, the Hyperion has to leave without rescuing everyone. One of the casualties of the battle is Bennet, who is shot down by the alien drones who are attacking.
But while the family, and Bennet’s jerk of a partner Joss (who I still despise as you can see) are grieving, we the readers know that Bennet was pulled from below a pile of corpses and is struggling for life.
What will happen to him now? The enemy have overrun the planet, and the Shield ships have withdrawn to human controlled space. Is there any way for Bennet to get off the planet, and somehow rescue the other people left behind? What about Flynn? He is still on the Gyrfalcon serving under Bennet’s father. How will he take the news of Bennet’s “death”?
I really enjoy this author’s writing style. I’m not exaggerating at all when I say this is a mainstream science fiction series that I would expect to see at the city library if I went looking for it. It is that well written. The world building is quite complex, as are the characters.
I highly recommend this book, as well as its predecessor, “Gyrfalcon”, which I reviewed yesterday. If you are as much of a sci-fi fan as I am, you will definitely enjoy this series. And the series isn’t over! The end of this second book gives us a teaser chapter of the third book in the series which I sincerely hope is coming soon!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 31, 2023
*squee* While not as awesome as the first part - I still enjoyed it a lot.
I really like the parts of the plot that have been about Bennet on Telnos and Flynn's POV to Bennet being "dead". The part on Telnos has been awesome. Bennet being rescued by Ifan, their bantering, the horses (<3), the rescue, omg, the rescue! *loves*
I could have done without Joss's POV and especially later on without Bennet still trying to save (?) the relationship with Joss. I really didn't like Joss from the beginning on and everything in this book just confirmed it. Joss turned out to be a huge emotional abuser in my opinion and I'm glad that Bennet got finally out of that relationship.
The six weeks of Bennet and Flynn have been short (for them and for the reader) and bittersweet. *hugs them both*
Overall the plot didn't really move on regarding the war with the Maess. We get some hints of the political situation that might change within Albion/humankind and that's it. On one hand, it's nice to get all this background on Bennet and his family, but on the other hand a bit more on the overall would have been also great.
Bonus points:
The rescue scene. So often I get cheated of rescue scenes/friends seeing each other after being presumed dead in books/shows/movies. Not here! I love that so much.
Bennet being shown in pain and having to recover for days/weeks/months and being miserable and in pain and grumpy.
Even though, I could have done without it - the breakup process. It has shown that breaking up with someone is not easy. And some other stuff I'm not articulated enough to express properly.
So, *makes grabby hands for the next parts*
I really like the parts of the plot that have been about Bennet on Telnos and Flynn's POV to Bennet being "dead". The part on Telnos has been awesome. Bennet being rescued by Ifan, their bantering, the horses (<3), the rescue, omg, the rescue! *loves*
I could have done without Joss's POV and especially later on without Bennet still trying to save (?) the relationship with Joss. I really didn't like Joss from the beginning on and everything in this book just confirmed it. Joss turned out to be a huge emotional abuser in my opinion and I'm glad that Bennet got finally out of that relationship.
The six weeks of Bennet and Flynn have been short (for them and for the reader) and bittersweet. *hugs them both*
Overall the plot didn't really move on regarding the war with the Maess. We get some hints of the political situation that might change within Albion/humankind and that's it. On one hand, it's nice to get all this background on Bennet and his family, but on the other hand a bit more on the overall would have been also great.
Bonus points:
The rescue scene. So often I get cheated of rescue scenes/friends seeing each other after being presumed dead in books/shows/movies. Not here! I love that so much.
Bennet being shown in pain and having to recover for days/weeks/months and being miserable and in pain and grumpy.
Even though, I could have done without it - the breakup process. It has shown that breaking up with someone is not easy. And some other stuff I'm not articulated enough to express properly.
So, *makes grabby hands for the next parts*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Like Gyrfalcon, this is not a traditional M/M romance. This is a sci fi epic drama with main characters who happen to be gay. In fact, the romance plays such a small part here, overall, that I hesitate even calling this a romance. So, if you’re expecting all hearts and flowers, not to mention repeated acts of hot sex, you won’t find much of that here. Be forewarned.
The beginning of the story focuses a lot on the military side, the complicated relationship between the Fleet and the Shield. When Bennet gets trapped on Telnos, a group of survivors with him, this turns into a survival drama until an escape plot is hatched. A couple of strong side characters come in, like an orphaned boy Bennet needs to keep safe. There are, however, a lot of intermediary scenes where other side characters, who are not on Telnos, handle Bennet’s assumed demise in different ways. I don’t think these scenes were all strictly speaking necessary, as they slowed the plot.
Read Susan’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Like Gyrfalcon, this is not a traditional M/M romance. This is a sci fi epic drama with main characters who happen to be gay. In fact, the romance plays such a small part here, overall, that I hesitate even calling this a romance. So, if you’re expecting all hearts and flowers, not to mention repeated acts of hot sex, you won’t find much of that here. Be forewarned.
The beginning of the story focuses a lot on the military side, the complicated relationship between the Fleet and the Shield. When Bennet gets trapped on Telnos, a group of survivors with him, this turns into a survival drama until an escape plot is hatched. A couple of strong side characters come in, like an orphaned boy Bennet needs to keep safe. There are, however, a lot of intermediary scenes where other side characters, who are not on Telnos, handle Bennet’s assumed demise in different ways. I don’t think these scenes were all strictly speaking necessary, as they slowed the plot.
Read Susan’s review in its entirety here.
October 23, 2015
This volume has a stronger focus on the unfolding relationship drama than in the first book, the scifi elements more muted, but the romance plotline has a sense of desperation and impermanence to it, a fleeting safe haven in time of war. The scifi plotline seems to be still in the setup phase, elements following naturally from those conflicts defined in the first book, but still no major insight as to the nature and strategy of the enemy. The author appears to be going for the long burn, rather than a flashy reveal in developing the antagonist. Definitely this volume reads as a step in a longer journey, and I look forward to the next volume.
April 29, 2021
This was…an interesting book.
I don't believe it's a spoiler (just read the synopsis) to say that Bennet is presumed dead behind enemy lines (more on that later). However, we are in the interesting position of A) knowing he is the main protagonist of the entire series so the chances of him getting killed is nil and B) actually getting to read events from Bennet while he is presumed dead, before the funeral.
So, we get to see his friends and family mourn, while knowing explicitly, that he is still alive. Basically, we're watching people grieve when we don't really care about their grief. I mean, I think the first book was told only from two perspectives (Bennet and Flynn) and this book opens up the grieving to Joss (more on that later) and Rosie (as well as Flynn). Because we don't have a rapport with two of the three, mostly indifferent to their grief.
Flynn's grief hit me a little more (but we also get less of it) mostly because he has no public claim to Bennet. He's barely a friend, someone who was close almost two years ago while they worked a mission together. He's not allowed public grief like Bennet's family, lover or close friends/co-workers are.
Now, about the 'enemy lines' comment. … I'm not the biggest fan of those type of plots in sci-fi. At least Bennet wasn't setting up a home there, which saved me a lot of frustration. Bennet is mostly focused on saving people and attempting to stick it to the Maess. (More on that later.) Escape planning is a side note. I actually kind of liked these chapters - at least compared to how much I thought I would.
The Maess. I have this problem in fantasy and sci-fi when the big bad is a faceless, alien enemy bent of total destruction of humanity. At least as far as humans can tell, because they are so alien to humanity that humans really don't know what this enemy wants. … I was hoping that the Maess would become more fleshed out after the shakeup Bennet got in Gyrfalcon. That seems to be a forlorn hope. (I also have a problem with the fact that this war between humanity and the Maess has been going on for a hundred years.)
So, the last more on later: Joss.
I'm going to be blunt. I hated him in the first book. Not for the reason most people would expect. I'm not hating on him because he's in the way of Bennet and Flynn. Bennet and Flynn - and the military in general - are in the way of Bennet and Flynn. No.
I figured out in the first book that Joss is bad for Bennet. He's a bad match in general and his being so against Bennet in the military would do nothing but push them further apart. I also thought he was very manipulative with his 'consolation' fucks on the side when Bennet wasn't there. (Poly's fine. I do not find this an example of a healthy relationship, much less a healthy poly relationship.)
In this book, we get chapters from Joss' perspective. Not only are we treated to such delightful mentality as:
'[…]it irked him that Caeden's focus there wasn't on Bennet himself […] but on his status as Caeden's son. Joss had tried to write an obituary to put things back in the proper perspective, make his own claim paramount.'
But we also get the telling of how Joss and Bennet first got together from Joss' perspective. And me realizing that not only is he a manipulator, he's also a creep.
Bennet was eighteen, Joss was thirty-seven. (First of all ??? Really?) Then, even if Joss wasn't his teacher, he was in a position of power.
Then, once they got together…
Look, Bennet was stubborn, even at eighteen years old. Just look at the way he defied his father. But, yet, he was still trying to compromise with Joss - something Joss was never willing to do.
Joss tried to control Bennet. Never trying to understand that Bennet wanted to join the military for himself. Then, because Joss needs sex, he can't go as long as Bennet is gone without getting laid, they had an open relationship. With the very added strangeness that 'girls don't count.' (Hello bad flashbacks to Glee.)
In the first book, Bennet states that Flynn is the first time that he used the open relationship himself (because girls don't count). Meanwhile Joss is fucking every eighteen and nineteen year old that's willing, I'd imagine.
Look, Joss is a creep. He's a manipulator and a slug. Bennet stayed with him because it was easier than leaving - even though he dreaded his homecomings. Bennet actually states more than once that his relationship with Joss was so bad that he would rather have stayed out there fighting than come home on leave.
Soo… Just had to get that out. Because having to be in Joss' head was probably the worst thing I've read this year.
Now, in other thoughts:
While the first book was very action driven with some interpersonal stuff, this is very interpersonal with some action stuff. And not much at that. How much anyone would like this book depends highly on if you like more drama or more action in your sci-fi. (I tend towards action.) And how much you like the POV characters. (Like Bennet quite a bit, so wasn't happy with the distractions from his POV. Like Flynn and would have liked more of him in the first half. Rosie is…barely okay. Just not attached to her. Hate Joss.)
Why does everyone only have one name? Why is there no surnames in this universe? (Also, how?)
I will be continuing the series for three reasons. 1: I already own the next book. 2: The next sounds more action driven. 3: We have, hopefully, seen the last of Joss.
Three stars, dropped one because I had to spend ANY time in Joss' head.
(If you need more Joss hate, go read my updates as I was reading.)
I don't believe it's a spoiler (just read the synopsis) to say that Bennet is presumed dead behind enemy lines (more on that later). However, we are in the interesting position of A) knowing he is the main protagonist of the entire series so the chances of him getting killed is nil and B) actually getting to read events from Bennet while he is presumed dead, before the funeral.
So, we get to see his friends and family mourn, while knowing explicitly, that he is still alive. Basically, we're watching people grieve when we don't really care about their grief. I mean, I think the first book was told only from two perspectives (Bennet and Flynn) and this book opens up the grieving to Joss (more on that later) and Rosie (as well as Flynn). Because we don't have a rapport with two of the three, mostly indifferent to their grief.
Flynn's grief hit me a little more (but we also get less of it) mostly because he has no public claim to Bennet. He's barely a friend, someone who was close almost two years ago while they worked a mission together. He's not allowed public grief like Bennet's family, lover or close friends/co-workers are.
Now, about the 'enemy lines' comment. … I'm not the biggest fan of those type of plots in sci-fi. At least Bennet wasn't setting up a home there, which saved me a lot of frustration. Bennet is mostly focused on saving people and attempting to stick it to the Maess. (More on that later.) Escape planning is a side note. I actually kind of liked these chapters - at least compared to how much I thought I would.
The Maess. I have this problem in fantasy and sci-fi when the big bad is a faceless, alien enemy bent of total destruction of humanity. At least as far as humans can tell, because they are so alien to humanity that humans really don't know what this enemy wants. … I was hoping that the Maess would become more fleshed out after the shakeup Bennet got in Gyrfalcon. That seems to be a forlorn hope. (I also have a problem with the fact that this war between humanity and the Maess has been going on for a hundred years.)
So, the last more on later: Joss.
I'm going to be blunt. I hated him in the first book. Not for the reason most people would expect. I'm not hating on him because he's in the way of Bennet and Flynn. Bennet and Flynn - and the military in general - are in the way of Bennet and Flynn. No.
I figured out in the first book that Joss is bad for Bennet. He's a bad match in general and his being so against Bennet in the military would do nothing but push them further apart. I also thought he was very manipulative with his 'consolation' fucks on the side when Bennet wasn't there. (Poly's fine. I do not find this an example of a healthy relationship, much less a healthy poly relationship.)
In this book, we get chapters from Joss' perspective. Not only are we treated to such delightful mentality as:
'[…]it irked him that Caeden's focus there wasn't on Bennet himself […] but on his status as Caeden's son. Joss had tried to write an obituary to put things back in the proper perspective, make his own claim paramount.'
But we also get the telling of how Joss and Bennet first got together from Joss' perspective. And me realizing that not only is he a manipulator, he's also a creep.
Bennet was eighteen, Joss was thirty-seven. (First of all ??? Really?) Then, even if Joss wasn't his teacher, he was in a position of power.
Then, once they got together…
Look, Bennet was stubborn, even at eighteen years old. Just look at the way he defied his father. But, yet, he was still trying to compromise with Joss - something Joss was never willing to do.
Joss tried to control Bennet. Never trying to understand that Bennet wanted to join the military for himself. Then, because Joss needs sex, he can't go as long as Bennet is gone without getting laid, they had an open relationship. With the very added strangeness that 'girls don't count.' (Hello bad flashbacks to Glee.)
In the first book, Bennet states that Flynn is the first time that he used the open relationship himself (because girls don't count). Meanwhile Joss is fucking every eighteen and nineteen year old that's willing, I'd imagine.
Look, Joss is a creep. He's a manipulator and a slug. Bennet stayed with him because it was easier than leaving - even though he dreaded his homecomings. Bennet actually states more than once that his relationship with Joss was so bad that he would rather have stayed out there fighting than come home on leave.
Soo… Just had to get that out. Because having to be in Joss' head was probably the worst thing I've read this year.
Now, in other thoughts:
While the first book was very action driven with some interpersonal stuff, this is very interpersonal with some action stuff. And not much at that. How much anyone would like this book depends highly on if you like more drama or more action in your sci-fi. (I tend towards action.) And how much you like the POV characters. (Like Bennet quite a bit, so wasn't happy with the distractions from his POV. Like Flynn and would have liked more of him in the first half. Rosie is…barely okay. Just not attached to her. Hate Joss.)
Why does everyone only have one name? Why is there no surnames in this universe? (Also, how?)
I will be continuing the series for three reasons. 1: I already own the next book. 2: The next sounds more action driven. 3: We have, hopefully, seen the last of Joss.
Three stars, dropped one because I had to spend ANY time in Joss' head.
(If you need more Joss hate, go read my updates as I was reading.)
January 14, 2016
just as great as the first! good character development, great world building. its MM, but the story is much more than just a story of romance. My only wish (besides never seeing Joss again haha) is that the scope of the story expanded a bit to really get a sense of what is going on with the war and the society itself.
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