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Taizhou #1
Runner
In a city above the clouds, beautiful Zhao Wei lived in luxury and commodity, undisturbed by the troubles of a world he didn’t know existed. That is, until he fell below the clouds. Thrown into a world foreign to him, surrounded by strangeness and chased for reasons unknown to him, Wei must now survive long enough to find a way back home.
In the slums below the clouds lives Oren, a Runner whose job involves finding and delivering things. When he finds Wei: gorgeous, hurt, out of place, and clearly in danger, it’s only natural for him to want to help him return to the place he rightfully belongs to. It was just an extra perk that someone had decided to pay him for it.
Unfortunately, getting back above the clouds is not as easy as it sounds. With men chasing after them at every turn, will the two be able to make it in one piece? And what will become of their feelings for each other if they do?
In the slums below the clouds lives Oren, a Runner whose job involves finding and delivering things. When he finds Wei: gorgeous, hurt, out of place, and clearly in danger, it’s only natural for him to want to help him return to the place he rightfully belongs to. It was just an extra perk that someone had decided to pay him for it.
Unfortunately, getting back above the clouds is not as easy as it sounds. With men chasing after them at every turn, will the two be able to make it in one piece? And what will become of their feelings for each other if they do?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2019
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Lau
12 books25 followersSamantha Lau weaves enchanting M/M romance across genres, creating stories where love knows no boundaries—whether between species, social classes, or parallel dimensions. Her unique blend of Eastern and Western storytelling traditions brings fresh energy to the romance genre, crafting tales that range from cyberpunk adventures to tender contemporary love stories.
Drawing from her multilingual background and love of diverse cultures, she creates rich worlds where the impossible becomes possible and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Her stories feature everything from shape-shifting nagas and passionate demons to cyberpunk runners and small-town fae, but at their heart, they're always about two people finding their way to each other.
When not crafting new worlds or spending time with her beloved dogs, Samantha explores different languages and cultures, finding inspiration for her next love story in every new discovery.
Try one of her books now and be transported to a new world!
Drawing from her multilingual background and love of diverse cultures, she creates rich worlds where the impossible becomes possible and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Her stories feature everything from shape-shifting nagas and passionate demons to cyberpunk runners and small-town fae, but at their heart, they're always about two people finding their way to each other.
When not crafting new worlds or spending time with her beloved dogs, Samantha explores different languages and cultures, finding inspiration for her next love story in every new discovery.
Try one of her books now and be transported to a new world!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 5, 2025
A new author for me and a wonderful book. Beautiful, so beautiful.
The story itself may not come across as particularly original, but it is very well written and I could imagine the city above the clouds and the surprisingly busy grounds very well. Maybe I've seen Alita Battle Angel and the like too often, but I was definitely very impressed on a visual level. I like it when things are described so vividly that you really feel like you're there.
The story is very plot-driven and is limited to just a few characters. Wei, lives above and is very bored with his privileged life.
There was no challenge to studying, no real advancements to be made. He had only to read things once to remember them. But so did almost everyone else. Even those who ‘struggled’ got good grades.
It wasn’t that he wanted to fail, of course, but everything was so... monotonous. 🥺
His life takes an unexpected turn and he meets Oren, who has to save him. They are pursued and there is not much time for the two of them to really get to know each other.
Unfortunately it's quite a short story, I'm missing a little something extra, maybe a few more emotions and perhaps a little more background to the two worlds that collide here. On the other hand, it somehow suited the story that there wasn't more. So it's not really a complaint on my part.
There was also a bit of romance and sex, in tiny doses only, but overall fitting really well and harmoniously into the whole.
He moaned again, hips bucking to the touch. And still Oren’s lips moved lower. Lower, and lower, until they once again replaced his hands, engulfing his need in the hot warmth of that mouth.
“Oh!” Wei’s hand clung to his lover’s shoulder, the other gripped suddenly at the edge of the table. He’d never felt this way, having so little control on his body was an entirely new experience. 🌶️🫠🌶️
The second book “Reaper” is a good deal longer, so perhaps my curiosity will be satisfied a little better there. I'm looking forward to reading it soon, as well as probably everything else from the author's pen.🤗
The story itself may not come across as particularly original, but it is very well written and I could imagine the city above the clouds and the surprisingly busy grounds very well. Maybe I've seen Alita Battle Angel and the like too often, but I was definitely very impressed on a visual level. I like it when things are described so vividly that you really feel like you're there.
The story is very plot-driven and is limited to just a few characters. Wei, lives above and is very bored with his privileged life.
There was no challenge to studying, no real advancements to be made. He had only to read things once to remember them. But so did almost everyone else. Even those who ‘struggled’ got good grades.
It wasn’t that he wanted to fail, of course, but everything was so... monotonous. 🥺
His life takes an unexpected turn and he meets Oren, who has to save him. They are pursued and there is not much time for the two of them to really get to know each other.
Unfortunately it's quite a short story, I'm missing a little something extra, maybe a few more emotions and perhaps a little more background to the two worlds that collide here. On the other hand, it somehow suited the story that there wasn't more. So it's not really a complaint on my part.
There was also a bit of romance and sex, in tiny doses only, but overall fitting really well and harmoniously into the whole.
He moaned again, hips bucking to the touch. And still Oren’s lips moved lower. Lower, and lower, until they once again replaced his hands, engulfing his need in the hot warmth of that mouth.
“Oh!” Wei’s hand clung to his lover’s shoulder, the other gripped suddenly at the edge of the table. He’d never felt this way, having so little control on his body was an entirely new experience. 🌶️🫠🌶️
The second book “Reaper” is a good deal longer, so perhaps my curiosity will be satisfied a little better there. I'm looking forward to reading it soon, as well as probably everything else from the author's pen.🤗
December 5, 2023
This book, ‘Runner’ by Samantha Lau is amazing. Never have I read anything like it. It’s a cyberpunk MM story, according to one cover blurb I only saw after I read the book with a different cover.
It’s set in a world that makes me think of the future, about the effects of climate change on Earth. About those who have wealth beyond our imaginations, who can afford to set up a life, a world way above the clouds, and never again have to think about life on Earth and the devastation on it. A very sterile world, where you can choose your beautiful babies to order. Shudder. That is Sky World.
Zhang Wei was just such a baby, now a grown man and unbearably handsome to look upon. Moving about in Sky world in pods that float quietly and fast, he is on his way to his Graduation Ceremony when disaster strikes. Something crashes into him from behind and sends him spiralling downwards, through dark and filthy clouds, tossing him about until his Pod hits a tree and comes to a halt.
Wei regains consciousness, feeling hands pulling at him and urging him to move, he also hears gun shots nearby, but does as he’s told, by the man who is trying to remove his seatbelt.
This is how Oren, a Runner, gets to meet and save Zhang Wei when he arrives on Dimian, a damaged world.
If these humans don’t kill Wei, the filth and dirt, the broken and deserted buildings falling on him, will possibly do the job.
Oren is a dream character, tall, orange hair, all over, not just on his head, he stands out a mile, just as much as Wei does for his beauty. Oren has had some special modifications made to his body, as has many people on Dimian. His eyes are different colours , one is golden and scans and reads like a computer, giving him details of his surroundings. He has another modification fitted into his left arm that is his communications centre, like a WhatsApp and tablet screen.
With various factions on Dimian looking for the Pod than was seen landing, Oren and Wei have to run and hide, not knowing who is looking for them, it could be Police, or the infamous West Tower organisation.
The adventures, sticky situations and some awful treatment from possible enemies, I’ll leave you to read about in this wonderful exciting world.
When Oren starts calling Wei ‘Baobao’ you can guess just how close these guys become while trying to get Wei back to his parents on Sky World. That is if Wei really does want to ‘ Go Home’.
This author and this genre is completely new to me and it is one that I will want to read more of when I need a break from Jocks, Cowboys and Billionaire CEO etc.
For something completely different, I highly recommend ‘Runner’ by Samantha Lau, it was a freebie and I can’t recall for sure where I got it from, possibly the funnel.
It’s set in a world that makes me think of the future, about the effects of climate change on Earth. About those who have wealth beyond our imaginations, who can afford to set up a life, a world way above the clouds, and never again have to think about life on Earth and the devastation on it. A very sterile world, where you can choose your beautiful babies to order. Shudder. That is Sky World.
Zhang Wei was just such a baby, now a grown man and unbearably handsome to look upon. Moving about in Sky world in pods that float quietly and fast, he is on his way to his Graduation Ceremony when disaster strikes. Something crashes into him from behind and sends him spiralling downwards, through dark and filthy clouds, tossing him about until his Pod hits a tree and comes to a halt.
Wei regains consciousness, feeling hands pulling at him and urging him to move, he also hears gun shots nearby, but does as he’s told, by the man who is trying to remove his seatbelt.
This is how Oren, a Runner, gets to meet and save Zhang Wei when he arrives on Dimian, a damaged world.
If these humans don’t kill Wei, the filth and dirt, the broken and deserted buildings falling on him, will possibly do the job.
Oren is a dream character, tall, orange hair, all over, not just on his head, he stands out a mile, just as much as Wei does for his beauty. Oren has had some special modifications made to his body, as has many people on Dimian. His eyes are different colours , one is golden and scans and reads like a computer, giving him details of his surroundings. He has another modification fitted into his left arm that is his communications centre, like a WhatsApp and tablet screen.
With various factions on Dimian looking for the Pod than was seen landing, Oren and Wei have to run and hide, not knowing who is looking for them, it could be Police, or the infamous West Tower organisation.
The adventures, sticky situations and some awful treatment from possible enemies, I’ll leave you to read about in this wonderful exciting world.
When Oren starts calling Wei ‘Baobao’ you can guess just how close these guys become while trying to get Wei back to his parents on Sky World. That is if Wei really does want to ‘ Go Home’.
This author and this genre is completely new to me and it is one that I will want to read more of when I need a break from Jocks, Cowboys and Billionaire CEO etc.
For something completely different, I highly recommend ‘Runner’ by Samantha Lau, it was a freebie and I can’t recall for sure where I got it from, possibly the funnel.
September 19, 2024
I wanted SO much to love this book.
But I didn't. I also didn't hate it, it was just... okay. As in first draft in need of revisions and some plot work as well as edits and fleshing out of both characters and situations okay. Again, I felt like I was presented with a copy for a beta read, instead of the final draft ready for publication. There are a lot of typos, but I'm not normally picky with those - it happens, typos get through countless rounds of edits and proofreads, they're pesky little things. I am picky, though, where it comes to the characters. And here is where I came to a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, I kind of really liked Wei, felt like he had so much potential, but while I kept waiting for him to be more fleshed out and developed through the narrative, that didn't happen. Still, I liked this character - but that's what he was, at the end of the read, a character. With Oren, I just don't know. I didn't dislike him. Nor did I like him. He was okay. Their relationship, on the other hand, was not. Talk about fast. For me, it didn't work at all, there was no build up, no growing feelings, no longing, no angst, no building up of their emotions. Other than the occasional 'he's gorgeous' and 'I think he's attractive under all that colour' there was nothing. It was all physical, and even that lacked the oomph that sets butterflies in the readers' stomachs while waiting for the first kiss or that first confession. It felt contrived, rushed, the entire affair. As did the story. There were lots of plot holes and unresolved issues, we got to the end of the book with positively no answers and just a very handy solution for the couple to be peacefully together. It build up some tension in me, wanting to know what was going on - and it made it a very fast read because of that - but then, it failed to deliver.
But I didn't. I also didn't hate it, it was just... okay. As in first draft in need of revisions and some plot work as well as edits and fleshing out of both characters and situations okay. Again, I felt like I was presented with a copy for a beta read, instead of the final draft ready for publication. There are a lot of typos, but I'm not normally picky with those - it happens, typos get through countless rounds of edits and proofreads, they're pesky little things. I am picky, though, where it comes to the characters. And here is where I came to a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, I kind of really liked Wei, felt like he had so much potential, but while I kept waiting for him to be more fleshed out and developed through the narrative, that didn't happen. Still, I liked this character - but that's what he was, at the end of the read, a character. With Oren, I just don't know. I didn't dislike him. Nor did I like him. He was okay. Their relationship, on the other hand, was not. Talk about fast. For me, it didn't work at all, there was no build up, no growing feelings, no longing, no angst, no building up of their emotions. Other than the occasional 'he's gorgeous' and 'I think he's attractive under all that colour' there was nothing. It was all physical, and even that lacked the oomph that sets butterflies in the readers' stomachs while waiting for the first kiss or that first confession. It felt contrived, rushed, the entire affair. As did the story. There were lots of plot holes and unresolved issues, we got to the end of the book with positively no answers and just a very handy solution for the couple to be peacefully together. It build up some tension in me, wanting to know what was going on - and it made it a very fast read because of that - but then, it failed to deliver.
September 1, 2020
I'm really struggling with this rating, it is more 3 than 4 stars. The story itself was really good, there are some issues though. But I would still recommend it therefore I generously rounded it up.
I really liked the story, it was very fast paced but still a lot great world building. It is supposed to be the start of a series and if there will be second one that will pick up the lose ends of the story line than I'm okay with okay with a lot of questions unanswered.
It would be disappointing to have this world set up so nicely with so much potential and a lot of intrigues to unravel and then not following up. I hope there will be a second book to look into that world some more.
Development of Wei and Oren's relationship was a bit sudden and rushed. For them too, so I can somewhat roll with that. But I missed somewhat that both characters didn't really show each other during their mad dash through the city that their might even be interested. As a reader you knew but as one of the characters I wouldn't have (maybe that's just me).
The story telling was good but the translation was not always on par with that. I have read other stories of the author before and I also noticed a few somewhat clunky sentences or odd expressions there. But here it got to the point of being bit annoying (e.g. 'to repair' is used really weird sometimes as prepare, fixate or I don't know what was meant by it). I'm not sure if the author is a native English speaker, I got the feeling that is not the case. So an editor or beta-reader whose first language was English could improve the reading experience a lot.
I really liked the story, it was very fast paced but still a lot great world building. It is supposed to be the start of a series and if there will be second one that will pick up the lose ends of the story line than I'm okay with okay with a lot of questions unanswered.
It would be disappointing to have this world set up so nicely with so much potential and a lot of intrigues to unravel and then not following up. I hope there will be a second book to look into that world some more.
Development of Wei and Oren's relationship was a bit sudden and rushed. For them too, so I can somewhat roll with that. But I missed somewhat that both characters didn't really show each other during their mad dash through the city that their might even be interested. As a reader you knew but as one of the characters I wouldn't have (maybe that's just me).
The story telling was good but the translation was not always on par with that. I have read other stories of the author before and I also noticed a few somewhat clunky sentences or odd expressions there. But here it got to the point of being bit annoying (e.g. 'to repair' is used really weird sometimes as prepare, fixate or I don't know what was meant by it). I'm not sure if the author is a native English speaker, I got the feeling that is not the case. So an editor or beta-reader whose first language was English could improve the reading experience a lot.
June 6, 2020
I received a free copy of this book through StoryOrigin and I am giving a voluntary review.
I started and finished it over the course of a few hours in one sitting, it is that engrossing.
I would readily have given 5* but felt too many questions were left unanswered. Who orchestrated Wei’s ‘accident’ and why?
The background of secondary characters such as Jun, Lee & Doc was left virtually unexplained.
Dhani was briefly introduced then her fate left unresolved. Did she die and who out of several possible options was responsible for the explosion.
How did the divergence between the ground side Dimian and Tiazhou, the Sky City happen?
The final chapters felt rushed from Oren’s abduction and subsequent return to Dimian, to Wei’s and Oren’s having jobs at the end. Even the final chapter’s lovemaking/sex scene seemed added on as if you can’t have a M/M romance without one.
Despite all these quibbles I still enjoyed the book enormously and do recommend it and anticipate reading more from Samantha Lau.
I started and finished it over the course of a few hours in one sitting, it is that engrossing.
I would readily have given 5* but felt too many questions were left unanswered. Who orchestrated Wei’s ‘accident’ and why?
The background of secondary characters such as Jun, Lee & Doc was left virtually unexplained.
Dhani was briefly introduced then her fate left unresolved. Did she die and who out of several possible options was responsible for the explosion.
How did the divergence between the ground side Dimian and Tiazhou, the Sky City happen?
The final chapters felt rushed from Oren’s abduction and subsequent return to Dimian, to Wei’s and Oren’s having jobs at the end. Even the final chapter’s lovemaking/sex scene seemed added on as if you can’t have a M/M romance without one.
Despite all these quibbles I still enjoyed the book enormously and do recommend it and anticipate reading more from Samantha Lau.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2022
I read this at Prolific Works. A new to me author with an interesting premise of a dystopian society divided into a different type caste system, the privileged living above the clouds in the light and the under class living far below in a gloomy world. Beautiful Zhao Wei falls through the clouds to the ground in a flying pod crash and is targeted by assassins following him from above. The crash is seen and heard by Oren, a runner, a street urchin type. Oren feels an immediate attraction to the injured, and totally out of his depth, Wei. They go on the run for aid and there are many chapters of violent intrigue and betrayal while Oren does his best to get Wei back home above the clouds. But home is not the safe place that it was for Wei, and now for Oren.
I enjoyed this story and the relationship building was well written with the tropes of opposites attract and run for your life. I liked the few quiet moments where the inexperienced Wei and the overwhelmed by feelings Oren could experience their physical attraction. I would read another book by this author.
I enjoyed this story and the relationship building was well written with the tropes of opposites attract and run for your life. I liked the few quiet moments where the inexperienced Wei and the overwhelmed by feelings Oren could experience their physical attraction. I would read another book by this author.
June 1, 2020
Wei and Oren were really engaging characters and the storyline drew me in from the first chapter. The beginning of the story reminded me of the Fifth Element with the rich living above the clouds and the poor scraping by on the surface. A very entertaining and adventurous romance, I cannot wait to read more of this fascinating world and its people.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by StoryOrigin*
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by StoryOrigin*
December 21, 2025
A new-to-me author. This story was not my usual read, but I found it to be quite entertaining. It kept me wanting to know more about the characters whom I found quite likable. I wouldn't mind reading more like this.
September 7, 2019
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the story of a "beautiful" genetically engineered man, living in city Above the Clouds. The setting is presumably, based on the names, an un-named China. Wei's life has been carefully crafted by his parents and the society above the clouds. On his way to his graduation, there is an "accident." Wei crashes to the ground, which he had been told was uninhabited and uninhabitable. Wei is saved by a local, Oren, who falls in love at first sight. Oren also has a "local" dialect, that reads like he's drunk. There is escalating cursing as the story goes on, but curiously enough when the sex scenes finally happen it's all "his need" and " his member" instead of anatomically correct names, or even slang terms. Why can they say "fvck,," and "sh!t," but not "penis" or "c0ck" or "d!ck?"
Also, here is a sample of the writing: "He reached up to run a hair through his lover's hair."
Self-publishers should make a great copy editor part of their writing process. Self-published novels can be just as well crafted as novels published by Big Houses You've Heard Of, with the right copy editor.
Gained a star for an interesting premise. But it's not well written, or edited.
This is the story of a "beautiful" genetically engineered man, living in city Above the Clouds. The setting is presumably, based on the names, an un-named China. Wei's life has been carefully crafted by his parents and the society above the clouds. On his way to his graduation, there is an "accident." Wei crashes to the ground, which he had been told was uninhabited and uninhabitable. Wei is saved by a local, Oren, who falls in love at first sight. Oren also has a "local" dialect, that reads like he's drunk. There is escalating cursing as the story goes on, but curiously enough when the sex scenes finally happen it's all "his need" and " his member" instead of anatomically correct names, or even slang terms. Why can they say "fvck,," and "sh!t," but not "penis" or "c0ck" or "d!ck?"
Also, here is a sample of the writing: "He reached up to run a hair through his lover's hair."
Self-publishers should make a great copy editor part of their writing process. Self-published novels can be just as well crafted as novels published by Big Houses You've Heard Of, with the right copy editor.
Gained a star for an interesting premise. But it's not well written, or edited.
September 9, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This book was well written, fully developed characters, great plot, packed full of action. This book kept me fully engaged till the end. I must say this was truly a unique and unusual read. To be able to pick the traits of your children or go the natural route. The fact that there were several levels you live on based on your status/the amount of money you have. The city above the clouds is where all the rich people and government seem to live. I definitely plan to read more books by this author. -Enjoy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2019
This is my favorite M/M novel. Period.
I had already read a few books by Samantha Lau but I really feel like she outdid herself with this one.
The story was so good, and anyone who likes a futuristic atmosphere will love it, and the characters were just the best.
Oren is my new favorite character ever. I can not recommand this story enough.
I'd really, really want the author to write more stories in this universe as the side characters were great too :)
I had already read a few books by Samantha Lau but I really feel like she outdid herself with this one.
The story was so good, and anyone who likes a futuristic atmosphere will love it, and the characters were just the best.
Oren is my new favorite character ever. I can not recommand this story enough.
I'd really, really want the author to write more stories in this universe as the side characters were great too :)
September 7, 2019
This was a interesting adventure. The storyline was exciting full of adventure and the characters are interesting and fun. If you love a great romance adventure then this story is for you.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews