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Variant Configurations #2
From the Noblest Motives
The Fredamine Project was just the beginning. Shadow dealings and conspiracies regarding variants intertwine until Damien and his cohorts can no longer tell who the bad guys are.
Several months have passed since Blaze and the infamous Variant activist Shudder McKenzie helped Damien rescue the captives of the sinister Fredamine Project. Professionally, everything's great. He's back to working with Damien again and they have a new lead on the three kids who are still missing. Personally, not so much. Blaze has made his peace with Shudder, though nothing between them has even been easy, but his relationship with Damien has taken several steps back. Blaze no longer has any idea where he stands. Adding to the tense atmosphere are the anti-Variant members of legislature who have been slowly gaining popular approval, and the cryptic messages Damien receives from an unknown source.
Shudder's back to his old haunts and his old tricks, trying to raise public awareness of imperiled Variant rights—such as the draconic Horace Act that strips due process during Variant trials—and to rescue Variant kids in trouble. His almost mythical luck runs out though when he's arrested for murder only three days after the passage of the Horace Act and a whirlwind trial and sentencing lands him in the most notorious maximum security facility for Variants—San Judas Tadeo.
With too many conspirators on both sides of the aisle, Damien, Blaze and Shudder no longer know whom to trust. Peeling through the layers of deceit and half-truths puts them on shakier ground with every discovery and in greater danger than ever before.
Variant Configurations takes place in a future Earth where humanity is reclaiming its spot in a gradually healing world. This book contains mentions of past abuse, action-adventure style mayhem, and the beginning sparks of a slow burn, series-spanning relationship.
Several months have passed since Blaze and the infamous Variant activist Shudder McKenzie helped Damien rescue the captives of the sinister Fredamine Project. Professionally, everything's great. He's back to working with Damien again and they have a new lead on the three kids who are still missing. Personally, not so much. Blaze has made his peace with Shudder, though nothing between them has even been easy, but his relationship with Damien has taken several steps back. Blaze no longer has any idea where he stands. Adding to the tense atmosphere are the anti-Variant members of legislature who have been slowly gaining popular approval, and the cryptic messages Damien receives from an unknown source.
Shudder's back to his old haunts and his old tricks, trying to raise public awareness of imperiled Variant rights—such as the draconic Horace Act that strips due process during Variant trials—and to rescue Variant kids in trouble. His almost mythical luck runs out though when he's arrested for murder only three days after the passage of the Horace Act and a whirlwind trial and sentencing lands him in the most notorious maximum security facility for Variants—San Judas Tadeo.
With too many conspirators on both sides of the aisle, Damien, Blaze and Shudder no longer know whom to trust. Peeling through the layers of deceit and half-truths puts them on shakier ground with every discovery and in greater danger than ever before.
Variant Configurations takes place in a future Earth where humanity is reclaiming its spot in a gradually healing world. This book contains mentions of past abuse, action-adventure style mayhem, and the beginning sparks of a slow burn, series-spanning relationship.
362 pages, ebook
First published November 22, 2022
12 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
92 books677 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 25, 2022
Loved, loved, loved it!
What a great new adventure for Blaze and Damien, with the story adding Shudder and them becoming a triad, which I hoped for in the first book and didn’t get :( All happy now for them, though scary things have been set in motion.
What a great new adventure for Blaze and Damien, with the story adding Shudder and them becoming a triad, which I hoped for in the first book and didn’t get :( All happy now for them, though scary things have been set in motion.
November 27, 2022
Fantastic storytelling, I’m addicted
Rating: 4.75🌈
From The Noblest Motives picks up directly after the events that happened in Rarely Pure and Never Simple, the first in Angel Martinez’s complex and utterly unique series. It’s world is one where , accidentally, a new type of human, a Varient, has been created. Now human Variants, each with their own unique abilities and talents, are multiplying, to the consternation of the normal population who immediately start to fear those they neither know nor understand.
As different governments react in various ways to the Varients in their countries, from protection laws to increasingly authoritarian policies to control the Varients, it’s a increasingly unfriendly, harsh reality for Varients and their allies.
The first book introduces our main complicated characters, the vast organizations and employees they interact with, and those people who are determined to make the Varients suffer and disappear.
Shudder McKenzie, Varient activist , Blaze Emerson, tracker and ex lover of Shudder, and Damien Hazelwood finder of people, are our main focus. Each had intimate moments with each other under extremely intense circumstances but at the end, they went their separate ways.
Now events bring them together again and force them to be honest with each other about their shared feelings.
It’s hard to describe the convoluted storylines and fascinating tormented characters that are at the heart of this story and series. Especially Damien with his abusive past and struggles in the present. Now Shudder is caught up in the government crackdown and conservative hysteria surrounding Variants.
Martinez writes with a gritty realism about Shudder’s experiences as he passes through a mockery of a judicial system and into a nightmare of a prison. His time there will leave him traumatized in a manner that only Damian can best understand.
Standing close is Blaze Emerson, tracker and one man army to loves them both and desires to see them safe despite unknown enemies and a conspiracy that deeply affects everyone and everything around them.
This is one of those stories that you can’t put down. It’s high action, deeply emotional, full of twists and suspense.
And the author ramps up the stakes with every event and new discovery to make the dangers our group is facing feel more real and ever increasingly powerful.
At the end I wanted to reach for the next book, knowing it’s not yet available.
Two books in and I’m addicted. Tightly plotted, beautifully written, with characters so well crafted they are believable and raw with depth and complexity. I’m highly recommending both books but they absolutely must be read in the order they are written.
Varient Configurations series:
- [x] Rarely Pure and Never Simple #1
- [x] From The Noblest Motives #2
Fantastic covers btw.
Rating: 4.75🌈
From The Noblest Motives picks up directly after the events that happened in Rarely Pure and Never Simple, the first in Angel Martinez’s complex and utterly unique series. It’s world is one where , accidentally, a new type of human, a Varient, has been created. Now human Variants, each with their own unique abilities and talents, are multiplying, to the consternation of the normal population who immediately start to fear those they neither know nor understand.
As different governments react in various ways to the Varients in their countries, from protection laws to increasingly authoritarian policies to control the Varients, it’s a increasingly unfriendly, harsh reality for Varients and their allies.
The first book introduces our main complicated characters, the vast organizations and employees they interact with, and those people who are determined to make the Varients suffer and disappear.
Shudder McKenzie, Varient activist , Blaze Emerson, tracker and ex lover of Shudder, and Damien Hazelwood finder of people, are our main focus. Each had intimate moments with each other under extremely intense circumstances but at the end, they went their separate ways.
Now events bring them together again and force them to be honest with each other about their shared feelings.
It’s hard to describe the convoluted storylines and fascinating tormented characters that are at the heart of this story and series. Especially Damien with his abusive past and struggles in the present. Now Shudder is caught up in the government crackdown and conservative hysteria surrounding Variants.
Martinez writes with a gritty realism about Shudder’s experiences as he passes through a mockery of a judicial system and into a nightmare of a prison. His time there will leave him traumatized in a manner that only Damian can best understand.
Standing close is Blaze Emerson, tracker and one man army to loves them both and desires to see them safe despite unknown enemies and a conspiracy that deeply affects everyone and everything around them.
This is one of those stories that you can’t put down. It’s high action, deeply emotional, full of twists and suspense.
And the author ramps up the stakes with every event and new discovery to make the dangers our group is facing feel more real and ever increasingly powerful.
At the end I wanted to reach for the next book, knowing it’s not yet available.
Two books in and I’m addicted. Tightly plotted, beautifully written, with characters so well crafted they are believable and raw with depth and complexity. I’m highly recommending both books but they absolutely must be read in the order they are written.
Varient Configurations series:
- [x] Rarely Pure and Never Simple #1
- [x] From The Noblest Motives #2
Fantastic covers btw.
December 15, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Picking up right after Rarely Pure and Never Simple, the first book in the Variant Configurations series, this book is well balanced between plot and romance. It helps that all three characters are a little older, a little more world weary, and a bit less willing to beat around the bush when it comes to something they really want. The new relationship between the three of them as equal partners is going to require a lot of balancing, but each of them are working to their strengths. Damien’s need to be in control is well matched by Blaze’s desire to make people happy, and Shudder’s easy-going attitude. Shudder’s need for attention and praise has him being more demanding and vocal where the other two men might have held back and kept quiet. And Blaze, who needs to be needed, who cares so much it might have overwhelmed one person, is now spread over two.
All in all, I’m still enjoying this series and the world building and very much looking forward to the next book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Picking up right after Rarely Pure and Never Simple, the first book in the Variant Configurations series, this book is well balanced between plot and romance. It helps that all three characters are a little older, a little more world weary, and a bit less willing to beat around the bush when it comes to something they really want. The new relationship between the three of them as equal partners is going to require a lot of balancing, but each of them are working to their strengths. Damien’s need to be in control is well matched by Blaze’s desire to make people happy, and Shudder’s easy-going attitude. Shudder’s need for attention and praise has him being more demanding and vocal where the other two men might have held back and kept quiet. And Blaze, who needs to be needed, who cares so much it might have overwhelmed one person, is now spread over two.
All in all, I’m still enjoying this series and the world building and very much looking forward to the next book.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
Read
November 22, 2022This second installment in Angel Martinez’ Variant series lives up to the title of the first book because at first nothing is simple between Damien, Blaze and Shudder. The trio are apart and unhappy alone until Shudder’s false arrest—he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit—puts relationship issues and variant rights into sharp perspective. We see just how far these men are willing to go and what rules they are willing to break for each other and what they believe is right. It’s hard to know who to trust, and a fair seeming ideology can mask a ruthless indifference to individual suffering. How much harm to others is acceptable in the service of a good cause? Even allies are suspect. The sudden appearance of Damien’s father who appears to be willing and able to help in a time of need results in doubts and revelations concerning the man’s motives. The trio realizes that things are simple and pure only when they are together. In a complex world a ruthless man with a noble goal is more dangerous than anyone could have imagined. Shudder’s refugee variant children give us a deeper look at the rich complexity of the world and make the book a thrilling read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2022
Blaze is back working with Damien, and they have a lead on the three kids still missing from the Fredamine Project (in Rarely Pure and Never Simple). but their relationship seems to have "several steps back. Blaze no longer has any idea where he stands." Shudder is "back to his old haunts and old tricks," and winds up framed for murder and in jail after the passage of the Horace Act "that strips due process" from Variants on trial. He 's been framed.
How to get him out? Can Damien and Blaze pull it off? And Cyril, Damien's father who has been MIA for years? What he is up to? Strange things are happening in the Guild. An explosion in the prison inadvertently frees Shudder and with Damien exercising his locator talent, they find and take care of him. At least Damien and Blaze and Shudder finally recognize they love each other. But Dr. Parma, their ally and Damien's surrogate mother, is on the run.
But the other mysteries, " the layers of deceit and half-truths," are not resolved. The bad guys are still out there, but they seem to be on both sides. They are still in danger.
Now I have to wait for the third book!
Recommended.
How to get him out? Can Damien and Blaze pull it off? And Cyril, Damien's father who has been MIA for years? What he is up to? Strange things are happening in the Guild. An explosion in the prison inadvertently frees Shudder and with Damien exercising his locator talent, they find and take care of him. At least Damien and Blaze and Shudder finally recognize they love each other. But Dr. Parma, their ally and Damien's surrogate mother, is on the run.
But the other mysteries, " the layers of deceit and half-truths," are not resolved. The bad guys are still out there, but they seem to be on both sides. They are still in danger.
Now I have to wait for the third book!
Recommended.
January 29, 2023
Love this series
Read this delightful set in order so go find #1 if you haven’t read it yet. If you have read 1, be assured 2 is also very strong — the POV widens, so the first 2 MCs get a little less airplay because the adventures of a 3rd MC takes center stage but it works. Inventive secondary characters, lots of adventure, good drama without darkness. Now spoiler, so don’t keep going here until you’ve started book 2
*
*
*
*
*
*
I am not a big fan of triad romance stories generally because, honestly, the sheer, uh, mechanics of, er, certain plot developments just start to weigh down the rest of the plot flow. And while the 1st book only the first installment in this series had just the perfect blend of adventure, danger and love, this one felt a bit more rushed — but perhaps that was only by comparison. Despite that, I still enjoyed this read tremendously. I would love more from this series — partly because the 3 MCs are so delightfully drawn. I’d be curious to see if this author could enhance this whole conspiracy-futuristic trope into something really fresh; she certainly seems inventive enough to do so!
Read this delightful set in order so go find #1 if you haven’t read it yet. If you have read 1, be assured 2 is also very strong — the POV widens, so the first 2 MCs get a little less airplay because the adventures of a 3rd MC takes center stage but it works. Inventive secondary characters, lots of adventure, good drama without darkness. Now spoiler, so don’t keep going here until you’ve started book 2
*
*
*
*
*
*
I am not a big fan of triad romance stories generally because, honestly, the sheer, uh, mechanics of, er, certain plot developments just start to weigh down the rest of the plot flow. And while the 1st book only the first installment in this series had just the perfect blend of adventure, danger and love, this one felt a bit more rushed — but perhaps that was only by comparison. Despite that, I still enjoyed this read tremendously. I would love more from this series — partly because the 3 MCs are so delightfully drawn. I’d be curious to see if this author could enhance this whole conspiracy-futuristic trope into something really fresh; she certainly seems inventive enough to do so!
October 29, 2023
Oh ffs what is with authors or whoever is in charge of their goodreads account and their inability to tag properly?
I seriously do not actively sought out m/m/m (polygamy) genre. I have no problem with anyone who likes it. But if its tagged i would not have invested my time on this.
Is bad enought the relationship aspect is disappointing, Blaze Literally deserve better. This book did him dirty. I almost did not notice he was even present most of the time.
The first book barely delve into damien and blaze together and suddenly blaze practically became a ghost here, because author had to shoehorn shudder. Literally in the middle on the book they already settle their feeling and exchange 'i love you's'
Like wtf.
Seriously this reminded me when i got bamboozled by Alter Arlo by night nordika.
M/m/m is m/m/m, thats how numbers work people. It doesnt matter if mc has multiple personality disorder, if your relationship consists of more than 2 people its a fucking polygamy. The same can be said for this book.
It might supposed to be a plot twist or a surprised, but fuck that bs, not everyone like polygamy irl or fantasy.
Fucking TAG your shit right.
I seriously do not actively sought out m/m/m (polygamy) genre. I have no problem with anyone who likes it. But if its tagged i would not have invested my time on this.
Is bad enought the relationship aspect is disappointing, Blaze Literally deserve better. This book did him dirty. I almost did not notice he was even present most of the time.
The first book barely delve into damien and blaze together and suddenly blaze practically became a ghost here, because author had to shoehorn shudder. Literally in the middle on the book they already settle their feeling and exchange 'i love you's'
Like wtf.
Seriously this reminded me when i got bamboozled by Alter Arlo by night nordika.
M/m/m is m/m/m, thats how numbers work people. It doesnt matter if mc has multiple personality disorder, if your relationship consists of more than 2 people its a fucking polygamy. The same can be said for this book.
It might supposed to be a plot twist or a surprised, but fuck that bs, not everyone like polygamy irl or fantasy.
Fucking TAG your shit right.
November 27, 2022
There was a lot of dragging in From The Noblest Motives, and since, contrary to the first book, it was not about discovering the characters and the building of their relationship, I found the whole of it quite boring. Blaze in particular was disappointing. After being a flamboyant character in the first book (pun intended), he was so passive and bland he could have been any secondary character easily dismissed. Apart from using his powers only once (and it felt artificially staged, like there needed to be a scene with him using his powers, otherwise he was completely useless to the story), he merely growled (I counted 21 growls from him). The focus on Shudder was nice but not enough to save the book. I won't read the next one.
December 12, 2022
An emotional rollercoaster once again with superb writing! I love Shudder so, so much, he's such a respectful man who now has to live with trauma. Just as much as I love the natural development of their relationship into a triad. The way the characters are growing with every page is amazing.
It's a little sad that Cyril ended up being a grade A ass, but that's all for Damien. Otherwise, I'd too assist with breaking his arms for manipulating people.
There's just something about the book ending where it did, almost like things are coming full circle. Highly anticipating the next book in the series, and hoping for a good ending for everyone our MCs care about!
It's a little sad that Cyril ended up being a grade A ass, but that's all for Damien. Otherwise, I'd too assist with breaking his arms for manipulating people.
There's just something about the book ending where it did, almost like things are coming full circle. Highly anticipating the next book in the series, and hoping for a good ending for everyone our MCs care about!
December 15, 2022
This is book 2 in the Variant Configurations series and I eagerly looked forward to it's publication after finishing the first (despite my review of the ARC being a tad late - sorry my friend!)
THE PLOT THICKENS!!! From the Noblest Motives was just the right mix of spicy sex and spine-tingling adventure. The emotions of each character are palpable, as if you're right there experiencing it with them.
Some of the issues from the first books become clearer, while new and interesting twists make themselves known. It does have a slight cliffhanger end, in that it leaves things wide open for the next book. I have a feeling things are going to get really hairy in that one!
THE PLOT THICKENS!!! From the Noblest Motives was just the right mix of spicy sex and spine-tingling adventure. The emotions of each character are palpable, as if you're right there experiencing it with them.
Some of the issues from the first books become clearer, while new and interesting twists make themselves known. It does have a slight cliffhanger end, in that it leaves things wide open for the next book. I have a feeling things are going to get really hairy in that one!
December 21, 2022
I loved this so much, it's a shame one little flaw snuck in that half a sentence would've fixed. Of course it was about a sex scene, and near the end, sigh. Editing is hard, kids.
Anyway, regardless, this is a magnificent second book of a series, with huge setbacks and strides forward, and I will absolutely be reading the next one.
Anyway, regardless, this is a magnificent second book of a series, with huge setbacks and strides forward, and I will absolutely be reading the next one.
January 19, 2023
SciFi action adventure
The plot or should I say, plots thicken in this second book of the series. There is ton of things going on in this one, but it never gets overwhelming. Much more development of the love story which pick up steam. Really enjoyed everything about this book and this series so far.
The plot or should I say, plots thicken in this second book of the series. There is ton of things going on in this one, but it never gets overwhelming. Much more development of the love story which pick up steam. Really enjoyed everything about this book and this series so far.
April 25, 2025
Eh, honestly, I'm disappointed. I liked the first one so much better. This one was kind of boring, and the plot really dragged. Plus, the L-word bomb was shockingly dropped in the first third of the book—which is crazy, because it basically killed all the romantic tension. And we didn’t get nearly enough of Blaze! I get that the author probably needed space to introduce Shudder, but come on—Blaze was almost nonexistent here.
December 29, 2022
Angel Martinez's work is quirky and fun while, often, being a ton of found family goodness. I liked the characters, I liked the plot and the world building, but, for me, triads don't work. So it's definitely me, not the book.
May 29, 2023
love this series
Love this series. All of the characters are so well developed that they feel real. Even the smallest of side characters have a bit of backstory or personality displayed. Love the over arching plot and can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.
Love this series. All of the characters are so well developed that they feel real. Even the smallest of side characters have a bit of backstory or personality displayed. Love the over arching plot and can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.
July 6, 2023
I could feel my interest flagging by midway yet there's no discernible change in the writing quality or action pacing from the first book. Could it be the ; not sure if I would get the third book now. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
August 14, 2023
Visit my web site for a full review of “From the Noblest Motives.”
August 15, 2023
Whew! Lots of moving parts here, but it's addressed pretty well on page. I hope the third book comes out soon! I'm really enjoying this world.
November 22, 2022
This is a richly detailed, slightly dystopian world (at least for variants). There was a lot of action, tension, and relationship growth. I didn’t anticipate the way the relationships went but was happy for the outcome! I love Damien, Blaze and Shudder! While it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, the story is not done yet. I am eagerly waiting for the next book to see how it all works out and hope for the guys HEA!!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews