Scorpion (Memory of Scorpions, #1) in Riptide Publishing

Oct 09, 2011 Christina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: military, fantasy, m-m

4.5 stars. This was such a great read! Aleksandr Voinov created a highly developed world with strong, multi-faceted characters. The world was fascinating. It was like I stepped right into the lands of Dalman and Fetin with the Scorpions lined up and ready for battle.

The story begins with Kendras, alone and badly hurt after fighting in a war with his fellow brothers - The Scorpions. The Scorpions are a unit of elite warriors that fight side by side as brothers and who follow the motto "Never Stop 4.5 stars. This was such a great read! Aleksandr Voinov created a highly developed world with strong, multi-faceted characters. The world was fascinating. It was like I stepped right into the lands of Dalman and Fetin with the Scorpions lined up and ready for battle.

The story begins with Kendras, alone and badly hurt after fighting in a war with his fellow brothers - The Scorpions. The Scorpions are a unit of elite warriors that fight side by side as brothers and who follow the motto "Never Stop Fighting". Kendras is picked up and offered help by a gray-eyed mercenary named Steel. Steel helps Kendras but of course Steel's assistance isn't for free. Although Kendras agrees to Steels terms, his first priority is to find his surviving brothers or any who may have fallen. Nothing else matters to Kendras. Most importantly he needs to find the leader of the Scorpions, "The Officer". Kendras finds himself entangled in a web of political and religious struggles all the while dealing with his own internal turmoil; his resolve to never stop fighting versus his self-doubt. I love Kendras. He's strong and loyal, yet he shows touches of vulnerability. Great combo!

All the characters were so well developed, I loved them all. The only issue I had was with Steel. I was constantly waiting for more from him. Even though he's ruthless, I still felt like there was a place in his heart for Kendras but I just wish I saw it or I felt it a bit more. (view spoiler)

I really hope to see more of Widow, Selvan, and Kiran. They're great characters. We don't know much about Kiran but he's very interesting. And Widow, well he's in a class by himself. Need more of him! I also liked the little touches of humor throughout.

What really came through for me most was "The Officer" and what Kendras felt for him. I loved the flash backs and listening to the officer's words through Kendras. I felt like I knew him even without having met him.

This was such a wonderful fantasy story of loyalty, honor, survival, and love.
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19 likes · Like · see review

Sep 30, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, intense, favorites, m-m

4.5 stars. This is classic Voinov, dark and intense with strong men who very rarely allow themselves to be vulnerable. Kendras is injured and separated from the rest of his mercenary troupe, the Scorpions. He doesn't know the fate of the others,of the men with whom he is closer than brothers, or of their officer, whom he would have followed into hell. In his determination to find the survivors and bring back what he can of the Scorpions, he is willing to do whatever it takes to survive and succe ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2011 JustJen "Miss Conduct" rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mm

I really enjoyed this story. It was very different from anything I have read, and by far, not the lighter reading I have been used to. There is plenty of action, fighting and sex, some torture and intrigue and a little mystery. I found that whenever I felt a little confused about things, they were quickly cleared up and the story moved on. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how everything played out. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Shirley Frances rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mm-series, paranormal-fantasy, mm-read, read-2-review, 2013, glbt, historical-period-eras

I'm not usually a reader of Fantasy, especially in the M/M genre, but come on, this is Aleksandr Voinov. If someone can bring about my change of heart it was him.

I won't even attempt to summarize the story for you because I will fail miserably at it. There were too many details, so many great scenes and awesome characters for me to do it justice.

In typical Voinov fashion, the character development was exceptional. Complex, flawed characters that drew you into the story, not only because they wer ...more

2 likes · Like · see review