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The Mercenary
There are more elusive things than water in this wasteland.
Now that a monstrous London machine has stolen the clouds from the sky, Asher Connor survives by selling his mercenary skills to transport water across York’s wasted moorland. Until his unit is attacked by a pack of Tamer-controlled wolves, and his ingenious mechanical arm fails.
He awakens, surprised to find he’s still alive—and dependent on a charming, attractive, utterly infuriating desert-dweller. The copper-eyed, untamed Gabriel is Asher’s only hope. At least until he reaches a technician who can repair his arm. Reluctant trust turns to desire in the wake of another Tamer attack, and the adrenaline rush locks them in a bond of wildfire lust.
Yet despite Gabriel’s deceptively relaxed attitude, he is dangerously focused. When they get to London, Asher manages to work out only part of the reason. His lover is connected to some kind of underground movement that’s got something big in the works. So big, even quick-with-a-comeback Gabriel is maddeningly tight-lipped.
When betrayal brings the plan crashing down, Asher is plunged into a battle that wasn’t his to fight—and if he doesn’t execute the final stage, Gabriel’s blood could be on his hands.
Warning: This title contains hot mansex, mild but manly swearing, jealousy possibly leading to yet more hot mansex, ancestral rituals, frightening flying machines, clockwork owls, inopportune admirers and the complicity of odd scientists.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2011
About the author
Cornelia Grey
65 books105 followersCornelia Grey is a creative writing student fresh out of university, with a penchant for fine arts and the blues. Born and raised in the hills of Northern Italy, where she collected her share of poetry and narrative prizes, she is now based in London, and she is thoroughly enjoying the cultural melting pot that is the City.
Her interests vary from painting to photography, from sewing to acting; when writing, she favors curious, surreal poems and short stories involving handsome young men seducing each other.
After graduating with top grades, she is now busy with internships - literary agencies, publishing houses, and creative departments handling book series, among others. She also works as a freelance translator.
You can contact Cornelia at corneliagrey@yahoo.com.
Her interests vary from painting to photography, from sewing to acting; when writing, she favors curious, surreal poems and short stories involving handsome young men seducing each other.
After graduating with top grades, she is now busy with internships - literary agencies, publishing houses, and creative departments handling book series, among others. She also works as a freelance translator.
You can contact Cornelia at corneliagrey@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 3, 2011
This has to be one of the hardest books to categorize. For one, I have no idea whether it's sci-fi, steampunk or post apocalyptic because it feels like all three combined. It's hard to describe because I'd think it was steampunk and then it'd be described how there's ogres and other creatures which makes me think sci-fi but then there's references to how the world changed and OMG it just confused me even more than I already was. There should be a rule about how a book can't be all three at once because they clash horribly when the world isn't explained. Lol
In all honesty, this could have been an exceptional book. The world was there, it had so much potential to be developed. If it had just been steampunk, it wouldn't have needed to be explained but when you add in post apocalyptic and sci-fi genres, the world NEEDED to be explained. Since it wasn't, it left me so confused I felt like I was swimming in a lake of cut off descriptions and when pieced together made just about no sense. The blurb makes the world sound so interesting and mysterious but in the book it's just frustrating because it is less interesting and way more mysterious and in some cases, the blurb is more informative than the book is. None of my questions were answered (and I had A LOT of them). Something would happen in the book and I'd ask 'why?' but there was never any explanation given.
To be completely honest, this felt like a book that is maybe the fourth or fifth in a series. You know, when you are so deep in a series it's automatically assumed you know what is going on and what the world is about? That's exactly how this is because there were vague descriptions of the world, what has happened and what certain things are for. It's the kind of description that just brushes you up on information you might have forgotten instead of informing you on information you have not yet received, if that makes any sense at all.
Others might feel differently than I do but I started this book off thoroughly confused. I was jumped from one scene to another without any indication I was in a new scene or explained what exactly was happening. So it was difficult to follow along with the story especially since, as I've said, the world is not explained. There is barely any world-building at all which takes away the enjoyment of the story, in my eyes. I honestly think my confusion wouldn't be so prominent if Samhain Publishing actually used something to state when a scene breaks instead of just using spaces. The reason I say this is because I bought this from Fictionwise and I don't know what they do but when a scene breaks and there's nothing to indicate it did besides spaces, FW compresses the file or something so it seems the scene just runs on. It's very confusing. Here's an example of the many, many, many scenes that ran on because there was no indication the scene ended: Aside from the the scarce world-building and the inability to determine a new scene, there was too many 'pretty' words. The only thing these 'flowery' words, as some have called it, ended up doing was confusing me even more since half the time they were used incorrectly. It left me flabbergasted and I had to reread sentences a few times wondering how a certain description was possible when the words describing it seem to contradict each other.
With that said, I did enjoy the story a little bit. I was confused beyond any person should be confused and I have more questions left over than you'd find on a final exam but I did enjoy the book. I liked Asher and Gabriel even if they pissed me off a time or two. I don't understand them or their feelings but I loved Gabriel's joyous, easy smile and humorous attitude while enjoying Asher's more severe, slightly possessive and jealous manners. Smexing description ---->
Overall, I honestly can't rec a book that made my head spin with confusion. I'm sorry :-/
In all honesty, this could have been an exceptional book. The world was there, it had so much potential to be developed. If it had just been steampunk, it wouldn't have needed to be explained but when you add in post apocalyptic and sci-fi genres, the world NEEDED to be explained. Since it wasn't, it left me so confused I felt like I was swimming in a lake of cut off descriptions and when pieced together made just about no sense. The blurb makes the world sound so interesting and mysterious but in the book it's just frustrating because it is less interesting and way more mysterious and in some cases, the blurb is more informative than the book is. None of my questions were answered (and I had A LOT of them). Something would happen in the book and I'd ask 'why?' but there was never any explanation given.
To be completely honest, this felt like a book that is maybe the fourth or fifth in a series. You know, when you are so deep in a series it's automatically assumed you know what is going on and what the world is about? That's exactly how this is because there were vague descriptions of the world, what has happened and what certain things are for. It's the kind of description that just brushes you up on information you might have forgotten instead of informing you on information you have not yet received, if that makes any sense at all.
Others might feel differently than I do but I started this book off thoroughly confused. I was jumped from one scene to another without any indication I was in a new scene or explained what exactly was happening. So it was difficult to follow along with the story especially since, as I've said, the world is not explained. There is barely any world-building at all which takes away the enjoyment of the story, in my eyes. I honestly think my confusion wouldn't be so prominent if Samhain Publishing actually used something to state when a scene breaks instead of just using spaces. The reason I say this is because I bought this from Fictionwise and I don't know what they do but when a scene breaks and there's nothing to indicate it did besides spaces, FW compresses the file or something so it seems the scene just runs on. It's very confusing. Here's an example of the many, many, many scenes that ran on because there was no indication the scene ended: Aside from the the scarce world-building and the inability to determine a new scene, there was too many 'pretty' words. The only thing these 'flowery' words, as some have called it, ended up doing was confusing me even more since half the time they were used incorrectly. It left me flabbergasted and I had to reread sentences a few times wondering how a certain description was possible when the words describing it seem to contradict each other.
With that said, I did enjoy the story a little bit. I was confused beyond any person should be confused and I have more questions left over than you'd find on a final exam but I did enjoy the book. I liked Asher and Gabriel even if they pissed me off a time or two. I don't understand them or their feelings but I loved Gabriel's joyous, easy smile and humorous attitude while enjoying Asher's more severe, slightly possessive and jealous manners. Smexing description ---->
Overall, I honestly can't rec a book that made my head spin with confusion. I'm sorry :-/
August 4, 2011
The world is dying from thirst, except for the Southern Capital, London, where a giant apparatus sucks the clouds from the sky, hoarding water for the Water Vendor's Guild.
Asher is a mercenary, hired to defend a water tank on its way through the dried - out lands. But his party was wiped out by brigands,leaving Asher the sole survivor, albeit with meager chances to remain that way. Until a passing stranger, Gabriel, takes him on.
Joining forces in a fight against more enemies brings Asher and Gabriel closer together in mutual lust and passion. Gabriel takes Asher home to his native town of Windermere for much needed rest and repair of Asher's artificial arm which has suffered badly in his earlier fights. When Gabriel sets out on a mysterious mission to London, Asher is by his side; and even though Gabriel doesn't share his plans with Asher, the mercenary is determined to do everything in his power to help Gabriel. For he has found a new assignment, one which is more than duty: it's his destiny.
I truely enjoyed this dark steampunk dystopia. Asher is gruff and taciturn, turned so by the life he leads and by the fact that doing has always been easier on him than speaking. Gabriel is a spitfire, secretive, seductive and passionate. Those two are very much fantasy role play archetypes: the warrior and the thief, achieving an impossible task together and escaping scarred and wounded, yet all the stronger for it.
What impressed me most was the writing in itself, wonderful, poetic prose that painted vivid images with words.
A gripping adventure story and an enticing fantasy I can warmly recommend.
And well, there was a sweet, tiny mechanical owl called Athena who is now lodged firmly in my heart. I want one!
Asher is a mercenary, hired to defend a water tank on its way through the dried - out lands. But his party was wiped out by brigands,leaving Asher the sole survivor, albeit with meager chances to remain that way. Until a passing stranger, Gabriel, takes him on.
Joining forces in a fight against more enemies brings Asher and Gabriel closer together in mutual lust and passion. Gabriel takes Asher home to his native town of Windermere for much needed rest and repair of Asher's artificial arm which has suffered badly in his earlier fights. When Gabriel sets out on a mysterious mission to London, Asher is by his side; and even though Gabriel doesn't share his plans with Asher, the mercenary is determined to do everything in his power to help Gabriel. For he has found a new assignment, one which is more than duty: it's his destiny.
I truely enjoyed this dark steampunk dystopia. Asher is gruff and taciturn, turned so by the life he leads and by the fact that doing has always been easier on him than speaking. Gabriel is a spitfire, secretive, seductive and passionate. Those two are very much fantasy role play archetypes: the warrior and the thief, achieving an impossible task together and escaping scarred and wounded, yet all the stronger for it.
What impressed me most was the writing in itself, wonderful, poetic prose that painted vivid images with words.
A gripping adventure story and an enticing fantasy I can warmly recommend.
And well, there was a sweet, tiny mechanical owl called Athena who is now lodged firmly in my heart. I want one!
October 21, 2011
3. 5 stars
The story reads like a very good first draft, but draft nonetheless. All the elements of the good story are there, but they lack depth, probably due to its length. The world - post-apocalyptic, filled with amazing machinery, dark inventions and fantastical beings - lacks background and the readers are forced to fill the gaps themselves. What happened to the world? Why was Apparatus made? Who are the Tamers? What role the ogres and other beings have? These are just some of the unanswered questions the novella rises. Also, while Gabriel's motives were clear, the whole secrecy that surrounds his goal was handled in the way that was frustrating - it created a vacuum in the middle of the story as well as distance between the reader and the characters, not to mention between Asher and Gabriel. It would have been better if they shared more page time and some additional world building would have been welcomed.
All this said, The Mercenary was an enjoyable tale. I liked gruff, rugged Asher and the way he changed around Gabriel. Gabriel's seductive, playful nature made a stark contrast to his difficult, almost certainly impossible mission. Also, the sex scenes were very hot, the writing was beautiful, I liked the characters of both inventors and, naturally, Athena (yes, I want one too!). Overall, while I liked Apples and Regret and Wasted Time better, I can also recommend The Mercenary to the fans of urban fantasy, steampunk and dystopian stories. I'm looking forward to The Ronin and the Fox.
The story reads like a very good first draft, but draft nonetheless. All the elements of the good story are there, but they lack depth, probably due to its length. The world - post-apocalyptic, filled with amazing machinery, dark inventions and fantastical beings - lacks background and the readers are forced to fill the gaps themselves. What happened to the world? Why was Apparatus made? Who are the Tamers? What role the ogres and other beings have? These are just some of the unanswered questions the novella rises. Also, while Gabriel's motives were clear, the whole secrecy that surrounds his goal was handled in the way that was frustrating - it created a vacuum in the middle of the story as well as distance between the reader and the characters, not to mention between Asher and Gabriel. It would have been better if they shared more page time and some additional world building would have been welcomed.
All this said, The Mercenary was an enjoyable tale. I liked gruff, rugged Asher and the way he changed around Gabriel. Gabriel's seductive, playful nature made a stark contrast to his difficult, almost certainly impossible mission. Also, the sex scenes were very hot, the writing was beautiful, I liked the characters of both inventors and, naturally, Athena (yes, I want one too!). Overall, while I liked Apples and Regret and Wasted Time better, I can also recommend The Mercenary to the fans of urban fantasy, steampunk and dystopian stories. I'm looking forward to The Ronin and the Fox.
March 9, 2011
This is a wonderful read. Short at less than 67 pgs. the author managed a well written story. Saved only by chance when he comes under attack, Asher is invited to join Gabriel on his journey home with the incentive that Asher's damaged arm (think Will Smith in I, Robot) will be repaired.
Once there, Asher discovers that this little home town has some secrets-with Gabriel at the center of them. His interest is piqued and so he finds himself trying to discover just what is going on; especially when his feelings for Gabriel seem to be turning into something deeper than just simple lust.
Then his fears turn into reality and he must find a way to save Gabriel before it's too late.
I truly loved Gabriel; this is a young man who can take care of himself...and Asher exceedingly well. He is an adrenaline junkie, a capable fighter, and someone who does what he needs to in order to save his people. He has an explosive chemistry w/Asher; their sex scenes are scorching (insert nosebleed here), and their relationship-while not defined, felt that it had the beginnings of something more.
But as much as I loved the guys, my hero is Athena-she is so cute and very brave.
Definitely will look forward to more from this author.
Once there, Asher discovers that this little home town has some secrets-with Gabriel at the center of them. His interest is piqued and so he finds himself trying to discover just what is going on; especially when his feelings for Gabriel seem to be turning into something deeper than just simple lust.
Then his fears turn into reality and he must find a way to save Gabriel before it's too late.
I truly loved Gabriel; this is a young man who can take care of himself...and Asher exceedingly well. He is an adrenaline junkie, a capable fighter, and someone who does what he needs to in order to save his people. He has an explosive chemistry w/Asher; their sex scenes are scorching (insert nosebleed here), and their relationship-while not defined, felt that it had the beginnings of something more.
But as much as I loved the guys, my hero is Athena-she is so cute and very brave.
Definitely will look forward to more from this author.
May 8, 2011
The setting of this story is fantastic. Britain is a deserted land, where water is the most valuable commodity. In London an ominous machine is collecting all the clouds, leaving the rest of the land in drought. Asher is a mercenary with an artificial arm. When he awakes after being attacked, he meets Gabriel, who is like a beacon that Asher begins to follow.
Their first bond is formed in battle, in the sharing of the blood of their enemies, and the fighting leads to sex. Asher's is the only point of view in the story, so we only see the irresistible effect of Gabriel's charisma on him, but Gabriel is special and when Asher and Gabriel arrive in Gabriel's hometown Windermere, we can see that Gabriel is more than what he appears, rites and superstition surrender him, the man is precious to his people. Slowly he becomes precious to Asher too.
Although, as I said before, the story is told in Asher's point of view, we don't know much about him and his past. He remains the mercenary, the stranger, for the whole book. He keeps his emotions in check and he is even afraid of admitting his feeling for Gabriel to himself, so I really enjoyed when Gabriel teased him for his loss of control during their flight. What stays in my mind is this dark man with a mechanical arm, a cold, some times not well-functioning limb, that surrenders to Gabriel, to his generosity, energy and enthusiasm.
The writing is very poetical, it weaves the images and the words and the story together, painting the world where the characters live through sights and sounds and feelings. It's a short story but there's a lot in it to enjoy.
Their first bond is formed in battle, in the sharing of the blood of their enemies, and the fighting leads to sex. Asher's is the only point of view in the story, so we only see the irresistible effect of Gabriel's charisma on him, but Gabriel is special and when Asher and Gabriel arrive in Gabriel's hometown Windermere, we can see that Gabriel is more than what he appears, rites and superstition surrender him, the man is precious to his people. Slowly he becomes precious to Asher too.
Although, as I said before, the story is told in Asher's point of view, we don't know much about him and his past. He remains the mercenary, the stranger, for the whole book. He keeps his emotions in check and he is even afraid of admitting his feeling for Gabriel to himself, so I really enjoyed when Gabriel teased him for his loss of control during their flight. What stays in my mind is this dark man with a mechanical arm, a cold, some times not well-functioning limb, that surrenders to Gabriel, to his generosity, energy and enthusiasm.
The writing is very poetical, it weaves the images and the words and the story together, painting the world where the characters live through sights and sounds and feelings. It's a short story but there's a lot in it to enjoy.
January 20, 2012
I'm so disappointed. I was really looking forward to this because I love mercenaries/ morally ambiguous or even bad MC's. Unfortunately, the world wasn't fleshed out and the the story felt so rushed I was often very confused. The writing style itself really distracted me-purple prose times like a thousand. I like vivid descriptions and unique imagery, but I like best when the prose is almost invisible, so you forget you're reading a book and feel like you're watching and listening to the characters. Exact opposite. The writing style was so conspicuous it overshadowed everything else and snapped my attention out of the story regularly. I want to be able to enjoy the plot and character development, but the flowery, over the top writing drew my attention away from them.
Okay, I want to read a (good) book with a morally ambiguous or bad MC. Unrepentantly, unapologetically bad. One that doesn't turn good at the end. Anybody know of one?
Okay, I want to read a (good) book with a morally ambiguous or bad MC. Unrepentantly, unapologetically bad. One that doesn't turn good at the end. Anybody know of one?
June 5, 2011
What a wild ride! Cornelia Grey's The Mercenary combines so many different genres into one fast-paced page-turner. I would have loved to stay longer in this well conceived futuristic society, learning more about Asher and Gabriel and the world they live in. In particular, I want to know more about the Tamers.
The action sequences got my pulse to racing, and the scene of the two heroes in the back room at a bar positively sizzled. I loved Athena, the clockwork owl.
And that cover! Whoa! Gorgeous.
Craving a shorter read that incorporates action, shades of steampunk, and fantastic world-building? Pick up The Mercenary.
The action sequences got my pulse to racing, and the scene of the two heroes in the back room at a bar positively sizzled. I loved Athena, the clockwork owl.
And that cover! Whoa! Gorgeous.
Craving a shorter read that incorporates action, shades of steampunk, and fantastic world-building? Pick up The Mercenary.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
August 3, 2011I could not finish this book. I could not understand what was going on. I could not understand what many of the words meant.
The MC has a brass arm and it wasn't even mentioned if it was the left are the right arm. I stopped around 28%; somewhere in chapter 2.
Maybe I will revisit this at a later date...but probably not.
ETA Its like I was only getting a piece of a story. Like where is the rest of it? I really don't even want to know, now! I think this could have been a great story if there was actually world building!
The MC has a brass arm and it wasn't even mentioned if it was the left are the right arm. I stopped around 28%; somewhere in chapter 2.
Maybe I will revisit this at a later date...but probably not.
ETA Its like I was only getting a piece of a story. Like where is the rest of it? I really don't even want to know, now! I think this could have been a great story if there was actually world building!
April 12, 2011
Стимпанк такой стимпанк. Очаровательная, очень комиксная вещица.
December 1, 2014
Enjoyable steampunk read. Love the cover, too.
Read
March 11, 2011The Mercenary is a mix of many themes, post-apocalypse future, fantasy, the more trendy steampunk but above all romance: yes, because even if fighting and flying and another action staring for f and continuing with u and c and k, these men are also men in love and so there is also loving and kissing and yes, also being jealous.
What Asher is expecting from life right in that moment is basically nothing: stranded in the middle of nowhere and wounded, he is only waiting for a merciful death; instead he obtains Gabriel, that like the angel with the same name, becomes at the same time savior, guardian but also the main source of all his trouble. As soon as they are together, Asher is immediately involved in a fight, and he has the chance to witness that Gabriel is no angel at all; and another proof is when, still dirty of their enemies blood, Gabriel pretends to be f**ked by Asher, right there, right now, no questions or hesitation.
That Asher likes Gabriel is pretty clear, what Asher probably doesn’t like, but he cannot avoid, is to fall in love with the other man; at the same time teasing and encouraging him, I think that Gabriel obtains exactly what he wants. The jealous Asher is a touch of romance to this novella that I liked, as I liked also the little steampunk details scattered here and there, like the clockwork owl Athena, the artificial arm of Asher, the flying machine of Gabriel and so on. Together with the steampunk setting there is the post-apocalypse world, that more or less reminded me of a middle ages village, with the big manor, the local inn and so on.
What I probably liked the most is that, even if the starting point is quite violent and the two men start their relationship from the sex, the story and the relationship soon move towards the romance; true, they are still involved in dangerous situations, and they still need to fight, but even if the sex is still good, it’s somehow softened by the love that is clearly blossoming between the two.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KKZ0KQ/?...
What Asher is expecting from life right in that moment is basically nothing: stranded in the middle of nowhere and wounded, he is only waiting for a merciful death; instead he obtains Gabriel, that like the angel with the same name, becomes at the same time savior, guardian but also the main source of all his trouble. As soon as they are together, Asher is immediately involved in a fight, and he has the chance to witness that Gabriel is no angel at all; and another proof is when, still dirty of their enemies blood, Gabriel pretends to be f**ked by Asher, right there, right now, no questions or hesitation.
That Asher likes Gabriel is pretty clear, what Asher probably doesn’t like, but he cannot avoid, is to fall in love with the other man; at the same time teasing and encouraging him, I think that Gabriel obtains exactly what he wants. The jealous Asher is a touch of romance to this novella that I liked, as I liked also the little steampunk details scattered here and there, like the clockwork owl Athena, the artificial arm of Asher, the flying machine of Gabriel and so on. Together with the steampunk setting there is the post-apocalypse world, that more or less reminded me of a middle ages village, with the big manor, the local inn and so on.
What I probably liked the most is that, even if the starting point is quite violent and the two men start their relationship from the sex, the story and the relationship soon move towards the romance; true, they are still involved in dangerous situations, and they still need to fight, but even if the sex is still good, it’s somehow softened by the love that is clearly blossoming between the two.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KKZ0KQ/?...
July 7, 2011
As with other reviews, I agree the flowery flow of words often distracted from the story itself, though for the sex scenes I found it refreshingly different. Not once did tab A jab into tab B, it was more of an experience.
I liked Gabriel's energetic personality, and the way both men tried to remain mysterious while becoming friends. Their strange little spat of jealousy was both cute and frustrating, but kept at a decent length so that I never wanted to throw the book across the room as I so often do when lovers get jealous but pretend like nothing's wrong.
---
Finally (and no points off for this because it's not the author's fault) I must reiterate my loathing of Samhain's formatting choices. At 87% on the Kindle meter, I was looking at the About the Author page. Samhain puts way too many advertisements at the end of their ebooks. If I want an excerpt, I'll read it off GoodReads, or download a free Kindle sample. I don't need this many excerpts/advertisements at the end of a book. It makes the book look longer than it is, and by a lot. I know I don't need to read them, and I won't, but it is a huge pet peeve of mine. I think I have another hour of reading, and suddenly the story is over. Blech.
I liked Gabriel's energetic personality, and the way both men tried to remain mysterious while becoming friends. Their strange little spat of jealousy was both cute and frustrating, but kept at a decent length so that I never wanted to throw the book across the room as I so often do when lovers get jealous but pretend like nothing's wrong.
---
Finally (and no points off for this because it's not the author's fault) I must reiterate my loathing of Samhain's formatting choices. At 87% on the Kindle meter, I was looking at the About the Author page. Samhain puts way too many advertisements at the end of their ebooks. If I want an excerpt, I'll read it off GoodReads, or download a free Kindle sample. I don't need this many excerpts/advertisements at the end of a book. It makes the book look longer than it is, and by a lot. I know I don't need to read them, and I won't, but it is a huge pet peeve of mine. I think I have another hour of reading, and suddenly the story is over. Blech.
Read
January 16, 2013Loved the world and world building, the setting, Asher, and Gabriel. Both tech men were wonderfully geeky, and Athena, the little owl, was a lovely side-character :)
I was dragged into Asher and Gabriel's world from the beginning, and enjoyed every minute of it, despite the language seeming a bit too poetic at times, making me stand still instead of moving with it. Asher and Gabriel's meeting and subsequent evolving relationship was refreshing and interesting.
Still... Wouldn't mind another view into that world :D
I was dragged into Asher and Gabriel's world from the beginning, and enjoyed every minute of it, despite the language seeming a bit too poetic at times, making me stand still instead of moving with it. Asher and Gabriel's meeting and subsequent evolving relationship was refreshing and interesting.
Still... Wouldn't mind another view into that world :D
September 9, 2011
I'm enjoying this so far, though futuristic it has a distinctly steampunk feel.
A quick read that was much better than I was expecting - especially once I realised it was M/M.
There was a gripping story with characters who were both complex and mysterious. A dystopian future London that was unrecognizable and a steampunk milieu. The author was skilled enough to evoke this richly without an overabundance of detail. I loved the little owl, Athena.
A quick read that was much better than I was expecting - especially once I realised it was M/M.
There was a gripping story with characters who were both complex and mysterious. A dystopian future London that was unrecognizable and a steampunk milieu. The author was skilled enough to evoke this richly without an overabundance of detail. I loved the little owl, Athena.
December 19, 2011
Post-apocalyptic steampunk fantasy of violence and sex and un-credible world-building, starring Asher Connor, the merc with a brass mechanical arm, and Gabriel. Fails to maintain consistent character voices. A salute to all things brass: they forget how to make steel post-apocalypse, but they can make a brass wheelchair? Full of inconsistencies, and transparencies. Maybe I just don't appreciate the greatness of brass.
October 24, 2012
Beautifully written with wonderfully engaging characters. I loved the imaginative setting with the gorgeous steampunk gadgetry. The pacing was perfect, with enough action and enough slower parts to allow me to connect to the story. Enough of the world was revealed to set the story, but not too much to be frustrated at having it all end quickly with a feeling of loose ends. A pretty perfect short story, in my opinion.
May 8, 2011
3.5 Stars - A very short piece with an interesting premise and unique setting. I also liked the characters a lot.
Sadly, I couldn't give this book a higher rating because it was a bit difficult to get through due to a lot of the sentences being bogged down by far too many words. I hope this problem gets ironed out in other stories because I definitely would like to read more by Grey.
Sadly, I couldn't give this book a higher rating because it was a bit difficult to get through due to a lot of the sentences being bogged down by far too many words. I hope this problem gets ironed out in other stories because I definitely would like to read more by Grey.
September 5, 2011
This is a great novella (about 335 KB) that has mercenaries, violence, hot bedroom scenes and steam punk mechanics. The story was almost too short for me, but there was enough plot that drove both Asher and Gabriel forward.
There is much more to this world and I hope the author comes back, I need more details! And more backstory, I recommend this and the price tag of under $3 is a plus.
There is much more to this world and I hope the author comes back, I need more details! And more backstory, I recommend this and the price tag of under $3 is a plus.
January 1, 2020
Great story and world-building! I could see this made into a miniseries episode of Steampunk goodness. Had trouble with the slightly pedantic vocabulary which kept stopping my flow of reading but enjoyed the story nevertheless.
December 25, 2017
This was my first steampunk read. It was kind of strange until it all fell into place and then it wasn't strange anymore. Thank goodness for the mm sex!! (The only thing I truly didn't have to think about.) I'd say very descriptive about the Landscape and gadgets used but it still made me think of a Mad Scientist movie. Not bad just Different.
March 23, 2021
The beginning was interesting. But some time after Asher and Gabriel reach Gabriel's village/town, the story seems to turn into an outline of a story? It was like big chunks of details weren't there. I completely lost connection with the story, characters and plot. I read the words on the pages but that was it. Then the book was over.
February 12, 2017
Asher & Gabriel
Original steampunk setting. I really liked both MC but some building of feelings or some chemistry was lacking for me... enjoyed it nonetheless
Original steampunk setting. I really liked both MC but some building of feelings or some chemistry was lacking for me... enjoyed it nonetheless
December 11, 2014
**Grammar Warning**
I must say that i started the book and than i left it for a long time, after i reached the middle and there was the cheat.
I dont actually remember anymore how it started, i think Asher and Gabriel met in the desert and together killed some men that were following them, and after that they have sex.
That scene was nice.I was starting to like the book and the feeling btw the two main chars,but all changed.
We see Gabriel and Asher form a companionship and together arrive in the city. There Gabriel takes Asher to his old friend's house. There he will be able to stay all the time he needs before he continues his journey.
Well to make it short, bcs i alrerady lost too much time with this book, Gabriel and Asher go in a bar, and there Gabriel introduces Asher to his friends, the ppl with who he is planning an attack to the Apparatus( dont ask me what that is i was too furious to even remember if there was some kind of plot).
Anyway while they are there Asher notices how one of the guys, Owen, stares at Gabriel, but he is not jealous bcs Gabriel is with him, no?.Wrong.
In the next days, Asher notices that Gabriel leaves the house before they meet and comes back when is late, so he decides to go again to the bar, and there Owen will tell him, that he is with Gabriel now.Asher is crushed and cant understand why Gabriel decided to have sex with that odious man, and to help the situation(ironic), comes Gabriel and tells him that Owen is not lying. That scene was the worst. Pratically Asher has to watch how Owen touches Gabriel as if he is his possession now, and Gabriel being happy of that.
I cant blame Asher for doing the same. He is so sad and lost at the bar, that when the bartender offers him to pass a nice nigh with one of his friends, he gladly will follow the woman and have sex with her. So well cheat and again cheat and no explanation of why this happens, and u dont expect it at all. When Asher comes back home, Gabriel is there and he understands what Asher has done and is angry?, doesnt make any sense. Only hours before Owen was telling Asher the things he
would have done with Gabriel in bed, and the other wasnt denying, and now he is hurt by what Asher did?.
Bah.
Luckly the book is short.
Owen dies while trying to get some information about the Apparatus. Gabriel doesnt give up his plan, and actually doesnt give a **** that the guys is dead,and with his other friends decides to attack the Apparatus. They wanna use a bomb.His friends die he gets hurt. Asher comes to save him they run, the bomb explodes, the Apparatus is destroyed.
The book ends with them, not being lover, not explaining why they did what they have done, not understanding what their relationship will be in the future, and lying on the grass, while Gabriel that before was almost dead, now seems be in a so good shape that they can pass useless minutes camping there.
I would have avoided this book.
I must say that i started the book and than i left it for a long time, after i reached the middle and there was the cheat.
I dont actually remember anymore how it started, i think Asher and Gabriel met in the desert and together killed some men that were following them, and after that they have sex.
That scene was nice.I was starting to like the book and the feeling btw the two main chars,but all changed.
We see Gabriel and Asher form a companionship and together arrive in the city. There Gabriel takes Asher to his old friend's house. There he will be able to stay all the time he needs before he continues his journey.
Well to make it short, bcs i alrerady lost too much time with this book, Gabriel and Asher go in a bar, and there Gabriel introduces Asher to his friends, the ppl with who he is planning an attack to the Apparatus( dont ask me what that is i was too furious to even remember if there was some kind of plot).
Anyway while they are there Asher notices how one of the guys, Owen, stares at Gabriel, but he is not jealous bcs Gabriel is with him, no?.Wrong.
In the next days, Asher notices that Gabriel leaves the house before they meet and comes back when is late, so he decides to go again to the bar, and there Owen will tell him, that he is with Gabriel now.Asher is crushed and cant understand why Gabriel decided to have sex with that odious man, and to help the situation(ironic), comes Gabriel and tells him that Owen is not lying. That scene was the worst. Pratically Asher has to watch how Owen touches Gabriel as if he is his possession now, and Gabriel being happy of that.
I cant blame Asher for doing the same. He is so sad and lost at the bar, that when the bartender offers him to pass a nice nigh with one of his friends, he gladly will follow the woman and have sex with her. So well cheat and again cheat and no explanation of why this happens, and u dont expect it at all. When Asher comes back home, Gabriel is there and he understands what Asher has done and is angry?, doesnt make any sense. Only hours before Owen was telling Asher the things he
would have done with Gabriel in bed, and the other wasnt denying, and now he is hurt by what Asher did?.
Bah.
Luckly the book is short.
Owen dies while trying to get some information about the Apparatus. Gabriel doesnt give up his plan, and actually doesnt give a **** that the guys is dead,and with his other friends decides to attack the Apparatus. They wanna use a bomb.His friends die he gets hurt. Asher comes to save him they run, the bomb explodes, the Apparatus is destroyed.
The book ends with them, not being lover, not explaining why they did what they have done, not understanding what their relationship will be in the future, and lying on the grass, while Gabriel that before was almost dead, now seems be in a so good shape that they can pass useless minutes camping there.
I would have avoided this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2015
This book was too short for me!
I wasn’t expecting it to be a steampunk story but I loved it either way; it’s a combination of steampunk in a post-apocalyptic world. Now, remember to read the genres because it contains homosexual romance. If it’s not your thing, you might wanna skip it. It’s not a key element in the story but it is there either way, very present.
Apart from the two MC’s, we had 3 more characters that I found to be quite enjoyable. They were that kind of secondary character that you feel you like as much as the MC’S. As is so short it does not delve into all the characters but Gabriel and Asher are very well developed; they are both completely different men and yet equally interesting. Such a shame the author didn’t tell us more about Asher’s past, he remains the most mysterious element in the story, despite the fact the it's told from his point of view (although in 3rd person)
Concerning the world they live in-again despite the length of the story-the author described really well the environment surrounding our heroes so it was really easy to understand that the world is dying of thirst except from one main city and it needs to change, being that the goal of one of the MC.
Very enjoyable, recommend it if you want a quit reading with sexy male heroes, cute little owl’s, some hotmansex and lots of steampunk devices.
I wasn’t expecting it to be a steampunk story but I loved it either way; it’s a combination of steampunk in a post-apocalyptic world. Now, remember to read the genres because it contains homosexual romance. If it’s not your thing, you might wanna skip it. It’s not a key element in the story but it is there either way, very present.
Apart from the two MC’s, we had 3 more characters that I found to be quite enjoyable. They were that kind of secondary character that you feel you like as much as the MC’S. As is so short it does not delve into all the characters but Gabriel and Asher are very well developed; they are both completely different men and yet equally interesting. Such a shame the author didn’t tell us more about Asher’s past, he remains the most mysterious element in the story, despite the fact the it's told from his point of view (although in 3rd person)
Concerning the world they live in-again despite the length of the story-the author described really well the environment surrounding our heroes so it was really easy to understand that the world is dying of thirst except from one main city and it needs to change, being that the goal of one of the MC.
Very enjoyable, recommend it if you want a quit reading with sexy male heroes, cute little owl’s, some hotmansex and lots of steampunk devices.
August 4, 2012
Fans of steampunk will probably enjoy THE MERCENARY so long as they don't expect a strong romance.
This is a great world. The first part of the novella focuses on the rough life in the British countryside which has been turned into a desert where water is scarce and people kill for it. This brutal frontier town setting was a great introduction to the rugged and stoic Asher. The second half of the novella is set in London with the spider apparatus looming over the city. I love the steampunk elements with the crazy scientist and creepy but fun inventions. This is by far the best part of this novella.
But I think the romance totally flopped. Asher and Gabriel barely talk to each other and when they do it ends in anger or sex. Plus, I don't want to spoil the story but neither are faithful to each other--a huge mistake in my romance reading mind! I never understood why these two would be attracted to each other and I don't even know if they end up a couple since the ending was so abrupt.
This is a great world. The first part of the novella focuses on the rough life in the British countryside which has been turned into a desert where water is scarce and people kill for it. This brutal frontier town setting was a great introduction to the rugged and stoic Asher. The second half of the novella is set in London with the spider apparatus looming over the city. I love the steampunk elements with the crazy scientist and creepy but fun inventions. This is by far the best part of this novella.
But I think the romance totally flopped. Asher and Gabriel barely talk to each other and when they do it ends in anger or sex. Plus, I don't want to spoil the story but neither are faithful to each other--a huge mistake in my romance reading mind! I never understood why these two would be attracted to each other and I don't even know if they end up a couple since the ending was so abrupt.
April 10, 2013
3.5 stars. There's a cool story here, and it evokes a world really well in a short space. The richly detailed language works most of the time, but a more attentive editor would have flagged a few moments of awkward phrasing or not-quite-right word choice that I suspect are the result of the author writing in her second language. I also wasn't entirely sold on the relationship -- Asher appears to find Gabriel childish and annoying except when they're having sex. The sex is hot, but personally I don't find "you make me alternately irritated and horny" enough of a foundation for a jealous-of-your-other-interests, risk-our-lives-for-each-other relationship.
...Also it's still not the author's fault, but I'm still annoyed that Samhain puts so much buy-this-other-story stuff at the end of their books that the story itself ends at 87% of the file. Twice now I've gotten hit with surprise!ending when I thought I had more denouement coming to me.
...Also it's still not the author's fault, but I'm still annoyed that Samhain puts so much buy-this-other-story stuff at the end of their books that the story itself ends at 87% of the file. Twice now I've gotten hit with surprise!ending when I thought I had more denouement coming to me.
June 25, 2016
3.4 Stars
As much as I ADORED Wild Wild West - the original and Will Smith versions (even if he thinks it's his worst movie ever) - I'm seriously thinking that Steampunk is just not my genre. I'm too scifi-oriented (emphasis on the SCIENCE part) for the brass-based, wibbly-wobbly, fantastical, improbable machinery. (I know, I know: Warp engines and transporters, you say? Yes...because SCIENCE.)
Plus, eh. Characterization. I liked Asher - mysterious mercenary who discovers a bit of softness in his heart for someone(s) else. Not so much with Gabriel. He came off as a bratty one-track minded "hero" that I didn't connect with at all.
I must say the whole Water-as-Priceless-Commodity angle was intriguing, and if not controlled in precisely this manner, the way it was doled out, stolen, bartered, bought etc. is mighty prescient. Dig your own well now...
As much as I ADORED Wild Wild West - the original and Will Smith versions (even if he thinks it's his worst movie ever) - I'm seriously thinking that Steampunk is just not my genre. I'm too scifi-oriented (emphasis on the SCIENCE part) for the brass-based, wibbly-wobbly, fantastical, improbable machinery. (I know, I know: Warp engines and transporters, you say? Yes...because SCIENCE.)
Plus, eh. Characterization. I liked Asher - mysterious mercenary who discovers a bit of softness in his heart for someone(s) else. Not so much with Gabriel. He came off as a bratty one-track minded "hero" that I didn't connect with at all.
I must say the whole Water-as-Priceless-Commodity angle was intriguing, and if not controlled in precisely this manner, the way it was doled out, stolen, bartered, bought etc. is mighty prescient. Dig your own well now...
March 14, 2011
Great premise, great worldbuilding, but the story was let down by the purple prose. From the author's bio I note that English is not her native language, which may account for the sometimes awkward phrasing, and her background as a poet perhaps leads to the occasionally beautiful but more often than not very dense and unnaturally convoluted descriptions. Some of the words are used incorrectly within the sentences (the fault here must lie with the editor). As a result of the over-writing, I lost interest in the story about halfway through. I would definitely try another book from this author in future but I hope next time there'll be less purple to wade through!
January 18, 2013
This little nugget is a nice outline for a successful future novel. The cover art is stunning. The characters are interesting, primarily Gabriel and Asher. The setting, a dystopic future England with little water, is fascinating. The steampunk elements of the Apparatus and the little clockwork owl are a great start.
If this was intended as a complete story, I would be flummoxed. There is good stuff here, but it needs to be expanded and fleshed out. I love the characters and the setting, but want a big, fat novel and a series, if Gabriel and Asher remain as hot as they were in this short story.
If this was intended as a complete story, I would be flummoxed. There is good stuff here, but it needs to be expanded and fleshed out. I love the characters and the setting, but want a big, fat novel and a series, if Gabriel and Asher remain as hot as they were in this short story.
November 12, 2013
This is a difficult book to get into. A very difficult book to get into. I'm not even entirely sure why (although I know why I'm not sure why; it's because it's hard to get into and thus, analyze).
This seems like it'd be a great epic, but it's kind of meh. The pacing doesn't seem quite right, except then you look again and realize many many pages passed in a blur as your eyes glazed over because the beginning, for whatever reason, was so inscrutable.
It also seems to end rather abruptly. There really isn't a wind-down after the main action.
I don't quite feel the romance between the two characters, and that throws the entire thing off, as it is rather critical in this story's appeal.
This seems like it'd be a great epic, but it's kind of meh. The pacing doesn't seem quite right, except then you look again and realize many many pages passed in a blur as your eyes glazed over because the beginning, for whatever reason, was so inscrutable.
It also seems to end rather abruptly. There really isn't a wind-down after the main action.
I don't quite feel the romance between the two characters, and that throws the entire thing off, as it is rather critical in this story's appeal.
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