K
K.P.
January 3, 2021
Slow burn, thrilling story
I've never read any Nora Phoenix before, but was looking for a sci-fi story where men fell in love and this fits the bill!
The main characters are wonderful and Nora handles the intense subject of PTSD and (later in the series) survivors guilt beautifully and compassionately.
Austin is the strong protective and loving presence, trying to balance his desire to take care of his men with their need to not be coddled or overridden. He's a marshmallow and perhaps the most tender hearted.
Tan is a deeply wounded, but not annoyingly fragile man who has suffered horrible abuse in what amounts to a homosexual prison system - with all the nightmares included. Yet at the same time he is beautifully affectionate with Austin and Mack.
Mack has grown up in the world of Doomsday peppers, government conspiracy theorists, and extreme survivalists. Yet throughout the series he remains a beautiful balance of shyly sweet and vulnerable; while still strong and skilled enough to take care of his triad in the face of aliens, hostile humans, dwindling resources, and growing danger.
The sex isn't a big portion of the story, it probably doesn't happen until about 3/4 of the way through the first book. And while you obviously get more later on, it isn't a large percentage. The storyline, main characters and secondary characters receive the majority of the attention, along with their development and growth. No one comes away untouched.
All in all, well written and while dark on occasion, itβ¦