And Then... by Brenda Bryce

[reviews_and_ramblings]

In a futuristic world humans seem to be degraded to a primitive time. They no more fight for live, but use slaves as gladiators in arenas. A gladiator has no hope for freedom, even if he is the last one to survive. For him it means only a one more night before the next fight.

This time, Geoff, a human, a Ardis, a man with the pelt of an animal, are the two to survive. They don't hate each other, and so for this last night they decide to share a room and spend time healing each other and loving each other. Geoff has always been a slave, he doesn't know other life, but Ardis was a freeman, and tries to convince Geoff that outside the arena there is a world worthy to be seen.

The story is pretty short, less than 60 pages, but it's very enjoyable. Geoff and Ardis, even if strong warriors, aren't animal. They have feeling and dream, and the need for a lovely touch from another human being. In this short story there is more sex than what you would expect, but for me, who loves more the romance and less the war, it is a bonus. Maybe I'd like to be a bit longer, and I hope to have the chance in the future to read a entire M/M novel by Brenda Bryce.

http://www.changelingpress.com/index.php?uaid=ISFUDNYA

Waiting Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=waiting+reading+list&view=elisa.rolle

Comments

[leeteng.livejournal.com]

You know, I really depend on your reviews so don't ever stop!
I saw this and was wondering whether to get it. And you have convinced me to. Thanks!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

This one is a very little jewel. I really hope Brenda will write a longer novel sooner or later. Elisa