Orchid of Awakening (Moontusk 2) by Bruce Grether

[reviews_and_ramblings]

In the first book of this series, I didn’t realize, or maybe I don’t remember, how tight, and sexual, was the relationship between the three fellow travellers, Darrow Bardoon Miznevet, Hosis Bar Sun and Lady Dee. 2 men and 1 woman sharing not only a travel, but also a bed, makes this novel a full bisexual fantasy adventure, but with a clear intent. For instinct I think that Dare and Hosis are more inclined to prefer their own sex, but in both their culture homosexuality doesn’t exist, or if exist, it’s consider perversion. Lady Dee, with intent or no, plays the bridge between them: Dare and Hosis share Lady Dee’s bed, and with or without her, sexual intimacy. Lady Dee seems to be the missing link in the chain, she makes everything “normal”, but that is a completely wrong conclusion.

From the beginning the author highlights how different men are from women:

“The handsome young Kemnoan regarded her bleakly, a distracted glint in his brown eyes. “How did you get to be so much wiser and more allknowing than we are, my Lady?” “I’ve had a few more years of experience. Plus I am female!” “Without your help, I wouldn’t have a clue of how to deal with this situation, being a mere male as I am.”

and his purpose is not to highlight how man and woman complete each other, but how difficult their bond can be, giving all their diversity. What I think the author is trying to achieve is to prove how relationship between men is easier, giving that they are no different breed like men from women. While society condemn homosexuality, Mother Nature almost encourages it, as an obvious conclusion of a bond between men.

Like in book 1, the adventures of these heroes is not complete in this novel; there are 5 books in total, and I have the idea we will reach the end of the story, and the full comprehension of it, only in the last book. What is important is that I’m starting to understand how the author’s mind is working, and so I’m worrying a little less for the characters in the story. One of my major complaint in book 1 was the tragic death of Maumet, Dare’s feline friend; with my great relief, Maumet is not dead, and he has probably 7 lives like a real cat.

http://lethepressbooks.com/gayspecfic.htm#grether-moontusk2-orchid

Amazon: Moontusk: Orchid of Awakening
Amazon Kindle: Moontusk: Orchid of Awakening
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Lethe Press (August 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590213629
ISBN-13: 978-1590213629

Series: Moontusk
1) Rendezvous in a Ruined City: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1295269.html
2) Orchid of Awakening

Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading_list&view=elisa.rolle