Customer Reviews

Rymellan 1: Disobedience Means Death

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is worldbuilding at its best: Sarah creates a larger than life totalitarian system which is seen through the eyes of the two main characters. Sarah does a terrific job to draw us in into the world of Rymellan. Terrific story!

This story is well constructed and written. The futuristic society, on another world, is described in detail. The two main characters are engaging and their relationship builds over time. The author put a lot of work and imagination in creating the workings and laws of a society, which is in many ways, very controlling of its citizens. It was interesting to read how the characters operate in this society and within the laws. The construct of Rymellan society and its laws are believable. The friendship and relationship between Les and Mo is also believable as were their fears, and their dreams. I liked how the author started them out as teens with all the teenage angst and misunderstandings, and then took them through their young adult years. If you love reading about new worlds and societal constructs, get this book. If you love a good romance, get this book.

Disobedience means death. Death to those who commit a Chosen Violation. Death to those who disobey. Death to those who violate the Way. This is the mantra repeated by the citizens of the planet Rymel. Adultery is not tolerated, and those that commit adultery are executed. The government of Rymel arranges the marriages of their citizens. Marriageable age starts at 25. Homosexuality is accepted and they also have their mates chosen for them. Marriage is referred to as the `Chosen Tradition' and you stay with your Chosen for life. The main protagonists, Les and Mo, are two young women who have been lovers since their teen years. Their one wish is that they will be selected as each other's Chosen. This is a long story, we follow the protagonists through their training as military officers, and up to the time they turn 25. They end their relationship at that point and this is where the story stops. There is a sequel, which is good, because I want to see what happens next. The idea for this story is interesting. The only fault with the story is at times it seemed to be repetitive in places and the cover art is unattractive. But the story did hold my interest and I want to see what the future holds for Les and Mo.

What a marvelous book! Sarah Ettritch digs deep to explore her characters and articulates their emotions in ways most of us cannot. As I was reading this I wished she could mind-link with me and articulate MY emotions. Kudos for her abilities in building wonderful, believable characters.

I was not disappointed in the world and society of this sci-fi novel. What a nice break from the male dominated venue.

I think I can recommend this book for anyone to read. It is a book of love. It isn't erotica. The reason for the tag of lesbian is that is what the characters learn about themselves. On Rymella (?) same-orientated or other-orientated are equal. The adventures of the main characters bring you through all emotions: happiness, anger, and yes... bring your Kleenex. And yet here are space fighters! Yay, Space!

I wish I would have been able to write this right after reading but through my tears I managed to order the second book and continued reading.

I think I may have to warn some of my friends about the point of view switches. I didn't find it too disturbing, but others might. Maybe there are double spaces between POVs in the actual book that don't carry through to the Kindle. Even still:

Excellent read!!!!