This is a fascinating tale, with great characters and a futuristic setting that is well developed. The retelling of old stories, placing them in a more contemporary (or, in this case, sci-fi context), is something that is always tempting for an author; Angel Martinez, I think, has succeeded really well at translating the old concepts into something new and relevant.

Vassily has had a lot to deal with in his life, not least of which is brain damage form an accident. He is a bit lost, doesn’t have a lot of self-confidence and the nasty stepfather and stepbrothers, who move in when his (often absent) mother gets remarried, make his life a true hell. The assignment his horrible stepfather sends him on looks hopeless, but it is actually the beginning of some real character growth. I was cheering all the way!

Sumerki is forceful, domineering, self-centered, and has an issue with being touched. He has also been genetically modified by his mother and, while competent at his job, does not love his life. He’s a real candidate for anger management – or something. While his brothers love and understand him, they are not the right people to help him. When Vassily turns up something changes – and Sumerki is the last one to want to admit what is going on.

At first glance, these two men seem to have nothing in common. Open hostility and fear are two of the key obstacles they need to overcome. I loved how they gradually remove each of them, so slowly that it’s almost unnoticeable. The impact and depth of their feelings captivated me. If you like stories about flawed and damaged characters thrown together in a challenging situation, if you enjoy watching men battle both exterior and interior demons and if emotions are just as important as physical attraction for you, this is a books you shouldn’t miss.
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