Details of the Hunt by Laura Baumbach is a homoerotic science fiction tale. The story begins in the past then quickly intersects with the future. We meet one of the main characters, Aidam Maymon, who is the captain of a pirate ship. Maymon, at twenty-four, is much younger than most pirate captains. He is also very handsome and quick-witted. Maymon earned his right to be captain the old fashioned way by the back of his had and his sword. Even with all that, there were a few of the crew that did not like how he handled things and when the time was right, a mutiny took place and Maymon was forced to walk the plank or service the crew. Maymon chose the honorable way out, knowing that the sea gods would protect him- much to the crew’s amusement. BUT- the story doesn't end there!

Next, we travel into the future to a distant planet called Oracan. The date is now 2587. A human, Barlow, has petitioned the Oracan council to send an Oracan Warrior (a bounty hunter) to retrieve Maymon so they can locate his pirate treasure. Barlow tells the Oracan Council that this would be a great archaeological find. With reluctance, the council agrees and a Bounty Hunt is granted. Talos, a hunter, agrees to the hunt, but only under the stipulation that no interference from the bidder until the bounty is delivered to the council. Barlow reluctantly agrees, but Talos doesn't trust Barlow's words to be completely truthful. A man of his word, Talos researches the hunt and then jumps into the past where he arrives and saves Maymon from the sharks after he is thrown into the ocean.

Talos takes Maymon back to his ship, but when he jumps to the future mercenaries and escapes from the battle meet him with his ship damaged. Talos manages to get to Pathos Six, a space station, for repairs and rest. Talos secures Maymon, who is supposed to be chained and unconscious, and goes to get something to eat. Talos's species is part reptilian and has a very strong sense of smell. Talos is drawn to Maymon in many ways; smell, looks, and strength of character. Talos desires to claim Maymon as his mate, but this is against all the rules of the hunt. Barlow unwisely contacts Talos and attempts to claim his bounty, but the agreement was no contact until the prize was handed over to the council. When Barlow is reminded of this, he threatens Talos, which may very well nullify the entire contract. Maymon awakens and thinks he is having a strange dream, but he releases himself, steals everything that he can find, and he decides to go look around.

This is one of the funniest parts of the book. Just imagine: an eighteenth century pirate with the skills of thievery, drunkenness, debauchery, crudeness, at large in a controlled and regulated futuristic society. Add to that Maymon's ability to adapt, which aided in his being a pirate captain, and you may have a very small idea of the mayhem that he caused. Talos was both horrified and amused by the entire situation. Talos is used to being in charge and obeyed without question, but controlling Maymon is like trying to control a whirlwind! As Talos and Maymon get to know each other and are drawn together, they have to overcome the obstacles of culture, species, centuries of time, and twists of fate before they can finally be together.

All of Ms. Baumbach's books are unique and this one is no exception. As this story unfolded, I was stunned and quickly drawn into the story. I couldn't stop reading until I finished the entire book! The characters of Maymon and Talos were from completely different times and worlds, but they struck a cord within each other, which quickly built to a love that was consuming and captivating. The differences between them, physically, instead of detracting enhanced the love scenes. I thought the bar scene when Maymon first woke up was the funniest things that I have read in a long time. The way Maymon stole from one of the patrons and then used the money to buy others drinks to the bemusement of the victim was hysterical! Maymon's ability to adapt to new ideas and technology amuses and delights the sensual Talos. One thing that Talos's brother says to him sums everything up. Talos tells him he must work on many of Maymon's unacceptable behaviors and his brother says "Ah, domestic chores"! That was one of the best one-liners that I have ever heard and it explains Maymon exactly! Details of the Hunt was one of the most delightful books I have ever read. This book rightfully deserves a recommended read. Thanks goes to Ms. Baumbach for this great read.



Reviewed by: Teresa