Being a feared general of the AEssyrian force comes with a lot of privileges for an illegitimate son of a prostitute. Gavin’s reputation for brutality also made it easy for him to be framed for the murder of his King. Sure that the people responsible were the same ones rushing him to execution, Gavin finds himself in and out of captivity as he tries to find a way out of a sure death situation. On a contract from Earth, Harlan, a female doctor, suddenly finds herself stuck with the General as he tries to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence. Scared for her life but unable to get ride of the macho beast, Harlan finds herself risking life, limb and possible sodomy in hopes that the truth of the AEssyrian King’s murder will be revealed.

Authors O’Neil and Bayer have created an alien world rife with upheaval, murderous plots and madness. From beginning to end there are brutal clashes that are definitely exciting, albeit sadistic. The story has humans, genetic alien blends, and beasts the equivalent of a horse if you bypass their razor sharp teeth and ability to tear a person or animal to bits. Gavin is a lead character that took some getting used to. He was crude, standoffish and not the least bit selective in his bedmates. Thankfully his loyalty and the way he comes through for Harlan allowed me to look deeper and come up with the right assessment by the end. This is a great beginning to a new world that will provide thrills, plenty of action and definitely shock readers as the story of its people evolve.

Reviewed by: Rachelle