Hyacinth’s Light by Augusta Li and Eon de Beaumont is a homoerotic futuristic story.

Trevor has found life on Delphi 3 very hard. The planet is in a remote part of the galaxy far from most inhabited planets and at this time it seems like it is cut off from everyone. Presently, Trevor is being sent to the remote town of Phocis where a strange disease is killing the townspeople. The people of Delphi 3 have barely what they need to exist, the only thing in their favor is that the days are very long and hot making for a better growing season, but the incessant heat can be overwhelming. Trevor is a very beautiful man and most of the residents mistake him as being weak, even the mayor only sees what he wants. The first time Trevor sees Quentin, the mayor’s son, he is captivated by his beauty and puzzled by his sadness. You see, beyond being a doctor, Trevor is empathic and can feel other people’s feelings. Trevor goes to see the sick people and he feels the same conflicting emotions in them about their illness. What is going on at Phocis? Will Trevor get a chance to explore his feelings for Quentin? Will Trevor find a way to save the townspeople before it is too late? Come follow Trevor and Quentin in their lives on Delphi 3.

Augusta Li and Eon de Beaumont have created a fascinating new world that comes to life for the reader. It was interesting to watch as Trevor negotiated this very complex town, with its secrets, as he worked to find a cure for the mysterious illness. I love the visual descriptions of how Trevor saw Quentin in the many situations they found themselves in. The budding relationship between them was totally at odds with the religion of the town, but in spite of that, Quentin and Trevor forged a bond that might just be strong enough to overcome the difficulties that lie ahead of them.

Reviewed by: Teresa