Book Review – A World Apart by Carole Cummings & Andy Gallo

Learning to Breathe #2
Publisher: Gallorious Readers, LLC
Pages: 276
Characters: Nathan/Cam
POV: 3rd
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Series

Blurb:
There are an infinite number of universes and each has its own story. Not all of them have happy endings.

Two years after he nearly died, Nathan Duffy is living his dream. He and Camilo are finally the ‘them’ Nathan always wanted. But Nathan quickly learns everything comes with a price. The military gave him experimental implants that help him walk again, but he’s drafted and assigned to a dangerous, special ops, off-world unit. He and Camilo are together, but the military assigns Cam to the same dangerous mission. Nathan knows he’d do everything he can to keep Cam safe, even sacrifice himself to save the man he loves.

Two years after he nearly lost the only man he’s ever loved, Camilo Almenara refuses to let anything come between him and Nathan. Not his father, the military, nor Nathan’s irrational belief that only Cam’s life mattered. To ensure the man he loves comes home, Cam makes sure he is assigned to the same off world mission as Nathan. He knows the assignment is dangerous, but he believes they are stronger together than apart.

Misfortune strikes the operation, and two team members are captured. Nathan is forced assumes command and must work a resistance movement he doesn’t fully trust. The plan to rescue their friends hit unexpected resistance and Nathan cuts off communications with everyone in an attempt to save them all. Faced with his worst nightmare come true, Cam races to reach Nathan and convince him not to give up on ‘them.’

A World Apart is the 100K sequel to A World Away. It follows the established couple as they fight to build a life together in a dangerous world. This book includes an alternative universe, the continuation of a romance, and more selflessness as the two best friends struggle to transition from friends to lovers.

Warning: a lot of violence and killing.

Buy Link

Review

I loved the first book in this series, and am very happy the authors are continuing Nathan and Cam’s story. I enjoyed the mix of romance, fantasy – which leans heavily in science fiction with its alternative worlds and tech – and action/drama, and already hanging out for the next book.

Nathan and Cam have both come a long way since the first book, especially with their abilities. They both hold their own against their enemies, and show themselves to be formidable fighters. I love the banter between them and how deeply they love each other, yet need to grow some clues. They’ve known each other a long time and it shows.

I love the idea of psychic powers driving technology like Nathan’s implants, and always been fascinated by alternate worlds, changed from our own by a slightly different decision or event. Both worlds in this story are fully realised, and at war in different ways. I liked how the team aren’t sure who to trust, that their allies have their own agenda, and how those psychic powers are treated in both worlds.

I liked the development of the supporting cast, with the Colonel and Bebe’s roles in the assignment. The old lady is a very cool idea. Janus is an interesting character. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.

The last few scenes are tense and exciting. I loved the twist, and how it played out.

5 out of 5 stars.

About Anne Barwell

Anne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with a cat with “tortitude” who is convinced that the house is run to suit her; this is an ongoing “discussion,” and to date, it appears as though Kaylee may be winning. In 2008, Anne completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra. She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as “too many.” These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of “spare time” is really just a myth. She also hosts and reviews for other authors, and writes monthly blog posts for Love Bytes. She is the co-founder of the New Zealand Rainbow Romance writers, and a member of RWNZ. Anne’s books have received honorable mentions five times, reached the finals four times—one of which was for best gay book—and been a runner up in the Rainbow Awards. She has also been nominated twice in the Goodreads M/M Romance Reader’s Choice Awards—once for Best Fantasy and once for Best Historical. Anne can be found at https://annebarwell.wordpress.com
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