Author submission in exchange for an honest review.
Title:
Rock Bound
Author:
Rochelle Weber
Release Date:
March 1, 2011
Word Count:
approx. 66,000
Purchase Links:
Author's Website:
Description:
The future is a dangerous place for dreamers and idealists.
When a dictator takes over the United States, Annie Peterson attends a protest in Washington, DC, with Paul, her husband and soul mate. US troops fire into the crowd, killing Paul. Jake Johnsrud, a virtual stranger, risks his life to save Annie’s. They are among the survivors who are sentenced to slavery on the Moon for their “crimes.”
Jake is forced to mine, while Annie is sentenced as a doxy to "service" the men. Jake fights increasing feelings of anger and jealousy as Annie struggles to perform her job, while she resists her increasing attraction to him. Along with their fellow inmates, they fight to survive on the lunar "rock" that is their prison.
Joey’s Review:
Boy, when I started reading Rock Bound, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I kept wondering how the themes could possibly be handled well in the written word.
Basically, the story is set not-too-terribly far in the future. Just enough to make the plot work. The U.S. is in strife when an elected president manages to worm himself into a self-appointed dictatorship. A peaceful demonstration is turned into a bloodbath, and everyone in attendance is either killed or taken into custody. Annie, who left her son in the care of her mother, attends with her husband who is killed in the ensuing pandemonium. Her survival is probably due to the selfless protection of a new friend, Jake Johnsrud. Both Annie and Jake are among the many prisoners who are convicted without due process, and shipped to the moon to spend the rest of their lives doing hard labor.
The story was handled quite well by the author. I think she made a good choice in not thwacking us over the heads with, ‘Hey, we’re on the moon!’ descriptions. She makes it clear, but it’s all handled rather subtly. As you read, you see strong comparisons with the rise and fall of the Nazis in Germany. The romance between Annie and Jake progresses slowly, as it should, considering the circumstances. You certainly want the two of them to be together, even though you understand Annie’s hesitation as she clings to the memory of her dead husband, and her infant son, living (she hopes) somewhere down there on planet Earth.
I think, if you’re not a sci-fi reader, but are interested in giving a sci-fi romance a whirl, Rock Bound would be a great start for you. And if you're already a sci-fi fan, this would be a great addition to your virtual bookshelf. I enjoyed the read and I recommend it.
Joey's Rating:
Thanks for the great review, Joey. I'm glad you enjoyed Rock Bound.
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