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Ingenious #1
Ingenious
Welcome to the Triangle
In a dystopian world ruled by women, brilliant but awkward Cadet Quiggs Fallon has a bright future. Academically gifted with a brain like the ancestors, he's well on his way to figuring out how to kill the vines overtaking the land, earning him--a male--an unheard-of seat in the Assembly of Ruling Mothers. And with an inheritance and an impeccable pedigree, he's guaranteed his pick of virgins to marry after graduation from the academy.
Instead, one moment changes everything. Caught in a compromising position with his loyal-to-a-fault friend Beau, a half-feral, his plans are derailed. Now Quiggs's life depends on the gorgeous soldier who saves him. Their forbidden attraction burns hotter than Quiggs's new fuel paste as political intrigue, danger, and the rules of society threaten their lives, and their budding romance. Now it's a battle to save the world as they know it . . . or create a new one.
Adventure, science fiction, and scorching hot m/m romance come together in a slow burn that heats up with every unexpected twist and turn in this first book of the Ingenious series.
Warning: For readers 18 and older. Contains emotionally-charged, explicit m/m love. Look elsewhere if you want horny heroes jumping into bed by the second chapter. If you want a plot with steamy sex only when a scene justifies it--this sci fi is written for you. But, yeah, there are plenty of totally justified, smoking hot scenes.
In a dystopian world ruled by women, brilliant but awkward Cadet Quiggs Fallon has a bright future. Academically gifted with a brain like the ancestors, he's well on his way to figuring out how to kill the vines overtaking the land, earning him--a male--an unheard-of seat in the Assembly of Ruling Mothers. And with an inheritance and an impeccable pedigree, he's guaranteed his pick of virgins to marry after graduation from the academy.
Instead, one moment changes everything. Caught in a compromising position with his loyal-to-a-fault friend Beau, a half-feral, his plans are derailed. Now Quiggs's life depends on the gorgeous soldier who saves him. Their forbidden attraction burns hotter than Quiggs's new fuel paste as political intrigue, danger, and the rules of society threaten their lives, and their budding romance. Now it's a battle to save the world as they know it . . . or create a new one.
Adventure, science fiction, and scorching hot m/m romance come together in a slow burn that heats up with every unexpected twist and turn in this first book of the Ingenious series.
Warning: For readers 18 and older. Contains emotionally-charged, explicit m/m love. Look elsewhere if you want horny heroes jumping into bed by the second chapter. If you want a plot with steamy sex only when a scene justifies it--this sci fi is written for you. But, yeah, there are plenty of totally justified, smoking hot scenes.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2019
120 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Shelved as 'no-thanks'
March 23, 2025
Look elsewhere
the author said.
Done. �
I don't need authors telling me when sex scenes are 'justified', LMAO.
From the Kindle blurb:
ŷ blurb:
Yeah, snaps gum, like totally justified hot sex scenes. Not like those crazed horndogs jumping into bed in Chapter 2, shame on them, so nasty.
Hard pass on the Sex Policing.
Done. �
I don't need authors telling me when sex scenes are 'justified', LMAO.
From the Kindle blurb:
Look elsewhere if you want heroes jumping into bed by the second chapter. If you want a fun plot with m/m romance only when a scene justifies it, this science fiction thriller is written for you.🤣
ŷ blurb:
Warning: For readers 18 and older. Contains emotionally-charged, explicit m/m love. Look elsewhere if you want horny heroes jumping into bed by the second chapter. If you want a plot with steamy sex only when a scene justifies it--this sci fi is written for you. But, yeah, there are plenty of totally justified, smoking hot scenes.
Yeah, snaps gum, like totally justified hot sex scenes. Not like those crazed horndogs jumping into bed in Chapter 2, shame on them, so nasty.
Hard pass on the Sex Policing.
July 29, 2021
Oh my friggin gawd... this was awesome!!
Ingenious! Truly an ingenious book and story and writing. I don’t know if this is a new author or a pseudonym for another author but this is pretty close to perfect for me.
I mean, expertly written, solid and tight plot line, perfectly edited. What else could I ask for?!? 🤷🏻♀� well, obviously the author knows what else I could ask for...a book for Beau! And it’s coming! In June 2020 tho 😩
The blurb wasn’t very forthcoming about what to expect but I’m kinda glad for it because I get to learn about the world as it was slowly built for me. It is set in a post apocalyptic world. It is very different and apparently they speak a different language. The world is unravelled slowly with puzzle pieces fitting into place at intervals which were too long for my taste but I appreciate the pacing after the fact.
We have a brainy hero, Quiggs - adorable name! - who isn’t much of a hero. He really is only all about the brains. His physical heroics usually end up hilariously bad for him. He isn’t perfect by any means. I was a little upset at how he treated Beau sometimes but taking a step back, it’s actually how normal humans would behave.
Then there’s the brawny and dreamy athletic champion, Commander Bronn (brawn, bronn... get it? Heh 😅). He definitely nails the strutting and posing and sexy posturing.
And then there’s Beau...sweet, innocent, little Beau.. before he...transitions (matures might be a better word). Fascinating character and probably my favourite character in this book. I can’t wait to read all about Beau in his own book. That he soooooo deserves. Can’t wait! 🤤
Oh....just a note FYI, this is a slow burn. Slooooooooooow burn. They don’t meet until chapter 12 or something. Although there’s mention of Commander Bronn early on 😉
Anyways, super duper impressed with this book. Wish I could give it all the stars! Truly can’t wait for the next book 🤨
Ingenious! Truly an ingenious book and story and writing. I don’t know if this is a new author or a pseudonym for another author but this is pretty close to perfect for me.
I mean, expertly written, solid and tight plot line, perfectly edited. What else could I ask for?!? 🤷🏻♀� well, obviously the author knows what else I could ask for...a book for Beau! And it’s coming! In June 2020 tho 😩
The blurb wasn’t very forthcoming about what to expect but I’m kinda glad for it because I get to learn about the world as it was slowly built for me. It is set in a post apocalyptic world. It is very different and apparently they speak a different language. The world is unravelled slowly with puzzle pieces fitting into place at intervals which were too long for my taste but I appreciate the pacing after the fact.
We have a brainy hero, Quiggs - adorable name! - who isn’t much of a hero. He really is only all about the brains. His physical heroics usually end up hilariously bad for him. He isn’t perfect by any means. I was a little upset at how he treated Beau sometimes but taking a step back, it’s actually how normal humans would behave.
Then there’s the brawny and dreamy athletic champion, Commander Bronn (brawn, bronn... get it? Heh 😅). He definitely nails the strutting and posing and sexy posturing.
And then there’s Beau...sweet, innocent, little Beau.. before he...transitions (matures might be a better word). Fascinating character and probably my favourite character in this book. I can’t wait to read all about Beau in his own book. That he soooooo deserves. Can’t wait! 🤤
Oh....just a note FYI, this is a slow burn. Slooooooooooow burn. They don’t meet until chapter 12 or something. Although there’s mention of Commander Bronn early on 😉
Anyways, super duper impressed with this book. Wish I could give it all the stars! Truly can’t wait for the next book 🤨
June 23, 2020
I'm going to admit that I only read the sample, but it was the longest sample I've ever read. In those few chapters (yes chapters) It managed to be insulting twice and ridiculous the rest of the time.
The premise of this matriarchal society is women took control while they were outnumbered 10 to 1 by dangerously aggressive males. With what weapons or technology or training it doesn't say. And they did this how? Because we still can't do that and current ratio is about 50/50.
In building the world it states that due to the overabundance of men, men have been sent to schools to "condition" (read brainwash) them into enjoying gay sex...and their society has been doing it successfully for 800 years...EXCUSE ME? This reeks of the "conditioning" of gay men to make them straight. FYI it doesn't work and in my opinion it's brutally cruel. Disgusting.
As the story moves along it is completely obsessed with the main MC's sex life. The blurb promoting the book says there's no gratuitous sex between the main characters. Sex scenes only happen if they are warrented. But before the characters even meet that's all they talk about. Can Quiggs get it up? How do we condition him to be attracted to men? Blah, blah, blah...Quiggs penis is practically the only thing the characters think about or talk about. When he finally does get an erection he's involuntarily circumcised, at the age of 18! They drug him and strap him to a table before they even tell him they're going to do it. And the next day he blows it off like it's no big beal. You want ruin his ability to function sexually? That would do it. It's even better when the story blames it on the women who rule the society. WTF?? A matriarchal society where the females force genital mutilation on males at the first sign of sexual functionality? Because they insist the males be clean? How about teaching them good hygiene? You don't have to cut things off to keep them clean. I dare you to ask ANY male you know how they would react to that...I asked my friend, he almost barfed. Gross. The idea makes me sick.
Then there's the ridiculous stuff. Let's start with Beau. What was the evolutionary catalyst that caused humans to evolve to such an extreme in 800 years? Because if it's just natural evolution that is impossible. Humans do not evolve that fast.
Apparently when civilization fell humans instantly lost all knowledge of language, science, and technology, and rebuilt all of it in 100 years. Was there some virus that messed up the parts of the brain that processes written and spoken language? And if so how did they rebuild all that knowledge in 100 years? Ridiculous.
And if the men aren't prefectly obedient they're executed. Are you sure they're men? Because I'm not convinced. If a story is going to make these kinds of off the charts crazy claims it has to justify them.
We haven't even met the other MC yet. I don't mind a slow burn but 12 chapters in and you finally introduced him. Ugh.
Basically in a post apocalyptic world women were outnumbered, and being brutalized and oppressed, so they took control of society so they could brutalize and oppress men. And now the men are docile cows who go along with it...I don't care how good the second half of the book is. I cannot even get that far. This has got the bones of a great story. It could be really interesting, but it needs a lot of work.
The premise of this matriarchal society is women took control while they were outnumbered 10 to 1 by dangerously aggressive males. With what weapons or technology or training it doesn't say. And they did this how? Because we still can't do that and current ratio is about 50/50.
In building the world it states that due to the overabundance of men, men have been sent to schools to "condition" (read brainwash) them into enjoying gay sex...and their society has been doing it successfully for 800 years...EXCUSE ME? This reeks of the "conditioning" of gay men to make them straight. FYI it doesn't work and in my opinion it's brutally cruel. Disgusting.
As the story moves along it is completely obsessed with the main MC's sex life. The blurb promoting the book says there's no gratuitous sex between the main characters. Sex scenes only happen if they are warrented. But before the characters even meet that's all they talk about. Can Quiggs get it up? How do we condition him to be attracted to men? Blah, blah, blah...Quiggs penis is practically the only thing the characters think about or talk about. When he finally does get an erection he's involuntarily circumcised, at the age of 18! They drug him and strap him to a table before they even tell him they're going to do it. And the next day he blows it off like it's no big beal. You want ruin his ability to function sexually? That would do it. It's even better when the story blames it on the women who rule the society. WTF?? A matriarchal society where the females force genital mutilation on males at the first sign of sexual functionality? Because they insist the males be clean? How about teaching them good hygiene? You don't have to cut things off to keep them clean. I dare you to ask ANY male you know how they would react to that...I asked my friend, he almost barfed. Gross. The idea makes me sick.
Then there's the ridiculous stuff. Let's start with Beau. What was the evolutionary catalyst that caused humans to evolve to such an extreme in 800 years? Because if it's just natural evolution that is impossible. Humans do not evolve that fast.
Apparently when civilization fell humans instantly lost all knowledge of language, science, and technology, and rebuilt all of it in 100 years. Was there some virus that messed up the parts of the brain that processes written and spoken language? And if so how did they rebuild all that knowledge in 100 years? Ridiculous.
And if the men aren't prefectly obedient they're executed. Are you sure they're men? Because I'm not convinced. If a story is going to make these kinds of off the charts crazy claims it has to justify them.
We haven't even met the other MC yet. I don't mind a slow burn but 12 chapters in and you finally introduced him. Ugh.
Basically in a post apocalyptic world women were outnumbered, and being brutalized and oppressed, so they took control of society so they could brutalize and oppress men. And now the men are docile cows who go along with it...I don't care how good the second half of the book is. I cannot even get that far. This has got the bones of a great story. It could be really interesting, but it needs a lot of work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2019
Quiggs is an incredibly smart, bumbling man. His brain isn’t wired like the rest of the people in his society. (I’d liken him to a da Vinci or Einstein) The matriarchal society he lives in prizes men for there breeding ability, not for their brains. Encouraged to have sexual experimentation with another man before they are chosen for wedlock. Forced to let his hair grow until he has sex, a virgin with absolutely no experience, he badly wants to get rid of his braid. Which he can’t do until he finds someone willing to bed him. Wanted by dominating mothers for his fortune he makes the unfortunate choice of a mate. His first but not last mistake.
Beau is a feral. Half human, half something else, he only wants his Quiggs. Beau can’t bear to be separated from Quiggs, causing the second problem. Because of Beau’s boundless love for Quiggs they are caught in a comprising position. Really is was just an enthusiastic hello.
His third problem (although he would say he’s right where he wants to be) is Max. He is also part feral but has risen to lead the army of the land. He wins the right to three years of Quiggs service as a concubine. A role that Quiggs is so ready to fulfill if the man would just get on with it!
I’m an admitted geek and I was intrigued by the premise of the book from the first page.This story appealed to me in so many ways. The world building was smooth and understandable. The women in the story were of course mostly.. evilish. Between the women and the Vines (can a plant be a bad guy?) the heroes had their work cut out for them.
Quiggs, Max and Beau were great heroes. All three were confused, funny, sweet, and so likable. Beau is getting his own story. Can’t wait.
I received an arc of this book.
Beau is a feral. Half human, half something else, he only wants his Quiggs. Beau can’t bear to be separated from Quiggs, causing the second problem. Because of Beau’s boundless love for Quiggs they are caught in a comprising position. Really is was just an enthusiastic hello.
His third problem (although he would say he’s right where he wants to be) is Max. He is also part feral but has risen to lead the army of the land. He wins the right to three years of Quiggs service as a concubine. A role that Quiggs is so ready to fulfill if the man would just get on with it!
I’m an admitted geek and I was intrigued by the premise of the book from the first page.This story appealed to me in so many ways. The world building was smooth and understandable. The women in the story were of course mostly.. evilish. Between the women and the Vines (can a plant be a bad guy?) the heroes had their work cut out for them.
Quiggs, Max and Beau were great heroes. All three were confused, funny, sweet, and so likable. Beau is getting his own story. Can’t wait.
I received an arc of this book.
September 10, 2019
I’m glad I finished this book!
I’m not entirely sure how to rate this book- especially since I almost gave up on it half way through. The front half of the novel suffers from long stretches of exposition to explain the world, and a really unlikeable main character. I also admit that I was thoroughly confused about what the point of the novel was- there didn’t seem to be anything that the main character wanted, no looming disaster.... it felt like I was following a spoiled, glutton boy genius on his journey to manhood, which is not the sort of story I wanted to read.
The book does improve in the later half of the book, once Quiggs loses his perfect life and begins to try to escape the assassin that’s out to kill him. I come to like Quiggs as a character more after that plot development, and the rest of the novel reads like a classic fairytale hero story, complete with sleeping beauty thorny vines, a miracle goat, and a hoard of angry women. So. All in all, this book was good.... once you get past the first half. 3.5 stars
I’m not entirely sure how to rate this book- especially since I almost gave up on it half way through. The front half of the novel suffers from long stretches of exposition to explain the world, and a really unlikeable main character. I also admit that I was thoroughly confused about what the point of the novel was- there didn’t seem to be anything that the main character wanted, no looming disaster.... it felt like I was following a spoiled, glutton boy genius on his journey to manhood, which is not the sort of story I wanted to read.
The book does improve in the later half of the book, once Quiggs loses his perfect life and begins to try to escape the assassin that’s out to kill him. I come to like Quiggs as a character more after that plot development, and the rest of the novel reads like a classic fairytale hero story, complete with sleeping beauty thorny vines, a miracle goat, and a hoard of angry women. So. All in all, this book was good.... once you get past the first half. 3.5 stars
September 25, 2020
I am conflicted. I admit my dystopian reads so far were limited to Hunger Games, so I don't know how this is usually handled
BUT (rant incoming):
One side character ends up in an arrangement where he is raped, repeatedly, by his "husbands". And it's treated as a joke.
I guess it's a normal occurrence in this particular dystopian society but it still left a bad aftertaste, particularly because the main character also laughs at it. :/
(rant end)
Despite that, I enjoyed (the middle part of) the book very much because the meet-cute (and the things leading up to it) were enjoyable.
I wanted to say more but writing out my rant made me too salty to continue lol
BUT (rant incoming):
One side character ends up in an arrangement where he is raped, repeatedly, by his "husbands". And it's treated as a joke.
I guess it's a normal occurrence in this particular dystopian society but it still left a bad aftertaste, particularly because the main character also laughs at it. :/
(rant end)
Despite that, I enjoyed (the middle part of) the book very much because the meet-cute (and the things leading up to it) were enjoyable.
I wanted to say more but writing out my rant made me too salty to continue lol
April 20, 2020
The laws in this imaginary world make no sense. None. The laws exist solely to put this particular character into the situations the author wanted the character to be in. But, once you set aside the utter lack of logic, the story is pretty enjoyable. The pacing is good, the writing is solid, and the characters are interesting. Not exactly a cliffhanger? But you definitely need to commit to reading the next book.
December 26, 2020
Fantastic!
How to explain how great this book is? It's got depth, great characters, smooth, rich writing, a fantastic world, horrid villains, and goats. Lots of goats. Scary in places and I laughed out loud twice and chuckle-snorted several times. Just read it!
How to explain how great this book is? It's got depth, great characters, smooth, rich writing, a fantastic world, horrid villains, and goats. Lots of goats. Scary in places and I laughed out loud twice and chuckle-snorted several times. Just read it!
Read
October 13, 2021DNF @10%. Couldn’t buy into this weird, sex-based world. It just struck me as ridiculous. Not rating since I didn’t have the patience to give it more of a chance.
October 21, 2020
4.5 stars.
Rounding down for the slow, YA-flavored start.
Might add a review later.
Excellent writing, editing. It was a pleasure to read.
Looking forward to book 2.
Rounding down for the slow, YA-flavored start.
Might add a review later.
Excellent writing, editing. It was a pleasure to read.
Looking forward to book 2.
August 23, 2021
Ingenious premise made laughing addictive
After the first chapter, I could not believe I would continue with the absurdity of its premise. Yet, l continued, and found myself laughing at some parts so hard, I cried. And, then, less than halfway through, I was addicted. And, when it ended, I wanted more. Bring it on, I am ready to be Intrigued!
After the first chapter, I could not believe I would continue with the absurdity of its premise. Yet, l continued, and found myself laughing at some parts so hard, I cried. And, then, less than halfway through, I was addicted. And, when it ended, I wanted more. Bring it on, I am ready to be Intrigued!
Shelved as 'dnr-authors'
March 6, 2025"Look elsewhere if you want heroes jumping into bed by the second chapter. If you want a fun plot with m/m romance only when a scene justifies it, this science fiction thriller is written for you."
Hard Pass on the sex negativity thanks
Hard Pass on the sex negativity thanks
June 29, 2019
This book is a sci-fi/fantasy/somewhat dystopian story. The world building is creative and the storyline flows smoothly. The characters are well developed throughout the story, and there are very few editing issues.
There is so much going on in this book! Political intrigues, the trials and tribulations that boys and men must endure, deadly false accusations, the Ancestors and their mysteries, the ferals...The list goes on and on.
After many mishaps and misunderstandings, Commander Max Bronn of the Outlands finds himself with a new half feral recruit, Beau, and Beau's good friend Quiggs as his responsibility. Max is a quarter feral, himself. He and Beau have specific abilities that allow them and Max's men to bait and kill the ferals trying to get to the main population.
Quiggs is a bit of an enigma. He is a genius who gets lost in his head when figuring out problems or situations. Unfortunately, he finds himself in awkward situations quite often.
The three men find themselves trapped in a very dangerous position, but Quiggs eventually figures out how they can escape. Unfortunately, Beau makes a promise as well, which leads to unforeseen consequences.
As Max and Quiggs make their way through the vines, Quiggs stumbles upon a new and exciting discovery. However, when they return to Max's barge, they learn of dire news. Max must convince his men to help, or all will be lost.
The politics take on a more sinister role as time passes, and after Quiggs makes a personal decision, Max finally decides to step into the Assembly's arena and make some much needed changes. However, it takes Quiggs challenging his honor in order for them to win their HEA. The story continues with the upcoming sequel, so I technically should probably label this a HFN, but I am pretty sure that Max and Quiggs are solid.
On a side note, this is "technically" could be read as a standalone book. The sequel follows up the last line of the book, and will explain a mystery that had never been solved in this story. So, even though this is technically a cliffhanger, you get full closure with the MCs of this book...However, I am almost positive you will want to get the next book. I know I do.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
There is so much going on in this book! Political intrigues, the trials and tribulations that boys and men must endure, deadly false accusations, the Ancestors and their mysteries, the ferals...The list goes on and on.
After many mishaps and misunderstandings, Commander Max Bronn of the Outlands finds himself with a new half feral recruit, Beau, and Beau's good friend Quiggs as his responsibility. Max is a quarter feral, himself. He and Beau have specific abilities that allow them and Max's men to bait and kill the ferals trying to get to the main population.
Quiggs is a bit of an enigma. He is a genius who gets lost in his head when figuring out problems or situations. Unfortunately, he finds himself in awkward situations quite often.
The three men find themselves trapped in a very dangerous position, but Quiggs eventually figures out how they can escape. Unfortunately, Beau makes a promise as well, which leads to unforeseen consequences.
As Max and Quiggs make their way through the vines, Quiggs stumbles upon a new and exciting discovery. However, when they return to Max's barge, they learn of dire news. Max must convince his men to help, or all will be lost.
The politics take on a more sinister role as time passes, and after Quiggs makes a personal decision, Max finally decides to step into the Assembly's arena and make some much needed changes. However, it takes Quiggs challenging his honor in order for them to win their HEA. The story continues with the upcoming sequel, so I technically should probably label this a HFN, but I am pretty sure that Max and Quiggs are solid.
On a side note, this is "technically" could be read as a standalone book. The sequel follows up the last line of the book, and will explain a mystery that had never been solved in this story. So, even though this is technically a cliffhanger, you get full closure with the MCs of this book...However, I am almost positive you will want to get the next book. I know I do.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
May 3, 2020
The first half of the book was horrible (at least for me). First, I'd like to say that the blurb really did not describe the main ideas of the book either... It was just demeaning and I felt horrible and I'm a woman! It felt wrong and even if I could imagine it, it's just really not my cup of tea. Especially the whole "let's check everything with the doctors" attitude - oh I've got a boner, let's go to the doctor, so he can check it out! Oh I've had my first sex with my husband, let's check his butthole. Nope. Just nope. (I mean, you can make a book with this theme sound better! The feelings this book brought up were just wrong and didn't fit)
Luckily, when the action started, I started liking it. I loved Max and Quibbs during those times. Had conflicting thoughts on Beau, but loved him most of the time. Unfortunately, it didn't save my overall thoughts on the book.
Luckily, when the action started, I started liking it. I loved Max and Quibbs during those times. Had conflicting thoughts on Beau, but loved him most of the time. Unfortunately, it didn't save my overall thoughts on the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
couldn’t finish
Love science fiction, romance, mystery - this book reads like a bad porn. Started skimming at 25%. I don’t like any book where an entire group of people are all bad. In this book it’s women who are all domineering, scheming, with no redeeming qualities. Even with books I don’t like I will read the last few chapters to find out what happens. I just didn’t care with this book.
Love science fiction, romance, mystery - this book reads like a bad porn. Started skimming at 25%. I don’t like any book where an entire group of people are all bad. In this book it’s women who are all domineering, scheming, with no redeeming qualities. Even with books I don’t like I will read the last few chapters to find out what happens. I just didn’t care with this book.
Read
December 20, 2024I think this sentence, "If you want a plot with steamy sex only when a scene justifies it--this sci fi is written for you." is pretty funny since this is a book where the entire world is really built upon sex.
This just wasn't for me, and I thought a lot of themes were just almost problematic. Lots of dancing around it. Others love it though so YMMV
This just wasn't for me, and I thought a lot of themes were just almost problematic. Lots of dancing around it. Others love it though so YMMV
September 28, 2019
Okay book
Okay book, very slow build. Could have used more interactions between the MCs. Also first part of the book really drags. Very interesting characters, though.
Okay book, very slow build. Could have used more interactions between the MCs. Also first part of the book really drags. Very interesting characters, though.
April 22, 2022
Wow!
This story was incredible! Imagine if the world was run by women, who were the minority. A truly fascinating look at a dystopian world that could someday happen…highly recommended
This story was incredible! Imagine if the world was run by women, who were the minority. A truly fascinating look at a dystopian world that could someday happen…highly recommended
November 3, 2024
I have to say, I'm writing this review in part so I can put this book out of my mind. I'm so sorry, but it made me quite queasy at times. I also put it into my "homophobia" shelf, as, put plainly, this book in all its inclusivity is homophobic AF. It truly implied, or rather stated, that it was possible to condition men to enjoy being with one another, as there was a lack of women. So in essence, being gay is a choice and because a lot of poor saps would have to live without ever feeling the joys of coming in a woman's body they would have to make do with their own sex. WTH? There is so much wrong with that alone. Then there's the sex clinics and OMG did they creep me out. They treated each other as if they were sex toys an not human beings with feelings. At one point it was even mentioned that you could only feel soft feelings toward a woman but never toward another male. I'm sorry what? Then there is the fact that a guy could be passed around and just be bent over but kissing was where they drew the line? For real? Quiggs even goes so far as to nearly throw up at the thought of being kissed... At this point I want to mention, that the MC's don't actually meet until past the half time mark, which is jarring on its own.
I have to mention this before I say the next thing that bothered me immensely. I prefer reading books with verse characters. I often find, that in books with fixed roles or in the omega verse genre that authors actually write stereotypical MF characters where they only exchange the F to an M. That being said, WTH... this book took it too far. Everybody has to reciprocate or else... There actually is such a thing like choice IMO and there are also people who actually are not sensitive in this area and simply get nothing out of bottoming or vice versa. There are also such things such as asexuality or people needing deeper connections before even thinking about anything sexual.
That being said, Quiggs from the start, wanted to top, his thought process suggested a verse interest with a tendency for topping.
Quiggs is being questioned about his preferences by his doctor:
"Perform anal penetration of a partner?"
"Yes!" he shouted. In a meek voice, he added, "I'll consider anyone."
"Penetration of your anus?"
"Eventually." Maybe never, he added to himself.
Only to be told by the doctor:
"Be forewarned the actives follow an unwritten code handed down for centuries. They collectively shun any cadet who refuses to receive anal penetration. Don't think you can pay someone for the service either. The others will shun him also. Unless you check on your slate you are agreeable to being penetrated, you will graduate with your braid dragging the floor."
It is also telling that during the whole of the book Quiggs never comes while they actually have intercourse but Max always has to perform fellatio or use his hands in the end.
It is also disgusting how they view one another: Quiggs is preparing for Max
"Why bother? I'm a bowl of greens and vinegar. He's a man who has feasted on mouthwatering bodies for years."
Stefan laughed his breathless laugh. "A starving man will eventually accept a bowl of greens. You certainly did."
I also don't understand how this society even still exists, even if fictional?? Everything revolves around sex. It doesn't matter if you are brilliant in your field of study, it doesn't matter if you are a brilliant strategist. The only thing that matters is, if you take it up the a*** and that you are bedding a woman. No logic whatsoever. Also, how can being essentially a prostitute be simultaneously a punishment, but also something people actually strive to become? There is even a whole day's festivities on the day when they new owners meet their courtesans.
Beau was quite the intriguing character and I would have much preferred for them to get together in the end and enjoy a happy life, secluded from the rest of the degenerate populace. I somehow liked the characters on their own, Max, Quiggs, Beau, Cutty, Stefan and Miller. But the world around them made it hard to want to go on. At first I wanted to read Beau's book but by the end of this one I just cannot. I want to bleach this whole affair out of my mind to be honest. The writing as such wasn't bad, but the story ... the lack of respect - of any kind of decency. The feelings this book evoked where simply... wrong. I felt somewhat dirty and unsettled at the end.
I don't know what else to add. There were some small shimmers of light, like the moment with Quiggs and Max in the hospital, but they were just too few and far between.
I have to mention this before I say the next thing that bothered me immensely. I prefer reading books with verse characters. I often find, that in books with fixed roles or in the omega verse genre that authors actually write stereotypical MF characters where they only exchange the F to an M. That being said, WTH... this book took it too far. Everybody has to reciprocate or else... There actually is such a thing like choice IMO and there are also people who actually are not sensitive in this area and simply get nothing out of bottoming or vice versa. There are also such things such as asexuality or people needing deeper connections before even thinking about anything sexual.
That being said, Quiggs from the start, wanted to top, his thought process suggested a verse interest with a tendency for topping.
Quiggs is being questioned about his preferences by his doctor:
"Perform anal penetration of a partner?"
"Yes!" he shouted. In a meek voice, he added, "I'll consider anyone."
"Penetration of your anus?"
"Eventually." Maybe never, he added to himself.
Only to be told by the doctor:
"Be forewarned the actives follow an unwritten code handed down for centuries. They collectively shun any cadet who refuses to receive anal penetration. Don't think you can pay someone for the service either. The others will shun him also. Unless you check on your slate you are agreeable to being penetrated, you will graduate with your braid dragging the floor."
It is also telling that during the whole of the book Quiggs never comes while they actually have intercourse but Max always has to perform fellatio or use his hands in the end.
It is also disgusting how they view one another: Quiggs is preparing for Max
"Why bother? I'm a bowl of greens and vinegar. He's a man who has feasted on mouthwatering bodies for years."
Stefan laughed his breathless laugh. "A starving man will eventually accept a bowl of greens. You certainly did."
I also don't understand how this society even still exists, even if fictional?? Everything revolves around sex. It doesn't matter if you are brilliant in your field of study, it doesn't matter if you are a brilliant strategist. The only thing that matters is, if you take it up the a*** and that you are bedding a woman. No logic whatsoever. Also, how can being essentially a prostitute be simultaneously a punishment, but also something people actually strive to become? There is even a whole day's festivities on the day when they new owners meet their courtesans.
Beau was quite the intriguing character and I would have much preferred for them to get together in the end and enjoy a happy life, secluded from the rest of the degenerate populace. I somehow liked the characters on their own, Max, Quiggs, Beau, Cutty, Stefan and Miller. But the world around them made it hard to want to go on. At first I wanted to read Beau's book but by the end of this one I just cannot. I want to bleach this whole affair out of my mind to be honest. The writing as such wasn't bad, but the story ... the lack of respect - of any kind of decency. The feelings this book evoked where simply... wrong. I felt somewhat dirty and unsettled at the end.
I don't know what else to add. There were some small shimmers of light, like the moment with Quiggs and Max in the hospital, but they were just too few and far between.
January 11, 2020
A Fun Must Read
A very fun, silly but also well written story with adventure and intrigue thrown in to make it even more fun. Good job Barrie.
A very fun, silly but also well written story with adventure and intrigue thrown in to make it even more fun. Good job Barrie.
September 17, 2019
Best Laid Plans..
Quiggs lives in a world ruled by Mothers. Sons are taken from their parents at a young age and raised in an Academy with other boys. They are seperated into groups according to their maturity levels and when they reach puberty. Quiggs has a friend named Beau who is a feral and has stayed in a childlike state never having reached male puberty and never will.
Males graduate at 22 and either marry and start a family if they have property or money or join the military. If they aren't able to do either of these they become a concubine for 2 years and then are free to choose a husband. This is a dangerous world and there aren't many women left so they take marriage and children very seriously.
Quiggs is really gifted and is working on ways to kill the vines which surround the territory that makes up his home world. The vines are man made and pretty much indestructible. They have taken over everything outside the walls and river that surround the only safe area left to live. There are also ferals living in the areas outside the walls. They are like Beau but violent and will abduct men or kill them depending on if they deem them worthy males.
Commander Max Bronn is in the military and over the protection of the wall and keeping the ferals out. He is part feral himself and so is enhanced and better capable of stopping the ferals and keeping the population safe.
There is alot going on in this story but it is always interesting and had me guessing what our guys would get upto next. I adored Quiggs and Max and their chemistry was off the charts. They also had sweet moments where you could see their affection for each other even amid the chaos that surrounded them. Beau is so sweet and fierce and I loved how he and Quiggs were always there for each other no matter what. Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next book.
Quiggs lives in a world ruled by Mothers. Sons are taken from their parents at a young age and raised in an Academy with other boys. They are seperated into groups according to their maturity levels and when they reach puberty. Quiggs has a friend named Beau who is a feral and has stayed in a childlike state never having reached male puberty and never will.
Males graduate at 22 and either marry and start a family if they have property or money or join the military. If they aren't able to do either of these they become a concubine for 2 years and then are free to choose a husband. This is a dangerous world and there aren't many women left so they take marriage and children very seriously.
Quiggs is really gifted and is working on ways to kill the vines which surround the territory that makes up his home world. The vines are man made and pretty much indestructible. They have taken over everything outside the walls and river that surround the only safe area left to live. There are also ferals living in the areas outside the walls. They are like Beau but violent and will abduct men or kill them depending on if they deem them worthy males.
Commander Max Bronn is in the military and over the protection of the wall and keeping the ferals out. He is part feral himself and so is enhanced and better capable of stopping the ferals and keeping the population safe.
There is alot going on in this story but it is always interesting and had me guessing what our guys would get upto next. I adored Quiggs and Max and their chemistry was off the charts. They also had sweet moments where you could see their affection for each other even amid the chaos that surrounded them. Beau is so sweet and fierce and I loved how he and Quiggs were always there for each other no matter what. Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next book.
December 27, 2019
More please!!
Great world building and characters that live and breathe- what more can you want!? Oh, I know- BEAU’S story!!!! Read this one if you like fantasy and hot men; never mind- just read this one,
Great world building and characters that live and breathe- what more can you want!? Oh, I know- BEAU’S story!!!! Read this one if you like fantasy and hot men; never mind- just read this one,
December 26, 2019
So good
This book was so different and super entertaining, I’ve been in a reading slump and this one brought me back..loved the story and can’t wait for Beau’s book..
This book was so different and super entertaining, I’ve been in a reading slump and this one brought me back..loved the story and can’t wait for Beau’s book..
December 25, 2019
Good
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a different aspect to a dystopian world . I would recommend this book .
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a different aspect to a dystopian world . I would recommend this book .
July 1, 2019
I had the opportunity to receive this ARC from LesCourt and I was blown away. For this to be a debut novel is astounding. Barrie Ferris takes sci-fi dystopia and blows it away.
It reminds me a lot of 90s era sci-fi where it was set on a different planet and society was totally messed up due to colonization.
In Ingenious case, society’s rulers are the women and men are considered lower class. The rules that were established were awful and Barrie owned it from the first page to the last.
Once I was immersed in the world, I couldn’t stop reading it. The storyline was intriguing as we have an genius Quiggs who is desperate to lose his virginity (and braid) and Max who is the Commander of the military who refuses to give it up. Their relationship was an interesting mix of posturing (on Max’s part) and Quigg’s need to become a man anyway he can.
The mystery subplot kept you on your toes as you tried to figure out the who dunnit.
If you love science fiction and adore MM, read this one. I will be watching for Barrie’s books in the future.
It reminds me a lot of 90s era sci-fi where it was set on a different planet and society was totally messed up due to colonization.
In Ingenious case, society’s rulers are the women and men are considered lower class. The rules that were established were awful and Barrie owned it from the first page to the last.
Once I was immersed in the world, I couldn’t stop reading it. The storyline was intriguing as we have an genius Quiggs who is desperate to lose his virginity (and braid) and Max who is the Commander of the military who refuses to give it up. Their relationship was an interesting mix of posturing (on Max’s part) and Quigg’s need to become a man anyway he can.
The mystery subplot kept you on your toes as you tried to figure out the who dunnit.
If you love science fiction and adore MM, read this one. I will be watching for Barrie’s books in the future.
June 29, 2019
Ingenious by Barrie Farris is the first book in a debut fantasy series. A well written story with an original and fascinating plot and interesting characters, I was immediately drawn into this book and needed to read it from start to finish in one sitting. I needed to know what happened next and how these characters would overcome the "bad guys".
Quiggs, Max and Bo are interesting characters, likeable and entertaining. There are moments of humor, moments of sweetness, moments of sadness, moments of steam... there is suspense, danger, action, romance and fantasy. Ingenious is an amazing beginning to a series and I can not wIt to see what happens next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Quiggs, Max and Bo are interesting characters, likeable and entertaining. There are moments of humor, moments of sweetness, moments of sadness, moments of steam... there is suspense, danger, action, romance and fantasy. Ingenious is an amazing beginning to a series and I can not wIt to see what happens next.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
July 2, 2019
This was a great read.
With an amazing world building and an anti hero, that was everything I haven't read I haven't read in a while.
Quiggs was different from your typical main character, and I really loved him. His flaws, his amazing brain, his quirks and quips.
I really enjoyed Max and Beau and the rest of the second characters. They all added greatly to the story.
The world they live in and the changes that slowly take place where great to read.
Really loved it and can't wait for more books from this author
With an amazing world building and an anti hero, that was everything I haven't read I haven't read in a while.
Quiggs was different from your typical main character, and I really loved him. His flaws, his amazing brain, his quirks and quips.
I really enjoyed Max and Beau and the rest of the second characters. They all added greatly to the story.
The world they live in and the changes that slowly take place where great to read.
Really loved it and can't wait for more books from this author
June 24, 2019
Wow!
I took a chance on this book, so glad I did. Granted the first few chapters were a little drawn out, I found myself falling into a deeply engaging book. The plot kept me waiting to see what happens next. Max and Quiggs were fantastic characters and their dynamic throughout the book kept me longing for more. Definitely on the Sci-fi side, it was an interesting dystopian take on society.
I took a chance on this book, so glad I did. Granted the first few chapters were a little drawn out, I found myself falling into a deeply engaging book. The plot kept me waiting to see what happens next. Max and Quiggs were fantastic characters and their dynamic throughout the book kept me longing for more. Definitely on the Sci-fi side, it was an interesting dystopian take on society.
October 15, 2019
This is a book a young inventor set in a dystopian world .
I have too say that I really enjoyed this book I loved the concept I have read books of this same genre before but this book really covered just about everything . Quiggs ,Max and my favorite Beau made and awesome team although I liked Beau way more than Max Max was great too . I'm glad that Beau will get his own story he deserves one I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre .
I have too say that I really enjoyed this book I loved the concept I have read books of this same genre before but this book really covered just about everything . Quiggs ,Max and my favorite Beau made and awesome team although I liked Beau way more than Max Max was great too . I'm glad that Beau will get his own story he deserves one I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre .
July 4, 2019
This fantastic, engaging, engrossing, and totally awesome tale has got to be one of the most unconventional, uniquely unexpected and delightfully different dystopian tales that I've read in quite some time. This book had me hooked from beginning to end. I am now eagerly looking forward to getting my greedy hands on what this new-to-me author releases next.
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