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Turbulence #0.5
The Only Way Out Is In
Dear Author,
Jayne Cobb, of Firefly fame, struck me as a man deep in the closet, striving to be hyper masculine, and completely misogynistic, simply to hide his attraction to men. I’m thinking Kinsey three or four. This would also explain his extreme dislike of the shy Dr Simon (who we now know was played by a gay man).
I’d love to see a post Serenity, space opera treatment of someone like Jayne’s self-realization. Now what would be his type… hmmm… what man would finally drive him wild enough to face up to his repressed desires. It should include all of the attendant emotional turmoil (inside monologue) of someone with his low IQ and high survival instincts, and yet include the outside language of someone who was trained to say as much with as few words as possible. This man has depth, but the waters are pretty murky.
Anyone take the challenge?
Photo Description:
The original request included a promotional shot of Jayne Cobb, a character from Firefly. He is gruff with a face shadowed by stubble, and he is crouched and holding a gun. The request wanted “a man deep in the closet, striving to be hyper-masculine, and completely misogynistic, simply to hide his attraction to men.”
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Jayne Cobb, of Firefly fame, struck me as a man deep in the closet, striving to be hyper masculine, and completely misogynistic, simply to hide his attraction to men. I’m thinking Kinsey three or four. This would also explain his extreme dislike of the shy Dr Simon (who we now know was played by a gay man).
I’d love to see a post Serenity, space opera treatment of someone like Jayne’s self-realization. Now what would be his type… hmmm… what man would finally drive him wild enough to face up to his repressed desires. It should include all of the attendant emotional turmoil (inside monologue) of someone with his low IQ and high survival instincts, and yet include the outside language of someone who was trained to say as much with as few words as possible. This man has depth, but the waters are pretty murky.
Anyone take the challenge?
Photo Description:
The original request included a promotional shot of Jayne Cobb, a character from Firefly. He is gruff with a face shadowed by stubble, and he is crouched and holding a gun. The request wanted “a man deep in the closet, striving to be hyper-masculine, and completely misogynistic, simply to hide his attraction to men.”
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
102 pages, ebook
First published June 11, 2013
6 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
47 books1,154 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 3, 2014
refreshing, and flawed.
after enduring a seemingly endless and aggressively wholesome parade of mewling twinks paired with growling musclebears, i relished the chance to read a story that featured two musclebears taking turns mewling and growling at one another, and getting charmingly flustered while they were at it.
it felt male, even when it kinda wasn't.
***
i saw none of my beloved firefly in this at all.
i am pleased by this, regardless of the original prompt.
ms. Gala, as I discovered when I read Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts, is a wonderfully inspired author of clever twists on old chestnuts, and she cracks them open just fine without leaning too heavily on the original trope.
***
this one has its share of problems, however.
way too talky and static, this story would have benefitted from richer settings and developments that unfold outside of two or three locations on a ship ms. gala didn't trouble to describe very much beyond an overall sketch of dilapidation and battle-unreadiness.
i think this flaw ironically stems from what is one of the author's chief strengths: character development. she's invested so much into crafting her human beings (and there are many fun archetypes represented herein) that she may have forgotten to apply the same attention to detail to her setting.
as a result, an unfortunate amount of this story reads like a stage play, wherein the audience is expected to supply their own imaginations to fill in the blanks to a greater degree.
another example of this is the sexual classification scheme laid out in painful detail throughout. i can see there was some thought given to not barfing up an entire galactic wiki on the sexual diaspora of a star-faring human civilization, but it's been designed so well and so thoroughly—the sexual anthropology aspect—that there is no elegant way of introducing all those concepts at once, spread out a bit or no.
it's dull, in other words—even though it's fascinating. which is, i feel, a fair assessment of this aspect of the story, incoherence be damned.
all those clever ideas just needed more room to filter through to the reader organically.
***
i felt cheated by the sex.
i grumbled to myself about
i also grumbled to myself about the likelihood that
i grumbled about these things even as i fumbled around on my bed with a sticky hand, intending to leave my DNA on the sleep shorts I'd momentarily removed in order to enthusiastically fap my dick off to what turned out to be an incredibly enjoyable sex scene all the same.
it was too short, though. had to read it twice.
***
luckily, the baffling glossary—featuring words never used in the text—is a pretty solid indication that this story is a heavily stripped-down version of a longer work.*
about which I can only say: hellfuckyes.
______________________
*helpfully confirmed by loederkoningin in her review.
after enduring a seemingly endless and aggressively wholesome parade of mewling twinks paired with growling musclebears, i relished the chance to read a story that featured two musclebears taking turns mewling and growling at one another, and getting charmingly flustered while they were at it.
it felt male, even when it kinda wasn't.
***
i saw none of my beloved firefly in this at all.
i am pleased by this, regardless of the original prompt.
ms. Gala, as I discovered when I read Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts, is a wonderfully inspired author of clever twists on old chestnuts, and she cracks them open just fine without leaning too heavily on the original trope.
***
this one has its share of problems, however.
way too talky and static, this story would have benefitted from richer settings and developments that unfold outside of two or three locations on a ship ms. gala didn't trouble to describe very much beyond an overall sketch of dilapidation and battle-unreadiness.
i think this flaw ironically stems from what is one of the author's chief strengths: character development. she's invested so much into crafting her human beings (and there are many fun archetypes represented herein) that she may have forgotten to apply the same attention to detail to her setting.
as a result, an unfortunate amount of this story reads like a stage play, wherein the audience is expected to supply their own imaginations to fill in the blanks to a greater degree.
another example of this is the sexual classification scheme laid out in painful detail throughout. i can see there was some thought given to not barfing up an entire galactic wiki on the sexual diaspora of a star-faring human civilization, but it's been designed so well and so thoroughly—the sexual anthropology aspect—that there is no elegant way of introducing all those concepts at once, spread out a bit or no.
it's dull, in other words—even though it's fascinating. which is, i feel, a fair assessment of this aspect of the story, incoherence be damned.
all those clever ideas just needed more room to filter through to the reader organically.
***
i felt cheated by the sex.
i grumbled to myself about
i also grumbled to myself about the likelihood that
i grumbled about these things even as i fumbled around on my bed with a sticky hand, intending to leave my DNA on the sleep shorts I'd momentarily removed in order to enthusiastically fap my dick off to what turned out to be an incredibly enjoyable sex scene all the same.
it was too short, though. had to read it twice.
***
luckily, the baffling glossary—featuring words never used in the text—is a pretty solid indication that this story is a heavily stripped-down version of a longer work.*
about which I can only say: hellfuckyes.
______________________
*helpfully confirmed by loederkoningin in her review.
August 11, 2020
3.5 Stars
Look. Anything that is inspired by Firefly is going to win automatic points, and though Jayne is not the most likeable guy in the ‘verse, there are probably layers and depths to him that went untold as this beloved TV series was unjustly cut short before it could truly shine.
Here, Jacqs (modeled after the aforementioned Jayne) is just as harsh, intimidating, and uncouth. Despite his gruff and unpleasant exterior, his simple mindedness is often taken in the wrong way and understandably so, it doesn’t make him a popular member of the small military contingent that scouts for alien invasions. However, what’s really underneath all of Jacqs lack of tact is a guy who has seen the ravages of war, who interprets things as black and white and right and wrong - there’s no sugarcoating, there’s no subtlety. He truly believes things should be a certain way, and he doesn't like or understand innuendo or being polite for politeness sake. The world and everyone in it should be who they say they are. No subterfuge, no hidden agenda.
When the new commander arrives, Jacqs’s clearly defined world is turned on its axis. Expecting the same scorn, their interactions take surprising twists and turns, for Zeke is unlike everyone else and sees the merit and potential Jacqs possesses. Slowly, gradual mutual respect builds between the two men into showing others (and Jacqs himself) why he is the way he is, allowing for an enlightening sexual awakening.
This was another interesting look at the human psyche by Ms. Gala. A bit heavy handed on the labeling but still a thought provoking and interesting sci-fi space story, made all the better because again, it’s free and Firefly-ish. Enjoy!
Look. Anything that is inspired by Firefly is going to win automatic points, and though Jayne is not the most likeable guy in the ‘verse, there are probably layers and depths to him that went untold as this beloved TV series was unjustly cut short before it could truly shine.
Here, Jacqs (modeled after the aforementioned Jayne) is just as harsh, intimidating, and uncouth. Despite his gruff and unpleasant exterior, his simple mindedness is often taken in the wrong way and understandably so, it doesn’t make him a popular member of the small military contingent that scouts for alien invasions. However, what’s really underneath all of Jacqs lack of tact is a guy who has seen the ravages of war, who interprets things as black and white and right and wrong - there’s no sugarcoating, there’s no subtlety. He truly believes things should be a certain way, and he doesn't like or understand innuendo or being polite for politeness sake. The world and everyone in it should be who they say they are. No subterfuge, no hidden agenda.
When the new commander arrives, Jacqs’s clearly defined world is turned on its axis. Expecting the same scorn, their interactions take surprising twists and turns, for Zeke is unlike everyone else and sees the merit and potential Jacqs possesses. Slowly, gradual mutual respect builds between the two men into showing others (and Jacqs himself) why he is the way he is, allowing for an enlightening sexual awakening.
This was another interesting look at the human psyche by Ms. Gala. A bit heavy handed on the labeling but still a thought provoking and interesting sci-fi space story, made all the better because again, it’s free and Firefly-ish. Enjoy!
January 7, 2018
This is possibly, probably, certainly my favorite story of this year's LHNB event.
That has a lot to do with the fact that I'm a Firefly fangirl. Addict. Crazy. To the extent that my hatred for Fox for canceling the show after only one season knows no boundaries and will be everlasting. Anyway, hours after I had posted a desperate plea for Firefly fanfic, Elizabetta pointed this story out to me. It was like it was meant to be. So there's that.
For those who, oddly enough;p, have never heard of or watched Firefly and the conclusive film Serenity, I added a few clues to Jayne's (well, his name is Jacqs in this story, but really, psht, fuck that) personality in the form of GIFs. I know, I normally don't appreciate the exaggerated usage of GIFs either, but it feels like the right thing to do now.
The guy in the yellow shirt would be Jayne.
As the prompt already makes clear, he's a pretty special guy. And if you're not familiar with him, chances are that you won't get why the author chose such a handicapped, annoying narrator and rate this story accordingly.
AND THAT WOULD BE SAD.
But Lyn Gala absolutely nailed both Jayne's character and the Firefly atmosphere. I thought the prompt presented such a fun idea (Mateo, whoever you are, you rock!), but I hadn't expected the story itself to be this entertaining! Of course, being a Firefly fan is only part of why I digged this story. After all the little man/big man, slave/master and boy/boy stories I've read lately I craved a little alpha on alpha action. I really enjoy the aggressiveness, sense of danger, hot lust and the not knowing who ends up on top dynamics of this pairing.
Other than that, the hilariousness, slow-burning sexiness, fun sparring scenes, good writing and, last but not least, the fact that The Only Way Out Is In is both free and a novella, make this story a delicious treat!
Now, where's my story about Mal?;)
That has a lot to do with the fact that I'm a Firefly fangirl. Addict. Crazy. To the extent that my hatred for Fox for canceling the show after only one season knows no boundaries and will be everlasting. Anyway, hours after I had posted a desperate plea for Firefly fanfic, Elizabetta pointed this story out to me. It was like it was meant to be. So there's that.
For those who, oddly enough;p, have never heard of or watched Firefly and the conclusive film Serenity, I added a few clues to Jayne's (well, his name is Jacqs in this story, but really, psht, fuck that) personality in the form of GIFs. I know, I normally don't appreciate the exaggerated usage of GIFs either, but it feels like the right thing to do now.
The guy in the yellow shirt would be Jayne.
As the prompt already makes clear, he's a pretty special guy. And if you're not familiar with him, chances are that you won't get why the author chose such a handicapped, annoying narrator and rate this story accordingly.
AND THAT WOULD BE SAD.
But Lyn Gala absolutely nailed both Jayne's character and the Firefly atmosphere. I thought the prompt presented such a fun idea (Mateo, whoever you are, you rock!), but I hadn't expected the story itself to be this entertaining! Of course, being a Firefly fan is only part of why I digged this story. After all the little man/big man, slave/master and boy/boy stories I've read lately I craved a little alpha on alpha action. I really enjoy the aggressiveness, sense of danger, hot lust and the not knowing who ends up on top dynamics of this pairing.
Other than that, the hilariousness, slow-burning sexiness, fun sparring scenes, good writing and, last but not least, the fact that The Only Way Out Is In is both free and a novella, make this story a delicious treat!
Now, where's my story about Mal?;)
September 24, 2014
3 1/2 Stars - a free promising short beginning of a continuation second book (Turbulence) - male thoughts on preferences, what you like, a space ship and a messy but cute guy
A free guy for you novella (100 pages) from M/M Romance Group. The inspiration to this story was a pic of the very tough guy, Jayne from the TV drama Firefly (a series I loved..).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It starts out really good...
The Only Way Out Is In is actually more than just a start for a future love story and I found it really interesting. It's very much about the issue of your sexual orientation. - I didn't know there were so many different names; Pansexual, Stenosexual, Hypersexual etc.
A big part is about concerns over your own (Jacqs) sexuality, what attracts and what you are up to. The main characters are also discussing this and although it maybe not always felt really believable and realistic with this type of discussion in all sorts of contexts (and between a ship commander and a gunner / sniper), did make this novella different in a good way and made it a kind of fresh and exciting to read. Moreover, we are in a future sci-fi world where the crew even register their preferences in the records (without discomfort - just good information for the others? ..so that everyone knows who may come across whom?).
... They all talk quite freely about sex. ~ Keeping my fingers crossed that we get there one day.
Everything takes place on a small spaceship called Candiru in an unknown future (...a war-torn Universe with mean alien enemies). The crew on the ship, both men and women, are only about 20 people and everyone wears and encroach on each other. It is crowded and a loner who doesn't really like any of the others that much, is also often irritated - like our hero and MC Jacqs Glebov.
The cocky gunner Jacqs is completely convinced that he is super straight and he does his best to avoid every guy that he suspects to scout him. When the new commander Zeke arrives on the ship becomes all Jacqs' old "truths" shaken and contested. Zeke is toned, sexy and really beautiful, not even Jacqs can deny it. Moreover shows this strong man pretty clear that he is "interested" in our Jacqs, much, much more than in an amicable buddy way. Straight or not, Jacqs cannot avoid it, Zeke is there and he is good looking and a nice man. It starts to feel and harden in unexpected places...
I had to wait quite a long time for IT to happen. But finally it happened - and I just smiled.
Our main character Jacqs's probably not that easy to like or love for everyone. He is a true "caveman" in many ways and a big troublemaker. He is quite easily irritated, smug, almost stupid sometimes and real cocky when it comes to women and what they can handle. Plus terrified of any guy to scout him - though it tickles a little. A new kind of hero. ...but I liked him. He was fun to get to know.
The Only Way Is In continues directly into a newly published novel, Turbulence, and what I understood is this short story, I just read, the start and the 15-16 first chapters (~ 40%) of the full-length book.
I just miss a true romantic feeling it this one - hence rounded down to 3 stars. ~ I want a lot of romance in my books. Here we didn't get there until the last pages. For me there was a little too long introduction and then once we got there it ended. (Oh No - I want more!!) Therefore, I have high hopes of getting a lot more of romantic feelings, kisses and steam in the next book. ~ I'll now jump right on the next part to get some more of these boys.
I LIKE - ...a good start!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
# This freebie is available here:
http://www.mmromancegroup.com/3515
# The continuation of this story, see:
Turbulence (from chapter 16)
# More about the great sci-fi drama "Firefly" see:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/
A free guy for you novella (100 pages) from M/M Romance Group. The inspiration to this story was a pic of the very tough guy, Jayne from the TV drama Firefly (a series I loved..).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It starts out really good...
‘Jacqs Glebov didn't have many talents in this world, but shooting people dead while not ending up with a flaming round through his own chest was one of his qualities.’
The Only Way Out Is In is actually more than just a start for a future love story and I found it really interesting. It's very much about the issue of your sexual orientation. - I didn't know there were so many different names; Pansexual, Stenosexual, Hypersexual etc.
A big part is about concerns over your own (Jacqs) sexuality, what attracts and what you are up to. The main characters are also discussing this and although it maybe not always felt really believable and realistic with this type of discussion in all sorts of contexts (and between a ship commander and a gunner / sniper), did make this novella different in a good way and made it a kind of fresh and exciting to read. Moreover, we are in a future sci-fi world where the crew even register their preferences in the records (without discomfort - just good information for the others? ..so that everyone knows who may come across whom?).
... They all talk quite freely about sex. ~ Keeping my fingers crossed that we get there one day.
Everything takes place on a small spaceship called Candiru in an unknown future (...a war-torn Universe with mean alien enemies). The crew on the ship, both men and women, are only about 20 people and everyone wears and encroach on each other. It is crowded and a loner who doesn't really like any of the others that much, is also often irritated - like our hero and MC Jacqs Glebov.
The cocky gunner Jacqs is completely convinced that he is super straight and he does his best to avoid every guy that he suspects to scout him. When the new commander Zeke arrives on the ship becomes all Jacqs' old "truths" shaken and contested. Zeke is toned, sexy and really beautiful, not even Jacqs can deny it. Moreover shows this strong man pretty clear that he is "interested" in our Jacqs, much, much more than in an amicable buddy way. Straight or not, Jacqs cannot avoid it, Zeke is there and he is good looking and a nice man. It starts to feel and harden in unexpected places...
I had to wait quite a long time for IT to happen. But finally it happened - and I just smiled.
Our main character Jacqs's probably not that easy to like or love for everyone. He is a true "caveman" in many ways and a big troublemaker. He is quite easily irritated, smug, almost stupid sometimes and real cocky when it comes to women and what they can handle. Plus terrified of any guy to scout him - though it tickles a little. A new kind of hero. ...but I liked him. He was fun to get to know.
The Only Way Is In continues directly into a newly published novel, Turbulence, and what I understood is this short story, I just read, the start and the 15-16 first chapters (~ 40%) of the full-length book.
I just miss a true romantic feeling it this one - hence rounded down to 3 stars. ~ I want a lot of romance in my books. Here we didn't get there until the last pages. For me there was a little too long introduction and then once we got there it ended. (Oh No - I want more!!) Therefore, I have high hopes of getting a lot more of romantic feelings, kisses and steam in the next book. ~ I'll now jump right on the next part to get some more of these boys.
I LIKE - ...a good start!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
# This freebie is available here:
http://www.mmromancegroup.com/3515
# The continuation of this story, see:
Turbulence (from chapter 16)
# More about the great sci-fi drama "Firefly" see:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/
June 22, 2013
My favourite from LHNB to date, no contest.
October 30, 2016
How is it that I was unaware of the existence of this book! I am a Firefly fan (pretty much the best show ever) and the prompt that gave life to The Only Way Out Is In really got my imagination going. Hell, considering the character Jayne Cobb was and the political leanings of the actor who played him, I loved this story even more. And I could definitely hear Jayne's voice when I read the dialogue.
When the story starts, Jacqs is pretty much an ass. He's crude and tends to make rather misogynistic and homophobic comments on a regular basis. He's not that smart, either. But as the story goes on and we get to know him better, we see where those feelings come from, and he even evolves a bit. Realizing and facing his attraction to Zeke helps greatly with that, as well.
I look forward to reading the continuation of Jacqs and Zeke's story in Turbulence.
When the story starts, Jacqs is pretty much an ass. He's crude and tends to make rather misogynistic and homophobic comments on a regular basis. He's not that smart, either. But as the story goes on and we get to know him better, we see where those feelings come from, and he even evolves a bit. Realizing and facing his attraction to Zeke helps greatly with that, as well.
I look forward to reading the continuation of Jacqs and Zeke's story in Turbulence.
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March 19, 2022
3.5 stars!
First half of this story worked great as a charming, Firefly-esque MM scifi romance. Loved the hot-headed man of few words Hero. The budding romance and chemistry were very good too.
In the second half that same tongue-tied person couldn't stop talking, long-winded discussions with an obvious educational tone, which didn't fit well with his persona. Perhaps all the uncharacteristic talking got to me, because the smexy ending I had looked forward to, felt a bit off as well.
First half of this story worked great as a charming, Firefly-esque MM scifi romance. Loved the hot-headed man of few words Hero. The budding romance and chemistry were very good too.
In the second half that same tongue-tied person couldn't stop talking, long-winded discussions with an obvious educational tone, which didn't fit well with his persona. Perhaps all the uncharacteristic talking got to me, because the smexy ending I had looked forward to, felt a bit off as well.
June 21, 2013
3.5 stars
I have a feeling that Firefly or Jess Whedon's fans will appreciate this story way more that I did. I never watch the show *shrugs* and well, I just feel 'okay' with Whedon's works. So I read this without knowing the character (Jayne Cobb) who would be the "base" of Jacqs. Oh, and I also approached this as a non sci-fi fans.
I enjoyed it, though. I thought Jacqs were a character who "walk the walk". He might sound rude and a world-class bastard, but to me, he was refreshing. Jacqs was honest with his thoughts, he didn't over-complicate things. When faced with challenge, he didn't back down -- even if the challenge was 'questioning his own sexuality orientation'. I also liked how Lyn Gala wrote the way Jacqs talked; fit so much with how the prompt letter said about "someone with his low IQ and high survival instincts". This was Alpha on Alpha kind of story and it was good.
My issue with the story -- which stopped it from being higher than 3.5 stars -- was that I missed a bit about Zeke as the love interest and what actually got him attracted to Jacqs. I got the process (and progress) of Jacqs seeing Zeke in a different light, but not the other way around. Sure, Zeke said something about it when Jacqs asked, but I wasn't completely convinced.
Oh, and also the whole talks about sexual orientations were dragging the story a bit for me. It was nice that Lyn Gala provided the glossary in the end, but I wished there were less arguments about it in the story itself.
I have a feeling that Firefly or Jess Whedon's fans will appreciate this story way more that I did. I never watch the show *shrugs* and well, I just feel 'okay' with Whedon's works. So I read this without knowing the character (Jayne Cobb) who would be the "base" of Jacqs. Oh, and I also approached this as a non sci-fi fans.
I enjoyed it, though. I thought Jacqs were a character who "walk the walk". He might sound rude and a world-class bastard, but to me, he was refreshing. Jacqs was honest with his thoughts, he didn't over-complicate things. When faced with challenge, he didn't back down -- even if the challenge was 'questioning his own sexuality orientation'. I also liked how Lyn Gala wrote the way Jacqs talked; fit so much with how the prompt letter said about "someone with his low IQ and high survival instincts". This was Alpha on Alpha kind of story and it was good.
My issue with the story -- which stopped it from being higher than 3.5 stars -- was that I missed a bit about Zeke as the love interest and what actually got him attracted to Jacqs. I got the process (and progress) of Jacqs seeing Zeke in a different light, but not the other way around. Sure, Zeke said something about it when Jacqs asked, but I wasn't completely convinced.
Oh, and also the whole talks about sexual orientations were dragging the story a bit for me. It was nice that Lyn Gala provided the glossary in the end, but I wished there were less arguments about it in the story itself.
August 17, 2013
I can't say enough in praise of Lyn Gala's sci-fi work. Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts was already a favorite-I've reread it multiple times and always found something new to ponder in it. The Only Way Out Is In is every bit as strong. What makes these works stand out so much is the way they use the sci-fi setting to explore concepts, in this case how people identify themselves sexually. After reading the story, it's hard not to be convinced that our own categories of "heterosexual," "homosexual," or "bisexual" are hopelessly impoverished and unimaginative--why can't we have pansexuals and stenosexuals, (whether dynamic and non-dynamic) as well? Moreover the idea that people could simply register their preference so that others might know if they're compatible--HELPFUL! Also, reasonable, logical, and humane.
Just because the ideas are especially fascinating does not imply that the story or characters are in any way lacking--they're great and the chemistry between the two leads is sizzling. The story-telling itself is also highly efficient, creating a complex, fully developed universe, as well as a ship's crew of twenty individuals, in a mere 100 pages.
Final note: those who read the background material for "Love has no Boundaries" will know that the prompt was based on a character from Firefly. I am a huge, HUGE Firefly and Serenity fan. I loved the prompt and it definitely created an added level of interest for me to see how Gala tackled the character of Jayne and also what she did differently, but it is hardly necessary for enjoying this story. Certainly, there are enough differences that if I'd not known ahead of time, I probably wouldn't have connected them--this is not fan-fiction.
What it it is, is an extremely intelligent, thought-provoking exploration of our ideas of sexual identity, as well as an all round fun, sexy sci-fi story.
Just because the ideas are especially fascinating does not imply that the story or characters are in any way lacking--they're great and the chemistry between the two leads is sizzling. The story-telling itself is also highly efficient, creating a complex, fully developed universe, as well as a ship's crew of twenty individuals, in a mere 100 pages.
Final note: those who read the background material for "Love has no Boundaries" will know that the prompt was based on a character from Firefly. I am a huge, HUGE Firefly and Serenity fan. I loved the prompt and it definitely created an added level of interest for me to see how Gala tackled the character of Jayne and also what she did differently, but it is hardly necessary for enjoying this story. Certainly, there are enough differences that if I'd not known ahead of time, I probably wouldn't have connected them--this is not fan-fiction.
What it it is, is an extremely intelligent, thought-provoking exploration of our ideas of sexual identity, as well as an all round fun, sexy sci-fi story.
Want to read
June 21, 2013um... don't hate me but... what is Firefly???
January 3, 2015
Jacqs is a refreshing character, in that he's a bit of a bastard, but he's also unafraid to face things head-on, and despite not being the best at communication in general he's unflinchingly honest and, delightfully, a total smartass.
As Ami said, the way the author took one line from the prompt - low IQ and high survival instincts - and built a well-rounded, believable character with a specific speech pattern out of it makes for great, high-quality entertainment.
The whole crew is a group of people I wouldn't mind finding out more about, because they're interesting and well-defined without being clichés - Zeke in particular.
By the time we got to the sex, I was all tied up in knots, and even though I wouldn't have minded a couple dozen more pages of it, it fully delivered.
Speaking of sex and sexuality, the whole sexual identity classification issue is dead interesting, and in my opinion it was handled with just the right amount of specificity and focus.
I'm going to dream that this is just the first third of a full-length novel with all the juicy sexual tension and pornographic fighting I found here and more of the warfare and actual dangerous situations I only had a secondhand peek of.
ETA: HOLD THE FUCK UP I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A THING
PRAISE THE LORD
ETA #2: and this. Save me.
As Ami said, the way the author took one line from the prompt - low IQ and high survival instincts - and built a well-rounded, believable character with a specific speech pattern out of it makes for great, high-quality entertainment.
The whole crew is a group of people I wouldn't mind finding out more about, because they're interesting and well-defined without being clichés - Zeke in particular.
By the time we got to the sex, I was all tied up in knots, and even though I wouldn't have minded a couple dozen more pages of it, it fully delivered.
Speaking of sex and sexuality, the whole sexual identity classification issue is dead interesting, and in my opinion it was handled with just the right amount of specificity and focus.
I'm going to dream that this is just the first third of a full-length novel with all the juicy sexual tension and pornographic fighting I found here and more of the warfare and actual dangerous situations I only had a secondhand peek of.
ETA: HOLD THE FUCK UP I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A THING
PRAISE THE LORD
ETA #2: and this. Save me.
July 26, 2013
Jacqs, a combat soldier demoted to lowly gunner on the spaceship Candiru, is based on a character in the TV sci-fi series “Firefly”, and like his inspiration, he is a jerk. And he seems to be constantly on the sexual prowl. But to hear Jacqs talk, he has fended off and has no interest in the advances of “hypersexualized, queer-turned and pansexual types”. The lad doth protest too much, methinks.
”Jacqs had never sexed a male. He was pure het. Always had been, always would be.”
Lesson one: never say never…
It’s so easy to dislike him. Uncouth, dim, narrow-minded… What is up with this guy? But, there is a little more to the picture, hints of an early life full of hardship and abuse…
“Jacqs couldn’t quite imagine telling anyone how he felt sick inside watching people get bullied.”
When his new CO, Zeke Waters, comes on board, things start changing and one of them is Jacqs. Hidden under all the bluster there is a heart. Training sessions between the two on a sparring mat turn into a different kind of mating dance. Worthy opponents with similar life experiences, Zeke and Jacqs could be a match made in heaven. Reading this sure was fun. This one’s going on my favorites shelf for the LHNB 2013 writing event.
March 30, 2014
First I have to be totally upfront and state that I'm a rabid Firefly fan and I love Jayne for being the proudly unashamedly unpolitically correct asshole that he is. He is Jayne, the Hero of Canton and he makes me laugh.
So I went into this seeking to revisit and wondering what I was going to find. I saw glimpses of Jayne in Jacqs but then Jacqs became his own person, no longer Jayne and that was OK by me. I enjoyed the story, the characters, the writing.
So I went into this seeking to revisit and wondering what I was going to find. I saw glimpses of Jayne in Jacqs but then Jacqs became his own person, no longer Jayne and that was OK by me. I enjoyed the story, the characters, the writing.
November 25, 2013
Great characterization and world building. I really liked this story and can't wait to read more. I have a hard time with dialect in a story, but the way the author used grammar to help create Jacqs' character was perfect.
November 25, 2013
3.75
I thought this was great!
Apart from my pleasure in the story, I like the organic way in which Gala writes worlds. No info dumps etc. We're just posited in the story and we're seamlessly granted access. Well done.
I thought this was great!
Apart from my pleasure in the story, I like the organic way in which Gala writes worlds. No info dumps etc. We're just posited in the story and we're seamlessly granted access. Well done.
June 22, 2013
This was quite good. Thank you, Lyn!
June 27, 2015
It's wonderful to pick a up a book with low expectations and then be blown away. I started this as a browse before bed and was caught until I finished it. Loved it.
I enjoyed Firefly but I'm not a huge fan of it, just enough that I recognised Jayne and was interested by the prompt. Thought it would be a light fanfic but though the world is similar if you tilt your head, the characters are their own and strongly written.
Jacqs is a tough man, I wouldn't say thick but he has a simple view of things; stopping a fight is the right thing to do so he does it, his words wont help and he'll get in trouble regardless - so lead with his fist. He doesn't waste time on tangents even when the issue is his own sexuality. It means he can surprise you. Also that he can come across as a complete arsehole, despite his core of decency!
There's enough history given to show how his personality developed and to explain his less choice views.
Zeke a gruff battle-scarred man now running a crew of pampered soldiers is attracted by the straightforwardness and physicallity of Jacqs. He sees beyond the attitude and is himself another tough alpha man. They're a good match, Zeke a whole lot more diplomatic though.
I like them together. Loved them coming together ;)
The language suits the characters but it could put some people off, according to my kindle f*ck is used 57 times.
The one thing that bugged me was the constant discussing sexuality; it's futuristic and people are more open, yet they're all very caught up on the terminology and labelling each other which seems counter-productive. To the point there needs to be a glossary at the end to explain all the terms. It felt like a lesson being driven home and over-emphasised.
Loved it though. Mild sci-fi, strong dynamic characters. Fans of Firefly will probably love it, others maybe less so.
I enjoyed Firefly but I'm not a huge fan of it, just enough that I recognised Jayne and was interested by the prompt. Thought it would be a light fanfic but though the world is similar if you tilt your head, the characters are their own and strongly written.
Jacqs is a tough man, I wouldn't say thick but he has a simple view of things; stopping a fight is the right thing to do so he does it, his words wont help and he'll get in trouble regardless - so lead with his fist. He doesn't waste time on tangents even when the issue is his own sexuality. It means he can surprise you. Also that he can come across as a complete arsehole, despite his core of decency!
There's enough history given to show how his personality developed and to explain his less choice views.
Zeke a gruff battle-scarred man now running a crew of pampered soldiers is attracted by the straightforwardness and physicallity of Jacqs. He sees beyond the attitude and is himself another tough alpha man. They're a good match, Zeke a whole lot more diplomatic though.
I like them together. Loved them coming together ;)
The language suits the characters but it could put some people off, according to my kindle f*ck is used 57 times.
The one thing that bugged me was the constant discussing sexuality; it's futuristic and people are more open, yet they're all very caught up on the terminology and labelling each other which seems counter-productive. To the point there needs to be a glossary at the end to explain all the terms. It felt like a lesson being driven home and over-emphasised.
Loved it though. Mild sci-fi, strong dynamic characters. Fans of Firefly will probably love it, others maybe less so.
June 21, 2013
Looks like another book that everyone loved but me. I could not stand Jacqs from the start but I continued reading thinking that maybe he'd grow on me, but that didn't happen. I ended up skimming through the last 40% too, because all the sexual orientation talk got so annoying and boring. And on top of that, I didn't feel any chemistry between the MCs.
Read
July 17, 2014Unable to rate--I disliked this intensely.
But I also know why, and it's the same reason why I disliked the TV series it's based on in the first place. As the prompt asked for fanfic, and the fans love it...
But I also know why, and it's the same reason why I disliked the TV series it's based on in the first place. As the prompt asked for fanfic, and the fans love it...
November 5, 2013
Lovely meeting Jacqs and Zeke but...I feel like I just read the first couple chapters in a book, and the rest is missing. Too much detail for a very short read.
On to Turbulence, then.
On to Turbulence, then.
November 19, 2013
I am a huge Firefly fan, like, omg-squee-squee-SQUEE! Also, Jayne was my favorite character, so this might be a tad biased, but I loooooved this story!! Definitely one of my favorite stories from LHNB event. Highly recommended for Firefly fans, sci-fi geeks and other such m/m loving nerds.
June 13, 2013
I loved this. Terrific world and character building, unusual setting, and the different sexualities were really intriguing.
September 5, 2013
The whole idea of stenosexuality is very interesting. At first glance, it kind of reminded me of Single-Target Sexuality, but the concept is a lot more advanced than that.
I don't really like how branded it all seems. I mean, I guess what we have right now irl is pretty "set in stone" (or so it feels), but I feel like having more categories almost makes it easier to exclude small subsets or get too caught up with the need to actually fit comfortably within one of the pre-defined categories. I think I mainly have problems with it because humans like crutches like that and once defined, they like to cling to these constructs and repeat them over and over as gospel.
I like Jacqs. He's a jerkass, but we get enough glimpses of his tragic past that we get why he's so guarded (that's the diplomatic way of putting it; aren't you proud of me?). Another point in his favor is he doesn't whine about it and he doesn't seem to purposely play it up...because he really doesn't care. He just...is. He doesn't need to try to be anything because he already is who he is and whoever that turns out to be, that's fine because he is who he is.
The whole "treating women delicately" thing is kind of wearing thin on me. It's always the same thing. The GFY or the reformed-deeply-closeted types are always, always going on about how more awesome it is with men cuz they can go all rough and tumble and not have to worry about being delicate and soft with women. I think this may be a point I need to resign, though, like the fact that a lot of people don't know how to use commas (and no. I'm not trying to say there were comma errors in this one. I'm just generalizing to the [not really] mass population of m/m authors...slash people on the internet in general).
I like the glossary at the back; it sheds light on the terms. It's weird, though, because it feels like some of the terms weren't actually used...
I don't really like how branded it all seems. I mean, I guess what we have right now irl is pretty "set in stone" (or so it feels), but I feel like having more categories almost makes it easier to exclude small subsets or get too caught up with the need to actually fit comfortably within one of the pre-defined categories. I think I mainly have problems with it because humans like crutches like that and once defined, they like to cling to these constructs and repeat them over and over as gospel.
I like Jacqs. He's a jerkass, but we get enough glimpses of his tragic past that we get why he's so guarded (that's the diplomatic way of putting it; aren't you proud of me?). Another point in his favor is he doesn't whine about it and he doesn't seem to purposely play it up...because he really doesn't care. He just...is. He doesn't need to try to be anything because he already is who he is and whoever that turns out to be, that's fine because he is who he is.
The whole "treating women delicately" thing is kind of wearing thin on me. It's always the same thing. The GFY or the reformed-deeply-closeted types are always, always going on about how more awesome it is with men cuz they can go all rough and tumble and not have to worry about being delicate and soft with women. I think this may be a point I need to resign, though, like the fact that a lot of people don't know how to use commas (and no. I'm not trying to say there were comma errors in this one. I'm just generalizing to the [not really] mass population of m/m authors...slash people on the internet in general).
I like the glossary at the back; it sheds light on the terms. It's weird, though, because it feels like some of the terms weren't actually used...
June 22, 2013
This story kept me up well past my bedtime! Great setup with compelling inhabitants. Jacqs is an interesting, complex character. The author did a great job of writing someone along the Jayne model, while also toning down that played-for-laughs caricature and showing us someone quite well-realized in his own right.
I think I read that the author is expanding this into a work for professional release? Maybe? I hope so! There's a lot more about this world that I'd like to dig into.
Gotta say though, my eyes glazed over when we started detailing into the 72 different classifications of wooblysexual, and how each and every character in this world formally registers their chosen classification into their Permanent Records. Kind of a tension-killer to me.
I think I read that the author is expanding this into a work for professional release? Maybe? I hope so! There's a lot more about this world that I'd like to dig into.
Gotta say though, my eyes glazed over when we started detailing into the 72 different classifications of wooblysexual, and how each and every character in this world formally registers their chosen classification into their Permanent Records. Kind of a tension-killer to me.
June 11, 2013
LHNB story released 11.6.13
Really interesting space drama. I hadn't seen Serenity - the programme the picture is from and the prompt mentioned but this didn't matter in this story about an aggressively hetrosexual lower grade gunner with a blatant disrespect for authority and change in attitude as a result of the arrival of his new commanding officer
Interesting world building, including glossary of terms in relation to gender and sexual preferences.
Really interesting space drama. I hadn't seen Serenity - the programme the picture is from and the prompt mentioned but this didn't matter in this story about an aggressively hetrosexual lower grade gunner with a blatant disrespect for authority and change in attitude as a result of the arrival of his new commanding officer
Interesting world building, including glossary of terms in relation to gender and sexual preferences.
June 14, 2013
A funny, complex, tender and lusty story of one man's discovery of his latent stenosexuality. True to the prompt and to the Firefly character and world that inspired it yet deliciously subversive. Just what you would expect from really good Sci-Fi and, of course, from a a great writer like Lyn Gala, Bravo!
June 27, 2013
Just f***ing great. Really satisfying and long. The writing perfectly meshed with being a post-Firefly story without being too literal. The tone was just right. I loved the glossary of sexual terms used within in the universe.
January 18, 2023
Jacqs Glebov, Zach Waters
Yes, this is the free short that started the Turbulence series and is only the first half of book 1. Yes, it was just as good the second time!
Yes, this is the free short that started the Turbulence series and is only the first half of book 1. Yes, it was just as good the second time!
June 24, 2013
Jacqs is a hyper-masculine alpha male seated firmly in the closet until a new man on the ship, pansexual Zeke, forces him to look at the world in a different light and come to the understanding that he can be attracted to a specific trait in a person regardless of their gender.
I'm familiar with Firefly/Serenity, but I took this as a story on its own merits and didn't think of the characters in the show. If you're turned off by the prompt mentioning the show - fear not. The Only Way Out Is In stands alone and you need no previous knowledge to enjoy it. In fact, the author comes up with a rich world on her own, filled with sexual terminology that is both familiar and alien. I can't say that I saw this as a fan fiction at all.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of the alpha male type of character, but Jacqs admires talent and dedication and that's something I could relate to. As the ice around him slowly melts and he comes to accept his new discovery about himself I found myself warming up to him more. The buildup of tension was satisfying, as was the ending.
I was glad that Jacqs' orientation troubles weren't as easily defined as being gay and in massive denial. The author actually used a reasonable amount of nuance to create a character that is clearly still attracted to women, but who admires and is attracted to a certain type of man as well. I'm always happy to see bisexual characters in a genre which is often overwhelmingly about gay men.
I have to say that I really enjoyed The Only Way Out Is In. It's a nice length story, its characters are well-rounded and their motivations well-explored, and the eventual conclusion is satisfying and believable. It's free as part of the Love Has No Boundaries event on Goodreads, so what are you waiting for?
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
I'm familiar with Firefly/Serenity, but I took this as a story on its own merits and didn't think of the characters in the show. If you're turned off by the prompt mentioning the show - fear not. The Only Way Out Is In stands alone and you need no previous knowledge to enjoy it. In fact, the author comes up with a rich world on her own, filled with sexual terminology that is both familiar and alien. I can't say that I saw this as a fan fiction at all.
I'm usually not the biggest fan of the alpha male type of character, but Jacqs admires talent and dedication and that's something I could relate to. As the ice around him slowly melts and he comes to accept his new discovery about himself I found myself warming up to him more. The buildup of tension was satisfying, as was the ending.
I was glad that Jacqs' orientation troubles weren't as easily defined as being gay and in massive denial. The author actually used a reasonable amount of nuance to create a character that is clearly still attracted to women, but who admires and is attracted to a certain type of man as well. I'm always happy to see bisexual characters in a genre which is often overwhelmingly about gay men.
I have to say that I really enjoyed The Only Way Out Is In. It's a nice length story, its characters are well-rounded and their motivations well-explored, and the eventual conclusion is satisfying and believable. It's free as part of the Love Has No Boundaries event on Goodreads, so what are you waiting for?
This review was cross-posted to Infinite Love.
June 25, 2013
Well, hello there.
Do I like SciFi? Not really, I read it if I like the author but I wouldn't search it for myself.
Truth be told, this story could have mostly been also a normal "military" one - but a few nice touches were futuristic.
Now - I loved the whole setting, the guys were great in their frankness, especially Jacqs was just brutal open and honest to himself.
Zeke on the other hand was just hot ;)
And the whole open classification about sexuality a great addition.
The story is well written, the direct approach really compelling and refreshing.
Loved it.
Do I like SciFi? Not really, I read it if I like the author but I wouldn't search it for myself.
Truth be told, this story could have mostly been also a normal "military" one - but a few nice touches were futuristic.
Now - I loved the whole setting, the guys were great in their frankness, especially Jacqs was just brutal open and honest to himself.
Zeke on the other hand was just hot ;)
And the whole open classification about sexuality a great addition.
The story is well written, the direct approach really compelling and refreshing.
Loved it.
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