Memory Kick by
C.M. Torrens
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
4.5
I preordered this because I had read another title from this author before
, and which I really enjoyed. The blurb did give me some hesitation because 1: I'm not a science fiction fan and 2: it dealt with substance abuse and tricks-themes that aren't at the top of my fave list. I'm glad I read this story, and although some of the subject matter did give me the queasies it was an engaging read all around.
Qusay has one certainty-nothing is free. He finds solace and numbness in drugs to deal with severe headaches and the constant fear of the gaps in his memory. Things that he knows one minute are gone in a fog the next. He makes his living turning tricks and his dealer Otis (UGH filthy disgusting #$%&) easily preys on Qusay when Qusay doesn't have enough for the drug of choice Kick. Under the influence, Qusay becomes victim to Otis and his twin Max's sadism. After barely escaping from the brothers latest perverted act, he literally bumps into Cameron.
When Cameron catches sight of Qusay's state, he only wants to lend a helping hand. He offers Qusay a meal and senses Qusay's instant wariness; the young man's personality changes from fearful to seductive in a flash, coming onto Cameron, obviously misinterpreting Cameron's intentions. But something pulls Cameron to Qusay and so he asks Qusay to accompany him for lunch for the rest of his stay in the station.
Little by by little Qusay opens up to Cameron and places his trust in him when he learns that Cameron works security, by asking Cameron to help find out who he is and where Qusay came from. But disappointment makes him run when Cameron asks about Otis-not knowing that Cameron is a bounty hunter that has his sights on Max and is not aware of Qusay's connection to Otis. But fate intervenes when Cameron's search for Max saves Qusay from the brothers' clutches. Feeling guilty when their simple search makes Qusay the subject of a bounty, Cameron takes Qusay off the station trying to evade the hunters on their tail.
In close quarters Cameron fights his growing attraction to Qusay as Qusay battles through withdrawal. When Qusay is captured, Cameron has to come to terms with his feelings in order to save Qusay from the man intent on breaking Qusay's body and mind.
Qusay (love the name), was an amazing character for me because with everything that he dealt with and everything he lived through he still managed to keep his sanity and his sweet nature-such a strong young man. I felt disgusted with his father's complete disregard of Qusay's pain, even after what he discovers at the end. I SO wished that Cameron had really punched the guy a good one.
Cameron I loved because of his gentle affection towards Qusay, something Qusay had never really experienced and just really really needed and more than deserved. I liked that Qusay's comfort was always a priority even before he fully realized what he felt.
I really enjoyed this novel, all the elements brought together worked well and of course the writing enhanced the experience. I thought the sci. would really lose me but in actuality I sometimes even forgot this was supposed to be science fiction. It was understated, easy to follow without me going huh?, and made this world easy to imagine in my head. The only thing that nagged me a little was Archer's whole obsession with Qusay's dad, but other than that definitely a thumbs up. Good reading.
View all my reviews
Dirt Nap by A.J. Aalto