Rainbow Reviews

BOOK BLURB:
In a world with nothing left to lose, can one man find hope in another?

It's the year 2031. The rain doesn't fall, while access to water is controlled by a ruthless few. In the midst of this harsh, barren world, Jacob has taken up his father's mantle as leader of the rebellion against the Water Lords.

Loyalty and sacrifice have their place in Jacob's life, but there's little room for love. Gorgeous recruit Ethan at least meets Jacob's physical needs, but duty to their cause comes first.

When a killer dust blizzard interrupts a scouting mission, memories of Jacob's painful past hit him full force. Will he find shelter from the storm in the form of Ethan's love?

BOOK REVIEW:
Set in the future during a time when rain has stopped falling and water is tightly controlled; this brief look into the lives of survivors is impressive and poignant. The story chronicles a day within the life of a leader of the revolutionary from morning shower sex to daily reconnaissance and memories of the past. Surprisingly well developed characters and a beautifully written story fit perfectly within the shorter length and combine to offer a story that is easily one of the best I’ve read this year.

The story is told from Jake’s perspective in an alternating narrative from present day and memories of his childhood. The dual narrative is wonderfully crafted, fusing a lyrical prose with the guileless curiosity of a child juxtaposed with a rough and harsh language highlighting the somber reality of the present. Jake’s memories of his childhood carry an authentic voice adding a sense of forgotten optimism to the hardened and practical leader. Living on pain and sadness, he rejects the idea of hope but his memories remind him of why he’s living the way he is. Particularly the scene where Jake as a child is considering what items to bring with him when they leave their home and move into an underground bunker perfectly captures the innocent pragmatism and haunting intelligence of a child who understands more than expected.

Jake’s relationship with Ethan shows a complexity of emotions from both men. Not entirely comfortable, Jake struggles with feelings for Ethan that go beyond temporary relief as Ethan has a personality that is won’t be ignored. Equally matched in temperament and presence, the chemistry and sparks fly hotly and sharply between these two. Thankfully even the ending, which definitely has a lingering touch of romance and nostalgia, doesn’t change either personality just for the satisfaction of a happy ending. The ending was perfectly suited to the tone and characters within the book with a touch of whimsy.

Usually short stories are either too long or are too short to really offer a complete story but this story was wonderful. Fully imaginative setting that was so vivid and descriptive I could easily immerse myself within the rich imagery. From the taste of the dry dust to the sweet metallic ting of fresh water, this created world is one I hope the author returns to in the future. The complexity of emotion offered within the setting of a dystopian world was surprisingly well done and showed the author’s real strength and talent. At the perfect length for the glimpse offered, this story needed no more or less, even with the remaining questions of life for those under the Water Lords rule.

Although I think it’s clear I loved this short story and read it twice almost immediately, it is only a short look into the lives and thus not all questions were answered. As above the Water Lords mention was one, but even these lingering themes could not detract from the fascinating story. Imaginative, vivid, and beautifully penned, this is a truly impressive story that epitomizes romance in a dystopian world. A Roof for the Rain is exactly what I love in a romance. I can easily recommend this story to any reader but most especially those that enjoy futuristic post-apocalyptic settings.

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