The Velderet: A Cybersex S/m Serial

A well written and enjoyable tale which highlights very well the fact that extremes of anything are dangerous: even extremes of equality, and that therefore has implications for our society and the restrictions we place upon how we act and think.

My only criticism is that I felt that the real story was with the couple and their awakenings, rather than with the aliens, and I didn't have much interest in the latter, they seemed to be a little too cliche, and also too much of a deux ex machina.

I found myself wishing that the author had skipped the whole thing about the aliens, and just followed the partners, and others they met, as they created an underground culture and attempted to liberate both each other and their their society.

The biggest point in this book is that what's equal and what's equitable are two different things. Except in a few very narrow senses, enforced equality enforces what a lot of people just don't want. See - I did find something nice to say!

The story has a familiar sound: the aliens come, and it turns out that their breeding physiology and recreational practices are very compatible with the invadees. There's the Mars Needs Women theme, but this time the men are of interest, too. (Right. And just like on Star Trek, the females of this alien species probably look pretty good in a bikini, too.) **SPOILER** After being stood up for a date by someone who doesn't even know his name, the Invading Overlord threatens destruction of the race unless -- well, once again, the aliens come. The submissives save the world (!?!).

Only ordinary s/m, barely ordinary sci fi. Read something nice from Black Lace or in one of Violet Blue's collections instead.

//wiredweird

"Equality" -- what a great concept but what does it mean? In "The Velderet" it means a world where individuality has been sacrificed because of historical guilt and sexuality has become limited and government approved. But this is your average distopian novel where all sex is outlawed or what you do is so important as why you do it and with whom. Yes, there is the invasion of a foreign people who seem rather new guard or old guard in their approach to power relationships but that isn't really the focus of the story. Instead the two roommates who discovered shared kinks and give us insight into the power of fear and authority are the reasons to read this book.

I've liked Tan's writing in the past, but it doesn't carry well at this length. Not everyone can write novels. A bit precious, unbelievable s/f moments, much repetition. Not worth the read.

This book was incredible. I could not put it down from start to finish. I was actually upset that I finished it. I wanted to know more. Maybe if we are lucky she will write a volume two. In the mean time I highly recommend this book.