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Refuge Inc. #1
Before the Darkness
After an asteroid strikes Earth, a series of violent earthquakes destroy secluded Phoenix and leave survivor Elliot struggling to stay focused in the bleak aftermath. And then he meets fellow survivor Adam. Together, the two search for reliable shelter and other survivors while distant murky clouds fast approach. Their hunt for shelter leads them down an alternate path when they find spray painted symbols directing them to a mysterious place: Refuge Inc.
As ominous clouds slowly shut off all light to their devastated world, they are forced to come to terms with their pasts and their growing attraction for each other.
Neither thought their pasts and personal crises would affect their ability to endure the horrors they're forced to live through. Neither thought they would be drawn so close to one another in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe. By working together, can they continue to survive? Or will the mystery of Refuge Inc. cause diverse expectations and lead them to decisions that further threaten their lives?
Warning: Contains explicit male-male sexual practices, graphic language, some violence and descriptions of death.
Bonus content: Includes the original (deleted) scene from Chapter Twelve: Lying for Gain.
As ominous clouds slowly shut off all light to their devastated world, they are forced to come to terms with their pasts and their growing attraction for each other.
Neither thought their pasts and personal crises would affect their ability to endure the horrors they're forced to live through. Neither thought they would be drawn so close to one another in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe. By working together, can they continue to survive? Or will the mystery of Refuge Inc. cause diverse expectations and lead them to decisions that further threaten their lives?
Warning: Contains explicit male-male sexual practices, graphic language, some violence and descriptions of death.
Bonus content: Includes the original (deleted) scene from Chapter Twelve: Lying for Gain.
132 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2012
About the author
Leslie Lee Sanders
22 books83 followersAfter writing MM and MMF erotic romance, Leslie Lee Sanders plunged into writing deep, dark, romantic LGBT sci-fi with her post-apocalyptic and dystopian series, Refuge Inc.
REFUGE INC. SERIES:
Before the Darkness (#1)
Amid the Darkness (#2)
Beyond the Darkness (#3)
The Complete Darkness Collection (#1-3)
REFUGE INC. STANDALONES:
Resurfaced (A Refuge Inc. Story)
Darkness Eternal (A Refuge Inc. Story)
REFUGE INC. SERIES:
Before the Darkness (#1)
Amid the Darkness (#2)
Beyond the Darkness (#3)
The Complete Darkness Collection (#1-3)
REFUGE INC. STANDALONES:
Resurfaced (A Refuge Inc. Story)
Darkness Eternal (A Refuge Inc. Story)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 6, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
I love post-apocalyptic stories and was thrilled to get the opportunity to read this short novel about two survivors drawn together after their city and everything they knew and loved was destroyed by several massive earthquakes resulting from an asteroid that struck somewhere near the west coast.
Elliot had been walking for many hours. Exhausted, hungry and thirsty, he had no idea where he was or if anyone else survived. He eventually meets Adam, and both men are ecstatic that they are not alone. They talk a lot – mostly about the things they need to do to stay safe, about their lives before the asteroid struck, and about how scared they are. Oh, and they find time to have sex too.
I like my end of world stories fraught with danger and desperation. A little crime and violence and real struggles for survival wouldn’t hurt either. The main problem with this story is I never felt the characters were in any real danger despite the fact that the world they knew no longer exists. There was a developing romance, coming out issues, guilt, clinginess, whining and insecurity. The two main characters exhausted me at times and I often wished they would just shut up and get back to their business of surviving.
Two things kept me reading – the search for Refuge, Inc. and the injured dog, Titan. Just when the story started to get interesting and the search was over, it ended. I’m curious about how the men’s lives will change and am planning to dive into the next book.
I love post-apocalyptic stories and was thrilled to get the opportunity to read this short novel about two survivors drawn together after their city and everything they knew and loved was destroyed by several massive earthquakes resulting from an asteroid that struck somewhere near the west coast.
Elliot had been walking for many hours. Exhausted, hungry and thirsty, he had no idea where he was or if anyone else survived. He eventually meets Adam, and both men are ecstatic that they are not alone. They talk a lot – mostly about the things they need to do to stay safe, about their lives before the asteroid struck, and about how scared they are. Oh, and they find time to have sex too.
I like my end of world stories fraught with danger and desperation. A little crime and violence and real struggles for survival wouldn’t hurt either. The main problem with this story is I never felt the characters were in any real danger despite the fact that the world they knew no longer exists. There was a developing romance, coming out issues, guilt, clinginess, whining and insecurity. The two main characters exhausted me at times and I often wished they would just shut up and get back to their business of surviving.
Two things kept me reading – the search for Refuge, Inc. and the injured dog, Titan. Just when the story started to get interesting and the search was over, it ended. I’m curious about how the men’s lives will change and am planning to dive into the next book.
August 16, 2012
I read this book with Adriana in a buddy read for the MM Romance group at Goodreads.
I had found the synopsis to be alluring. However when I began reading, I became turned off by the long and at times extremely dramatic build up of the plot. Yet I was locked into the buddy read so I pushed myself to read on. I must say that this book turns around in the second half, picks up speed and ends nicely.
The story was labeled both as a MM Romance/Erotica and Post Apocalyptic, yet to be honest, the blending of the two genres is not smooth.
In fact it seemed at times that there were two separate stories going on in the same book, with the first half primarily focused on the MM Romance/erotica story line and the second half primarily focused on the action adventure of the Post Apocalyptic survival.
There is a fair amount of dramatics in this book ranging from arguing, to outright fighting, then to all out guy on guy sex. While at times I found this to be a roll-a-coaster ride of emotions, in the end it all seems to work towards forging a strong connection between the two main characters.
As for the characters, I could relate to both characters. They are believable, original, flawed and yet heroic in their own ways.
The character of Elliot was deeply insecure, manipulative and highly insensitive at times, but his character does end up showing growth.
The character of Adam started off rather brutish and passive- aggressive yet he too show growth as the story progresses.
I feel the author did a great job with the dialogs. While I might not have appreciated what Elliot and Adam were saying to each other and about each other, the conversations were life like. I could mentally ‘see’ the arguments take place and it felt that the words rang true for these characters.
I felt the secondary characters added to the story in just the right spots providing the information, help, and humor of an otherwise intense and at time emotionally draining (from the large amount of arguing) scenes.
For me, there was too much sex in the beginning of this story. I feel that many of the sex scenes did not fit with the characters relationship or their situations at the time they took place.
As for the world within the book: I feel the book needed more environmental descriptions, as the image of their environment (what they seen, what they heard, where exactly they were) seemed pale for such a rich setting as a post apocalyptic city.
There was a decent plot resolution to this book, but it ends with just enough of a tease into the next book in the series to keep me in suspense.
When I consider the book as a whole, its weaknesses and its strong points combined, I feel that it balances out to be a good read.
I struggled with whether to give this book three or four stars. I decided to give it four stars, because it turned around so nicely with the characters and plot growing to an intense ending, making me want to read more.
So do I recommend this book? Yes, I would, yet I would caution my friends and other readers that the story starts off slow, seeming to get way off track before the action adventure gets going.
I will likely read the next book in the series.
I had found the synopsis to be alluring. However when I began reading, I became turned off by the long and at times extremely dramatic build up of the plot. Yet I was locked into the buddy read so I pushed myself to read on. I must say that this book turns around in the second half, picks up speed and ends nicely.
The story was labeled both as a MM Romance/Erotica and Post Apocalyptic, yet to be honest, the blending of the two genres is not smooth.
In fact it seemed at times that there were two separate stories going on in the same book, with the first half primarily focused on the MM Romance/erotica story line and the second half primarily focused on the action adventure of the Post Apocalyptic survival.
There is a fair amount of dramatics in this book ranging from arguing, to outright fighting, then to all out guy on guy sex. While at times I found this to be a roll-a-coaster ride of emotions, in the end it all seems to work towards forging a strong connection between the two main characters.
As for the characters, I could relate to both characters. They are believable, original, flawed and yet heroic in their own ways.
The character of Elliot was deeply insecure, manipulative and highly insensitive at times, but his character does end up showing growth.
The character of Adam started off rather brutish and passive- aggressive yet he too show growth as the story progresses.
I feel the author did a great job with the dialogs. While I might not have appreciated what Elliot and Adam were saying to each other and about each other, the conversations were life like. I could mentally ‘see’ the arguments take place and it felt that the words rang true for these characters.
I felt the secondary characters added to the story in just the right spots providing the information, help, and humor of an otherwise intense and at time emotionally draining (from the large amount of arguing) scenes.
For me, there was too much sex in the beginning of this story. I feel that many of the sex scenes did not fit with the characters relationship or their situations at the time they took place.
As for the world within the book: I feel the book needed more environmental descriptions, as the image of their environment (what they seen, what they heard, where exactly they were) seemed pale for such a rich setting as a post apocalyptic city.
There was a decent plot resolution to this book, but it ends with just enough of a tease into the next book in the series to keep me in suspense.
When I consider the book as a whole, its weaknesses and its strong points combined, I feel that it balances out to be a good read.
I struggled with whether to give this book three or four stars. I decided to give it four stars, because it turned around so nicely with the characters and plot growing to an intense ending, making me want to read more.
So do I recommend this book? Yes, I would, yet I would caution my friends and other readers that the story starts off slow, seeming to get way off track before the action adventure gets going.
I will likely read the next book in the series.
Read
July 25, 2012First of all this book is really the beginning of a series, because it ends when things begin to get interesting and on a note of uncertainty that was the best part of the book. The story was a real page-turner, even if I'm afraid I didn't like the characters.
It was as if the author was trying to get a grip on them through the whole book. I realized that this unsettling feeling depended on a choice by the author. The two protagonists are not heroes, they are two ordinary guys who kept their flaws and insecurities even in their circumstances. We're probably used to ordinary guys who become great heroes under pressure, but Elliott and Adam are not transformed in fearless men by the apocalyptic events of the book, they are scared, confused, inconstant and almost hysterical sometimes. They lie and then tell the truth, they're not above deception, they just try to survive.
Elliott is a shop assistant, with a family that has been trying to forget him and he's just been dump by his boyfriend. Adam has been left by his fiancée of four years, he's a dancer who's ashamed of his profession and he's in denial about his sexuality. They meet roaming around the city, after an asteroid hit the earth triggering earthquakes and the forming of a dark cloud of debris. Among the devastation, they seem the only survivors and they go looking for other people. After they find a flier about Refuge Inc., they go looking for the place, guessing that's where they can find an organization ready to begin again. But is it a myth? A scam? Salvation?
I think the push-pull relationship between the two protagonists was the least interesting apart. Elliott, so out and proud, sometimes seemed too pushy and sometimes acted too whiny; Adam was hot and cold. I must admit they exhausted me and it was a bit difficult to see their attraction, it felt like something I had to be convinced of. I also thought there were too many threads left dangling, until I realized it was really the first installment of a longer series. I am glad there was a brief excerpt of the next book, because when I spotted "The End" I was still trying to figure out what was happening.
I think the post-apocalyptic setting is by far the best feature of the book and the concept of Refuge Inc. is very promising.
It was as if the author was trying to get a grip on them through the whole book. I realized that this unsettling feeling depended on a choice by the author. The two protagonists are not heroes, they are two ordinary guys who kept their flaws and insecurities even in their circumstances. We're probably used to ordinary guys who become great heroes under pressure, but Elliott and Adam are not transformed in fearless men by the apocalyptic events of the book, they are scared, confused, inconstant and almost hysterical sometimes. They lie and then tell the truth, they're not above deception, they just try to survive.
Elliott is a shop assistant, with a family that has been trying to forget him and he's just been dump by his boyfriend. Adam has been left by his fiancée of four years, he's a dancer who's ashamed of his profession and he's in denial about his sexuality. They meet roaming around the city, after an asteroid hit the earth triggering earthquakes and the forming of a dark cloud of debris. Among the devastation, they seem the only survivors and they go looking for other people. After they find a flier about Refuge Inc., they go looking for the place, guessing that's where they can find an organization ready to begin again. But is it a myth? A scam? Salvation?
I think the push-pull relationship between the two protagonists was the least interesting apart. Elliott, so out and proud, sometimes seemed too pushy and sometimes acted too whiny; Adam was hot and cold. I must admit they exhausted me and it was a bit difficult to see their attraction, it felt like something I had to be convinced of. I also thought there were too many threads left dangling, until I realized it was really the first installment of a longer series. I am glad there was a brief excerpt of the next book, because when I spotted "The End" I was still trying to figure out what was happening.
I think the post-apocalyptic setting is by far the best feature of the book and the concept of Refuge Inc. is very promising.
July 16, 2012
Orginally posted @ ReadingDiva's Blog - Rating 3 of 5
REVIEW: Review: This is the first book I read by Leslie Lee Sanders. I was very interested in reading it when I saw the genre was dystopia and since I dedicated this month to all Dystopia I said why not add this one to the list of my reads. Before The Darkness is nice story that develops after an asteroid strikes Earth and leaves very few survivors or at least that’s what is expected. The story develops fast as the characters embarque in an adventure to find more survivors and help.
There is very little information about the catastrophe all it is known is that Phoenix has been totally destroyed and that there may be no survivors with the exception of Elliot & Adam. These two characters are quite different but they both share their familiar tragedies. Elliot is gay, he has always felt alienated by his family, unwanted and unloved.
Adam fighting his own demons and on a total denial that he is gay. As much as he battles this fact he always comes back to feel that same attraction he felt during his high school years when he experimented with other men, he is also coming to accept that his previous relationship was based on a lie. After the asteroid hit and destruction took over his world, he met Elliot and together they go into an adventure to find Refuge Inc.
As much as I wanted to like these characters relationship I just couldn’t. Their relationship felt a bit forced and though I understood Adam’s concerns, feelings and even his hesitation I couldn’t grasp the idea of a relationship developing under such circumstances. Elliot, I like him but I don’t understand his hostility and lack of understanding. As a gay man he knows from experience how difficult and critical it is for a man to accept his sexuality or for others do to so as well.
Elliot’s whining and complaining about Adam not accepting who he is was not only annoying but quite disappointing. Elliot aggravated me, he was a bit weak not just of heart but weak as a man. His lack of understanding about Adam’s feelings were not only selfish but needy. I enjoy the book, not so much the character’s relationship, yet I am looking forward to reading book 2.
Leslie Lee Sanders is an author you want to keep your eyes on. Refuge Inc. is a very promising series, it has the necessary ingredients to become a hit. If you enjoy sexy men, great adventure and sexual awakening then this is the book for you.
REVIEW: Review: This is the first book I read by Leslie Lee Sanders. I was very interested in reading it when I saw the genre was dystopia and since I dedicated this month to all Dystopia I said why not add this one to the list of my reads. Before The Darkness is nice story that develops after an asteroid strikes Earth and leaves very few survivors or at least that’s what is expected. The story develops fast as the characters embarque in an adventure to find more survivors and help.
There is very little information about the catastrophe all it is known is that Phoenix has been totally destroyed and that there may be no survivors with the exception of Elliot & Adam. These two characters are quite different but they both share their familiar tragedies. Elliot is gay, he has always felt alienated by his family, unwanted and unloved.
Adam fighting his own demons and on a total denial that he is gay. As much as he battles this fact he always comes back to feel that same attraction he felt during his high school years when he experimented with other men, he is also coming to accept that his previous relationship was based on a lie. After the asteroid hit and destruction took over his world, he met Elliot and together they go into an adventure to find Refuge Inc.
As much as I wanted to like these characters relationship I just couldn’t. Their relationship felt a bit forced and though I understood Adam’s concerns, feelings and even his hesitation I couldn’t grasp the idea of a relationship developing under such circumstances. Elliot, I like him but I don’t understand his hostility and lack of understanding. As a gay man he knows from experience how difficult and critical it is for a man to accept his sexuality or for others do to so as well.
Elliot’s whining and complaining about Adam not accepting who he is was not only annoying but quite disappointing. Elliot aggravated me, he was a bit weak not just of heart but weak as a man. His lack of understanding about Adam’s feelings were not only selfish but needy. I enjoy the book, not so much the character’s relationship, yet I am looking forward to reading book 2.
Leslie Lee Sanders is an author you want to keep your eyes on. Refuge Inc. is a very promising series, it has the necessary ingredients to become a hit. If you enjoy sexy men, great adventure and sexual awakening then this is the book for you.
August 24, 2012
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this book when I got the notification that it was up for review through one of the blog tour company's I host. I think I was just pretty darn excited to have a chance to review it without of it being part of an official blog tour since I've been burning myself out with hosting different tours lately.
I haven't read all that many M/M romances but it's not because I don't like them but more because the chance to read them doesn't come up as often as I would like to so I wasn't sure how this one would shape up to be especially given that its post apocalyptic.
I was however surprised by the mount of care the author put into describing the setting and telling the reader how the world ended. The fact that there was an actual plot to the novel made me like it even more because it wasn't all about sex. That to me would have killed the book so I was really happy I had more to go on than just sexy time between Elliot and Adam.
I really liked that the book did have some action, what with the earthquake tremors and nuclear type storm clouds rolling in from the impact of the asteroid that hits earth and overall the book was written pretty well.
There was only one aspect of the novel that I didn't care too much for and that was Elliot and Adam getting "involved" pretty quickly. I'm not much of a fan of "Insta-Love" or "Insta-Lust" so that part of the novel wasn't my favourite and I wish the characters had gotten to know each other better.
Overall though I liked the concept for the novel. The plot and characters could have been a little stronger but it was still an enjoyable read, and for the first book in a new series it was pretty good. I can't wait to see which direction the next book takes!
I would recommend this one to anyone who loves M/M romance as a quick read.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was in no way compensated for my review and all thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
I haven't read all that many M/M romances but it's not because I don't like them but more because the chance to read them doesn't come up as often as I would like to so I wasn't sure how this one would shape up to be especially given that its post apocalyptic.
I was however surprised by the mount of care the author put into describing the setting and telling the reader how the world ended. The fact that there was an actual plot to the novel made me like it even more because it wasn't all about sex. That to me would have killed the book so I was really happy I had more to go on than just sexy time between Elliot and Adam.
I really liked that the book did have some action, what with the earthquake tremors and nuclear type storm clouds rolling in from the impact of the asteroid that hits earth and overall the book was written pretty well.
There was only one aspect of the novel that I didn't care too much for and that was Elliot and Adam getting "involved" pretty quickly. I'm not much of a fan of "Insta-Love" or "Insta-Lust" so that part of the novel wasn't my favourite and I wish the characters had gotten to know each other better.
Overall though I liked the concept for the novel. The plot and characters could have been a little stronger but it was still an enjoyable read, and for the first book in a new series it was pretty good. I can't wait to see which direction the next book takes!
I would recommend this one to anyone who loves M/M romance as a quick read.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was in no way compensated for my review and all thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
January 23, 2013
Review After a comet was suppose to hit earth and after all the earthquakes, both Elliott and Adam thought they were the last survivors on earth until they met. Adam is straight ( or is he) and Elliott is a very out gay man. Is there more survivor? How will they get food? How will they survive? What is Adams secret?
This was a very exiting story about the end times. Really leaves you wonder if this could be how it will be at the end. The story keeps you wondering what will happen next what the world stuff the aftershocks and the men. It also make ya wonder what refuge Inc. is and then at the end you still wonder.. yeah i will definitely have to have the next book but where is it? LOL.
I recommend these book if you like sci-fi especially post-apocalyptic stories, hot mansex, movies or books like earthquake. It’s a great story that is quite different than any I have read before.
This was a very exiting story about the end times. Really leaves you wonder if this could be how it will be at the end. The story keeps you wondering what will happen next what the world stuff the aftershocks and the men. It also make ya wonder what refuge Inc. is and then at the end you still wonder.. yeah i will definitely have to have the next book but where is it? LOL.
I recommend these book if you like sci-fi especially post-apocalyptic stories, hot mansex, movies or books like earthquake. It’s a great story that is quite different than any I have read before.
January 22, 2013
Leslie pens "Before the Darkness" in a plot that started a bit slow for me but it builds up and grabs you right in. I was happy to see that there was an actual plot to the story line, which is rare in mature adult books. Her characters were relate-able but I felt they needed just a bit more developing. All in all I did enjoy the book and can not wait to see where the series takes us. I would recommended this book to readers, as it is a quick read and actually good for the first in a series.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
May 17, 2013
This was a really enjoyable story, it gave detailed descriptions and characters , so you felt you were there or could get a idea of the area's and people. Now onto book two.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed Titan the dog and liked the premise... but I didn't connect with the main characters and the end felt abrupt.
May 9, 2013
The end of the world stuff never used to appeal to me until very recently and now I enjoy a good 'doom and gloom' survivor story mixed in with my history, sci-fi, contemporary and paranormal romance. Hey, what's one more fantasy world to delve into, right? I find that I enjoy reading about people struggling against all odds and coming through it. In this case, it is surviving a huge meteor hitting the planet and its the story of two regular guys trying to make their way and find some happiness while they're at it.
The story opens with Elliot stumbling along a street of rubble still getting adjusted to what his life has become. A huge chunk of space rock fell from the sky and the aftermath of earthquakes obliterated everything. He is alone and afraid that he is the last man living on the planet until some time later he thinks he is dreaming when another man- a beautiful man- comes into sight. Elliot almost cries with relief and falls on Adam in thankfulness of no longer having to survive alone. Adam accepts his embrace, but then shares that he is not interested. They go back into survival mode when Adam points out the ominous black cloud drawing ever closer from the east and explains that it will bring Ashen Winter which is a result of the meteor hit. After fending off a growling dog and hiding in a dental office through an earthquake, the two draw close. Elliot is confused and hurt when Adam burns hot and then cold. He invites and then he rebuffs Elliot.
Through injuries, trying to get their basic needs met and trying not to succumb to fear, the two men draw close. They open up and share some of their past. As they journey along, there are hints in a flyer and spray painted directional signs that there might be a place for survivors. Elliot is skeptical, but it becomes a new hope for Adam. An injury Elliot sustained has left him desirous of resting at the hospital and they part ways when Adam wants to press on and find this Refuge Inc. Not long after leaving, Adam realizes it was a mistake to separate from Elliot, but realizes its even worse when he returns to the hospital only to find Elliot is gone looking for him. How will he ever find him in the darkness?
The plot moves along at a steady pace. There are descriptive parts that make it clear what is happening and what it looks and feels like, but the focus is really on the characters and what they think and feel as they try to survive. The perspective switched back and forth between Elliot and Adam so there is an opportunity to get to know them. I really liked both of them and enjoyed being along on their adventure. They show their fears, they make mistakes, but they just keep plodding ahead. They get together a few different times, but it has the feel of desperation to it with the 'we lived through it' or 'we're going to die' motivation. Not to say that there is only the physical spark between them. They both come to the conclusion separately that they want to and need to be together. The story ended up in a 'we're safe for now' place. There is foreshadowing for what is to come both in their relationship and in their efforts to survive. This story segment was the big set up and has me anticipating and eager for what is to come next.
Those who enjoy M/M Dystopian or Apocalyptic Romance should give this one a try.
The story opens with Elliot stumbling along a street of rubble still getting adjusted to what his life has become. A huge chunk of space rock fell from the sky and the aftermath of earthquakes obliterated everything. He is alone and afraid that he is the last man living on the planet until some time later he thinks he is dreaming when another man- a beautiful man- comes into sight. Elliot almost cries with relief and falls on Adam in thankfulness of no longer having to survive alone. Adam accepts his embrace, but then shares that he is not interested. They go back into survival mode when Adam points out the ominous black cloud drawing ever closer from the east and explains that it will bring Ashen Winter which is a result of the meteor hit. After fending off a growling dog and hiding in a dental office through an earthquake, the two draw close. Elliot is confused and hurt when Adam burns hot and then cold. He invites and then he rebuffs Elliot.
Through injuries, trying to get their basic needs met and trying not to succumb to fear, the two men draw close. They open up and share some of their past. As they journey along, there are hints in a flyer and spray painted directional signs that there might be a place for survivors. Elliot is skeptical, but it becomes a new hope for Adam. An injury Elliot sustained has left him desirous of resting at the hospital and they part ways when Adam wants to press on and find this Refuge Inc. Not long after leaving, Adam realizes it was a mistake to separate from Elliot, but realizes its even worse when he returns to the hospital only to find Elliot is gone looking for him. How will he ever find him in the darkness?
The plot moves along at a steady pace. There are descriptive parts that make it clear what is happening and what it looks and feels like, but the focus is really on the characters and what they think and feel as they try to survive. The perspective switched back and forth between Elliot and Adam so there is an opportunity to get to know them. I really liked both of them and enjoyed being along on their adventure. They show their fears, they make mistakes, but they just keep plodding ahead. They get together a few different times, but it has the feel of desperation to it with the 'we lived through it' or 'we're going to die' motivation. Not to say that there is only the physical spark between them. They both come to the conclusion separately that they want to and need to be together. The story ended up in a 'we're safe for now' place. There is foreshadowing for what is to come both in their relationship and in their efforts to survive. This story segment was the big set up and has me anticipating and eager for what is to come next.
Those who enjoy M/M Dystopian or Apocalyptic Romance should give this one a try.
February 3, 2013
3.5 stars. (Why aren't half stars an option?) It was a slow one for me, but when it finally got to the meat, the book ended. I'm definitely intrigued about Refuge Inc and the characters are interesting protagonists. They aren't super human and are dealing with a world crisis while struggling with personal crises. The detail and conflicts of the end of the world are believable and the characters aren't "stupid" and simply accepting of everything they're told or see. Although It'd be interesting if they vocalized doubts more, but then that'd kill all the hope and fun. I'll stick around for the next book to form a more informed opinion.
October 19, 2012
I'm not a fan at all of books that stop in the middle of a story and offer no resolution until the next book is released. It feels like the author has a case of grabby hands and makes me want to say a big FU and spend my money elsewhere. I enjoyed this story, though, and it only cost a couple of bucks so while I'm irritated by having to pay twice for what is essentially one story, I'll probably check out the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2013
I loved this book. It’s a wonderful start to the series, and has excellent dramatics to keep you gripped. My only real qualm is that the first sex scene seemed slightly out of place, only given the situation and the environment. I found the characters to be relatable and very real - they were flawed and made mistakes, but were also heroic when they needed to be, and it all felt very plausible. I highly recommend this one!
July 20, 2021
An interesting dystopian romance between two survivors of an asteroid impact. Elliott has escaped from his home and is traveling west through what remains of Phoenix when he meets Adam. Elliott is out, even his t-shirt declares it. Adam has been living out society's expectations until Elliott brings the real Adam to the surface with the realization that there's no society left to care if he's not straight. An interesting read and not my normal genre. I wish the remainder of the series were still available in epub format.
December 5, 2017
So... Adam was a self hating liar who couldn’t stand up for himself and Elliot was a self absorbed asshole who couldn’t take no for an answer. The one sex scene I made it to felt all wrong because Adam had specifically said no and Elliot “seduced” him any way. It was a classic case of a guy pushing himself on someone because the other person “really wanted it deep down”
Ugh. I couldn’t read any more.
Ugh. I couldn’t read any more.
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December 6, 2023DNF
March 12, 2014
I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Before the Darkness is the first in a trilogy of books. It is a M/M romance set in Phoenix, AZ in the current era with the exception that a giant asteroid has recently crashed to Earth near the west coast of the US.
Elliot is an out gay man, and a survivor of the earthquakes that have rocked the area to its foundations. He is stumbling along in the new wasteland when he meets Adam, another well-built man near to Elliot's age (presumably late 20's). They decide to team up, but Elliot is injured shortly thereafter. They take refuge in a dental office, looking for medical supplies, while the aftershocks roll through. Also, they engage in a sex act, because.
They limp on toward the wrecked supermarket where they are able to obtain some minimal foodstuffs, and condoms.
There they find flyers advertising Refuge inc., a presumed rescue organization. They begin to hunt for the refuge, but Elliot's leg injury is severe enough that they head to the local hospital that has been ransacked and wrecked, but three people remain--a man in a coma, his wife, and a second man who is well. They all talk about the radio signal they had heard about Refuge Inc. and Adam wants to head there to get help for Elliot.
They fight, and Adam departs alone. Then he returns, and finds Elliot has left to chase him. Adam is injured in his further searching, but he is rescued by Elliot and some new survivors. They learn Refuge Inc. is real--the survivors are from there--so they head toward it and join the ranks of the living.
My many problems with this story:
1. Phoenix has a population of 1.5 million, yet we barely see anyone following this disaster. I can't buy the lack of emergency response. The lack of support personnel. The lack of humanity--be they scavengers, casualties, criminals set loose when the earthquakes destroyed the prisons. Sorry. The book had a "Left Behind" vibe that was completely unrealistic for the disaster it posited.
2. The insta-sex. Um, I can buy Adam being a closeted gay man slowly warming to Elliot, but I can't buy two dudes having sex in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, amidst the dust and rubble, five hours after they first meet. For cripes sake--Elliot was risking a complete beat-down for kissing Adam on the lips the second they met. Is he completely mental? (I am a fan of M/M lovin' but give me a break. Please make the romance angle plausible.)
3. The science was BAAADDD! I cannot fathom why an ash cloud is overtaking Phoenix from the east. Has the asteroid impact in the west somehow changed the jet stream? This is completely outside the realm of reality. Also, what is creating the ash?
Lookit. I lived in California, home of the summer wildfire, for three years. Now, two of those summers we had raging fires in the south west and north west of our location. We're talking millions of acres destroyed causing huge ash clouds that were then picked up, by the jet stream, and carried to our location dropping bits of ash, like the filthiest snow you can imagine, for days on end.
Key here: the wind in the US blows west to east--at no time did we get ash from the raging Arizona fires, or the raging Colorado or Wyoming fires...so how does this noxious ash move east to Phoenix? And, what pray tell, is burning to bring on the ash?
I want to also note that there were numerous issues with grammar and usage of the English language. A thorough editing is in order.
By the end I started to care more for these characters, but if I had not committed to reading this book I would have stopped and never looked back. This book is for readers who want to imagine the new world order after a devastating disaster, but don't really want to think about it that much.
Better disaster stories to read: ASHFALL by Mike Mullin and LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer.
Before the Darkness is the first in a trilogy of books. It is a M/M romance set in Phoenix, AZ in the current era with the exception that a giant asteroid has recently crashed to Earth near the west coast of the US.
Elliot is an out gay man, and a survivor of the earthquakes that have rocked the area to its foundations. He is stumbling along in the new wasteland when he meets Adam, another well-built man near to Elliot's age (presumably late 20's). They decide to team up, but Elliot is injured shortly thereafter. They take refuge in a dental office, looking for medical supplies, while the aftershocks roll through. Also, they engage in a sex act, because.
They limp on toward the wrecked supermarket where they are able to obtain some minimal foodstuffs, and condoms.
There they find flyers advertising Refuge inc., a presumed rescue organization. They begin to hunt for the refuge, but Elliot's leg injury is severe enough that they head to the local hospital that has been ransacked and wrecked, but three people remain--a man in a coma, his wife, and a second man who is well. They all talk about the radio signal they had heard about Refuge Inc. and Adam wants to head there to get help for Elliot.
They fight, and Adam departs alone. Then he returns, and finds Elliot has left to chase him. Adam is injured in his further searching, but he is rescued by Elliot and some new survivors. They learn Refuge Inc. is real--the survivors are from there--so they head toward it and join the ranks of the living.
My many problems with this story:
1. Phoenix has a population of 1.5 million, yet we barely see anyone following this disaster. I can't buy the lack of emergency response. The lack of support personnel. The lack of humanity--be they scavengers, casualties, criminals set loose when the earthquakes destroyed the prisons. Sorry. The book had a "Left Behind" vibe that was completely unrealistic for the disaster it posited.
2. The insta-sex. Um, I can buy Adam being a closeted gay man slowly warming to Elliot, but I can't buy two dudes having sex in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, amidst the dust and rubble, five hours after they first meet. For cripes sake--Elliot was risking a complete beat-down for kissing Adam on the lips the second they met. Is he completely mental? (I am a fan of M/M lovin' but give me a break. Please make the romance angle plausible.)
3. The science was BAAADDD! I cannot fathom why an ash cloud is overtaking Phoenix from the east. Has the asteroid impact in the west somehow changed the jet stream? This is completely outside the realm of reality. Also, what is creating the ash?
Lookit. I lived in California, home of the summer wildfire, for three years. Now, two of those summers we had raging fires in the south west and north west of our location. We're talking millions of acres destroyed causing huge ash clouds that were then picked up, by the jet stream, and carried to our location dropping bits of ash, like the filthiest snow you can imagine, for days on end.
Key here: the wind in the US blows west to east--at no time did we get ash from the raging Arizona fires, or the raging Colorado or Wyoming fires...so how does this noxious ash move east to Phoenix? And, what pray tell, is burning to bring on the ash?
I want to also note that there were numerous issues with grammar and usage of the English language. A thorough editing is in order.
By the end I started to care more for these characters, but if I had not committed to reading this book I would have stopped and never looked back. This book is for readers who want to imagine the new world order after a devastating disaster, but don't really want to think about it that much.
Better disaster stories to read: ASHFALL by Mike Mullin and LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer.
August 29, 2013
**NOTE: This is my friend Stephany's review, as she is helping me with my gigantic review pile. Neither Stephany nor I were compensated for this review**
After reading the synopsis on the back, I was lead to believe there was an actual story line. The premise was good, it even had the potential to be great. However, incomplete and stereotypical characters, rushed story line, and grammatical errors plagued every page. The main character, Elliot, is an overly stereotyped gay man wearing a "made with pride" t-shirt with rainbow colored letters and consistently lusting over his fellow survivor's penis. Adam, Elliot’s companion, is the overly cautious, never left the closet, gay man. The character personalities alone push the gay rights back decades. However uncomfortably initiated (or in one case completely out of the blue), the love scenes are lustfully and emotionally written. One scene specifically shows the depth of what they share. The story line unfortunately was very rushed. I would even go as far as to say the author wished to focus mainly on sex. The characters could not stop to rest in a post-apocalyptic world without attacking each other. The dialogue is sadly childish and petty. It focuses mostly on how hesitant Adam is to show his feelings after living most of his life as straight. Also, Elliot cannot have a single thought outside of sex. If there was more of a focus on developing a story line and the emotional as well as physical connection between Elliot and Adam, I might be more excited to finally learn what Refuge Inc. consists of in book two. However, as of now, I don’t think I will do more than consider reading the sequel.
After reading the synopsis on the back, I was lead to believe there was an actual story line. The premise was good, it even had the potential to be great. However, incomplete and stereotypical characters, rushed story line, and grammatical errors plagued every page. The main character, Elliot, is an overly stereotyped gay man wearing a "made with pride" t-shirt with rainbow colored letters and consistently lusting over his fellow survivor's penis. Adam, Elliot’s companion, is the overly cautious, never left the closet, gay man. The character personalities alone push the gay rights back decades. However uncomfortably initiated (or in one case completely out of the blue), the love scenes are lustfully and emotionally written. One scene specifically shows the depth of what they share. The story line unfortunately was very rushed. I would even go as far as to say the author wished to focus mainly on sex. The characters could not stop to rest in a post-apocalyptic world without attacking each other. The dialogue is sadly childish and petty. It focuses mostly on how hesitant Adam is to show his feelings after living most of his life as straight. Also, Elliot cannot have a single thought outside of sex. If there was more of a focus on developing a story line and the emotional as well as physical connection between Elliot and Adam, I might be more excited to finally learn what Refuge Inc. consists of in book two. However, as of now, I don’t think I will do more than consider reading the sequel.
July 9, 2012
Before the Darkness
is the first in the Refuge, Inc. series and is offered as a free read here on Goodreads. This is the first book I have read by Leslie Lee Sanders.
The story is about two young men struggling to find their way in the aftermath of an asteroid colliding with Earth and subsequent earthquakes devastating whatever was left. Adam and Elliot each begin their treks separately, but eventually find their way to each other amidst the rubble. Each a salvation for the other. Elliot, a young openly gay man, has a hard time resisting the temptation of having Adam, an attractive sexually confused man separated from his wife, so close. They are both fighting to overcome their pasts so that they can better deal with their present/future. Together they make their way through the shambles hoping to survive the coming fallout when they come across "the Refuge". Will this refuge be a blessing or a curse?
The synopsis is a good one, however the story felt a bit forced to me; almost like two stories mashed together in an uncoordinated way. There were times when I almost DNF, but I kept hoping it would improve for me. Because of this, I will probably not read any add'l installments in the series. Others, however, may find it more to their liking. It may be worth a read, especially since it is currently free to GR members.
The story is about two young men struggling to find their way in the aftermath of an asteroid colliding with Earth and subsequent earthquakes devastating whatever was left. Adam and Elliot each begin their treks separately, but eventually find their way to each other amidst the rubble. Each a salvation for the other. Elliot, a young openly gay man, has a hard time resisting the temptation of having Adam, an attractive sexually confused man separated from his wife, so close. They are both fighting to overcome their pasts so that they can better deal with their present/future. Together they make their way through the shambles hoping to survive the coming fallout when they come across "the Refuge". Will this refuge be a blessing or a curse?
The synopsis is a good one, however the story felt a bit forced to me; almost like two stories mashed together in an uncoordinated way. There were times when I almost DNF, but I kept hoping it would improve for me. Because of this, I will probably not read any add'l installments in the series. Others, however, may find it more to their liking. It may be worth a read, especially since it is currently free to GR members.
December 27, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Leslie Lee Sanders. I found the premise for the storyline very interesting. This story takes place after tragedy causes the loss of lives, leaving a small amount of people left to survive the new world. The survivors bonded out necessity, but I felt that the romantic aspect of the relationship was forced. I would like to see more growth in the characters before they take a big leap. I felt the depiction of the situation was realistic and the story compelled you to think, what would you do in this instance?
August 24, 2012
I really didn't care for either character. Both seemed to alternate between whiny bitch and douchebag. The story begins at an odd spot, after the asteroid, so that we are told about things instead of witnessing them which bugs me. I also didn't like how Elliot seemed to force Adam into being with him.
Want to read
September 11, 2016purchased complete collection
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