ONYX, BY ALICIA MICHAELS

#OthElokuu

 

Perchance to Dream: Classic Tales from the Bard's World in New Skins (anthology book)

"Onyx," an adaptation of Othello, by Alicia Michaels, bestselling author of The Bionics series and The Lost Kingdom of Fallada series
A millennium into the future, the world as we know it no longer exists. The Earth has been destroyed, and the humans that remain have expanded into the galaxy, living on space stations and colonies on new worlds—including some that already hosted life when humans arrived. From one of these species of humanoid aliens comes Onyx, who was captured by Earth’s military after a war with his people, the Ethelene, left his planet decimated. Against all odds, the teenage Onyx makes a life for himself, gaining honor and prestige in the military, and falls in love with Dia Tian, the daughter of an Earth colonel. But not everyone is happy about Onyx's success. Isaias Royce, Onyx's ensign, begins whispering secrets of Dia’s infidelity with his first lieutenant, Cronius March, into his ear. But is Isaias truly looking out for Onyx’s best interest? Or is he acting out of jealousy because Onyx chose another man to be promoted instead of him? When the web of lies, truths, and half-truths begin to engulf Onyx, he finds himself unable to discern who his real friends and enemies are... which could lead to him making one of the biggest mistakes of his life...

The year is 3015, and the planet Earth is no more. Existing on space stations strewn about the galaxy, humans are searching for a new planet to call home. Their explorations have led to war with many alien races, leaving their numbers decimated and their position in the universe unstable. 
A humanoid alien captured during one of Earth’s many wars, Onyx is given his freedom in return for joining the planet’s army. He is placed in an elite unit, where he quickly proves himself a good soldier and climbs the ranks. Many shun him because even though he looks like a human, they know he isn’t one. However, there is one person who does not fear him. Onyx cannot help but love Dia Tian, the daughter of his commanding officer, and marries her against her colonel father’s will. Yet, their happy union is threatened when Isaias, Onyx’s ensign begins whispering secrets of Dia’s infidelity with his first lieutenant, Cronius March, into his ear. 
When the web of lies, truths, and half-truths begin to engulf Onyx, he finds himself unable to discern who his real friends and enemies are … which will lead to him making one of the biggest mistakes of his life.


MY HIGHEST HOPES:
For Isaias Royce to be queer, of course! I would like to see how the story unfurls in a space opera setting, especially when it comes to Iago's schemes; the drunken fight, the handkerchief... and of course the homoerotic innuendo, am I right?
The first chapter already gets to a promising start with Isa having a chat with Dia's friendzoned sweetheart Reid Blackford ;) and "shoving Reid back into his seat..."
I would love to read the kegger scene and what kind of poison Isa plies Cronius with... (Yay Iassio ;) )