Maelstrom Volume 1
Released by: Yaoi Press

Writer and Artist: Yamila Abraham

Cover art:  Himitsu Studio

Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

On a world where being homosexual is the norm, and no women live Planet Secren seems like nothing prisoner Demetri is used to. He will have to get used to it though, as there are many men who want him as their mate as soon as they see him; and one in particular who he is considered a perfect match for. As he is a human, earthlings are prized for their ability to be in tune with their planet's Rhythms, and they can be the best mates for Secren men, though, unfortunately for Demetri, due to his small stature, he will have to take the submissive role.

Not wanting to be matched with another man on Secren, he decides his best course of action would be to act as a celibate as it is one of three ranks human males can have on the planet. Demetri isn't a run of the mill prisoner, and he keeps what he did many years ago a secret he doesn't intend to share with anyone, not even the translator unit,

Brainbox he has been given, which causes more trouble for him than he likes.

Brainbox is certain that he will be mated to Malstrum, a strong alpha male who would have looked after him while on an outpost, but after Demetri refused to take his brand, he only bears a partial one that says he is connected to Malstrum, rather than actually being his. He could be his if he makes the right decision, but Demetri, as he has discovered, is a stubborn soul.

So, for Demetri, if he doesn't mate with Malstrum, he would be seen as fair game on the outpost, and if he made his quota mining, or more so, the other men would kill him and take it. Whereas if he decided to swallow his pride and his stubbornness, and take Malstrum as a mate, he would have his protection, and anything else that comes with it. He just needs to take a leap of faith and become his beta in his life, and in his bed.

Demetri is the sort of man who has feelings for other men, but keeps them locked inside. He doesn't want to get hitched with anyone – until he meets Malstrum. It's only when he gets the chance to talk with him that he realizes he understands his point of view, even if he wants him to change his mind about being his lover. Demetri is a natural rebel; he takes no one at face value, and doesn't let anyone walk all over him if he can help it. For him to get with another man in order to make his life easier, is a no no for him in his mind, and when he's never had a relationship with a man, let alone thought about one, he might find Malstrum a bit intense for his liking. Readers will like the dream sequence Demetri has, as it could prove to be the turning point for his attitude ready for part two of the story.

Malstrum knows how the mines work, what kind of dangers there are lurking behind every corner. He, according to the others can be trusted to protect the one he wants to take as his lover, yet Demetri has to trust him eventually or his life-expectancy on Secren might not be much. He is a strong man, and has seen more of Secren and

experienced its people, while Demetri has yet to find out how dangerous the mines are when you are alone. Malstrum wants to give Demetri a chance to prove himself to the men there if he can.

Verdict: Maelstrom 1 is a sensual introduction to a powerful story that leaves the reader begging for more. It is available to buy on Kindle and iPad as well as the Yaoi Press website.