Protection Money, by Wen Spencer

Short Review:

A well fleshed-out world and tough characters bring this story to life.  Gritty by turns yet emotionally touching, I found it a very enjoyable read.

Long Review:

The truth is, I’m trying not to gush.  The depth of the world-creation is very impressive, and the characters will live on in my mind as living, breathing, well, not exactly humans, but still people.  I loved the delicate balance between survival and human morality the pov character is forced to walk, and enjoyed his questions of what is freedom and who deserves it.  I could have appreciated just another line or smattering of words to finish the story off, as the last paragraph felt rushed, but all-in-all I found very little to criticize.  I think I’ve found a new author.