The Nourisher by Mark Alders
The Borders of Worlds Saga, Book 1
eXtasy Books
Science Fiction M/M
ISBN: 978-1-55487-798-0
Reviewed by Lisa




In 2042 the world, indeed the universe, is one large eclectic mixture of sentient life.  Lawyer Drake Glauco is credited with writing a major treaty between all the various planets in this universe.  That’s not on his mind this night however, Drake is thinking of celebrating his upcoming anniversary with his husband Jankin.  But when he walks into their home he discovers Jankin in another man’s arms.  Angry and hurt Drake storms out the door and straight into the path of two Boldiens, a race with a frog like appearance.

Before he has time to truly understand what’s happening Drake realizes he’s on another planet and introduced to a Priaxian, a spider like being whose name is Vernon.  Literally frozen with fear Drake is informed that he is needed to nourish the egg Vernon is carrying – with Drake’s sperm.

At first terrified, Drake soon discovers that Vernon is much more than just a huge spider and the true reasons for Drake’s kidnapping are more important than anyone realized.  Drake and Vernon must journey across the galaxy to learn exactly what is going on from a threat to Earth to the plot to destroy the Priaxians as a species.  Nothing is as it seems they soon discover.

Boldly venture to another time and place in The Nourisher, the first story in The Borders of the Worlds Saga.  Told in first person point of view, Drake tells of his life in the far future, his hopes and dreams which are crushed beneath the feet of the enemy.  There are near death experiences interspersed with talking about developing feelings of love between the main characters.  From humans, to spiders, and then wasp like beings, The Nourisher is truly an original and fascinating tale.  The author manages to help readers and Drake visualize Vernon in an acceptable, sexual way, but, um, ewww flits in occasionally as I read.  Incredibly unique, non-stop action, and drama, plus some really enchanting characters, The Nourisher is in a world and class of its own.