Queer Reading: "Spark and Tether" by Lilian Zenzi

Spark and Tether, Part 1 of the Synchronists series by Lilian Zenzi

Believe it or not, but in addition to Table Top Gayming I am also an Avid reader! (I know, big surprise right?) And as a reader, especially a Queer reader, I love finding a good and satisfying Queer Romance!

On top of that, I am also a trained actor/voice actor! And a little while back, I got the opportunity to begin a journey of Audiobook Narration!

Along this journey, I was SUPER lucky to be given the opportunity to narrate a book called "Spark and Tether", written by Lilian Zenzi!

(Find it Here to give it a listen! Or anywhere else you like to get your Audiobooks!)

One of the Benefits of Producing an Audiobook, is just how intimately I get to know the ideas, characters, and journeys of the story!

In many ways, the characters of this book have become a part of me, and I feel INCREDIBLY attached to them and their journeys!

So, as a somewhat "expert" on the intricacies of this book, I thought it prudent for me to share some of my thoughts and opinions.

NOTICE: Some Minor spoilers ahead.

A Rooted Mystery

The main plot focus of this novel, is a well thought out and intricately detailed political, sociological, and philosophical mystery of personhood, existentialism, and controversy.

There are strong themes of inequality, systematic oppression, and general prejudice; particularly in relation to the Friendly Artificial Inteligence (Fai), who have a long rooted history in human exploitation and oppression.

This oppression works in tandem with prejudices against another group of people known as Syns (synchronists), who are a form of enhanced human and have special abilities of what is essentially super-powered empathic abilities given to them by a "myconeural implant", a parasitic microbe that grows alongside a human's nervous system and enhances it to superhuman levels.

However, these superhuman abilities have lead to a stigma around them, and an inherent mistrust of "Syns", that is then often associated with the mistrust of Fai as well.

The result is a setting that provides amazing parallels to real life issues, without certain potential triggers to those who have received this kind of traumatic attacks.

The Overall mystery of this story is very well written, and the reveals are well timed, and are satisfying enough to keep the reader informed along the journey.

But as much as this is a story of mystery and intrigue, where it really shines is its character relationships and emotional Journeys!

The Cozy Romance and Emotional Journey

While the mystery and overall political message contains the strong, and important messages of this novel (especially in the current political climates!), the personal and romantic arcs of this story are TRULY my favourite parts of this book!

I love how authentic the characters feel, and how real their interactions are. Each character feels like their own person with their own lives, their own views, and their own problems. And by extension, each connection between every character feels very dynamic.

Particularly the chemistry between Sacheri and his best friend Paradis, and how you really feel their deep connection in that "one in a million" kind of friendship. Their sarcastic banter, and deep concern for each other's safety is used perfectly to add both depth and stakes to many emotional and intense scenes! As well as explore the day-to-day life of these characters in a fantastical futuristic society.

Then of course, there's the romance!

Sacheri shows an immediate infatuation with Jin, the non-binary co-lead on Sacheri's first mission with a new team that would become a focal point to the continuing story.

Jin's attraction on the other hand isn't quite so obvious. As all of the perceptions of both events and people are portrayed through the lens of Sacheri and his interpretations of the universe around him, (tainted by all of his insecurities and anxiousness!) we get to watch Sacheri grapple with his anxieties as he struggles to read Jin.

And it is extra entertaining to see how this only strengthens his intrigue and infatuation with them!

Once their connection is established though is when we see this story become the "cozy" romance we were promised! Of course, it isn't just an easy ride for our lovely couple (otherwise there wouldn't be any story!). Both external and internal factors weave a very complicated path that each character must follow. As secrets, lies, and half truths are unveiled, new waves of emotions hit Sacheri sometimes faster than he has the ability to process. And the authors perspective follows these internal processes very well. We get to see how these events guide Sacheri through his emotional journey and ultimately change him in the end.

And most importantly, how these changes never would have been possible without Jin at his side!

Genuinely, there were times when Sacheri starts acting irrationally towards himself and those around him, but especially when he starts directing any amount of it at Jin, I just wanted to jump into the book and thrash him!

These two characters just make so much sense together that anything that threatens them increases my own anxiety!

Conclusion

If you enjoy Sci-fi, mysteries, existentialism, inclusivity, and cozy-queer romance, you should definitely give Spark and Tether a read!

However, I will say that if you are looking for a story with a heavy emphasis on mystery/investigative storytelling, this isn't it. Instead, this book follows a political conspiracy/mystery, while focusing on the main characters emotional and romantic journey in a deeply endearing way. <3

And as the authors first published novel, I will always be thoroughly impressed with just how well this book is written, how strong each character is portrayed, and how well all of the plot threads are woven perfectly together!

Ultimately, this book gets the GaymeMaster seal of approval!

Book 2 is already out, (find it here) and I can't wait for the conclusion to this awesome trilogy!