Wednesday, 20 June 2012

The Priest - Monica La Porta


Mauricio has been a slave all his life. Living in a world where women rule the world, his only role is one of as a 'semental' - a sperm donor. In comparison to the other slaves who toil the land, his life is marginally better. Although he doesn't think so as he has never left the confines of his cell.

Desperate to be released from his duty he mourns his loss of freedom when one day he hears Rosie - a pure breed. Her dulcet tones makes him believe that there is a life - a beautiful one - beyond the walls of his prison cell.

By chance he meets Rosie who he discovers is the Presidents daughter. Yet instead of treating him with disdain and contempt - like all the men in Ginecea are treated - Rosie is kind and respectful. Their chance meeting begins a journey of love, hope and redemption.

The Priest is essentially a love story. One that is fueled by such a deep longing to be free to love the person that they don't care traditions are broken. The author has chosen to set this in a matriarchal world which is certainly a good perspective although the women are portrayed as quite heinous. The men are subdued and fearful of the prison guards and it was a little odd to read that the norm is to marry a woman and have a pure breed child.

Overall the characters met are well rounded and even though I couldn't imagine a women led world where all the women are vicious and have such disdain for men, but it certainly made the story engaging. And perhaps that's the authors intent to show that women, with literally only one or two being nice, can be just as aggressive and cruel as men?

I liked this story especially Mauricio who has a gently soul. His experiences at the hand of the Priestess and other guards is disturbing but shows his strength all the more to protect Rosie. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive review.

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