Ray Wood

Claire's lover has no tongue. A slave liberated from a heathen temple, Aya cannot tell the story of her stolen voice, or of her and Claire's unfolding love. She cannot speak her pain, her joy, or her sorrow. And if she sees that which eludes the blind goddess of justice, she cannot bear witness. "In the Sight of Akresa" is a tragic fantasy romance from debut author Ray Wood. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

A Tor.Com Original

In the Sight of Akresa

Maggie Gordon

This story is often tagged as a romance, but it's really an exploration of power. Claire is a noblewoman who becomes enamored with Aya, a former slave women with no tongue. Claire seems attracted to her difference and exotic nature, and fosters a friendship and then a romance with Aya despite the dangers this presents to them both. Unsurprisingly, Claire is pressured to get married and falls in love with a young man, realising that she must leave Aya behind. Her brother, however, believing that Claire caused him to lose his love, tries to destroy her relationships with both, and Aya simply lets his happen, despite the fact that Aya will most certainly be punished severely, if not killed. As a noblewoman, Claire has very little power it seems, but she made her choices and others had to pay for them. This was a chilling tale of cruelty and betrayal, and definitely worth a read, though not if you're looking for romance. It's hard to call something a romance when one party has all the power over the other.

Jayarna La Bozzetta

4.5 stars! Short stories often feel lackluster for me but this one managed to cover a lot without feeling too quick. I really enjoyed the way it was written, the story is essentially left up to interpretation when it comes to the motivations of the main character. It's quite dark and violent in some parts and honestly I can see this sticking with me.

In the Sight of Akresa A Tor.Com Original

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