They had fallen into an easy friendliness, as if they had known each other for years. It would have been something remarkable if they had been soldiers serving together or two people introduced by a mutual acquaintance at a party. But they had been on opposing sides of a battle a few hours earlier. This felt far more natural than that. [loc. 257]
Rus is a tattooed priest, born into a nomadic tribe; Adares is a civil servant, trapped under a wrecked wagon after his first battle. They should be enemies, but they are drawn to one another. Rus saves Adares, and Adares returns the favour by finding shelter for them both in a nearby temple. He tends Rus' near-fatal wound, and the two young men quickly become friends. Adares would like more, but Rus is, after all, a priest. And there can be no future for any relationship between them, because they're on opposite sides of a war.
This is an utterly delightful romantic novel, set in the same pseudo-historical period as Demas' Sword Dance and One Night in Boukos. I was reminded strongly of Rosemary Sutcliff's work, both in the depiction of male friendship and in the little details that bring the setting to life. Rus and Adares are both keeping secrets about themselves, but that doesn't prevent them being honest and open with one another. They are both competent, strong characters, whose personalities and abilities complement one another. And their conversations made me laugh out loud more than once.
Something Human is a straightforward but engaging story, with some intriguing worldbuilding. I'm hoping Demas will publish more fiction set in this world.
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