Review - Submit to the Alien by Xander Tracy

Nerren is an omega. A descendant of genetically modified human males that can conceive and give birth. Omegas are prized by some and despised by others. Nerren has been trying to live under the radar since being orphaned as a boy, but he’s running out of options if he wants to stay alive. Offering his reproductive capability to an alien willing to pay a lot of money for it seems like a way out. Khel needs an heir and after being abandoned by his last mate, he’s not looking for a relationship. Using the services of an omega makes perfect sense, if only the human that gets his attention wasn’t so alluring.

Based on the blurb and the first few chapters, I was expecting “Submit to the Alien” to be just a sex romp with some dominant / submissive play. While there are some hot scenes between Nerren and Khel, there’s a lot more compelling drama than I was expecting. The story is set on a future moon inhabited by many species, yet with many of the same political issues facing us today. There are obvious parallels between Nerren’s situation and the trans witchhunts we’re seeing in the US and UK.

The story alternates points of view between Nerren and Khel. There are a few short flashback chapters here and there which give us a lot of the backstory for both characters. Nerren seems like a nice young man doing the best he can in the circumstances. He has been dealt quite a few hard blows in life, yet hasn’t lost hope or his humanity. It’s easy to understand why he finds the idea of somebody to take care of him so appealing. It’s also easy to see why he is so suspicious when things seem to be too good to be true.

Khel is painted as a very domineering personality. A man that is used to getting what he wants and doesn’t react well when that doesn’t happen. However, a softer side shows through over the course of the story. He really does want the people he cares about to be happy. He just has to get past the idea that doing what he says is always what will make them happy.

Although the story didn’t turn out to be the one I expected, it was in the end much better. The plot might be triggering for some, so you will want to consider that before you read. I felt that the ending left a few too many unanswered questions. You’re left wondering what happened between the last chapter and the epilogue to get the characters where they end up.

“Submit to the Alien” is available from Smashwords or Amazon (commissionable link).