Series: County Durham Quad
Volume: 2/?Publisher: Rowanvale Books
Genre/s: contemporary M/M/M/M, crime/mystery
Length: 63 000 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✬✰
A young Syrian is brought to Warbridge A&E. All indicates that he was brutally raped, which draws Phil's attention as he treats him. The man worries that the boy stays illegally in the country and is forced to have sex. The doctor shares his observations and fears with his lovers. Together they begin to investigate the matter that turns out to have a disastrous effect on the quad's relationship. As if that was not enough, Phil has to deal with some professional problems, which have a negative impact on his mood and the atmosphere at home he shares with his lovers.
"Polyamory on Trial" is the second volume of the criminal themed "County Durham Quad" series, focusing on four men in a polyamorous relationship. And this is the topic I would like to focus on, as unlike in the previous installment, in this one we really have nothing to complain about. Let's start with the fact that we finally have the opportunity to see the dynamics between four lovers, as in this volume they not only live together, but above all they are really present in the story we read. This is a huge difference compared to the previous part of the series. The more so because thanks to the active participation of all four of them in the life of their love quad, the subject of polyamory is more developed, and their bond is explained in more detail. Thus, all the things that previously were the reason for the reader's mixed feelings, now make a lot of sense. Sure, we can still have some doubts about their mutual relations, but this time we have something to base our opinion about them on.
There's no doubt that reviewing "Polyamory on Trial" I have to write a few words about the characters that we finally get to know. Let me say that in the previous volume, the creation of two of them was a little dim, while the other two were just the shadows cast by people staying outside our visual field. This time the author clearly showed us the dynamics between four protagonists, as well as created each one of them very carefully. So this time I can say with a clear conscience that after reading "Polyamory on Trial" we begin to really understand the characters, both in terms of the role they play in the polyamorous relationship, as well as the way they think and act. While previously it was difficult for us to form an opinion about them or simply to like them, now we can really fall in love with the quad. Personally, from the beginning, I had a weakness for Ross and I wasn't sure whether I like Mike or not, but this time I can say in all seriousness that I love all the members of this unique, diverse and crazy quad.
The plus of the novel is also its plot. Let's start with the fact that the story presented in this volume not only contains a criminal theme, but also has the right vibe that is so important in this case. It is thanks to it that the readers fully feel all the emotions and curiosity connected with this type of novel and, to a certain extent, they engage themselves in the investigation. It is also worth noting that in the case of "Polyamory on Trial", the action of the book is more precise, the events are combined in a smoother way than ever before and keep us in suspense. Thus, the reader can focus equally on the contemporary life theme, and on the mentioned criminal topic. I think I should also add that once again, just like in the case of the previous book, the events of this volume are largely reflected in the title of the novel, which I think is really fantastic. The more so because the author refers to the title in many different angles, which I think is impressive.
Finally, I would like to refer to the very important problem raised in the novel which for contemporary Europe are illegal immigrants. I believe that the use of this motif in the book is its great advantage, because it draws our attention to many ethical problems, as well as emphasizes the fact that assimilation can be extremely difficult, and acceptance requires the man to be open and ready for it. In a very emotional way, the author shows her readers how easy it is to become a victim of human brutality and ruthlessness, and how easily dreams can turn into a nightmare. What's more, in "Polyamory on Trial" we also see a vicious circle from which not everyone is able to and can free oneself. Consequently, one of the lessons we receive while reading this novel is awareness of the problem, the risks and the fact that we can't help everyone, not everyone can be saved, even if we give it our all. However, I assure you that if we devote more time and space to this subject and the way it was presented in the novel, we could write a long essay on this topic.
To sum up, "Polyamory on Trial" is a really good and valuable novel that I can really recommend to a large group of readers. In addition to an interesting plot, ethical problems and fantastic characters, we also find here the widely developed subject of polyamory. After reading this novel, we really see this series in a completely different light. I am the best example of it.
Headcanon: Phil decides to subsidize the work of organizations which try to stop human trafficking.
Fanfiction idea: Phil and Raith's honeymoon which turns out to be a disaster full of funny events.
AU idea: Phil is a military doctor sent to Syria. Seeing what is happening there, the man decides to do his best to help the inhabitants of the city near his base.
MOODBOARD IN PROGRESS
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