Blind Space by Marie Sexton is a homoerotic sci-fi story.

Captain Tristan Kelly knows that leaving the space port is a bad idea because the pirate ships are out there waiting to pick them off, but Prince Rikard is determined to go in spite of the danger. Captain Jerald sets course and for a while everything goes well. Tristan may be the captain of the guard, but Rikard uses him for more intimate purposes and Tristan has no right to deny him. One night, Tristan wakes up to yelling that quickly escalates when the alarm is sounded and the last thing he sees is Rikard fully dressed, blindfolded and held by pirates before a flashgun blinds him. Even without his sight, Tristan gives the pirates a run for their money before he is overpowered, but not before Valero, the pirate captain, takes an interest in him. Valero's interest takes on a personal nature and Tristan finds it difficult to withstand his appeal. At the same time, Tristan knows there is a traitor on board who could turn on them again at any time. Will the Regent of the Empire pay their ransom for their freedom? Will Tristan learn more from his captivity than he ever imagined?

The title Blind Space was an interesting turn of phrase since it had many meanings. The obvious was blindness from the flashguns, but the hidden meanings were very subtle. An individual can be blind not only physically, but also to what is really going on around him. Tristan always followed orders without question never looking to see what the consequences were to the people who live under Regency control. It was fascinating how Tristan's blindness allowed him to open himself to pleasure he may never have known while he had his vision. It was interesting how he reacted when he saw Valero for the first time and wasn't sure if it was him until he really listened to his voice. Many people who have lost their sight find that their other senses become more acute like Tristan's, giving them an insight into the true actions of others. The feelings between Valero and Tristan were wonderful to read as they developed as was Valero's desire to protect Tristan were.

Reviewed by: Teresa