Verdict: The author’s attempt to create an imaginary planet that draws parallels to the evils of life on earth deserves some credit. However, his delivery is downright confusing at times.

The imaginary planet called D’ot is not a happy place. It is “peopled” with creatures who have evolved into reptilian humanoids. They are violent and sadistic and lack the basic compassion that is crucial in any society.

The distinguishing characteristic of life on D’ot is the banishment of love. It is outlawed by the state and punishable by DeathBT (Death by Torture). The hero, Jan, is a young D’otian who lives happily with his parents, Martha and Griswolt, until he reaches the age of 5. Jan leads us on a tour of his world as he and his family survive love deprogramming and torture in accordance with the laws enacted by the state–the NOV (Nation of Vengeance). Mother and son eventually rebel against the NOV and become enemies of the state. Having joined LERN or Love’s Epiphany Requirement Network, an underground group that promotes love, they flee with its members to a brave new world where love’s healing powers reign.

The author’s attempt to create an imaginary planet that draws parallels to the evils of life on earth deserves some credit. However, his delivery is downright confusing at times (and it doesn’t help that the book is the book is ridden with typos). He riddles the story with obscure names and references and dilutes the action, which is quite dramatic in places, with clinical expositions about life. Once the story has been told, the author thoughtfully provides clarification in what he calls a “Prequel to Book 4.” It is there that the reader learns what “yama” means. And aha, now the reader understands what a “molick” does.

The title, “Blood for Love,” is appropriate, but by the time the last page is turned, our concern for Jan and the other D’otians has waned. We leave them hoping to form a new and better civilization with the aid of a mysterious substance called “Kana Bosm.” Perhaps because the story of the D’otian world and its inhabitants is so obscure, the reader’s emotional involvement is not sustained. Jan and the other D’otians really are best left to their own devices.

Reviewed by Eveline Speedie

Former newspaper editor and reporter. Freelance writer. Currently rewriting first novel and starting a sequel.