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Life-Line: Origins
Over a million years in the future, a desperate stowaway lies concealed in a space freighter’s cargo hold. Tam Amergan is bound for the prison world Corustloth, where his partner Brogan has been abducted. Ever since the Senate took over the planetary system decades earlier, gay men like Tam and Brogan—degens, as they are labeled under Senate—rule have been forced to live in secrecy. But Brogan is Tam’s life-line, bound to his soul in a ritual performed by a secret sisterhood of women with ancient, unknown designs. Tam has no choice but to follow Brogan wherever he goes. What Brogan sees, Tam sees; what Tam feels, Brogan feels. Neither can live without the other.
Thousands of lightyears away, an ancient brotherhood of mentalists works at uncovering the mystery of humanity’s long-forgotten origins. Their leader, Father, enlists the help of Bennett, who is able to connect with the mind of a space freighter stowaway on the other side of the galaxy. Is Bennett the key to humanity’s origins? Could Tam’s quest to find Brogan have a wider purpose?
Both a soaring love story and sweeping sci-fi epic, Origins is a thrilling gay romance and science fiction novel. Ambitious, gripping, and full of heart, it is a must-read for anyone hungry for adventure and intrigue.
Thousands of lightyears away, an ancient brotherhood of mentalists works at uncovering the mystery of humanity’s long-forgotten origins. Their leader, Father, enlists the help of Bennett, who is able to connect with the mind of a space freighter stowaway on the other side of the galaxy. Is Bennett the key to humanity’s origins? Could Tam’s quest to find Brogan have a wider purpose?
Both a soaring love story and sweeping sci-fi epic, Origins is a thrilling gay romance and science fiction novel. Ambitious, gripping, and full of heart, it is a must-read for anyone hungry for adventure and intrigue.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2023
12 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Grant Edward Miller
1 book6 followersGrant had authored many unpublished short stories and plays since he was a young boy when he first realized he was different from those around him. The realization of his gay identity, experiences of alienation, and bullying led him to immerse himself in his writing and science fiction in all its forms. Later in his adult life, Grant became aware of the lack of representation for gay men in science fiction, resulting in his writing a short story in 2009 about a gay man hiding on a spaceship. This short story sat untouched until 2017, when it blossomed into Life-Line: Origins. Grant hopes his book will reach LGBTQ+ readers keen to see themselves reflected in the literary world of science fiction.
He is currently working on the second novel in his Life-Line trilogy, Life-Line: Diversions, which continues the story from the first novel.
Grant lives in the small Fox Point, Nova Scotia community in “Otter Cottage” — named for the river animal he strongly identifies with. A French immersion teacher by trade, he also loves to camp, hike, garden, cook, watch sci-fi, and spend time with his canine friend, Finn the Border Collie.
Carpe diem!
He is currently working on the second novel in his Life-Line trilogy, Life-Line: Diversions, which continues the story from the first novel.
Grant lives in the small Fox Point, Nova Scotia community in “Otter Cottage” — named for the river animal he strongly identifies with. A French immersion teacher by trade, he also loves to camp, hike, garden, cook, watch sci-fi, and spend time with his canine friend, Finn the Border Collie.
Carpe diem!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 2, 2023
The timing of this book is perfect. It portrays a future time when the gay community are considered to be degenerates and are treated as such. Sound familiar? Meanwhile there are those who recognize their extraordinary gifts and abilities and value them. It is wrapped in an exciting action packed sci-fi story and love story that is bound to become a classic. A kind of cross between Fifth Element and the Handmaid's Tale.
August 8, 2023
Page-turner of a sci-fi adventure where gay men are both revered and feared for the deep emotional connections they make. Connections which might be the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
Grant projects the dual reality of acceptance and persecution of gays into a future where the freedom of all humans in the universe is dependent on the outcome of this eternal struggle. Is Grant reflecting the personal, social or political struggles of gays or is he suggesting that the latter are the source of the former? Regardless Grant's portrayal of gay men as emotionally intelligent, capable of intimate connections, even of polyamory, is refreshing and heartwarming.
Grant projects the dual reality of acceptance and persecution of gays into a future where the freedom of all humans in the universe is dependent on the outcome of this eternal struggle. Is Grant reflecting the personal, social or political struggles of gays or is he suggesting that the latter are the source of the former? Regardless Grant's portrayal of gay men as emotionally intelligent, capable of intimate connections, even of polyamory, is refreshing and heartwarming.
December 20, 2023
Tam and Brogan have been forcibly separated and Tam is following the trail to rescue his partner. Same-sex relationships have been outlined by the Senate in this sci-fi romance. Humanity has long fled its origins and Tam could be the key to reconnecting humanity across the galaxy if Bennett can reach Tam. A very well told story of love and connection.
January 11, 2026
Life-Line: Origins by Grant Edward Miller is an ambitious and breathtaking blend of sweeping science fiction and deeply emotional romance. Set over a million years in the future, this novel delivers both epic world building and intimate character connections that will stay with you long after the final page.
The concept of the life line the soul binding ritual between Tam and Brogan is brilliantly executed. Their connection transcends physical distance, creating a narrative device that's both scientifically intriguing and profoundly romantic. Tam's desperate journey to the prison world Corustloth to rescue his partner is driven by love, loyalty, and survival in equal measure.
What I loved most about this book is how Miller weaves multiple storylines together: Tam's quest, the ancient brotherhood of mentalists seeking humanity's origins, and the oppressive Senate regime that forces people like Tam and Brogan into the shadows. The exploration of forbidden love under authoritarian rule adds emotional weight and urgency to every chapter.
Bennett's role as the connector between these vast storylines is fascinating, and the mystery of humanity's forgotten past kept me turning pages. This is science fiction at its finest intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant, and full of heart. A must read for fans of epic sci-fi, LGBTQ+ romance, and anyone who loves a story that dares to dream big.
The concept of the life line the soul binding ritual between Tam and Brogan is brilliantly executed. Their connection transcends physical distance, creating a narrative device that's both scientifically intriguing and profoundly romantic. Tam's desperate journey to the prison world Corustloth to rescue his partner is driven by love, loyalty, and survival in equal measure.
What I loved most about this book is how Miller weaves multiple storylines together: Tam's quest, the ancient brotherhood of mentalists seeking humanity's origins, and the oppressive Senate regime that forces people like Tam and Brogan into the shadows. The exploration of forbidden love under authoritarian rule adds emotional weight and urgency to every chapter.
Bennett's role as the connector between these vast storylines is fascinating, and the mystery of humanity's forgotten past kept me turning pages. This is science fiction at its finest intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant, and full of heart. A must read for fans of epic sci-fi, LGBTQ+ romance, and anyone who loves a story that dares to dream big.
Read
July 9, 2024This is a "good read!" I just finished it the other day and I'm very thrilled a friend gave this to me as a present. A fascinating read, and I can't wait for the next two! It's quite profound and wonderful to have the themes and events of our modern lives portrayed with a fascinating twist into the future. As I was reading it, my thoughts were about contemporary events in the United States and around the world - like in this book, freedom and liberty as we've known it seems to be slipping away... Grant's use of science is excellent, and it allows him to take us into a very believable future world. For the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, he has created a frightening society, but not one without hope. For those interested in understanding us, I think this is great start. I'm chomping at the bit to see and read the next two! My only suggestion for future instalments would be explore at bit more deeply the "L" "B" "T" "Q+" aspects of society and perhaps have more racial diversity - although I understand one can't present the entire rainbow in one book and do each one justice. I highly recommend this book, and can't wait for the next!
June 23, 2025
Grant Edward Miller dares to explore topics many sci-fi authors shy away from — queer identity, societal control, sexual agency, and chosen family. Tam is not a hero because he fights aliens — he’s a hero because he fights for the right to feel, to love, and to be. The first three chapters crackle with tension, from the harsh labor of garbage work to the charged moments of sodbent desire.
But this book is more than its themes. The world is textured, its politics are chillingly believable, and the prose is confident and electric. Even in moments of quiet, the undercurrent of danger never fades. Every chapter leaves you anxious — but not because you fear what’s out there. You fear what’s within the system, the family, the mind.
This is the kind of book that starts conversations and opens eyes. Don’t just read it — talk about it. Recommend it. Share it. This is what bold, inclusive sci-fi looks like.
But this book is more than its themes. The world is textured, its politics are chillingly believable, and the prose is confident and electric. Even in moments of quiet, the undercurrent of danger never fades. Every chapter leaves you anxious — but not because you fear what’s out there. You fear what’s within the system, the family, the mind.
This is the kind of book that starts conversations and opens eyes. Don’t just read it — talk about it. Recommend it. Share it. This is what bold, inclusive sci-fi looks like.
July 14, 2023
I can't remember the last book I read cover to cover in one sitting. With Life-Line: Origins I did just that. Mr. Miller's world-building, character development, action-packed narrative, and relatable cast of quirky and intriguing characters are top-notch. All of that would have made this a memorable read for me. But the main characters also happen to be gay men, fighting to be their authentic selves in the face of a society that denies their right to even exist much less express themselves freely. Representation matters. Seeing a story that revolves around men and situations that I can relate to personally made this book more than just enjoyable...it made it an important contribution to a genre that has not traditionally been a platform for gay authors who wish to write gripping stories about the communities they know. I am looking forward to the sequels!!!
June 27, 2023
"Life Line Origins" is an absolute masterpiece of science fiction that left me spellbound from beginning to end.
From the very first page, I was captivated by the author's extraordinary ability to blend intricate scientific principles with compelling storytelling. The characters are beautifully developed and emotionally resonant, each struggling with their own dilemmas.
"Life Line Origins" is an exceptional sci-fi epic that pushes the boundaries of the genre. It is a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and intellectually stimulating journey that will leave readers spellbound. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engrossing sci-fi adventure that challenges the mind and captivates the imagination.
From the very first page, I was captivated by the author's extraordinary ability to blend intricate scientific principles with compelling storytelling. The characters are beautifully developed and emotionally resonant, each struggling with their own dilemmas.
"Life Line Origins" is an exceptional sci-fi epic that pushes the boundaries of the genre. It is a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and intellectually stimulating journey that will leave readers spellbound. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engrossing sci-fi adventure that challenges the mind and captivates the imagination.
June 23, 2025
Tam is a character that stays with you. His daily struggle is not with aliens or space travel, but with identity and survival. The setting — a futuristic internment camp — is both foreign and eerily familiar. Miller has created a dystopia that echoes real-world oppression, especially toward queer bodies and minds.
The scenes with Professor Hartman are where hope peeks through the darkness. Their bond is beautifully written, offering light in a narrative that could easily drown in despair. But it never does — and that’s the genius. There’s always a sliver of something better just out of reach.
LifeLine: Origins is a reminder that sometimes the bravest act is simply to live as you are. This is science fiction with soul — and you won’t regret picking it up.
The scenes with Professor Hartman are where hope peeks through the darkness. Their bond is beautifully written, offering light in a narrative that could easily drown in despair. But it never does — and that’s the genius. There’s always a sliver of something better just out of reach.
LifeLine: Origins is a reminder that sometimes the bravest act is simply to live as you are. This is science fiction with soul — and you won’t regret picking it up.
June 4, 2025
I picked up Life-Line: Origins thinking I’d get a solid sci-fi adventure, but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact of Tam and Brogan’s bond. The concept of a soul-connection forged by an ancient ritual adds such emotional depth to the futuristic setting. The oppressive Senate regime makes their love all the more poignant, and Tam’s desperate quest to find Brogan kept me turning pages late into the night. I also loved the parallel storyline with the mentalists—Bennett’s arc is full of mystery and hinted at something far greater. This book gave me Dune meets The Left Hand of Darkness vibes, but with a beautiful queer romance at its heart. A brilliant read.
June 4, 2025
This book was everything I’ve been craving in sci-fi: rich worldbuilding, meaningful queer representation, and a plot that actually says something. The connection between Tam and Brogan isn’t just romantic—it’s mythic, spiritual, and elemental. The societal oppression they face feels all too real, but their devotion to each other is a defiant act of love in a brutal world. I was also fascinated by the mentalist Brotherhood and Bennett’s psychic connection to Tam. It makes you wonder: is love part of a cosmic plan? The stakes are huge, the emotions are raw, and the writing is beautiful. Highly recommended for fans of genre-bending sci-fi and queer storytelling.
June 23, 2025
Grant Edward Miller’s prose is both unapologetic and poetic. From the oppressive labor camps to Tam’s forbidden desires, the narrative doesn’t shy away from discomfort — instead, it embraces it and makes it powerful. The bathhouse scene in Chapter 1 is intensely erotic but grounded in stakes that are frighteningly real. The tension between sensuality and danger is electric.
This book doesn’t just entertain — it confronts, challenges, and liberates. The desperation to escape, the search for meaning, and the fragile glimmers of hope in Tam’s journey make LifeLine: Origins feel monumental in scope. Buy this if you’re ready for science fiction with heat and heart.
This book doesn’t just entertain — it confronts, challenges, and liberates. The desperation to escape, the search for meaning, and the fragile glimmers of hope in Tam’s journey make LifeLine: Origins feel monumental in scope. Buy this if you’re ready for science fiction with heat and heart.
December 19, 2025
Life-Line: Origins is an ambitious and gripping science fiction epic that doubles as a soaring love story. Grant Edward Miller expertly blends interstellar adventure, political intrigue, and profound emotional depth. Tam Amergan’s desperate quest to rescue his partner Brogan, bound to him through a mysterious and ancient ritual, is both heart-wrenching and deeply compelling. The novel’s expansive world-building, layered conflicts, and the high stakes of love and survival make it impossible to put down. Fans of LGBTQ+ romance, epic sci-fi, and emotionally charged storytelling will find themselves utterly captivated.
August 11, 2024
A wonderful blend of science fiction and gay culture like never before. Grant's imagination and ability to craft such and intriguing story filling with robust characters is simply AMAZING! Love and loss mixed with feelings of loneliness, desire and yearning ... it's all here in the pages of a thought provoking and emotional joy ride. Not only has this author created worlds where each character is battling inner struggles, but a solar system full of danger and reward. It is easy to relate with the characters as they come to life with the turn of each page. A novel worth the read! Thank you for introducing Tam and Brogan to us all Grant. Looking forward to the next adventure as the story continues ......
June 23, 2025
Tam’s journey unfolds with a slow-burning fury that builds in intensity with every page. From the toxic confines of his family home to the predatory eyes of Senate law enforcement, Tam’s world is a minefield — and yet, he dares to desire. His queerness isn’t just a personal truth — it’s a revolutionary act.
Grant Edward Miller doesn’t just build a universe, he deconstructs a regime. This book challenges norms and redefines sci-fi as a space for radical empathy. A tense, beautifully written, and dangerous ride through injustice and rebellion.
Grant Edward Miller doesn’t just build a universe, he deconstructs a regime. This book challenges norms and redefines sci-fi as a space for radical empathy. A tense, beautifully written, and dangerous ride through injustice and rebellion.
June 23, 2025
The first three chapters are a masterclass in immersion. You smell the filth, feel the fear, and burn with the longing Tam suppresses. The prose is visceral, laced with erotic tension, moral conflict, and quiet defiance. The father-son dynamic, the painful family politics, and the glimpse of escape make this book unputdownable.
Buy this book if you want your sci-fi to be spicy, sociopolitical, and smart.
Buy this book if you want your sci-fi to be spicy, sociopolitical, and smart.
June 23, 2025
The tension in this book doesn’t come from monsters or warfare, but from being seen — really seen — in a world that demands you hide. Tam’s sexual awareness and mentalist powers make him both a threat and a target. Miller threads eroticism into dystopia in a way that feels raw and real.
This is adult sci-fi with a purpose — and the emotional heat to match. If you're tired of sanitized space stories and want something with fire, this is the book to buy.
This is adult sci-fi with a purpose — and the emotional heat to match. If you're tired of sanitized space stories and want something with fire, this is the book to buy.
June 4, 2025
Tam and Brogan’s bond is the heart of this story, and it hit me hard. In just a few pages, I was invested. The mix of romance, rebellion, and sci-fi mystery is tight and effective. Quick but memorable read.
July 26, 2023
I felt this book was very personable. As a gay man and lover of sci-fi inspired universes, I felt I could connect with the many characters you meet throughout the story. The plot had me on the edge at times and wanting for more. Miller surely delivers when it comes to twists and engaging plot lines that captivates it's audeince. The book felt very empowering and also filled me with a sense of wonder as Tam (the main character) explored the vast reaches of space for his lover (Brogan).
Despite the many hardships these characters will endure, Tam and Brogan are a testament to the resiliency and power the queer community holds.
A personal thank you to Grant Edward Miller for the inspiring and tear jerking tale. And I look forward to where this series will take me next.
January 8, 2024
I loved this story from beginning to end. It was the perfect balance of romance, sci-fi, mystery and suspense. It left me wanting more and I cannot wait to read what’s next!
January 2, 2024
A great science fiction / gay star-aligned romance read!
A constantly expanding space-scape takes the reader to the edges of future known worlds - and then beyond. Tam searches the heavens for his new love who has been kidnapped by a malevolent tyrant who is running unimaginably terrifying experiments on his prisoners. Along the way Tam finds unexpected allies and enemies both.
A highly enjoyable fast moving page-turner!
A constantly expanding space-scape takes the reader to the edges of future known worlds - and then beyond. Tam searches the heavens for his new love who has been kidnapped by a malevolent tyrant who is running unimaginably terrifying experiments on his prisoners. Along the way Tam finds unexpected allies and enemies both.
A highly enjoyable fast moving page-turner!
December 17, 2023
A Brilliant Twist On Traditional Sci-Fi! This novel is unique in that it adds a gay narrative to traditional elements of sci-fi - and I loved that! The plot was exhilarating, captivating, and completely realistic of a universe set over a million years in the future that is impacted by an oppressive, psychotic dictator. The dynamic and unmistakable love, as well as the Life-Line, between Tam and Brogan fueled my interest the whole way, and I was rooting for their freedom and love from the beginning. The mentalist abilities, Bennett, and the origin of humanity added other interesting plot points, and I can't wait to see how they play out through the rest of the series. Well done, Grant! Queer sci-fi has just become my favourite sub-genre of sci-fi.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews