In the years after the Final War, the Council of Women decide to secede from men. They create a world of their own away from men, where they can raise their children without fear. Once a year men may visit briefly to procreate. Boys are sent to the Land of Men when they reach puberty. At eleven, Bergman was sent across the sea and placed with his fathers, Spencer and Harris. Years later, he meets Hastings at the Beach Festival, an annual event for young men. It’s love at first sight for Bergman. But the course of true love never runs smoothly. In time Hastings desires a son, a subject Bergman paid little thought to. Yet their son Taylor brings great joy to their lives. Life is further complicated when Hastings is chosen to travel to the Land of Women to father children. He wants to accept, but Bergman can’t understand why he would consider going. Isn’t he happy with what he already has? If he goes, what will that do to their relationship? To their future? Is this a betrayal, or is it something else?

In the Land of Men

“It’s a beach party,” Harris explained. “It begins with a small ceremony where everyone pays their respects to their mothers. Then a few bouquets are thrown into the surf as a symbolic gesture of gratitude.”


I was enthralled. “What happens next?”


“The fun starts,” said Spencer. “There’s music and dancing and wine. It can get pretty wild.” I saw him give Harris a strange sideways glance. “But that’s where we’ll leave it.”


Harris laughed. “Oh yes, we’ve been.”


Their smiles disappeared. “Oh no. You can’t go. Not yet.”


“Why?” I asked, suddenly perturbed. “Why can’t I go?”


“It’s for young adult men,” explained Harris. “You’ve got a few years left until you can go.”


Chapter 6