Five to Twelve (Berkley Medallion, No. X1768)

Dion Quern is a male poet and social malcontent in a world that is completely dominated by women. While the advent of female rule has led to many positive things such as an end to war and tremendous medical advances, people can now live hundreds of years, it is a largely stagnant society. The rulers, called Doms, are bored with the task and are always looking for new thrills, which often involves the keeping of a man. Female prostitution is almost nonexistent, male prostitution is a booming trade as the Doms try to find that new thrill that will make their world interesting and exciting again. Dion is also a rebel, yet unsure as to what he should do about it. When he contracts himself to Dom Juno, it becomes a love/hate relationship where neither emotion is very strong. Dion proves to be largely uncommitted to the cause of rebellion, although he does manage to execute two dramatic acts of political terror. The book ends with a bit of hope for a more balanced future as Juno takes the semen of the condemned Dion and uses it to sire a line of strong and healthy males. This novel develops the standard themes of the dystopia very well; there are very strong and positive consequences of the societal changes yet there is also a significant loss of human drive and spirit. Rebels arise to try to recapture that loss and yet there is little that they can truly do. It is interesting reading that also depresses your spirit, as it is a description of a lackluster future where even the powerful have succumbed to an overpowering despondency.