Static by L.A. Witt

From the blurb:

After two years together, Alex has been dreading the inevitable moment when Damon learns the truth: that Alex is a shifter, part of a small percentage of the population able to switch genders at will. Thanks to a forced implant, though, Alex is suddenly static—unable to shift—and male. Overnight, he’s out to a world that neither understands nor tolerates shifters . . . and to his heterosexual boyfriend.

Damon is stunned to discover his girlfriend is a shifter, and scared to death of the dangers the implant poses to Alex’s health. He refuses to abandon Alex, but what about their relationship? Damon is straight, and with the implant both costly and dangerous to remove, Alex is stuck as a man.

Stripped of half his identity and facing serious physical and social ramifications, Alex needs Damon more than ever, but he doesn’t see how they can get through this.

Especially if he’s static forever.

Review:

Wow.  I was hesitant about reading this novel, but it totally blew me out of the water.

Static was originally published in 2011 and this is a revised edition that has just been released in 2014. The original novel won several awards including winner of best science fiction romance in the 2013 EPIC Awards and winner of best bisexual / transgender sci-fi / paranromal / fantasy in the 2011 Rainbow Awards.

It's very much based in the real world with one small sci-fi element - there are shifters who can switch genders when ever they want.  It's a refreshing change from the shifting into animals trope. But what I really loved is how the two main characters, Damon and Alex, both approach and deal with the complication that Alex might be static forever.

A romance story about over coming a major relationship and identity crisis.  It's really powerful stuff.

Alex's history with alcohol abuse and depression is heartbreaking.  Damon's struggle with how he should act and feel also struck emotional chords.

A great, compelling read.  I couldn't put it down.  Highly recommended.

More Information:

Title: Static

Author: L.A. Witt

Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Publishing Date: 20 Jan. 2014
Length: Novel (74k)
Genre: Sci-fi/Romance