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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I would have to say that my favorite part of this book was the beginning. The whole story is a fantastic plot with a very imaginative universe. I loved how we were thrown into the action in the beginning. As the story went on, it became naturally slower as there wasn't as much action and suspense. But it was still an exciting read learning about the characters. And then the ending I felt was a tad rushed, but I really just wanted a longer novel because it was so good!
Also-Ryven. MMmmmm.
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I'm really excited to read Gem's story in the second book! :D
Also-Ryven. MMmmmm.
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I'm really excited to read Gem's story in the second book! :D
I'm hovering somewhere between 3.5 and 4. For the most part I enjoyed this book. It starts out by introducing us to Xera and her crew mates. They're in a bit of a tight spot, having crash-landed on a hostile planet with the enemy. It's tense, but the two groups need each-other to survive. It all felt a little reminiscent of Pitch Black really—the beasts come out at night and all. Shortly thereafter Xera's thoughts, quite reasonably, turn to her very specific danger as the only woman among a group of unknown, probably dangerous alien males and the definitely not all together trustworthy men of her own crew. Lucky for Xera the enemy captain, Ryven, seems to have a soft spot for women and sees to her safety.
I had a few issues though. I say Xera's fears were reasonable and they were (almost any woman would recognise them), but part of me had to wonder how likely it would be for a woman to be on the crew in the first place if the risk was so real. There really is something to be said for not PUTTING YOURSELF into dangerous situations. Ryven was wonderful. He was smart, ruthless, kind, and loyal. He seemed to understand human nature enough to recognise the signs of danger in Xera's crew. The problem was there wasn't any reason he should understand human nature. He's a Scorpio and Scorpio men apparently aren't anything like human men.
I liked this beginning far better than the rest of the book if I'm honest. The beginning is Sci-fi, the rest is predominantly romance. Yes they go out on the occasional space ship and encounter the occasional hostile alien, but it's mostly about Xera, Ryven and the process of Xera settling into her new life with Ryven. I like a good romance as much as the next person but this one has all the hallmarks of being too positive. Too positive? Yes, too positive. A totally hot, kind, considerate, rich, heir to government falls in love with Xera on sight, then rescues her and takes her home to his wonderful family, who welcome her with open arms. She helps the downtrodden princess, thumbs her nose at local gender expectations without repercussions, and despite being an alien from a trespassing race is accepted by the populace at large. Granted, she wasn't really given any choice in the matter of marriage, but could it really all of been so painless?
The problem with narratives of this sort is that you know in advance that nothing really bad is going to happen. Everything will work out in her favour one way or another, be it realistic or not. That takes a lot of the suspense out of the story. I also was extremely saddened to think that even after humanity colonises the stars basic patriarchal attitudes towards women and sexual virtue would still hold such a strangle hold on Xera.
Having made my complaints I have to reiterate that I did enjoy the read. I liked almost all of the Scorpio men. Xera was easy to relate to, and the book was well written, without too many editorial mishaps. If I see the sequel on the free list I'll definitely grab them.
I had a few issues though. I say Xera's fears were reasonable and they were (almost any woman would recognise them), but part of me had to wonder how likely it would be for a woman to be on the crew in the first place if the risk was so real. There really is something to be said for not PUTTING YOURSELF into dangerous situations. Ryven was wonderful. He was smart, ruthless, kind, and loyal. He seemed to understand human nature enough to recognise the signs of danger in Xera's crew. The problem was there wasn't any reason he should understand human nature. He's a Scorpio and Scorpio men apparently aren't anything like human men.
I liked this beginning far better than the rest of the book if I'm honest. The beginning is Sci-fi, the rest is predominantly romance. Yes they go out on the occasional space ship and encounter the occasional hostile alien, but it's mostly about Xera, Ryven and the process of Xera settling into her new life with Ryven. I like a good romance as much as the next person but this one has all the hallmarks of being too positive. Too positive? Yes, too positive. A totally hot, kind, considerate, rich, heir to government falls in love with Xera on sight, then rescues her and takes her home to his wonderful family, who welcome her with open arms. She helps the downtrodden princess, thumbs her nose at local gender expectations without repercussions, and despite being an alien from a trespassing race is accepted by the populace at large. Granted, she wasn't really given any choice in the matter of marriage, but could it really all of been so painless?
The problem with narratives of this sort is that you know in advance that nothing really bad is going to happen. Everything will work out in her favour one way or another, be it realistic or not. That takes a lot of the suspense out of the story. I also was extremely saddened to think that even after humanity colonises the stars basic patriarchal attitudes towards women and sexual virtue would still hold such a strangle hold on Xera.
Having made my complaints I have to reiterate that I did enjoy the read. I liked almost all of the Scorpio men. Xera was easy to relate to, and the book was well written, without too many editorial mishaps. If I see the sequel on the free list I'll definitely grab them.
This was a pleasant surprise. I read this book for a challenge. I've had it on my nook for a while now, but just never got around to it. It's a story about two alien races that both are similar to humans. Xera is from Polaris and is a translator on a warship. Ryven is basically royalty in the Scorpio race, but he is also a warrior Commander.
The first couple chapters were a little rough only because there are a lot of military terms thrown around and I'm just not used to that. Also, it's a completely different world, so it's a lot of information at the beginning. By the third chapter though, I was hooked. I devoured this book. I loved all the characters. The story flowed so well and a lot happens. I don't like long drawn out fight scenes and that wasn't a problem in this book. There is so much going on that nothing seems to be dragged out too long.
It took Xera 8 months to travel to the Scorpio's. Ryven rescues her from her own people. She is the only female on her ship and the Captain of her ship is very harsh with her and when things get physical Ryven steps in. He takes her back to his palace and places her in an ambassador position and they end up getting married. She won't marry him without being able to tell her sister. She promised her sister that she would never do that, since their other sister did exactly that and the family was very hurt by it.
When she gets to his palace, she is introduced to Namae, who is Ryven's sister and has a very interesting story of her own.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is a very interesting story and I would definitely recommend it. It was something different and I really enjoy unique stories. I can't wait to grab the next in the series.
The first couple chapters were a little rough only because there are a lot of military terms thrown around and I'm just not used to that. Also, it's a completely different world, so it's a lot of information at the beginning. By the third chapter though, I was hooked. I devoured this book. I loved all the characters. The story flowed so well and a lot happens. I don't like long drawn out fight scenes and that wasn't a problem in this book. There is so much going on that nothing seems to be dragged out too long.
It took Xera 8 months to travel to the Scorpio's. Ryven rescues her from her own people. She is the only female on her ship and the Captain of her ship is very harsh with her and when things get physical Ryven steps in. He takes her back to his palace and places her in an ambassador position and they end up getting married. She won't marry him without being able to tell her sister. She promised her sister that she would never do that, since their other sister did exactly that and the family was very hurt by it.
When she gets to his palace, she is introduced to Namae, who is Ryven's sister and has a very interesting story of her own.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is a very interesting story and I would definitely recommend it. It was something different and I really enjoy unique stories. I can't wait to grab the next in the series.
Don't let the cover fool you. This was a really good book. Excellent characters, world-building, plot. Everything about this book was good & I enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
This was really good, even though the alien was a bit overbearing and bossy at times.