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being_b's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked how matter-of-fact the book is about Jade and Scarlet's relationship. It's warm and loving as well as obviously involving super-hot sex. I was less of a fan of Mad and Doc's, as it was more the stereotypical "two men who can't communicate using words give each other aggressive blowjobs" kind of thing. The four of them together was interesting. I appreciated how the various combinations allowed the authors to explore how the same people can have very different sexual expressions depending on the situation.
One thing that repeatedly confused me, however, was the ways the characters' self-images seemed to radically conflict with how the others viewed them, without this creating any real conflict-- especially Scarlet. Everyone seems to see her as this innocent, happy ray of light, in contrast to the other three and their Oh So Damaged And Tragic Selves. Yet her backstory is just as rough as any of theirs. It was confusing, especially as she never seemed to pick up on her Lucky Rabbits Foot of Sunshine status in the group. Honestly, other people's thoughts toward her seemed almost condescending a lot of the time, and yet that never touched their behavior in any way. It was weird.
I'm more interested in the plot than the sex, which is a problem.
One thing that repeatedly confused me, however, was the ways the characters' self-images seemed to radically conflict with how the others viewed them, without this creating any real conflict-- especially Scarlet. Everyone seems to see her as this innocent, happy ray of light, in contrast to the other three and their Oh So Damaged And Tragic Selves. Yet her backstory is just as rough as any of theirs. It was confusing, especially as she never seemed to pick up on her Lucky Rabbits Foot of Sunshine status in the group. Honestly, other people's thoughts toward her seemed almost condescending a lot of the time, and yet that never touched their behavior in any way. It was weird.
I'm more interested in the plot than the sex, which is a problem.
alikatson's review against another edition
3.0
This book is the story of Jade, Scarlett, Dylan, and Mad a quad relationship. For me, I think way too much work, for them I say follow your bliss.
Individually I like Jade the most by far. She was raised to be a concubine in Sector Two, was previously addicted to some nasty drugs, and we learn she feels deeply for the women of her previous sector. Probably Scarlett is the least developed... I'm not sure what I know about her except about her sexual fetishes, she's a singer, and came from the poor district. Dylan was always intriguing, though I think I found him more so in the other books. He's a doctor from Eden and drug addict. Mad is from Sector One and probably should have been the leader but he fled the zone for Sector Four.
I actually missed the other characters - we saw little tiny glimpses but this story was largely about the foursome and the political situation unfolding. I did like seeing more of Sector One and seeing Jade's dedication to Two but it felt quite different than the other books.
Also, I think I've finally put my finger on what bugs me about menage sex scenes. There is so much talking (especially in these books)!!!! I mean they are constantly having conversations about their magical sexual healing and how much so and so likes what during sex. That would drive me crazy after about 5 minutes. That said the sex scenes were pretty hot and very plentiful.
It was an interesting read but close to the bottom of for the Beyond series for me.
Individually I like Jade the most by far. She was raised to be a concubine in Sector Two, was previously addicted to some nasty drugs, and we learn she feels deeply for the women of her previous sector. Probably Scarlett is the least developed... I'm not sure what I know about her except about her sexual fetishes, she's a singer, and came from the poor district. Dylan was always intriguing, though I think I found him more so in the other books. He's a doctor from Eden and drug addict. Mad is from Sector One and probably should have been the leader but he fled the zone for Sector Four.
I actually missed the other characters - we saw little tiny glimpses but this story was largely about the foursome and the political situation unfolding. I did like seeing more of Sector One and seeing Jade's dedication to Two but it felt quite different than the other books.
Also, I think I've finally put my finger on what bugs me about menage sex scenes. There is so much talking (especially in these books)!!!! I mean they are constantly having conversations about their magical sexual healing and how much so and so likes what during sex. That would drive me crazy after about 5 minutes. That said the sex scenes were pretty hot and very plentiful.
It was an interesting read but close to the bottom of for the Beyond series for me.
gg1213's review against another edition
2.0
Finally, after months of taking time off reviewing, I'm back with a review over Kit Rocha's latest installment to the Beyond series. I was sent an e-arc by the authors a few months ago, but the book fell farther down on my to-read list than intended so I only got around to reviewing it now.
I have to say, however, that I don't have much to write here. I was worried when I first heard that the book would contain a romance between four characters that I would have problems with it- similar to my problems with Beyond Jealousy- and I was right.
I would like to start out by saying, my problem is not the fact that this book contains a polyamorous relationship. My problem is that I didn't believe it.
Much like in Beyond jealousy, where for the first three books we were lead to believe that Rachel and Ace would be the main focus, with perhaps Cruz getting his own romance later- thus causing a huge surprise to me when all of a sudden the rivals become lovers with no sort of transitional period, this book didn't have much of a lead up to me. Sure in previous books, things were hinted at, vaguely...but again, if it weren't for the fact that the main characters of this book were revealed ages ago, I would have been under the impression that the romance of this story would have been Mad/Scarlet or Jade/Dylan, not Mad/Dylan/Scarlet/Jade. Sure, Jade and Dylan have a stronger relationship, and Scarlet and Mad are more of a pairing, but it didn't seem like a realistic romance that would actually work. It seemed thrown together in my opinion, and that made the rest of the story less interesting. I didn't care much for the love scenes because it felt like thgey were written to be hot, but that was really it. If I don't buy the relationship behind it, and the scenes are supposed to be driven by a relationship, then I'll find myself flipping ahead and counting down the pages until the next chapter.
Sadly, I've been noticing a lot of scenes in the recent books after Beyond Pain (and there was even a scene in that book as well) that seem like their there to pander to a fantasy, and I understand that completely, but if that's it, if there's no substance beyond that, nothing leading up to it that would make it make sense, then I'll find myself losing interest.
In the end, this is probably my least favorite of the installments, Beyond Pain is still my favorite and I hope the future books go back to that a little more. I look forward to reading the next book, but I'm not quite as excited for it as I would have been for some of the previous novels.
I have to say, however, that I don't have much to write here. I was worried when I first heard that the book would contain a romance between four characters that I would have problems with it- similar to my problems with Beyond Jealousy- and I was right.
I would like to start out by saying, my problem is not the fact that this book contains a polyamorous relationship. My problem is that I didn't believe it.
Much like in Beyond jealousy, where for the first three books we were lead to believe that Rachel and Ace would be the main focus, with perhaps Cruz getting his own romance later- thus causing a huge surprise to me when all of a sudden the rivals become lovers with no sort of transitional period, this book didn't have much of a lead up to me. Sure in previous books, things were hinted at, vaguely...but again, if it weren't for the fact that the main characters of this book were revealed ages ago, I would have been under the impression that the romance of this story would have been Mad/Scarlet or Jade/Dylan, not Mad/Dylan/Scarlet/Jade. Sure, Jade and Dylan have a stronger relationship, and Scarlet and Mad are more of a pairing, but it didn't seem like a realistic romance that would actually work. It seemed thrown together in my opinion, and that made the rest of the story less interesting. I didn't care much for the love scenes because it felt like thgey were written to be hot, but that was really it. If I don't buy the relationship behind it, and the scenes are supposed to be driven by a relationship, then I'll find myself flipping ahead and counting down the pages until the next chapter.
Sadly, I've been noticing a lot of scenes in the recent books after Beyond Pain (and there was even a scene in that book as well) that seem like their there to pander to a fantasy, and I understand that completely, but if that's it, if there's no substance beyond that, nothing leading up to it that would make it make sense, then I'll find myself losing interest.
In the end, this is probably my least favorite of the installments, Beyond Pain is still my favorite and I hope the future books go back to that a little more. I look forward to reading the next book, but I'm not quite as excited for it as I would have been for some of the previous novels.
kate_and_books's review against another edition
5.0
I am absolutely blown away by the seventh book in the series. I know that my review will most certainly not do the book justice in any way whatsoever. If you read my reviews then you know that I didn’t really like Beyond Innocence but hey no pain no gain and you have to read it before you can read this book as it adds a lot to the overall plot of the story. And this was an even sweeter read because of that fact.
Ms. Rocha creates a dystopian world beyond my expectations. It is gritty, hard, lascivious, raw and fucking intense. From the first book I was hooked and each one got better and better. I really don’t know how they do it. I can only assume that their other halves really benefit from it as well. The world building is superb and I know that there have been some complaints about not knowing where it takes place but for me that is the best part of the series.
I can use my own imagination as everyone uses their own and they get their own personal Sectors and Eden. This series isn’t for everyone. There is kinky fuckery and I loved every moment of it. Personally as it is so out of the box and borders are crossed I can see why it is a great success.
Although each book concentrates on a certain couple or in this case couples. The overall plot and story was explosive. There are four protagonists in this book.
5 ‘Not so twisted, anymore. Glorious’ Stars.
Maddox, Sector One’s lost son of a prophet, who can’t be what his people want him to be. Not after what happened to his mother, what he had to endure and to what lengths he lost his father. He loathes himself that he could become a martyr without even trying hard. At a young age he fled for Sector Four and joined Dallas O’Kane right from the start. Maddox has never let himself someone he has always let them move on.
Scarlet, a street rat from Sector Three, she is unapologetically herself. She is protective, dangerous, and stubborn and she has trouble written all over her. She has lived a hard life but she has lived her life she lost a lot after the bombing of Sector Three. With a huge heart, with enough room for all of them. She is forgiving and takes the negative with the positive.
Doc, or Dylan who grew up in Eden where you don’t have anything unless you pay the price. After two tragic losses he turns to self-medication. But boy is he in silver fucking fox territory. I have a thing for men who are silver foxes. A doctor, a good doctor nonetheless he was a tool for Eden to torture citizens. He might not have the tattoos but he is an O’Kane. He is on a self-destructive path if he continues the way he already is. He needs to care for people not as a doctor but more as a nurturer.
Jade, one of Sector Two’s finest courtesans and another spy. A wealthy spy at that. Who can spill bucket loads of secrets and is wealthier than anyone ever expected. Jade or Jyoti came to Sector Four with a drug problem but beat it. She is stronger than she thinks she is. Jade out of all of them has the strongest character development throughout the book.
They all have their weakness and they complement each other.
Mad & Dylan have an intense relationship and what they get say in words to one another they show with the actions that they make. They are explosive together.
But they want more specifically with two sexy ladies.
Jade & Scarlet also have a relationship, they also want to be with Mad & Dylan but how do you bridge that difference?
A twisted fucking game,” Dylan murmured. “That’s what you called it. You want to drag them into it for real?” “Maybe it’s only twisted if they don’t get a chance to play it.”
They balance each other out. Scarlet & Mad are the light.
“It’s who they are. Sweetness and light. I want to see them shine together.”
But there is Jade & Dylan who are on the other side.
“What are you afraid I’ll see? Too much darkness, or not enough?” “I wouldn’t worry at all if I was sweetness and light, like Mad or Scarlet. But I’m not and neither are you.”
There are so many beautiful moment between all of them that it is hard to list them all and the in-depth meaning that they have for one another with just typing quotes down from the book.
There were moments were my heart broke for all four of protagonists but for all of the O’Kane family be it Lex when she was searching for her sister. Be it the news that Rachel told Cruz, Ace & the O’Kane family. Be it Dallas giving Flash, Amira and their daughter Hanna a way out. The O’Kanes love without boundaries. But there were also moments were I felt all hot and fuzzy.
So basically I am ALWAYS for the underdog. We all like a good underdog story/plot/series and this really does deliver. It has everything from pushing your limits, to realising that with people at your back you will get through all that is to come. The sectors aren’t fighting together anymore. Eden will fall, they’ve lost more than the sectors have.
Ashwin finally cashes in his favour from Cruz.
“Ashwin.” “Cruz.” Ashwin ignored the gun – and ignored Bren, too. “I need a favour. You owe me one”
A tablet filled the screen with a pretty, blonde – and familiar. He’d last seen Kora Bellamy when she saved Ace’s life.
“She’s in Sector One.” Ashwin said quietly.
“And?” “I need you to find her. Take her somewhere safe.”
There was no risk, no danger, no reason Ashwin couldn’t have done it himself already. Chilled, he stared back. “What else, Ashwin?” “Hide her. Don’t tell me where she is.” “And if you come back, asking?”
Not all Mahai soldiers can mimic emotions well.
“Not telling me is the favour.” “Understood.” Cruz said.
Holy shite, bloody brilliant. A book with Ashwin would be fucking epic. This leads to it hopefully fingers crossed anyway.
Cruz wouldn’t be telling anyone where he stashed Dr. Kora Bellamy. When Ashwin came looking for her-and Ashwin would come looking for her-Cruz needed to be the only person standing in his way.
As a plot development for me I could see an outside influence approaching. What is behind the Sectors? Well there is a desert that is written in the book but what is beyond the desert?
I really have no fucking clue how I managed to write a review for this book. With collages and gathering thoughts it took me about four hours and who fucking knows if it is any good and no I’m not fishing for compliments I’m just being fucking honest.
Review can be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2016/03/beyond-ruin-beyond-7-by-kit-rocha.html
tessisreading2's review against another edition
4.0
Another enjoyable one, although the authors definitely have a pattern and are sticking to it: there were several brief chapters that existed purely to set up sequels. I haven't been reading in order so I don't know how much we've seen of these characters earlier, but as the overarching plot (conflict with Eden) progresses, it's clear that we're still going to see each development through a romance plot. In a way this is a little frustrating - there are enough great characters from earlier novels that I for one would be fine just reading a book about developments in their stories.
winterreader40's review against another edition
4.0
So much smut!! Yet it doesn't detract from the over arcing story for this series, there are still serious issues affecting the world as a whole and the consequences/aftermath that still drive the story forward.
At the beginning of this story we have 2 couples working towards becoming one unit. We have Dylan and Adrian, and Scarlet and Jade, all of whom fantasize about being with at least one of the people in the other couple and after Eden bombs sector 2, a sector filled primarily with children and the women trained by the various pleasure houses, they act on their impulses because they are surrounded by evidence that life is short and war is coming.
When they do finally act on it, they find that they are four jagged puzzle pieces that fit together into a beautiful whole. It was so sweet watching them open up to one another and lay their ghosts/demons to rest or finding the strength to reach for things they want.
At the beginning of this story we have 2 couples working towards becoming one unit. We have Dylan and Adrian, and Scarlet and Jade, all of whom fantasize about being with at least one of the people in the other couple and after Eden bombs sector 2, a sector filled primarily with children and the women trained by the various pleasure houses, they act on their impulses because they are surrounded by evidence that life is short and war is coming.
When they do finally act on it, they find that they are four jagged puzzle pieces that fit together into a beautiful whole. It was so sweet watching them open up to one another and lay their ghosts/demons to rest or finding the strength to reach for things they want.
corieob's review against another edition
5.0
THESE BOOKS!
Ok I have been a huge fan of this series since the start...so each book feels a little like christmas but I have been waiting for this one for at least 3 books now. I was not disappointed. I have loved how wonderful built these characters are. The plot so flushed out and well executed. Kit Rocha does such a seamless job of telling individual stories but also allowing the plot to continually flow through the entire series. The action in this book was so well done. Can I also say the sex...it was fascinating I never felt lost or that the interactions between 4 yes that's right 4 lovers could flow so well. That is just a testament to these authors and their talent for keeping you so immersed in the story.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
Ok I have been a huge fan of this series since the start...so each book feels a little like christmas but I have been waiting for this one for at least 3 books now. I was not disappointed. I have loved how wonderful built these characters are. The plot so flushed out and well executed. Kit Rocha does such a seamless job of telling individual stories but also allowing the plot to continually flow through the entire series. The action in this book was so well done. Can I also say the sex...it was fascinating I never felt lost or that the interactions between 4 yes that's right 4 lovers could flow so well. That is just a testament to these authors and their talent for keeping you so immersed in the story.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
timitra's review against another edition
4.0
Beyond Ruin
That ending could have killed me if it wasn't for the fact that I have the next book on my kindle. *breaths sigh of relief* I enjoyed finally getting the history of characters who had intrigued me in past books. I loved watching them fall for each other and become a unit. I think this was my first foursome relationship, I really cannot remember reading another book with that dynamic but I must say I found it believable. Didn't think it would be but it so was. I'm diving into the next book because I can't wait to see what happens next.
That ending could have killed me if it wasn't for the fact that I have the next book on my kindle. *breaths sigh of relief* I enjoyed finally getting the history of characters who had intrigued me in past books. I loved watching them fall for each other and become a unit. I think this was my first foursome relationship, I really cannot remember reading another book with that dynamic but I must say I found it believable. Didn't think it would be but it so was. I'm diving into the next book because I can't wait to see what happens next.
bookish_notes's review
5.0
This book is different. Beyond Ruin is the book where everything changes. Remember the innocent days of fun, sexytimes with the O'Kane gang and their biggest worry was what a councilman would do when they found out they've taken in his daughter? I kind of miss those days. The series has been building up to this moment. The day Eden and the sectors reach a breaking point and something had to give. The lines between sectors are becoming blurred and the O'Kane gang has a lot of responsibility ahead of them as impending war looms over them.
The relationship in this book focuses on Mad, Dylan, Scarlet, and Jade. The four of them just lovingly fit together, but it's a journey to get to that place where they're actually together mentally as well as physically.
Mad left his life and his family in Sector One to join up with the O'Kanes in Sector Four years ago. He goes back to Sector One from time to time, but being the leader, and being praised as the prince of the sector, has never been his thing. It unnerves him, and he would much rather see his cousin Gideon rule Sector One as long as he can. Dylan, otherwise known as "Doc", has been a constant fixture with the O'Kane gang throughout the series. He's the one they call whenever someone gets injured, but he has his vices. Namely, his pills to get high and forget the days he left behind in Eden.
Scarlet is a singer from Sector Three and wild and free. Jade is a girl from Sector Two who we met back in Beyond Control, who had aided Lex in an assassination to get her out of her current situation. She had been fed drugs to keep her high and serving a councilman from Eden and now that she's clean, she doesn't want people thinking she's fragile and weak when she's stronger than what everyone assumes.
Even before this book, the character we knew least was Scarlet. She didn't have many interactions with the rest of the characters and was mentioned a few times as someone who could control the citizens in Sector Three when Dallas was taking it over, but not much else. The character development for Scarlet just isn't as much as I would have liked it to be? The book starts out with Mad/Dylan (who have more chemistry and scenes together than Ace/Cruz, I think) and Scarlet/Jade (who fell a bit flat to me). We see Mad development a relationship with Scarlet and Jade, and Dylan with Jade. But, strangely, Dylan and Scarlet are two characters who just don't really mesh and seem to only exist together because of their relationship with Mad and Jade. It's a delicate balance, relationship-wise, but I think the plot regarding the sectors and Eden more than make up for this.
We do see a lot of these four characters together - Mad, Dylan, Scarlet, and Jade - and less of the O'Kane gang because of something Eden did. It leaves the sectors scrambling to contain the situation and start the effort to fight back. This book is arguably the darkest one in the series. It not only balances that fact that it is a romance novel (and a very hot one indeed) but it manages to bring the growing tension and seeds of rebellion to the forefront of the story.
There's just a lot of things happening. I did kind of miss seeing the daily interactions with other O'Kane members, but it's understandable giving the situation. This book acts as the bridge between the good, fun O'Kane orgy/fight night days to tone of the rest of the books that borders on the brink of war. I love the individual stories we get from each of the four characters. My main issue is that even though the books are in third person, the sex scenes got confusing. It would jump suddenly from one character's perspective to another, instead of just staying with one character throughout the scene. Again, it's a minor thing, but it's definitely noticeable here where there's four characters to keep track of.
My favorite moment isn't even a moment that's necessarily relevant to this book. There's one intro chapter that gives us Ashwin Malhotra's POV, and I cannot wait to read his book in the spin-off/follow-up Gideon's Riders series. And when he showed up out of nowhere to talk to Bren and call in his favor...I AM DECEASED. I just have a lot of feels about this, which I'm sure I'll get to address in the Ashwin book, if not in one of the next two books in the Beyond series.
There's really no other way to say this, but this book, Beyond Ruin, is aptly named and this is where shit gets real. The book ends in a cliffhanger and, while the romance is a HEA (in a middle of an apocalyptic world that's about to go to war but it is a HEA), the overarching plot is a cliffhanger. I'm just glad that all the books in this series is already out, because I get to dive right into Beyond Ecstasy and read Jeni and Hawk's book!
The relationship in this book focuses on Mad, Dylan, Scarlet, and Jade. The four of them just lovingly fit together, but it's a journey to get to that place where they're actually together mentally as well as physically.
Mad left his life and his family in Sector One to join up with the O'Kanes in Sector Four years ago. He goes back to Sector One from time to time, but being the leader, and being praised as the prince of the sector, has never been his thing. It unnerves him, and he would much rather see his cousin Gideon rule Sector One as long as he can. Dylan, otherwise known as "Doc", has been a constant fixture with the O'Kane gang throughout the series. He's the one they call whenever someone gets injured, but he has his vices. Namely, his pills to get high and forget the days he left behind in Eden.
Scarlet is a singer from Sector Three and wild and free. Jade is a girl from Sector Two who we met back in Beyond Control, who had aided Lex in an assassination to get her out of her current situation. She had been fed drugs to keep her high and serving a councilman from Eden and now that she's clean, she doesn't want people thinking she's fragile and weak when she's stronger than what everyone assumes.
Even before this book, the character we knew least was Scarlet. She didn't have many interactions with the rest of the characters and was mentioned a few times as someone who could control the citizens in Sector Three when Dallas was taking it over, but not much else. The character development for Scarlet just isn't as much as I would have liked it to be? The book starts out with Mad/Dylan (who have more chemistry and scenes together than Ace/Cruz, I think) and Scarlet/Jade (who fell a bit flat to me). We see Mad development a relationship with Scarlet and Jade, and Dylan with Jade. But, strangely, Dylan and Scarlet are two characters who just don't really mesh and seem to only exist together because of their relationship with Mad and Jade. It's a delicate balance, relationship-wise, but I think the plot regarding the sectors and Eden more than make up for this.
We do see a lot of these four characters together - Mad, Dylan, Scarlet, and Jade - and less of the O'Kane gang because of something Eden did. It leaves the sectors scrambling to contain the situation and start the effort to fight back. This book is arguably the darkest one in the series. It not only balances that fact that it is a romance novel (and a very hot one indeed) but it manages to bring the growing tension and seeds of rebellion to the forefront of the story.
There's just a lot of things happening. I did kind of miss seeing the daily interactions with other O'Kane members, but it's understandable giving the situation. This book acts as the bridge between the good, fun O'Kane orgy/fight night days to tone of the rest of the books that borders on the brink of war. I love the individual stories we get from each of the four characters. My main issue is that even though the books are in third person, the sex scenes got confusing. It would jump suddenly from one character's perspective to another, instead of just staying with one character throughout the scene. Again, it's a minor thing, but it's definitely noticeable here where there's four characters to keep track of.
My favorite moment isn't even a moment that's necessarily relevant to this book. There's one intro chapter that gives us Ashwin Malhotra's POV, and I cannot wait to read his book in the spin-off/follow-up Gideon's Riders series. And when he showed up out of nowhere to talk to Bren and call in his favor...I AM DECEASED. I just have a lot of feels about this, which I'm sure I'll get to address in the Ashwin book, if not in one of the next two books in the Beyond series.
There's really no other way to say this, but this book, Beyond Ruin, is aptly named and this is where shit gets real. The book ends in a cliffhanger and, while the romance is a HEA (in a middle of an apocalyptic world that's about to go to war but it is a HEA), the overarching plot is a cliffhanger. I'm just glad that all the books in this series is already out, because I get to dive right into Beyond Ecstasy and read Jeni and Hawk's book!
cnapierkowski's review against another edition
Too much going on for me to follow. Try again later.