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shesgotstories's review against another edition
2.0
Someone had recommended this book series claiming it was in the same vein as Ice Planet Barbarians, so I thought "Why not try it?"
Here's the thing. It's the same "kidnapping a bunch of women from Earth" where a conquering alien race takes them on as prospective brides. Then, as it turns out, there's a mate bond between one of the kidnapped women and the commander of an alien race trying to escape the conquering alien race. Naturally, they succeed and the whole mate thing is literally the whole plot. There's no real plot beyond having the human woman accept the mating bond with this alien and naturally it's all very "insta-love". Honestly? It was boring. IPB actually had more plot than this because at least there is a survival plotline in them. Sure, I liked how the love interest was very loving and respectful, but this book just felt boring and the descriptions were unnecessarily lengthy which only made it worse. I was skimming so much of this book to get to the actual dialogue and even then the dialogue wasn't the most interesting thing. The main character was okay but really didn't have anything going for her except the fact that two alien races found her to be the hottest thing since sliced bread and it just made her so simple with no depth as a character.
As for the story itself, I had hoped more would be resolved in the end and I would be rewarded for sticking with it with something interesting. Unfortunately, so much was left unresolved and I was confused as to why it just felt like such an abrupt ending with an epilogue for a completely different character (which I assume is a teaser for who the next book is about). Overall, while I could see why this would be recommended to fans of IPB, it just doesn't have nearly enough character development, plot, or even an ideal writing style to make it worth reading.
Here's the thing. It's the same "kidnapping a bunch of women from Earth" where a conquering alien race takes them on as prospective brides. Then, as it turns out, there's a mate bond between one of the kidnapped women and the commander of an alien race trying to escape the conquering alien race. Naturally, they succeed and the whole mate thing is literally the whole plot. There's no real plot beyond having the human woman accept the mating bond with this alien and naturally it's all very "insta-love". Honestly? It was boring. IPB actually had more plot than this because at least there is a survival plotline in them. Sure, I liked how the love interest was very loving and respectful, but this book just felt boring and the descriptions were unnecessarily lengthy which only made it worse. I was skimming so much of this book to get to the actual dialogue and even then the dialogue wasn't the most interesting thing. The main character was okay but really didn't have anything going for her except the fact that two alien races found her to be the hottest thing since sliced bread and it just made her so simple with no depth as a character.
As for the story itself, I had hoped more would be resolved in the end and I would be rewarded for sticking with it with something interesting. Unfortunately, so much was left unresolved and I was confused as to why it just felt like such an abrupt ending with an epilogue for a completely different character (which I assume is a teaser for who the next book is about). Overall, while I could see why this would be recommended to fans of IPB, it just doesn't have nearly enough character development, plot, or even an ideal writing style to make it worth reading.
wizardesquelesbian's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
I just can't stand the characters! Our mains had their moments where I was beginning to like them but every time I said "yes okay maybe this is where I begin to enjoy myself!" I was immediately met with just.... baffling decisions on everyone's part. from weird bad vibey descriptions of the "bad" aliens to fascinating displays of insensitivity, these characters managed to push every button to make me want to hit them with a snow shovel. there is maybe some promise here if you're able to get past the characters and some of the side charas seemed kinda interesting! and hey if you want a ML who gives head, the beefy alien man gives fantastic head! it just was very much not for me.
also ok so this is super ranty but it's haunting me - there is a throwaway line early on that implies that lesbians don't exist or, alternatively, that our FL is homophobic and that is so funny to me like. yeah sure aliens makes sense that tracks but there is absolutely no way the two girls clinging to eachother are together, nope! none at all lmfao - the narrator considers they could be friends or family and ok TECHNICALLY partners can be considered family but that is not what I think the author meant by that. in fated mates type stories it's always interesting to see how the author deals with gay people and it is always wild when they deal with us by just writing us out - maybe there are other gays out there in the series but the mate bond is reportedly strictly m/f (and there are no transfem aliens???) and I don't remember seeing gay folks mentioned at all. if it were just the throwaway line by itself I wouldn't have really thought much of it, but that plus the lack of even an acknowledgement of lgbtq+ folks in a story where two cultures are blending and acclimating to eachother and the reality of predetermined romantic bonds for a planet recovering from genocide very much is a central aspect of the story made me side eye the book. at the end of the day this is a story more concerned with steam than story so this had no bearing on my final rating! I just thought it was worth mentioning
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Genocide, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
awigggins's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is great filler reading for those who like Ice Planet Barbarians. Quick paced, lighthearted, all around good read, exactly what I was looking for at the time! Going to go through and read them all as a palate refresher!
seraireads's review
3.0
This book/series reminds me so much of Ruby Dixons Ice Planet Barbarians. It is the same trope, and it is steamy af… These books are about a mated romance between an alien and a human woman to safe the alien race. I like this trope from time to time. I read it to soothe my mind. I like to dive into books where I don’t have to think about work or difficult relationships… So I like em.
If you are into Ruby Dixon´s books, then you should give this series a try I am sure you like them too.
If you are into Ruby Dixon´s books, then you should give this series a try I am sure you like them too.
mslori's review
3.0
6/28/21 I honestly can't remember anything about this book not even a half a year after reading it. So maybe more of 2.5 star for not being very note worthy....
leisurelyreading's review
3.0
Another good smutty alien romance. Not top tier, not garbage, but nicely in the middle. I almost wish this was longer and more action packed? That’s a surprising take for me. I think the action/plot stuff was interesting here. I liked our romantic leads but I do wish they had a tiny more depth and personal backstories. Also, where is the line between romance and erotica, because this toed the line a bit lol
therolfe_reads's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kristangrace's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0