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molly_blackburn's review
5.0
X-Clan: The Origin by Lexi C. Foss
I loved the X-Clan series and so happy we got to see Riley and Jonas’s origin story. Riley was a stand out character in Andorra Sector. Lexi’s writing is wonderful as always! I adore this world and really loved seeing it some years in the past compared to the main series. This novella gave me everything I needed from a shifter/omegaverse romance!
I loved the X-Clan series and so happy we got to see Riley and Jonas’s origin story. Riley was a stand out character in Andorra Sector. Lexi’s writing is wonderful as always! I adore this world and really loved seeing it some years in the past compared to the main series. This novella gave me everything I needed from a shifter/omegaverse romance!
readingistravel's review
5.0
Lovable stories
The stories in this anthology were interesting. I loved some and some mildly so. I got introduced to some authors I’d love to continue reading.
The stories in this anthology were interesting. I loved some and some mildly so. I got introduced to some authors I’d love to continue reading.
bookdragonheart's review
5.0
Review for X-Clan: The Origin by Lexi C. Foes
4.5 stars! We’ve seen a fair amount of Jonas and Riley throughout the X-Clan series. They’ve always been an interesting and intriguing couple with a seemingly great dynamic. What we get with this prequel novella may not be their entire story, but in my opinion, it gets at some of the best parts of the story - specifically when they are forced to acknowledge what’s between them and do something about it. Riley is brilliant and independent, and she doesn’t want to be held back simply because of her Omega status. Jonas is protective and supportive, and Riley drives him crazy in all the best ways. What’s even more interesting is the way that Jonas reacts to Riley’s continued rebuffs of his help. In some regards, it’s not what I expected, and yet, it actually fits his personality perfectly when you step back and look at his overall perspective.
For what this is, I think it’s a great story, giving us some additional insight into the X-Clan world. We get a taste of things in the origins and earlier days of the pandemic, but more importantly, we get the origin of Jonas and Riley, and this gives us a great feel for their passion and dynamic. It also gives us the reasoning behind Jonas’ dislike for (aka jealousy of) Kieran, which was a curious point of contention in the series. As is typical of Lexi’s books, the spice is excellent, but it’s not the heart of her stories. That lies in the connections between the characters, and the unique dynamic that each couple has. In that regard, this book excels.
4.5 stars! We’ve seen a fair amount of Jonas and Riley throughout the X-Clan series. They’ve always been an interesting and intriguing couple with a seemingly great dynamic. What we get with this prequel novella may not be their entire story, but in my opinion, it gets at some of the best parts of the story - specifically when they are forced to acknowledge what’s between them and do something about it. Riley is brilliant and independent, and she doesn’t want to be held back simply because of her Omega status. Jonas is protective and supportive, and Riley drives him crazy in all the best ways. What’s even more interesting is the way that Jonas reacts to Riley’s continued rebuffs of his help. In some regards, it’s not what I expected, and yet, it actually fits his personality perfectly when you step back and look at his overall perspective.
For what this is, I think it’s a great story, giving us some additional insight into the X-Clan world. We get a taste of things in the origins and earlier days of the pandemic, but more importantly, we get the origin of Jonas and Riley, and this gives us a great feel for their passion and dynamic. It also gives us the reasoning behind Jonas’ dislike for (aka jealousy of) Kieran, which was a curious point of contention in the series. As is typical of Lexi’s books, the spice is excellent, but it’s not the heart of her stories. That lies in the connections between the characters, and the unique dynamic that each couple has. In that regard, this book excels.
beckiebookworm1974's review
4.0
X-Clan: The Origin by Lexi C. Foss 4 stars
I enjoyed this a lot it’s a prequel and features Jonus and Riley. I was incredibly excited to learn more about these two and their particular backstory ever since first encountering them previously in Andorra Sector. This one can easily be read as a stand-alone and was such an easy read. This is Omegaverse set in a dystopian future where a virus has devastated the earth totally changing society beyond all recognition. The virus mutates humans into mindless Zombies and here Riley an Omega wolf is tirelessly devoted to finding a cure to the scourge.
Riley hides her Omega designation from others believing that any alpha mate will only try and coral and control her taking away her life work and ultimately her freedom. Riley uses suppressors to hold off her heat and to give off the scent of a beta but they’re no longer working and she needs more than ever to hold off the inevitable heat and it’s all the fault of her current guard Jonus an Alpha X-Clan wolf who just smells so good to both Riley and her inner wolf.
Jonus wants Riley though she’s a beta he can’t help but crave her with an intense passion even if the little wolf herself challenges him at every turn. Riley is hostile and prickly and downright rude all in an attempt to push the delicious Alpha away. When the compound is breached both Riley and Jonus find themselves thrown together miles from civilisation and even worse Riley goes into heat totally blowing her beta cover. Now Jonus knows what she is and he has every intention of knotting and claiming the small feisty omega that he now knows is his potential mate.
I liked how strong and relatable Jonus was he wasn’t a hot-head and he was totally prepared to show Riley through his own actions how a real Alpha behaves one who cherishes and adores his mate. He is dominant sexy and totally yummy and the connection between these two was electric and so hot. Riley gets to throw all of her preconceptions out of the window as she learns through Jonus’s behaviour that the Alpha wolf she’s kept at arm's length for a year is totally the mate for her.
I loved the connection these two shared and though this wasn’t a long read I was still totally invested. This is small novel length rather than novella and there was definitely enough going on here to keep my attention. I definitely recommend this and I loved experiencing Riley and Jonus’s journey to their HEA. This was as usual well written and a fabulous addition to the series as a whole. I voluntary reviewed a copy of X-Clan The Origin.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
bookbreaksnhottakes's review
3.0
A good mix of novels, different spice ranges
I thought this was a good mix of novels to introduce people to authors. The stories take place in different kingdoms and different spans, but all have a slightly darker tone to them
2 comments I have:
1. Spicy: I will state that when I was looking up the novel I didn’t see any spicy warnings, but the first couple books in the series are definitely a high spice rating. One of the novels even comes with a warning, which I greatly appreciate it and I ended up skipping that one. Chenovo‘s towards the end or lower on the spice reading but then it picks back up.
2. StandAlone : It says that they are standalone novels but that’s kinda a loose definition. One book in particular even though it technically had a happy ending, the main global conflict was not resolved. Several of them were prequels, which will technically be a standalone, I feel like also it is it. That might just be me though.
Overall if you’re looking to get introduced to some new authors, you don’t mind space, and love to read a little bit a fantasy, you will probably enjoy this anthology.
I thought this was a good mix of novels to introduce people to authors. The stories take place in different kingdoms and different spans, but all have a slightly darker tone to them
2 comments I have:
1. Spicy: I will state that when I was looking up the novel I didn’t see any spicy warnings, but the first couple books in the series are definitely a high spice rating. One of the novels even comes with a warning, which I greatly appreciate it and I ended up skipping that one. Chenovo‘s towards the end or lower on the spice reading but then it picks back up.
2. StandAlone : It says that they are standalone novels but that’s kinda a loose definition. One book in particular even though it technically had a happy ending, the main global conflict was not resolved. Several of them were prequels, which will technically be a standalone, I feel like also it is it. That might just be me though.
Overall if you’re looking to get introduced to some new authors, you don’t mind space, and love to read a little bit a fantasy, you will probably enjoy this anthology.
peachywrites's review
5.0
I am still going through a few of the stories but I have been enjoying everything so far! I can tell a lot of love went into each and every story. I am especially eager to finish Honfleur's and Butler's story as I have the upmost respect for both of these wonderful ladies <3
books_sunshine_and_chocolate's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
emilyrainsford's review against another edition
3.5
Review for Of Werewolves and Witches (arc provided).
Characters from two different worlds, a witch and a freshly minted werewolf, and drawn together into the mysterious world of faerie to try and rescue young children in their lives. They are forced to work together, despite not meeting on the best terms.
Think Alice in Wonderland meets Midsummer Night's Dream for this one. It was a pretty fun indie romp with lots of twists and turns, and non-stop action.
Ferron, the dude, was as thick as two short planks - total himbo vibes. I honestly thought Idalno could have done a lot better. I also felt, despite the enemies to lovers slow burn, that things go from "I guess you're not so bad after all and kinda hot" to "I'm deeply in love with you and want to be with you forever" way too abruptly for my liking. Crushing on each other was believable - but then it kind of jumped straight to deep abiding love in a way that didn't feel authentic to me. Perhaps Ferron needed a bit more backstory, as I just didn't warm to him and couldn't see all the praise Idalno heaped on him as actually being deserved based on what we see in the story.
I was definitely entertained, it's the type of story where you never know what's coming next, so if you just want something fun and easy and don't mind a bit of enemies turned instalove, you'll have fun with it.
Characters from two different worlds, a witch and a freshly minted werewolf, and drawn together into the mysterious world of faerie to try and rescue young children in their lives. They are forced to work together, despite not meeting on the best terms.
Think Alice in Wonderland meets Midsummer Night's Dream for this one. It was a pretty fun indie romp with lots of twists and turns, and non-stop action.
Ferron, the dude, was as thick as two short planks - total himbo vibes. I honestly thought Idalno could have done a lot better. I also felt, despite the enemies to lovers slow burn, that things go from "I guess you're not so bad after all and kinda hot" to "I'm deeply in love with you and want to be with you forever" way too abruptly for my liking. Crushing on each other was believable - but then it kind of jumped straight to deep abiding love in a way that didn't feel authentic to me. Perhaps Ferron needed a bit more backstory, as I just didn't warm to him and couldn't see all the praise Idalno heaped on him as actually being deserved based on what we see in the story.
I was definitely entertained, it's the type of story where you never know what's coming next, so if you just want something fun and easy and don't mind a bit of enemies turned instalove, you'll have fun with it.
purplebookfox's review against another edition
4.5
ARC review of werewolves witches:
This story was a mix of portal fantasy, paranormal romance, midsummer nights dream and well as the Labyrinth retelling. The two main characters are struggling to fit in in their current circumstances. They each long for more or believe they aren’t good enough. The are pulled into the Fae realm while searching for a missing child. The subsequent adventure is both new and yet familiar. The trials are interesting and the way the work together is a great bonding experience and for both of them to find their worth. I will say there was a lot of self doubt and miscommunication. Then when they are separated all off a sudden all their fears are washed away. This seemed a bit abrupt but I understand what the authors were trying to convey. The last few chapters made things a bit frustrating but hopefully the two will find a way to make it work without having fae come between them. I loved the magic system and I am looking forward to what they will learn and to see what they are capable of.
This story was a mix of portal fantasy, paranormal romance, midsummer nights dream and well as the Labyrinth retelling. The two main characters are struggling to fit in in their current circumstances. They each long for more or believe they aren’t good enough. The are pulled into the Fae realm while searching for a missing child. The subsequent adventure is both new and yet familiar. The trials are interesting and the way the work together is a great bonding experience and for both of them to find their worth. I will say there was a lot of self doubt and miscommunication. Then when they are separated all off a sudden all their fears are washed away. This seemed a bit abrupt but I understand what the authors were trying to convey. The last few chapters made things a bit frustrating but hopefully the two will find a way to make it work without having fae come between them. I loved the magic system and I am looking forward to what they will learn and to see what they are capable of.
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