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A review by lifeinthebooklane
Deviant Evolution by L.V. Lane
4.0
At the end of The Controllers #3 (which must be read first) we saw Ryker handing Lilly over to Ethan after they reached Chimera. Lilly returns to her research role and gradually life settles into a new normal. The book explores the developing relationship between Ethan and Lilly, alongside Lilly's gradual acceptance of what it means to be an omega. There is also subtext on how relationships suffer when partners don't fully communicate their thoughts and feelings.
The Alpha/omega dynamic is one of dominance and submission, it's a controlling relationship in a power exchange rather than abusive way. There are also times when actions may skirt the line of dubious consent, though all sexual activity is fully consensual. However the needs and desires of an omega means that Lilly flourishes in the relationship, although her rebellious mind sometimes gets in the way!
I quickly found myself absorbed by this story, drawn in by Lilly's strength and determination not to be dismissed just because she is omega. Ethan proved to be a fascinating character, just as alpha as Ryker but almost the antithesis of him. What you see is what you get with Ethan, there are no games, no power plays, no subtle manoeuvrings. The author actually surprised me with how attentive and attuned to Lilly he was. His appreciation of her as more than just a prize, his genuine interest in her work and his desire to see her emotional needs fulfilled though her work showed us just what a complex and layered character he is.
We got some much needed "bigger picture", seeing the main characters not only interacting with one another but also with work colleagues and friends. The setting was extended to include a wider variety of backdrops, such that I felt more aware of the world, more cognizant of how the different dynamics are viewed and interact with one another. More traditional omegaverse elements were woven into the story, including heats and knotting, something that had felt a little lacking in previous books.
I believe this book would be enjoyed by those who read books with elements of power exchange, such as spankings. This is also suitable for readers who like SFR too.
The Alpha/omega dynamic is one of dominance and submission, it's a controlling relationship in a power exchange rather than abusive way. There are also times when actions may skirt the line of dubious consent, though all sexual activity is fully consensual. However the needs and desires of an omega means that Lilly flourishes in the relationship, although her rebellious mind sometimes gets in the way!
I quickly found myself absorbed by this story, drawn in by Lilly's strength and determination not to be dismissed just because she is omega. Ethan proved to be a fascinating character, just as alpha as Ryker but almost the antithesis of him. What you see is what you get with Ethan, there are no games, no power plays, no subtle manoeuvrings. The author actually surprised me with how attentive and attuned to Lilly he was. His appreciation of her as more than just a prize, his genuine interest in her work and his desire to see her emotional needs fulfilled though her work showed us just what a complex and layered character he is.
We got some much needed "bigger picture", seeing the main characters not only interacting with one another but also with work colleagues and friends. The setting was extended to include a wider variety of backdrops, such that I felt more aware of the world, more cognizant of how the different dynamics are viewed and interact with one another. More traditional omegaverse elements were woven into the story, including heats and knotting, something that had felt a little lacking in previous books.
I believe this book would be enjoyed by those who read books with elements of power exchange, such as spankings. This is also suitable for readers who like SFR too.