Mortal Flames: The Magical (Alternative Futures #3) by Averi Hope, Lacey Carter Andersen ****REVIEW
Saura has been promised to Raiden, the heir to their people for years, she's loved him even longer. They haven't seen each other for years since she has been locked away in the Garden of Virtue as is the custom of their people. Saura and Raiden are Elementas. Their planet is no more and their people are searching for a new home. The men have the magic of fire, their women ice. Women are precious, they're locked away to keep them safe from the danger of men who greatly outnumber them once they reach maturity and hidden until their fathers have negotiated their marriage. Once matched, they are sent to their joining ceremony and a period of time called the mating frenzy where the couple will be together until the bond is official. The women are considered precious but are not looked at as equals. Saura is not a normal female. She has long looked forward to mating with Raiden and one day leading their people as Khar and Khara. She has ideas for the women of her race. When the time comes it doesn't go as Saura thought it would. There is council intrigue, deceptions, plots, danger. Raiden will have to grow up and accept responsibility, Saura will have to step out of the traditional roles of their females if they are to survive and do what is best for their people. Otherwise, their people are doomed.
Erin lost her heart at the Academy when Caleb left and never looked back. One moment of hesitation, the wrong words cost her the man she loved, still loves. She sent him a message hours after he left but he never responded. Years later Erin still hasn't been able to move on, visiting him in his dreams each night. Caleb hasn't forgotten his female despite what Erin might think. He thinks of her daily and dreams of her every night. Now she's been assigned to work under Caleb on a new ship. If this wasn't challenging enough her deadliest case from the past also demands her attention. The government finally has a good chance to get the evidence needed to finally put an end to Ahmed and his sex trafficking ring. As much as Erin hates dream jumping she needs to stop this man once and for all. He's the monster that features in her nightmares. He's destroyed too many lives. She must do her duty. Now she has to figure out how to see Caleb every day, get the evidence needed against Ahmed, and stay alive.
I love this story. It's a solid adventure with a nefarious opponent. The sci-fi components of the story are well-developed and the side cast characters add layers as well. This time there were multiple side stories that add additional depth. However, Erin and Caleb are the stars of this story. They are both fantastically complex characters. Each strong, stubborn, smart, and prideful. They both love each other but are convinced that the other feels nothing in return. The push-pull relationship slayed me. Thank goodness there is a bit of intervention; they can't stay away from each other in their dreams and they each have a voice of reason speak to them at one point in the book. These two are scorching hot together. Love, love, love them together! It was great getting time with Erin's parents, especially her mom, the captain, and the other two Keltair crewmembers. This was a wonderful, worthy follow-up to Nightmare Hunter. I know that the book effectively resolved the storyline but I would like more Erin and Caleb in the future!
I love this story. It's a solid adventure with a nefarious opponent. The sci-fi components of the story are well-developed and the side cast characters add layers as well. This time there were multiple side stories that add additional depth. However, Erin and Caleb are the stars of this story. They are both fantastically complex characters. Each strong, stubborn, smart, and prideful. They both love each other but are convinced that the other feels nothing in return. The push-pull relationship slayed me. Thank goodness there is a bit of intervention; they can't stay away from each other in their dreams and they each have a voice of reason speak to them at one point in the book. These two are scorching hot together. Love, love, love them together! It was great getting time with Erin's parents, especially her mom, the captain, and the other two Keltair crewmembers. This was a wonderful, worthy follow-up to Nightmare Hunter. I know that the book effectively resolved the storyline but I would like more Erin and Caleb in the future!
Nightmare Hunter: The Cursed (Alternative Futures #1
by Averi Hope, Lacey Carter Andersen ****REVIEW
Erin has a dream. She wants to be the Captain of a Level 10 ship. However, there are so many obstacles in her way. Only a handful of dedicated women have ever reached that level. Her father is The Fleet Admiral so standards are set higher for her than for others and she is at risk from his enemies. She has to graduate the Starflight Academy at the top of her class. Plus, she has a responsibility to her people. She serves under the command of the President as a dream jumper. Erin has the ability to jump into other's dreams to find answers. She can solve crimes, but it's dangerous and scary. She has enough on her plate. She can't afford time for boys; she definitely doesn't have time for love. Caleb is half human, half Keltair, a violent species who are hated across the Universe for their killing ways. Due to his heritage, he has never fit in and has suffered dearly. As the son of an Ambassador, he has been granted admittance into the Academy. The expectations of his people are heavy on him to be the best. Of course, Erin and Caleb are natural rivals, they are also meant to be, but are they willing to take a chance on each other or are their career dreams and other's expectations more important? Will they even get a chance to find out since Erin's life is at risk?
Saven Deliverance (Saven #5)
by Siobhan Davis *****STAR REVIEW
A book really can't get any closer to perfection than Saven Deliverance. I am not going to spoil this wonderful book for the readers, so I will not be going into any plot details. Siobhan Davis gave me everything that I was hoping for and more in the final book of the Saven Novels. This book picks up roughly where the last one left off. The Universe is still in chaos, Dante, Griselda, and the Amara King are still wreaking havoc, Ax is still conflicted, and nothing can bring Neve, Ella or any of the others back. However, Sadie and Logan are together, Eterno bonded, and not the same pair we met in book one. The natural progression, maturing of these two and their relationship was written excellence. Sadie has come in to her own. She is a strong, beautiful, compassionate woman. Her internal strength is continuously reinforced by her love for Logan and his love for her. Plus, she's a total badass! Logan has grown into the ruler he was meant to be. Groomed to be King his entire life, he has far surpassed his father. He is so wise, even if he constantly questions himself. I admit that I love that he still has a jealous streak even with their bond. And their love for one another... if it was sensible to be jealous of fictional characters and their relationships, this would be the one to envy. The words of love Logan showers on Sadie would bring even the strongest cynic to their knees. They are each other's forever love. Together they are a force. They are supported by Haydn, Dali and Win, Izzy, even Ax. These relationships have all evolved, deepened, and strengthened through their trials as well. Mistakes have been made along the way, but everyone ends up where they should be and how they should be. There's no doubt that this is the side of history you want to be on.
This is a nicely paced, well written book; the plot was executed flawlessly throughout each book culminating with a definite satisfying finale. The story is multi-layered and complex. Every detail from the prior books comes into play as well as some new twists and turns. There is plenty of suspense, danger, some ugliness, tragedy, and so much love. Every remaining character makes an appearance from the earlier books, plus we get a few new ones, Kesla and Deputy Tre. Each one of them plays an important role.
Siobhan is one of the most talented contemporary authors I have come across. I loved her True Calling series and honestly thought that there was no way she could equal it, but The Saven Novels are every bit as entertaining. She develops characters that you fall in love with and wraps them in stories that you can't put down. I hate that I have to say goodbye to Sadie and Logan, but I look forward to the next adventure Siobhan writes for me. And there's always the Kennedy boys to keep me up at night!
This is a nicely paced, well written book; the plot was executed flawlessly throughout each book culminating with a definite satisfying finale. The story is multi-layered and complex. Every detail from the prior books comes into play as well as some new twists and turns. There is plenty of suspense, danger, some ugliness, tragedy, and so much love. Every remaining character makes an appearance from the earlier books, plus we get a few new ones, Kesla and Deputy Tre. Each one of them plays an important role.
Siobhan is one of the most talented contemporary authors I have come across. I loved her True Calling series and honestly thought that there was no way she could equal it, but The Saven Novels are every bit as entertaining. She develops characters that you fall in love with and wraps them in stories that you can't put down. I hate that I have to say goodbye to Sadie and Logan, but I look forward to the next adventure Siobhan writes for me. And there's always the Kennedy boys to keep me up at night!
Saven Defiance (Saven #4)
I'm not sure if I can even get across in writing how much I love this series. Siobhan Davis is hands down one of the best YA authors writing today. She has mastered her art. She creates wonderful characters, creates amazing worlds, and provides them with solid, entertaining storylines.
Saven Defiance is the 3rd book in the Saven Series. We return to Sadie and Logan's story right where Saven Denial left off, so from page one the story is in full swing. And the fast pace never stops. This book is so detailed, so descriptive. We jump worlds; every character from every book comes in to play; there is non-stop danger, intrigue, frustration, tension, deception, anger, fear, heartbreak, and so much friendship and love. With so much happening, a lesser writer would have let the story become muddled or watered down. Siobhan keeps a main plot line going interwoven with multiple side stories, just like real life. It's so complex and each story adds layers to make the book better and better. So many twists and turns, so many new revelations. I'm determined not to give any spoilers, because everyone should get a chance to enjoy this book as much as I did, but there is something for everyone. I wanted to read this book slowly and savor it, but I couldn't. It's impossible to put down. From page one I was so immersed in the story. The writing is so vivid that you are completely swept into Sadie and Logan's world; their adventure becomes yours, you share in their love and pain, their friends become yours, their politics are yours, and their fight is your fight as well. There is not one negative thing I can bring to light about this book. It leaves us with many unknowns at the end, so if you like a neatly wrapped up conclusion, you will be frustrated. It just builds the anticipation for me. Truly, Saven Defiance is wonderful, I highly recommend it, and can't wait for the next one!
I'm not sure if I can even get across in writing how much I love this series. Siobhan Davis is hands down one of the best YA authors writing today. She has mastered her art. She creates wonderful characters, creates amazing worlds, and provides them with solid, entertaining storylines.
Saven Defiance is the 3rd book in the Saven Series. We return to Sadie and Logan's story right where Saven Denial left off, so from page one the story is in full swing. And the fast pace never stops. This book is so detailed, so descriptive. We jump worlds; every character from every book comes in to play; there is non-stop danger, intrigue, frustration, tension, deception, anger, fear, heartbreak, and so much friendship and love. With so much happening, a lesser writer would have let the story become muddled or watered down. Siobhan keeps a main plot line going interwoven with multiple side stories, just like real life. It's so complex and each story adds layers to make the book better and better. So many twists and turns, so many new revelations. I'm determined not to give any spoilers, because everyone should get a chance to enjoy this book as much as I did, but there is something for everyone. I wanted to read this book slowly and savor it, but I couldn't. It's impossible to put down. From page one I was so immersed in the story. The writing is so vivid that you are completely swept into Sadie and Logan's world; their adventure becomes yours, you share in their love and pain, their friends become yours, their politics are yours, and their fight is your fight as well. There is not one negative thing I can bring to light about this book. It leaves us with many unknowns at the end, so if you like a neatly wrapped up conclusion, you will be frustrated. It just builds the anticipation for me. Truly, Saven Defiance is wonderful, I highly recommend it, and can't wait for the next one!
Saven Defiance is the 3rd book in the Saven Series. We return to Sadie and Logan's story right where Saven Denial left off, so from page one the story is in full swing. And the fast pace never stops. This book is so detailed, so descriptive. We jump worlds; every character from every book comes in to play; there is non-stop danger, intrigue, frustration, tension, deception, anger, fear, heartbreak, and so much friendship and love. With so much happening, a lesser writer would have let the story become muddled or watered down. Siobhan keeps a main plot line going interwoven with multiple side stories, just like real life. It's so complex and each story adds layers to make the book better and better. So many twists and turns, so many new revelations. I'm determined not to give any spoilers, because everyone should get a chance to enjoy this book as much as I did, but there is something for everyone. I wanted to read this book slowly and savor it, but I couldn't. It's impossible to put down. From page one I was so immersed in the story. The writing is so vivid that you are completely swept into Sadie and Logan's world; their adventure becomes yours, you share in their love and pain, their friends become yours, their politics are yours, and their fight is your fight as well. There is not one negative thing I can bring to light about this book. It leaves us with many unknowns at the end, so if you like a neatly wrapped up conclusion, you will be frustrated. It just builds the anticipation for me. Truly, Saven Defiance is wonderful, I highly recommend it, and can't wait for the next one!
Saven Denial (Saven #3)
This is the hardest review that I have ever given. I loved this book, but I do not give spoilers, so that makes this so very difficult, because I really have so much to say about everything going on! I feel the need to be in a room with other readers, voices raised, in a full blown discussion of what we now know, what we don't, what has happened, what could happen, what I don't want to happen....
This book is a bridge giving vital information needed after the ending of Book 2. We have 2 new really enjoyable characters and we have a deeper understanding of the evil of Griselda that has been hinted at. We now have so many answers. But for every answer, there's a new question, a "what if", and "oh no" and there's absolutely no clue as to where we are heading next. All we know is it's not going to be pretty times for the characters we love.
Without any spoilers, I have to admit that the final page gutted me. I am so conflicted and worried for Sadie. So credit to Siobhan; she continues to amaze me. I am anticipating Book 3 even more than I was when I finished Book 2.
This is the hardest review that I have ever given. I loved this book, but I do not give spoilers, so that makes this so very difficult, because I really have so much to say about everything going on! I feel the need to be in a room with other readers, voices raised, in a full blown discussion of what we now know, what we don't, what has happened, what could happen, what I don't want to happen....
Without any spoilers, I have to admit that the final page gutted me. I am so conflicted and worried for Sadie. So credit to Siobhan; she continues to amaze me. I am anticipating Book 3 even more than I was when I finished Book 2.
Saven Disclosure (Saven #2)
Siobhan Davis *****STAR REVIEW
I did a happy dance when the book arrived. I love Siobhan's writing and have been looking forward to this book, so much so that I was almost afraid to start reading. I love Sadie, Logan, and Haydn. I knew this book would offer me as much heartache as it did satisfaction. I was not disappointed.
This book picks up right where the first book ends. The first book may have ended with danger but it was nothing compared to what faces Sadie in book two. Danger comes at her from every direction. She has to be the most frustrating female character ever. She trusts when she shouldn't, keeps quiet when she should share (especially with Logan), acts when she should be careful, has great instinct until it seems she has none at all. I can't help but love her, but she causes me more worry than she should. I feel that she is always on the verge of making a horrible decision. And Logan isn't much better. He closes himself off way too much; a relationship has to be made up of a team, but he is too protective, wants to shoulder all burdens himself. And by doing so, leaves the door open for Sadie and Haydn to get hurt. Sadie and Logan are perfect together and when together, but the moment they lose sight of one another, everything feels like it could fall apart.
I loved this book. The writing is as good as I expected. Siobhan sets a scene of multiple alien worlds and politics that is so well thought out and developed. I loved the story, the alien history, the action, and the tangled relationships. I really like 2 of the new characters; Dali and Win. I enjoyed getting to know Jarod more. I wasn't sure about him in the first book, but he won me over in this one.
Credit needs to be given to Siobhan for this story. So many twists. Each time I thought I had it figured out, I would only have a piece of the puzzle. But I can't review this book with just my love for it and not mention the frustration it will cause the reader. Cliffhangers are to be expected; the word doesn't do the ending justice. Everything you thought you knew changes as the pages run out. There are hints throughout the book; you know something big is coming. You can't imagine how big though and without warning you receive a shock and then another as you realize that you have to wait for book 3 and I believe book 4 before we get all of Sadie and Logan's story. Still so worth it!
This book picks up right where the first book ends. The first book may have ended with danger but it was nothing compared to what faces Sadie in book two. Danger comes at her from every direction. She has to be the most frustrating female character ever. She trusts when she shouldn't, keeps quiet when she should share (especially with Logan), acts when she should be careful, has great instinct until it seems she has none at all. I can't help but love her, but she causes me more worry than she should. I feel that she is always on the verge of making a horrible decision. And Logan isn't much better. He closes himself off way too much; a relationship has to be made up of a team, but he is too protective, wants to shoulder all burdens himself. And by doing so, leaves the door open for Sadie and Haydn to get hurt. Sadie and Logan are perfect together and when together, but the moment they lose sight of one another, everything feels like it could fall apart.
I loved this book. The writing is as good as I expected. Siobhan sets a scene of multiple alien worlds and politics that is so well thought out and developed. I loved the story, the alien history, the action, and the tangled relationships. I really like 2 of the new characters; Dali and Win. I enjoyed getting to know Jarod more. I wasn't sure about him in the first book, but he won me over in this one.
Credit needs to be given to Siobhan for this story. So many twists. Each time I thought I had it figured out, I would only have a piece of the puzzle. But I can't review this book with just my love for it and not mention the frustration it will cause the reader. Cliffhangers are to be expected; the word doesn't do the ending justice. Everything you thought you knew changes as the pages run out. There are hints throughout the book; you know something big is coming. You can't imagine how big though and without warning you receive a shock and then another as you realize that you have to wait for book 3 and I believe book 4 before we get all of Sadie and Logan's story. Still so worth it!
Saven Deception (Saven #1)
by Siobhan Davis *****STAR REVIEW
I was almost hesitant to read this book since I had just finished The True Calling series and was afraid I might be let down. I love dystopian stories and enjoy sci-fi, but wasn't sure if I could go for an alien love story. But I have fallen in love with this author, so I couldn't resist. I should not have been worried. Siobhan Davis could write in any genre and make it enjoyable. She develops solid stories with strong characters. The lead characters Sadie and Logan are compelling and are surrounded by a nicely developed cast. I was soon caught up in this new world and fearful for the character's future. The leads have a great chemistry, but a relationship will be complicated at best. Add in the secrets they are both keeping and outside threats and it will be more than a challenge to stay together. I love this formula.
Siobhan Davis is a really good writer. Her descriptions truly help you to completely immerse yourself in the book like you are another character. The conversations between characters are natural. The threats from inside their relationship (secrets and bad choices) and from outside (jealous siblings, world hostility for the aliens, other world threats) are all believable. There was never a moment where I groaned due to forced scenarios. I appreciate this since so many authors like to create helpless females that end up in ridiculous situations needing a male to swoop in for the rescue.
While Logan may need to save Sadie, she is just as likely to rescue him. And this goes for more than a physical rescue. These characters save each other on an emotional level as well. I love that the characters evolve into stronger, better people as they get to know each other.
My only complaint is that I read this book before the others were written. I am not a patient reader and this book ends with an uncertain future for everyone. I can't wait until the next installment arrives. There will be plenty of drama I am sure, but I am hoping that we now have friendships and a love in place that can save 2 worlds.
Siobhan Davis is a really good writer. Her descriptions truly help you to completely immerse yourself in the book like you are another character. The conversations between characters are natural. The threats from inside their relationship (secrets and bad choices) and from outside (jealous siblings, world hostility for the aliens, other world threats) are all believable. There was never a moment where I groaned due to forced scenarios. I appreciate this since so many authors like to create helpless females that end up in ridiculous situations needing a male to swoop in for the rescue.
My only complaint is that I read this book before the others were written. I am not a patient reader and this book ends with an uncertain future for everyone. I can't wait until the next installment arrives. There will be plenty of drama I am sure, but I am hoping that we now have friendships and a love in place that can save 2 worlds.
Infinite Night (The Twelfth Keeper #4)
by
Kennedy is the lone survivor. The only survivor of Earth's Water Keepers, the only survivor from the attack on her spaceship, the only survivor after the Sae-yers destroyed Earth. She has crash landed on an alien planet and rescued. But she doesn't want to be saved. Everyone she loves is dead, she wants to join them. But she doesn't die. She makes friends, a family of sorts. She has a life even if it's not the one she wanted. And then she starts dreaming of Phoenix. She spends her nights with him, loving him but what if it's not a dream? What if he's still alive and lost, searching for her?
Infinite Night continues the Keeper story. There are huge developments with the other Keepers but the main focus of the story is with Kennedy on the alien planet. Kennedy's lost time is good and I believe a valuable learning experience for her that will benefit all of Earth's Keepers. The world-building was amazing. The detailing, the history are exceptional. The new alien characters were all likable and interesting. The connection with Phoenix was beautiful; just what I expect between these two. The brief moment with Matilda was priceless. And then we come to the ending of this book... the final developments between Kennedy and her rescuer were exactly what I was hoping to avoid. Why? I could see the direction the storyline was heading but hoped that the author would remain true to Kennedy's character. No! And with the timing, it was even more wrong. This needs to be fixed immediately before a perfect love story is damaged permanently. It doesn't take much to tarnish love. Love triangles are ugly and the original couple never regains the initial level of adoration. Ruin this relationship even a little and I will completely lose any and all interest in continuing the story. The Keepers are interesting because of the characters. Because of Kennedy and Phoenix especially and their supporting cast. Keep the aliens as supporting cast only. PLEASE! I haven't seen any news about book 5 but I hope the wait is not too long. I am so invested in this story; I love it dearly. I am so worried it's about to be ruined. I need reassurance now!
by
Kennedy is the lone survivor. The only survivor of Earth's Water Keepers, the only survivor from the attack on her spaceship, the only survivor after the Sae-yers destroyed Earth. She has crash landed on an alien planet and rescued. But she doesn't want to be saved. Everyone she loves is dead, she wants to join them. But she doesn't die. She makes friends, a family of sorts. She has a life even if it's not the one she wanted. And then she starts dreaming of Phoenix. She spends her nights with him, loving him but what if it's not a dream? What if he's still alive and lost, searching for her?
Infinite Night continues the Keeper story. There are huge developments with the other Keepers but the main focus of the story is with Kennedy on the alien planet. Kennedy's lost time is good and I believe a valuable learning experience for her that will benefit all of Earth's Keepers. The world-building was amazing. The detailing, the history are exceptional. The new alien characters were all likable and interesting. The connection with Phoenix was beautiful; just what I expect between these two. The brief moment with Matilda was priceless. And then we come to the ending of this book... the final developments between Kennedy and her rescuer were exactly what I was hoping to avoid. Why? I could see the direction the storyline was heading but hoped that the author would remain true to Kennedy's character. No! And with the timing, it was even more wrong. This needs to be fixed immediately before a perfect love story is damaged permanently. It doesn't take much to tarnish love. Love triangles are ugly and the original couple never regains the initial level of adoration. Ruin this relationship even a little and I will completely lose any and all interest in continuing the story. The Keepers are interesting because of the characters. Because of Kennedy and Phoenix especially and their supporting cast. Keep the aliens as supporting cast only. PLEASE! I haven't seen any news about book 5 but I hope the wait is not too long. I am so invested in this story; I love it dearly. I am so worried it's about to be ruined. I need reassurance now!
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