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Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry #2
The Prince
Some love dies. Some never does. The Sealers have activated an ancient weapon Nexus Tear. Lucienne must destroy it before it terminates her. But Prince Vladimir, her first love and strongest ally, has joined forces with her enemies over the one kiss she shared with Ashburn--the kiss that is denied to him by the Siren curse.
316 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2014
47 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Meg Xuemei X
117 books2,303 followersMeg Xuemei X is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She loves writing badass heroines and hot psycho alphaholes.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 30, 2015
First of all, I would like to thank the author, Meg Xuemei X, for gifting me this fantastic book!
Okay now for my review. I came out of the Siren, the first book in this amazing series, with pretty high expectations. But let me tell you, Nexus Tear did not disappoint! If you liked the first book in this series then pick this one up right now, because believe it or not, this one is even better!
To show you how awesome it is, I’ll just give you a run down of this book without spoiling anything major:
All of the sexist pigs that Lucienne has the misfortune of being related to, still hate her and try to kill her (because Sirens aren’t suppose to be women blah blah blah). They are basically trying to disown her.
Just instead of getting rid of Lucienne’s name, they want to get rid of…. her life. When really, we all know that they are just embarrassed that a girl showed them up. You go Lucienne! Girl power!
In this book, Lucienne is still really bad-ass. There is this one time that her cousin, who is well trained in hand to hand combat, challenges her to a fight to see if she really deserves to be Siren. Bad move, buddy. She of course kicks his ass, thus gaining her the respect of most of her cousins.
She doesn’t ask for their respect, she demands it. Well done, Lucienne, well done.
The romance in this next book is even more intense. Both Ash and Vlad stepped up their game, and were both willing to come to blows while fighing over Lucienne. Ash, with his super awesome God-like powers, can access anyone’s memories (except Lucienne’s), which basically means that he can read minds. Yikes. Could you imagine if someone knew what you were thinking all the time?
A truer sentence has never been spoken.
Vlad is still awesome and protective. I can’t say much about him without spoiling anything, but I fell completely in love with him in this book.
Now for the sad parts… Like the end of the last book, Lucienne lost a lot of her soldiers. And like the last book, it was heartbreaking. All of the characters had to make some pretty big sacrifices in order to keep Lucienne safe.
And it was really sad to watch person after person die for Lucienne, even though there was no real way to prevent it.
Then the ending just had me like:
They were so close! It was a happy ending and then that happened, and I’m just left with all of these conflicting emotions of happiness and sadness and awe and frustration and omg-wtf-no and finally, amazement!
Check out the rest of my reviews on my blog Read All Night, Sleep All Day
Okay now for my review. I came out of the Siren, the first book in this amazing series, with pretty high expectations. But let me tell you, Nexus Tear did not disappoint! If you liked the first book in this series then pick this one up right now, because believe it or not, this one is even better!
To show you how awesome it is, I’ll just give you a run down of this book without spoiling anything major:
All of the sexist pigs that Lucienne has the misfortune of being related to, still hate her and try to kill her (because Sirens aren’t suppose to be women blah blah blah). They are basically trying to disown her.
Just instead of getting rid of Lucienne’s name, they want to get rid of…. her life. When really, we all know that they are just embarrassed that a girl showed them up. You go Lucienne! Girl power!
In this book, Lucienne is still really bad-ass. There is this one time that her cousin, who is well trained in hand to hand combat, challenges her to a fight to see if she really deserves to be Siren. Bad move, buddy. She of course kicks his ass, thus gaining her the respect of most of her cousins.
She doesn’t ask for their respect, she demands it. Well done, Lucienne, well done.
The romance in this next book is even more intense. Both Ash and Vlad stepped up their game, and were both willing to come to blows while fighing over Lucienne. Ash, with his super awesome God-like powers, can access anyone’s memories (except Lucienne’s), which basically means that he can read minds. Yikes. Could you imagine if someone knew what you were thinking all the time?
A truer sentence has never been spoken.
Vlad is still awesome and protective. I can’t say much about him without spoiling anything, but I fell completely in love with him in this book.
Now for the sad parts… Like the end of the last book, Lucienne lost a lot of her soldiers. And like the last book, it was heartbreaking. All of the characters had to make some pretty big sacrifices in order to keep Lucienne safe.
And it was really sad to watch person after person die for Lucienne, even though there was no real way to prevent it.
Then the ending just had me like:
They were so close! It was a happy ending and then that happened, and I’m just left with all of these conflicting emotions of happiness and sadness and awe and frustration and omg-wtf-no and finally, amazement!
Check out the rest of my reviews on my blog Read All Night, Sleep All Day
May 16, 2015
Even the most powerful among us have a vulnerability somewhere lurking in between the skeletons laid deep to rest in the back of our moral and emotional closets. We shove those vulnerabilities so far back inside the closet that we allow ourselves to believe that these vulnerabilities do not exist. However, unlike the dead we have left behind, vulnerability is still very much alive, and has an affinity for making its way through the maze of our mistakes to the forefront of our lives at the exact moment we choose to believe we are untouchable. This is one of the very well laid out themes that author Meg Xuemei X, author of Nexus Tear explores, and it does so in a way that not only perpetuates the unique plot line that this series has taken shape in to, but it allows the reader to be introspective into their own live to see if they too have been making this fatal mistake, and is a cautionary tale of what you could become should you deny the parts of yourself by shoving them away for another day.
Xuemei also threads vulnerability with fear, which I think is a very accurate depiction of the human condition, and one that if we are all honest, would like to admit was not true. We are afraid of what we cannot control, and as is always is with places that should someone want to hurt us, will always be an open target no matter how violently we try to shield them . In Nexus Tear, the sequel to The Siren, we discover what Luccia, Ashburn and Vladamire have been up to since the first book. And we all find them in different versions of the same scenario. In one way or another, they each face things that are thrust upon them and in which they had no choice by to deal with. For warriors such as themselves, feelings are hard enough to express and cope with, much less ones you wish you did not possess. Warriors are rational beings, not emotional creatures. Or so they thought.
It is swiftly discovered that Nexus Tear has become an asset of value to many different people; the Sealers who want only to see the demise of The Siren, and it’s worth is also paramount to The Siren herself, as it could be yet another key to finding Etern. But as life always goes, there are many distractions that make their way into the path of attaining Nexus Tear, none of which is outmatched by the intricacies of the feelings she now harbors for both Ash and Vlad. Being a young woman, and a powerful one at that, comes with a very high price, hers being that her Siren’s insignia has somehow configured her DNA to mutate her saliva into a poison, barring her from being with any man, lest it burn him. So the idea that two men, two very different men are seeking to win her affections has her head completely spinning and she is left to not only decided and address her feelings for them, but her feelings about her reign as Siren as well.
Xuemei does an excellent job of breathing life into her characters, every struggle they face inwardly and every temptation and encounter they face outwardly is so humanistic and real that you can’t help but compare these circumstances to your own life, even if they are appearing in a netherworld. You can sincerely feel the pain of the burden of being the Siren when all Luccia wants is love, but you can also feel her pride as she accomplishes greatness for the good of those who follow her simply because of her status. You can also feel the frustration and tenderness that exudes from each of these boys that Luccia could have her pick from respectively, and see what genuine love for someone else really looks like. Even though it is complicated and even though most of their obstacles are insurmountable, what this love triangle does not lack is simply that, love, which is a nice change of pace from all of the lust triangles that try to sell themselves as love triangles. You do not need to be physical with someone to love them, nor is it necessary to love them only for their physicality.
Xuemei also addresses the power of fear. So many books recently only focus on the aspect of hope, and depict fear as a small obstacle that you need to climb over in order to have hope. But what Xuemei portrays is that fear can totally dominate you. Fear is not some quaint feeling that we have no and again that can be overcome simply by deciding to, but it is a force full of life that if you allow it, will take you over before you even knew you were fearful. I think we all need the reminder that fear is not something to be trifled with and that it is just as serious an emotion as love or survival. Further however, fear is something that we are able to overcome. We should not feel that we are only ruled by fear once it has grabbed but should know full well that we are the author of our lives, and that we have the ability to overcome all the fear and doubt that is imposed upon us in this life, and if we so decide, we will come out victorious on the other side. We will be bloody, battered and bruised, but we will be unmistakably victorious.
Nexus Tear as well is a work that should be recognized as a victorious effort. I loved the first book and was so thrilled when I was asked to review Nexus Tear pre-release. The story was never slow, and was full of unpredictable twists and turns. But even more than that, it held up a mirror to our own lives and allowed us to leave changed after the turning of the last page. I give this book 5 out of 5 morals, and am waiting with bated breath for the next installment!
Xuemei also threads vulnerability with fear, which I think is a very accurate depiction of the human condition, and one that if we are all honest, would like to admit was not true. We are afraid of what we cannot control, and as is always is with places that should someone want to hurt us, will always be an open target no matter how violently we try to shield them . In Nexus Tear, the sequel to The Siren, we discover what Luccia, Ashburn and Vladamire have been up to since the first book. And we all find them in different versions of the same scenario. In one way or another, they each face things that are thrust upon them and in which they had no choice by to deal with. For warriors such as themselves, feelings are hard enough to express and cope with, much less ones you wish you did not possess. Warriors are rational beings, not emotional creatures. Or so they thought.
It is swiftly discovered that Nexus Tear has become an asset of value to many different people; the Sealers who want only to see the demise of The Siren, and it’s worth is also paramount to The Siren herself, as it could be yet another key to finding Etern. But as life always goes, there are many distractions that make their way into the path of attaining Nexus Tear, none of which is outmatched by the intricacies of the feelings she now harbors for both Ash and Vlad. Being a young woman, and a powerful one at that, comes with a very high price, hers being that her Siren’s insignia has somehow configured her DNA to mutate her saliva into a poison, barring her from being with any man, lest it burn him. So the idea that two men, two very different men are seeking to win her affections has her head completely spinning and she is left to not only decided and address her feelings for them, but her feelings about her reign as Siren as well.
Xuemei does an excellent job of breathing life into her characters, every struggle they face inwardly and every temptation and encounter they face outwardly is so humanistic and real that you can’t help but compare these circumstances to your own life, even if they are appearing in a netherworld. You can sincerely feel the pain of the burden of being the Siren when all Luccia wants is love, but you can also feel her pride as she accomplishes greatness for the good of those who follow her simply because of her status. You can also feel the frustration and tenderness that exudes from each of these boys that Luccia could have her pick from respectively, and see what genuine love for someone else really looks like. Even though it is complicated and even though most of their obstacles are insurmountable, what this love triangle does not lack is simply that, love, which is a nice change of pace from all of the lust triangles that try to sell themselves as love triangles. You do not need to be physical with someone to love them, nor is it necessary to love them only for their physicality.
Xuemei also addresses the power of fear. So many books recently only focus on the aspect of hope, and depict fear as a small obstacle that you need to climb over in order to have hope. But what Xuemei portrays is that fear can totally dominate you. Fear is not some quaint feeling that we have no and again that can be overcome simply by deciding to, but it is a force full of life that if you allow it, will take you over before you even knew you were fearful. I think we all need the reminder that fear is not something to be trifled with and that it is just as serious an emotion as love or survival. Further however, fear is something that we are able to overcome. We should not feel that we are only ruled by fear once it has grabbed but should know full well that we are the author of our lives, and that we have the ability to overcome all the fear and doubt that is imposed upon us in this life, and if we so decide, we will come out victorious on the other side. We will be bloody, battered and bruised, but we will be unmistakably victorious.
Nexus Tear as well is a work that should be recognized as a victorious effort. I loved the first book and was so thrilled when I was asked to review Nexus Tear pre-release. The story was never slow, and was full of unpredictable twists and turns. But even more than that, it held up a mirror to our own lives and allowed us to leave changed after the turning of the last page. I give this book 5 out of 5 morals, and am waiting with bated breath for the next installment!
April 8, 2016
Read the review in my blog.
I got this book from the author Meg Xuemei X, to read and review it. Thank you Meg for gifting me this book.
The action packed sci-fic adventure continues in this book as well. I loved the first book, The Siren, in this series. And the second book in this series is no exception.
The Brazil operation started by Kian has failed and the Sphinxes warriors got the news that Valdimir Blazek was behind it. Vlad had started hating Lucia, after seeing the passionate kiss between Ash and Lucia. And to avenge Lucia Vlad joined hands with the Sealers. I was so upset even to image Vald was working against Lucia. And Ash was there all the time with Lucia during her dark days.
Ashburn was more possessive about Lucia. The reason might be the Lure, the Time dust. But his possessiveness toward Lucia was irritating. After all Vlad was her first love. Lucia and Ash together are trying to decode the Time of eye. Meanwhile, their enemies have activated a destructive weapon, the Nexus Tear. They want Lucia to be dead. Lucia has to keep the promise she had given to her grandfather, Jed Lam, to keep the Lam family together under a same roof. Lucia is successful in proving that she is the only suitable candidate for the Siren and gains respect of her cousins.
The surprise pack is the entry of Vald in Dr. Schmidt Lab, to save Lucia. I loved this part. I can only admire and respect Vald for what he is going through and doing just to make his future with Lucia. Lucia loves Vald, but she is attracted towards the God like features of Ash due to the Lure. She does not want to hurt Ash or Vald. Vald and Ash are ready to fight and kill to get Lucienne. Ash has an upper hand because he has got the power to read the memories of others. Again the romance and the love triangle are un-matched and an interesting read.
Ziyi has located the Sealers secret headquarters in the international waters and Lucia with Kian and her team are on her way to destroy them and get the weapon Nexus Tear. Nexus Tear is not a weapon. It’s the fifth element of the Siren. She has to get it make herself stronger. But she has to pay a price. Many of her warriors lay their lives to save their Siren. Her guard Marloes is killed while saving her. Lucia’s father, Jimmy Lam is also against her and has become an ally to the Sealers.
Lucia is able to get Nexus Tear, but the suffering is un-bearable. It’s been poisoned by her own father. Now her life is in risk. Both Vald and Ash wants to save her, to get a cure, but how? She is sheading blood tears.
The action, thrill and suspense in the book hold the attention of the readers till the end. Lucia is always an adorable and brave character. Always a predator. Kian as usual is strong and emotion less towards everyone except for Lucia. The love triangle brings the tense moments in the book. It’s hard to decide who better match for Lucia is. One cannot hate Ash and the same time the love for Vald only increases. Vald’s dialogues have a fun taunt in a war area as well. The one character I hated most in the book was Dr.Schmidt. The un-solved mystery in this book is about Lucia’s Russian mother Jekaterina.
I am so much eager to read the third book and find out more. The author has put life into each of the character in the book. If your taste in books includes sci-fiction, adventure, suspense, thrill and fantasy then for sure, author Meg Xuemei X is to watch for.
I got this book from the author Meg Xuemei X, to read and review it. Thank you Meg for gifting me this book.
The action packed sci-fic adventure continues in this book as well. I loved the first book, The Siren, in this series. And the second book in this series is no exception.
The Brazil operation started by Kian has failed and the Sphinxes warriors got the news that Valdimir Blazek was behind it. Vlad had started hating Lucia, after seeing the passionate kiss between Ash and Lucia. And to avenge Lucia Vlad joined hands with the Sealers. I was so upset even to image Vald was working against Lucia. And Ash was there all the time with Lucia during her dark days.
Ashburn was more possessive about Lucia. The reason might be the Lure, the Time dust. But his possessiveness toward Lucia was irritating. After all Vlad was her first love. Lucia and Ash together are trying to decode the Time of eye. Meanwhile, their enemies have activated a destructive weapon, the Nexus Tear. They want Lucia to be dead. Lucia has to keep the promise she had given to her grandfather, Jed Lam, to keep the Lam family together under a same roof. Lucia is successful in proving that she is the only suitable candidate for the Siren and gains respect of her cousins.
The surprise pack is the entry of Vald in Dr. Schmidt Lab, to save Lucia. I loved this part. I can only admire and respect Vald for what he is going through and doing just to make his future with Lucia. Lucia loves Vald, but she is attracted towards the God like features of Ash due to the Lure. She does not want to hurt Ash or Vald. Vald and Ash are ready to fight and kill to get Lucienne. Ash has an upper hand because he has got the power to read the memories of others. Again the romance and the love triangle are un-matched and an interesting read.
Ziyi has located the Sealers secret headquarters in the international waters and Lucia with Kian and her team are on her way to destroy them and get the weapon Nexus Tear. Nexus Tear is not a weapon. It’s the fifth element of the Siren. She has to get it make herself stronger. But she has to pay a price. Many of her warriors lay their lives to save their Siren. Her guard Marloes is killed while saving her. Lucia’s father, Jimmy Lam is also against her and has become an ally to the Sealers.
Lucia is able to get Nexus Tear, but the suffering is un-bearable. It’s been poisoned by her own father. Now her life is in risk. Both Vald and Ash wants to save her, to get a cure, but how? She is sheading blood tears.
The action, thrill and suspense in the book hold the attention of the readers till the end. Lucia is always an adorable and brave character. Always a predator. Kian as usual is strong and emotion less towards everyone except for Lucia. The love triangle brings the tense moments in the book. It’s hard to decide who better match for Lucia is. One cannot hate Ash and the same time the love for Vald only increases. Vald’s dialogues have a fun taunt in a war area as well. The one character I hated most in the book was Dr.Schmidt. The un-solved mystery in this book is about Lucia’s Russian mother Jekaterina.
I am so much eager to read the third book and find out more. The author has put life into each of the character in the book. If your taste in books includes sci-fiction, adventure, suspense, thrill and fantasy then for sure, author Meg Xuemei X is to watch for.
December 5, 2014
Nexus Tear (Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry, #2) by Meg Xuemei X
Lucienne is back and her life is in danger. The Sealers have activated a new weapon know as Nexus Tear and it is up to Lucienne, The Siren to destroy it before it destroys her. Meanwhile she is torn between Ashburn and Vladimir, her true love. Things get really tense and soon she is not sure who she can trust.
An action filled (fantasy) suspense. I really like Lucienne, I liked her since book one, and I like her even more now. I also liked the story line, very original. The tension between the three (Lucienne, Ashburn & Vladimir) adds a great dramatic flair to the already suspenseful story. I highly recommend Nexus Tear to those who love action/suspense/fantasy. Meg Xuemei X is definitely and Author to watch.
Lucienne is back and her life is in danger. The Sealers have activated a new weapon know as Nexus Tear and it is up to Lucienne, The Siren to destroy it before it destroys her. Meanwhile she is torn between Ashburn and Vladimir, her true love. Things get really tense and soon she is not sure who she can trust.
An action filled (fantasy) suspense. I really like Lucienne, I liked her since book one, and I like her even more now. I also liked the story line, very original. The tension between the three (Lucienne, Ashburn & Vladimir) adds a great dramatic flair to the already suspenseful story. I highly recommend Nexus Tear to those who love action/suspense/fantasy. Meg Xuemei X is definitely and Author to watch.
February 27, 2018
Book 2 of the Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry series was even more exciting than the first, and that's saying something! The Sealers have activated an ancient weapon called The Nexus Tear. Lucienne Lam, born to rule as the first female Siren and the last of the Siren line, must destroy it before it kills her. But Prince Vladimir, her first love and only ally, has joined forces with her enemies because of the kiss he witnessed between Lucienne and Ashburn, the kiss caused by the powerful Lure in the Time Dust that calls out to her Siren's powers, the very kiss forbidden to him by her Siren's curse.
This book was even more action packed than the first one and I enjoyed it even more. It really kept my mind guessing from page one. There were so many twists and surprises that I couldn't keep up! And really, you learn a lot more about Lucienne and her family history, about her powers as Siren. I really enjoyed her devotion to her guards and her people and their loyalty to her. Ashburn and Vladimir are such complex, amazing characters. Really, there's so much that I'd love to say but if I did, my entire review would become a spoiler and I don't want that so just read the books so I have someone to talk to!!!
This book was even more action packed than the first one and I enjoyed it even more. It really kept my mind guessing from page one. There were so many twists and surprises that I couldn't keep up! And really, you learn a lot more about Lucienne and her family history, about her powers as Siren. I really enjoyed her devotion to her guards and her people and their loyalty to her. Ashburn and Vladimir are such complex, amazing characters. Really, there's so much that I'd love to say but if I did, my entire review would become a spoiler and I don't want that so just read the books so I have someone to talk to!!!
February 23, 2016
For readers of romantic sci-fi, Nexus Tear has it all: a love triangle, exciting action, and evocative descriptions of an intriguing world.
Lucienne Lam is the enigmatic heroine. Is she a living goddess? A fearless warrior-queen? A vulnerable girl who needs protection? A passionate woman men would die to embrace?
Well, yes, she is.
The many roles Lucienne plays, both publicly and privately, threaten to overwhelm her as she struggles to know her true self. With more power and expectation than life experience, Lucienne fights against external enemies—a mad scientist, her family, a secret society—and internal forces competing to control her. Just seventeen, she can dispatch would-be assassins with efficient grace yet stumbles over saying, “I love you.”
Central to her internal conflict is attraction to two men: ethereal Ashburn and all-too-human Vladimir. Both want her; neither can have her. With all her abilities, Lucienne is powerless to resolve the situation, leading to tantalizing scenes of frustrated arousal.
Romance may be moot if the Nexus Tear turns out to be her nemesis. At first, Lucienne believes it’s a weapon. Later, she sees it as the essential element missing from her life. Her connection with Nexus Tear leaves readers eager to read the third book in the series, The Red Queen.
Lucienne Lam is the enigmatic heroine. Is she a living goddess? A fearless warrior-queen? A vulnerable girl who needs protection? A passionate woman men would die to embrace?
Well, yes, she is.
The many roles Lucienne plays, both publicly and privately, threaten to overwhelm her as she struggles to know her true self. With more power and expectation than life experience, Lucienne fights against external enemies—a mad scientist, her family, a secret society—and internal forces competing to control her. Just seventeen, she can dispatch would-be assassins with efficient grace yet stumbles over saying, “I love you.”
Central to her internal conflict is attraction to two men: ethereal Ashburn and all-too-human Vladimir. Both want her; neither can have her. With all her abilities, Lucienne is powerless to resolve the situation, leading to tantalizing scenes of frustrated arousal.
Romance may be moot if the Nexus Tear turns out to be her nemesis. At first, Lucienne believes it’s a weapon. Later, she sees it as the essential element missing from her life. Her connection with Nexus Tear leaves readers eager to read the third book in the series, The Red Queen.
July 22, 2016
Thriller fans will enjoy the twists all the way through and clever shift at the end. Romance fans will love the triangle, steaming scenes, dismissing the wrong man, and accidental betrayal.
I wish book three is out already.
I wish book three is out already.
February 5, 2017
“The Prince” the second gripping and imaginative novel in “Laments of Angels and Dark Chemistry” opens after the funeral of Lucienne Lam’s men killed in the Brazilian raid and Vladimir’s desertion after he sees her kissing Ashburn Fury. As war looms and allies seem to be deserting her Lucienne must find the “Nexus Tear” an ancient power before the Sealers can use it to destroy her, but when Ashburn Fury, the man destined to be her soulmate is stricken with a fever, her priority is to seek a cure. In a high stakes game as Lucienne negotiates a peace with family members, struggles against the lure of the Time Dust and probes the mystery of Ash’s genetic makeup while searching for a cure, she makes decisions that will not only hurt one of the two men irrevocably tied to her, but could mean her death.
Meg Xuemei X heightens the tension in this plot with Vlad’s defection to the Sealers, an ancient organization that includes Lam supporters who will do anything to kill the first female Siren in thousands of years. Caught in an emotional vortex between the love of Vladimir and her magnetic attraction to Ashburn Fury Lucienne struggles with heartbreak while her bond with Ash grows deeper. The plot heats up, intensity and suspense continually escalating when Ash develops a fever and in her haste to find a cure not only uncovers clues to his genetic makeup but a scheme to plant a mole within the Sealers’ organization. Fast-paced, the action never stops as Lucienne fights to escape a Chechnyan armed force, a psychopathic geneticist and Temple Knights while also searching for the Nexus Tear hidden by the Sealers which if contaminated could prove to be a formidable weapon. With unexpected twists as mysteries begin to unravel and Lucia continues her mission to investigate the Eye of Time and find Eterne, Meg creates an explosive sequel that keeps you on the edge of your seat and doesn’t let go.
In a setting that lies between fantasy and the modern world as we know it, Meg ingrains complexity, passion and even a sense of irony in these unusual and unforgettable heroes. Yet in their interaction with a bevy of other colorful figures as well as when they face each new challenge they infuse the story with realism, excitement and drama. The Siren, Lucienne Lam shattered by loss and plagued by doubts in her role continues to be impulsive, reckless, and impractical for a skilled fighter especially when she dresses in a suit and stilettos for a meeting with a notoriously immoral scientist. Although we glimpse the ruthlessness of a predator in her Lucia often exhibits a moral conscience and even compassion, considered bad traits in a Siren. Vain, arrogant, but a skilled warrior Prince Vladimir Blazek is even more adaptive and resourceful in his scheme to protect Lucia. Loving her he’s determined to win her affections back and to break the curse that keeps them separated. In contrast Ashburn Fury continues to fight his demons, looking to Lucienne for love, acceptance and to light the darkness that could overwhelm him. Lonely, insecure, but powerful he’s candid, loyal, and vulnerable in his love for Lucia. Ironically the reader warms up more to Ashburn who struggles with the darkness of a love that could end the world than the cocky self-assurance of the royal prince Vladimir Blazek.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Prince” as the Siren not only faces death with every confrontation but as she struggles with a heart that must choose between the men who love her. Well-written and fascinating in its intensity I couldn’t put it down until finished and look forward to reading “the Red Queen” next.
February 1, 2017
If you expect an escalated continuation of the story, you are right. After the Siren, the Prince picks up the story and accelerates it into more madness, danger and emotional tension.
After Lucienne's first kiss with Ash, Vladimir's pain and hatred brings him directly into the nest of the Sealers - a brotherhood of opponents of the Siren, mortal enemies. The threat of activating Nexus Tear, a supposed bio weapon, worries Lucienne days and nights and she takes off onto a desperate quest to retrieve the ancient relic. But not everything is as it seems, and the mastermind strategic games played by both sides keep the reader in the mist and darkness, only guessing the motives and future actions of the characters. Even the Nexus Tear isn't what she expected, and finding herself in the center of war, beaten emotionally from both Vladimir and Ashburn for their fiery love and eternal hatred for each other, Lucienne must solve the mysteries surrounding her and evaluate every piece of information to make the right decisions..
I absolutely loved the second book in the series! Every page hit me with full force, raging emotions and keeping me on the edge until the last sentence. There was everything, from insane drama, tension, suspense and mysteries, adventure and action, great fights, and all-consuming romance, tensed to the top among the actors in the main love triangle. The desperate love and infinite devotion from both Ash and Vlad make every girl dream of at least one such man in her life. Only Lucienne has it much harder, since her heart aches for both of them. She is strong and fierce, but does not deny her vulnerability and follows her passions and desires. Vlad is an excellent actor, hiding his true motives from the whole world until the crucial moments, and the change in Ash's behavior, with all his sharpened feelings and actions, sends chills down my spine on some occasions.
There was only one minor flaw in my opinion that marred the perfect impression, and that were the endings of several chapters. The storytelling indicated a feel it would continue into another scene, and then it was abruptly cut, opening a new chapter, and I was a tiny bit confused.
Nevertheless, an awesome read, and I want to sink into the next book in the series immediately! I thank the author for providing a review copy, which I chose voluntarily to review.
After Lucienne's first kiss with Ash, Vladimir's pain and hatred brings him directly into the nest of the Sealers - a brotherhood of opponents of the Siren, mortal enemies. The threat of activating Nexus Tear, a supposed bio weapon, worries Lucienne days and nights and she takes off onto a desperate quest to retrieve the ancient relic. But not everything is as it seems, and the mastermind strategic games played by both sides keep the reader in the mist and darkness, only guessing the motives and future actions of the characters. Even the Nexus Tear isn't what she expected, and finding herself in the center of war, beaten emotionally from both Vladimir and Ashburn for their fiery love and eternal hatred for each other, Lucienne must solve the mysteries surrounding her and evaluate every piece of information to make the right decisions..
I absolutely loved the second book in the series! Every page hit me with full force, raging emotions and keeping me on the edge until the last sentence. There was everything, from insane drama, tension, suspense and mysteries, adventure and action, great fights, and all-consuming romance, tensed to the top among the actors in the main love triangle. The desperate love and infinite devotion from both Ash and Vlad make every girl dream of at least one such man in her life. Only Lucienne has it much harder, since her heart aches for both of them. She is strong and fierce, but does not deny her vulnerability and follows her passions and desires. Vlad is an excellent actor, hiding his true motives from the whole world until the crucial moments, and the change in Ash's behavior, with all his sharpened feelings and actions, sends chills down my spine on some occasions.
There was only one minor flaw in my opinion that marred the perfect impression, and that were the endings of several chapters. The storytelling indicated a feel it would continue into another scene, and then it was abruptly cut, opening a new chapter, and I was a tiny bit confused.
Nevertheless, an awesome read, and I want to sink into the next book in the series immediately! I thank the author for providing a review copy, which I chose voluntarily to review.
November 9, 2015
Reviewed by Curepe for YA Books
"If you are looking for an action packed sci-fi adventure, with futuristic technology, cutting edge battles, sophisticated heroes and villains, lost ancient powers, and an impossible love interest that can only end in disaster, look no further than the ‘Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry’ series. Without missing a beat, ‘Nexus Tear’ starts off where ‘The Siren’ ended. Not giving away any spoilers, Lucienne must deal the aftereffects of the grief of losing so many of her men to Seraphen, the new intense feelings she feels for Ashburn, and most potently, the betrayal from her true love Vladimir. The enduring struggle with the growing power of the Sealers and the high stakes that will change the world is akin to a game of chess. New characters, new enemies, and new allies, makes for a riveting plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat."
"If you are looking for an action packed sci-fi adventure, with futuristic technology, cutting edge battles, sophisticated heroes and villains, lost ancient powers, and an impossible love interest that can only end in disaster, look no further than the ‘Laments of Angels & Dark Chemistry’ series. Without missing a beat, ‘Nexus Tear’ starts off where ‘The Siren’ ended. Not giving away any spoilers, Lucienne must deal the aftereffects of the grief of losing so many of her men to Seraphen, the new intense feelings she feels for Ashburn, and most potently, the betrayal from her true love Vladimir. The enduring struggle with the growing power of the Sealers and the high stakes that will change the world is akin to a game of chess. New characters, new enemies, and new allies, makes for a riveting plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat."
February 6, 2016
Thank you to the We ♥︎ YA Books and Meg Xuemei X for so kindly sending me a copy of the book.
Really enjoyed the book! Lucienne was such a badass and I love strong and independent women! I don't usually think sequels are better than the first book, but this one was even better that The Siren!
The romance was so intense and great, I didn't even know how to deal with it. Vlad is like everything I ever wanted tbh. So sweet!
And... the end. It had me crying like a baby. So close. SO CLOSE. And poof. All gone.
Great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers and romance!
Really enjoyed the book! Lucienne was such a badass and I love strong and independent women! I don't usually think sequels are better than the first book, but this one was even better that The Siren!
The romance was so intense and great, I didn't even know how to deal with it. Vlad is like everything I ever wanted tbh. So sweet!
And... the end. It had me crying like a baby. So close. SO CLOSE. And poof. All gone.
Great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers and romance!
July 19, 2017
The Prince, the 2nd book of this series, continues the promise of book 1. I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the name, mostly because I never settled in my mind who the Prince is, Vladimir a Czech "prince" of a global organization, or Ash a "prince" of an ancient advanced human / alien race. I am tempted to say Vladimir but since he's more of a side character for this book I wasn't sure.
Lucienne is on a mission this book, she has several high priority goals, and she sets about achieving them in short order. I love the way she chooses what's important, what can wait, and what needs to be done, regardless of whether or not it's convenient, easy or advisable.
The development in this book is what makes it worth reading. There is more world-development in this book as enemies are revealed and developed. Plot development as Lucienne deals with personal issues, family issues, loyalty questions, prophecy, and personal honor and scruples. New characters, schemes and goals are introduced.
For those of you who play volleyball, this ball is a very nice set, hopefully book 3 can spike it.
Lucienne is on a mission this book, she has several high priority goals, and she sets about achieving them in short order. I love the way she chooses what's important, what can wait, and what needs to be done, regardless of whether or not it's convenient, easy or advisable.
The development in this book is what makes it worth reading. There is more world-development in this book as enemies are revealed and developed. Plot development as Lucienne deals with personal issues, family issues, loyalty questions, prophecy, and personal honor and scruples. New characters, schemes and goals are introduced.
For those of you who play volleyball, this ball is a very nice set, hopefully book 3 can spike it.
December 31, 2016
I fully admit that I have never read the first book in this series. Having said that, I feel like I was, eventually, with reservation, able to grasp the essence of this book.
Lucienne is a Siren and is trying to hold it together and protect Sphinxes, herself and her legacy from the Sealers Brotherhood. The Sealers are against her and are trying to stop her from obtaining the ancient dark power she needs to fulfill her powers.
Lucienne, has survived a huge battle where she lost her Grandfather, her close bodyguard (Orlando) and her lover, Vladimir. The book opens up shortly after the first ended with everyone in morning and attending a funeral for their fallen comrades. Vladamir has left Lucienne under the pretense that he saw Lucienne kissing Ashburn.
Ashburn was taken over by the Eye of Time and now emits a Lure between him and Lucienne. Ashburn's character was rather perplexing to me. I don't know if his purpose was explained in the first book, but it definitely wasn't in The Nexus Tear. There were so many questions that I had pertaining to his character. Such as: Why does he have so many minds in him? How is that a power and an asset to him? What is the point of the Lure and why is it there? Furthermore, although I missed Lucienne attacking Ashburn from the first book, I still wondered why the two characters would interact in this book. The Lure works in close proximity and I never understood why the two started talking to each other again. In addition, there was something about a bond between the two but this bond wasn't explained very well. They seemed to be attracted to each other but it was unclear whether they was because of the Lure or because of them. The bond was mentioned in the beginning of the book but not later on.
The TimeDust was confusing too. Was it a computer or machine? A weapon? A program? I never really figured this out.
I wasn't able to pinpoint the time of the story. Lucienne seems to wear current clothing for today's standards but the book talks about swords, magic and other past time things with added fantasy thrown in.
The book was written in a different way than I am used to. There is really no sense of feeling from the characters. Several times the reader is told about how Lucienne is sorry and sad about the loss of her warriors in the previous battle but it is just told to the reader, the characters don't show that emotion. 26% into the book and I was majorly confused. Lucienne talked about Vladimir constantly and his traitorous ways. She ruminated...is more like it, about his behavior towards her. Then she agrees to send a team out to find him to see if he is really the traitor they think he is. Why? It really wasn't explained, it just was.
The author is not a paint you a pretty picture writer. She just tells the reader what is going on. Being told everything was kinda boring but the book and writing gets better towards the end. There the author adds in feelings and expectations between the characters. Things become more interesting and entertaining. This author is very good as describing a battle and war.
Lucienne, is supposed to be able to read minds but it never seemed to be a benefit to her. It seemed, at every turn the author was telling me that Lucienne was blocked from reading so and so's mind. This ability was weak for me. It also bothered me that everyone was so tall. Lucienne is described as 6'2". WOW! A cousin of hers, Thaddeus, is described as a head taller and twice her size. That's one freakin huge dude! After Thaddeus is beat, his jaw is apparently broken but he speaks an epistle about how he supports the warrior. I'm thinking no on that.
Overall, I didn't understand the relationship between Ashburn and Lucienne. I didn't understand why Vladimir left and then fought for the Sealers over one kiss. This seemed extreme to me. I didn't understand much of anything in the beginning and the book wasn't going anywhere. For 30% of the book, it was all about taking revenge against Vladimir and trying not to touch Ashburn. I stuck with it and later on things started to make sense. The world wasn't described as well as I would have liked. There seemed to be a mixture of technology and older world ideas in the book. They traveled from a fantasy-land called Sphinx to Chicago. The book seemed to repeat itself. Lucienne goes to war, ruminates about something then goes back to battle. Then she gets lectured about it, told she is special will a lot of "I thought I lost yous" then she goes back and forth between who is better, Ash or Vladimir. Rinse and repeat. I was confused about Lucienne's duties as a Siren. What is her job? This book never answered all my questions, which frustrated me. The ending to the book was entertaining and interesting. if one can get past the first 30% of the book, the story does start to move at a better pace and more interesting things happen. I would recommend reading the first book in the series. That way you won't be as lost as I. I would also recommend this book to those who like high fantasy.
Content: mild language and sexual situations without a sex scene.
I received a copy of this book from I love YA books.
"Like all Sirens before her, Lucienne could read minds - a power bestowed by her Siren's mark. The mark on the nape of her neck - an eye-shaped gold chip that resembled flowing liquid - was transplanted into her when she was made the Siren at the age of eight. The mark of the Siren was the secret that all Sirens carried to their grave."
Lucienne is a Siren and is trying to hold it together and protect Sphinxes, herself and her legacy from the Sealers Brotherhood. The Sealers are against her and are trying to stop her from obtaining the ancient dark power she needs to fulfill her powers.
Lucienne, has survived a huge battle where she lost her Grandfather, her close bodyguard (Orlando) and her lover, Vladimir. The book opens up shortly after the first ended with everyone in morning and attending a funeral for their fallen comrades. Vladamir has left Lucienne under the pretense that he saw Lucienne kissing Ashburn.
Ashburn was taken over by the Eye of Time and now emits a Lure between him and Lucienne. Ashburn's character was rather perplexing to me. I don't know if his purpose was explained in the first book, but it definitely wasn't in The Nexus Tear. There were so many questions that I had pertaining to his character. Such as: Why does he have so many minds in him? How is that a power and an asset to him? What is the point of the Lure and why is it there? Furthermore, although I missed Lucienne attacking Ashburn from the first book, I still wondered why the two characters would interact in this book. The Lure works in close proximity and I never understood why the two started talking to each other again. In addition, there was something about a bond between the two but this bond wasn't explained very well. They seemed to be attracted to each other but it was unclear whether they was because of the Lure or because of them. The bond was mentioned in the beginning of the book but not later on.
The TimeDust was confusing too. Was it a computer or machine? A weapon? A program? I never really figured this out.
I wasn't able to pinpoint the time of the story. Lucienne seems to wear current clothing for today's standards but the book talks about swords, magic and other past time things with added fantasy thrown in.
The book was written in a different way than I am used to. There is really no sense of feeling from the characters. Several times the reader is told about how Lucienne is sorry and sad about the loss of her warriors in the previous battle but it is just told to the reader, the characters don't show that emotion. 26% into the book and I was majorly confused. Lucienne talked about Vladimir constantly and his traitorous ways. She ruminated...is more like it, about his behavior towards her. Then she agrees to send a team out to find him to see if he is really the traitor they think he is. Why? It really wasn't explained, it just was.
The author is not a paint you a pretty picture writer. She just tells the reader what is going on. Being told everything was kinda boring but the book and writing gets better towards the end. There the author adds in feelings and expectations between the characters. Things become more interesting and entertaining. This author is very good as describing a battle and war.
"Fire, water, earth, metal, and aether had come to play. Together, they swept the enemy soldiers away like shreds of paper."
Lucienne, is supposed to be able to read minds but it never seemed to be a benefit to her. It seemed, at every turn the author was telling me that Lucienne was blocked from reading so and so's mind. This ability was weak for me. It also bothered me that everyone was so tall. Lucienne is described as 6'2". WOW! A cousin of hers, Thaddeus, is described as a head taller and twice her size. That's one freakin huge dude! After Thaddeus is beat, his jaw is apparently broken but he speaks an epistle about how he supports the warrior. I'm thinking no on that.
Overall, I didn't understand the relationship between Ashburn and Lucienne. I didn't understand why Vladimir left and then fought for the Sealers over one kiss. This seemed extreme to me. I didn't understand much of anything in the beginning and the book wasn't going anywhere. For 30% of the book, it was all about taking revenge against Vladimir and trying not to touch Ashburn. I stuck with it and later on things started to make sense. The world wasn't described as well as I would have liked. There seemed to be a mixture of technology and older world ideas in the book. They traveled from a fantasy-land called Sphinx to Chicago. The book seemed to repeat itself. Lucienne goes to war, ruminates about something then goes back to battle. Then she gets lectured about it, told she is special will a lot of "I thought I lost yous" then she goes back and forth between who is better, Ash or Vladimir. Rinse and repeat. I was confused about Lucienne's duties as a Siren. What is her job? This book never answered all my questions, which frustrated me. The ending to the book was entertaining and interesting. if one can get past the first 30% of the book, the story does start to move at a better pace and more interesting things happen. I would recommend reading the first book in the series. That way you won't be as lost as I. I would also recommend this book to those who like high fantasy.
Content: mild language and sexual situations without a sex scene.
I received a copy of this book from I love YA books.
March 29, 2016
Nexus Tear starts off with a quiet funeral for fallen heroes, only to have it be disrupted by an attack by the Sealers. To know who the Sealers are, or what their goals are, we must first know our heroine, Lucienne. She is the first female Siren, the monarchal ruler of Sphinxes. Her Siren’s mark gives her some superhuman powers, like mind reading and heightened senses. She’s everything you’d expect of a queen, loving to her subjects, yet shrewd when it comes to the Sealers and their spies.
The Sealers are a group intent on ending the Siren’s reign. Yet, their newest addition, Lucienne’s ex, Vladimir, adds some early complication on how Lucienne handles this threat to her kingdom. Vladimir, a Czech Prince, was on her team until the Eye of Time was activated in the first book, and he walked in on a romantically heated moment between Lucienne and Ashburn. Ashburn is a unique young man whom the Eye of Time chose, much to Lucienne’s chagrin. He’s an advanced human who can read minds with ease, as well as other super powers. Because of his control of the Eye of Time, he and Lucienne are romantically thrown together thanks to the Lure, even if it is against their will.
The romantic triangle and action packed plot is enough to ensnare any reader. Meg Xuemei X’s fast paced writing style keeps the quick rhythm of the plot moving. My only problem with it was it is not a stand-alone piece for a review group (which is why I’m reviewing). It would probably have been a less confusing read had I had the knowledge or relationship of the characters that readers get from reading the first book (and which I had to infer through small comments and snippets of flashbacks). So, if you are thinking about reading this book, I suggest you read the first book first (as is meant to). That way, you won’t get lost in trying to figure out who the characters are, and instead get lost in the plot, which was incredibly enjoyable.
*Author gave me a copy of the book for an honest review.
The Sealers are a group intent on ending the Siren’s reign. Yet, their newest addition, Lucienne’s ex, Vladimir, adds some early complication on how Lucienne handles this threat to her kingdom. Vladimir, a Czech Prince, was on her team until the Eye of Time was activated in the first book, and he walked in on a romantically heated moment between Lucienne and Ashburn. Ashburn is a unique young man whom the Eye of Time chose, much to Lucienne’s chagrin. He’s an advanced human who can read minds with ease, as well as other super powers. Because of his control of the Eye of Time, he and Lucienne are romantically thrown together thanks to the Lure, even if it is against their will.
The romantic triangle and action packed plot is enough to ensnare any reader. Meg Xuemei X’s fast paced writing style keeps the quick rhythm of the plot moving. My only problem with it was it is not a stand-alone piece for a review group (which is why I’m reviewing). It would probably have been a less confusing read had I had the knowledge or relationship of the characters that readers get from reading the first book (and which I had to infer through small comments and snippets of flashbacks). So, if you are thinking about reading this book, I suggest you read the first book first (as is meant to). That way, you won’t get lost in trying to figure out who the characters are, and instead get lost in the plot, which was incredibly enjoyable.
*Author gave me a copy of the book for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
Angry love triangle....need I say more?
Was quite disappointed with the story line. Too predictable, and insanely over the top mushy indecision. Probably won't move on to the next book.
Grammar needs some work.
For my clean readers:
Language, violence, and inappropriate love/lust scenes, though no actual sex.
Was quite disappointed with the story line. Too predictable, and insanely over the top mushy indecision. Probably won't move on to the next book.
Grammar needs some work.
For my clean readers:
Language, violence, and inappropriate love/lust scenes, though no actual sex.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews