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The Affiliate

(Ascension #1)

K.A. Linde (Goodreads Author)

3.78 · Rating details · 3,206 ratings · 362 reviews

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland—an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks.

When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of d ...more

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339 pages

Published September 15th 2015 (first published September 10th 2015)

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· 3,206 ratings · 362 reviews

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Mar 31, 2013 Christy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4-4.5 stars!

description

I love when authors go out of their normal writing genre and publish something else. I think it shows true talent to be diverse like that. It’s been a long while since I’ve read a YA Fantasy book, but I used to read them when I was younger. Reading The Affiliate, I remembered why I loved reading this genre. KA Linde did a fantastic job with the first book in this series. Her writing was descriptive, engaging and pulled me right into the story.

“From this day forth, you shall
...more

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Sep 02, 2015 Beverly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I don’t usually read YA or Fantasy books, but Kyla’s books are like crack to me so of course I decided to read Affiliate. When I started I was immediately intrigued and fell in love with the time period. I am a HUGE fan of Western Civilization and while this is obviously fiction it is set in a similar time, so I was hooked.

Our heroine is Cyrene is seventeen and we first meet her on the day of her Presenting. Today is the day that will determine the rest of her life. She will learn if she will b ...more

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Apr 07, 2019 ✰ Liz ✰ rated it really liked it

"It spoke of caution, the duality of nature, and perhaps the duality of the human condition."

The Affiliate is the first book in the Ascension Series. A YA Fantasy with a spunky heroine and plenty of suitors vying for her attention. When Cyrene Strohm becomes an affiliate to the queen, her entire life is altered. She is swept into a deep dark mystery full of magic and intrigue. When the unforbidden attention of the King becomes her new reality, Cyrene's struggles are only beginning.

description

"I hav

...more

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Oct 20, 2016 Rachel Reads Ravenously rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, romance, ya-fantasy, fantasy, young-adult

So I genuinely want to commend KA Linde for writing this book. She has said that she wanted to write a book like this, a YA fantasy instead of her usual romance, and she went out there and did it! Me not liking this is very much a case of it's not you, it's me. I just didn't connect. But I wanted to write something short because I think Linde is a great example to all writers, writing something that makes her happy and going for it. ...more

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Feb 15, 2021 booksNpenguins rated it it was ok

Shelves: penguin-on-a-tbr-mission, high-dark-epic-fantasy, period-aus-past, magic-wizards-spells

this was like frigging america singer all over again

no seriously, this gave me major The Selection vibes and they weren't positive ones.
First of all, I struggled with the writing. I'll be truthful and admit I'm not really used to reading period novels, but I've read a number high enough to recognize this wasn't the best written one.
Second, it took the book a good 40% to become interesting, in terms of plot.
I read the author mainly writes romance books and I can see that, to an extent. Sa ...more

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Sep 24, 2017 TJ *Book Twins Reviews* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-books, favorites, angsty, young-adult, fantasy, action-adventure

If you were to start with a little bit of The Selection, add in a smidge of ACOTAR, then sprinkle in a bit of The Golden Dynasty you'd have something that's truly amazing! That’s kinda how this book reads! Don't get me wrong, it's completely fresh and unique. However, it feels like an amalgamation of everything I love about the YA genre with a hint of romance. I adored everything about it! There’s a lot going on here. The story is multi-layered and unbelievably AMAZING! K.A. Linde totally owned ...more

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Feb 22, 2016 Rachel (APCB Reviews) rated it it was ok

Set in a fantasy world of relative peace, the kingdom of Byern has a rite of passage ceremony when children turn 17. They are either assigned to first, second, or third class. First is the aristocracy who work for the monarchy, second is the military along with other necessary bourgeoise jobs, while third are the merchants and farmers. Cyrene makes Affiliate and catches the attention of young King Edric. As murders appear around the castle, Cyrene discovers they might be connected to her.

As much Set in a fantasy world of relative peace, the kingdom of Byern has a rite of passage ceremony when children turn 17. They are either assigned to first, second, or third class. First is the aristocracy who work for the monarchy, second is the military along with other necessary bourgeoise jobs, while third are the merchants and farmers. Cyrene makes Affiliate and catches the attention of young King Edric. As murders appear around the castle, Cyrene discovers they might be connected to her.

As much as I wanted to like this book, the noxious fumes of insta-love kept batting me down. I'm a sucker for books with forbidden love, and this one is the epitome of forbidden love, since the king is married. I wanted a romance with a searing, slow burn, a connection that didn't click right away, one that grew stronger and stronger. Sadly I got none of that. They have an instant connection and are mutually entranced by one another from the start. I couldn't get myself to care about the romance at all which stinks because it's a relatively large element in the book. Of course there's the spiteful and bitter younger brother who's playing for Cyrene's attention too, because he's jealous of his brother's throne and wants to take something he loves.

The characters were good enough, if a bit flat. I couldn't really connect with any of them, and I didn't feel nor care for them much. There are many secondary characters with enough ulterior motives, deception, and venge-seeking to make things interesting. The court politics and overall political intrigue are constant high points in the novel. The world-building was fascinating, and the world K.A. Linde creates is complex and vibrant; I want to know so much more!

There's also mystery and magic in The Affiliate, and I love where K.A. Linde takes the story with those elements. It's still a bit unclear and hazy, but I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

K.A. Linde's writing is wonderful and highly absorbing. It's clear the author has talent, but I felt a few key elements of her story were lacking. Would I recommend this? I'm not really sure. It's a fast read, and if you're not feeling too picky I'd give this one a try. Also it's definitely for fans of the tv show, REIGN.

...more

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May 25, 2019 Darce rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1-star, d-n-f

DNF @ 60%

Just not for me. I found the romance dodgy and I didn't like the characters that much. Not captivated at all and now that I have A Curse So Dark and Lonely on my shelf, I couldn't be bothered continuing this. I might pick it up and continue it later if I have nothing to read.

Thanks for the free book anyway, K.A. Linde and Amazon Kindle! And beautiful cover :) ...more

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Jul 28, 2015 Miranda rated it liked it · review of another edition

I am a sucker for YA Fantasy books, so when I had the opportunity to read this book, I knew I couldn't pass it up. It took me a little while to submerse myself into the world K.A. created, but once I got into the book, I couldn't stop reading. It took a while for me to understand the world, but it was eventually fleshed out in the book. I was so thankful for that, because I was really confused as to the dynamics of this fantasy world in the beginning of this book. I thought the world K.A. create ...more

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Sep 20, 2015 Ashley rated it liked it · review of another edition

The story was cool and I like the fantasy world.

The romance and some of the characters were... bleh. Very shallow.

The romance was TOLD instead of SHOWN and this was one of those things where every male seemed to be obsessed with the main character. There was hardly any dialogue between Cyrene and the king. Then when they spent the most time together, there was literally no dialogue at all. We were just TOLD that they spent time together and that it was fabulous.

She and Eric paced the deck, discu

...more

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Feb 22, 2016 Kimberly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, 2016

If I'd had the time I would have read this in one sitting. This wasn't over the top good writing but there was never a dull moment, I liked the characters and I can't wait for the sequel to come out!! ...more

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Mar 30, 2019 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/30/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm's lifelong plans come to fruition when she's chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland—an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks.

When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene's position only ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Apr 05, 2018 DKristin rated it liked it

It was a little too drawn out for me in places where it was obvious where the story was going... none-the-less I plan to continue to the next book because as they say "the plot thickens" and I do want to know what happens next! ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Lerizza Mae (books&teacups) rated it did not like it

Shelves: did-not-finish

DNF

Seven chapters in and I still don't know what's going on in this book. At times the pace is moving too slow and other times it is moving too fast. The characters are one-dimensional and I just can't get through with the MC. ...more

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Oct 07, 2015 Dark Faerie Tales rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-bridget

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Epic high fantasy that will leave you breathless and dying for the next book. Brimming with magic, romance, and adventure, this is sure to be a hit with all YA fantasy fans!

Opening Sentence: “Let them in.”

The Review:

It is Cyrene Strohm’s seventeenth birthday, which means it is also her Presenting day. The day she will be assigned into a class and given a position that she will have for the rest of her life. There are 3 classes and the Third Clas ...more

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Mar 03, 2016 L.R.W. Lee rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars! Engaging plot. Complex world. Scintillating romance. This is how I summarize The Affiliate by K. A. Linde.

I’m a sucker for a believable romance and this book definitely had that in spades. But there’s more. Linde introduces us to the complex world of Byren that is filled with numerous factions vying for their own gain and thus not friendly to each other…it’s the stuff great stories are made of, right?

The writing flowed and drew me in to the world. One thing...Read full review on my bl ...more

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Oct 03, 2016 Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) rated it it was amazing

I really loved this! It was a mix between The Selection and some high fantasy novels like the Study series, etc. I can't wait for book 2! ...more

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Jul 30, 2019 Steph's Romance Book Talk rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, enemies-friends-lovers, mystery-plot-twist, part-of-a-series-or-duology, read-in-2019, smut-o-meter-2-fans, strong-female-lead, strong-male-lead, suspense, fantasy-urban-fantasy

4.25 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

W.T.H!!! I'm not really sure what just happened because that ending makes me want to jump into the next book RIGHT NOW!! Fantasy is not usually my jam and it took me a little bit to get into this story but once I did, WOWZER! I am here to learn more about Cyrene and her journey to Ascension.

This specific video review will be included in the July 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

(Review may be edited at a ...more

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Oct 31, 2017 Starrisa rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, romance, instalove, too-boring-sorry, most-annoying-protagonist-ever, has-potential-lacks-substance, cannot-get-into-it-sadly

***May contain spoilers***
2.5 (sad) stars
Omg. Where do I even start??

Expectations: With so many four and five star ratings, I expected the book to be engaging, interesting, with some sort of a plot or SOMETHING resembling that, and the characters to be, at the very least, likeable, relatable and nice pacing of events.

Reality:For like 80% of the book, literally NOTHING happened, I was just flipping page after page waiting for SOMETHING, I don't know what, to occur ~~and finally release me from my~~ ...more

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Sep 01, 2015 Tiffany rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: high-fantasy, magic, my-favorites-2016

First let me just put it out there that I am Team Kael.

Just saying.

Turns out I am being a bit of a YA Fantasy junkie this year. I wasn't going to read this book until at least the second in the series had been published but Kyla promised me in person this book didn't have an awful cliffhanger.

I WANT MORE!

Wish List for Book 2 in the Series:
-Kaliana gets slapped
-Cyrene ditches Edric and gets with Kael
-We find out who is sending the Braj
-Her best friend does NOT betray her
-At least one other hoo ...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Bridget rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

What is this? I like fantasy?? Maybe I do because that was awesome!

But really, why am I so surprised? When I think of movies that are fantasy, I loved them. Who doesn't like action, adventure, and intrigue? This one also contains sexual tension, which as primarily a romance reader, I'm in. All in.

**Full review to come...

This book was provided by the author in return for an honest review

...more

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Sep 23, 2015 Amber .:★Wild Heart Reviews★:. marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Sooo I won a copy of The Affiliate from the author. Super excited to read it!

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Mar 11, 2017 Raven_Blake (dreamy addictions) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy, romance, 2017

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions

This book could’ve been my next favorite fantasy read if it wasn’t for the insta-love portrayed in it which pretty much ruined my enjoyability. When I read the premise of this book, it sounded like an exciting read with forbidden romance but I wasn’t expecting the cliched insta-love. I hate insta-love romance because they always annoy me so It’s a serious case of it’s not you, it’s me. I’m not saying it was entirely ba Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions

This book could’ve been my next favorite fantasy read if it wasn’t for the insta-love portrayed in it which pretty much ruined my enjoyability. When I read the premise of this book, it sounded like an exciting read with forbidden romance but I wasn’t expecting the cliched insta-love. I hate insta-love romance because they always annoy me so It’s a serious case of it’s not you, it’s me. I’m not saying it was entirely bad because I loved the plot, the setting and also the wonderful writing of the author. If you don’t hate insta-love romances then you might enjoy this book more than I did. I’m not familiar with K.A. Linde’s other works and this is my first book from her and I loved her writing style. I’ve heard this was her first YA fantasy book and she really did a good job in weaving this story and I really hope it improves in the next book.

In the kingdom of Byern, every year they conduct a presenting ceremony rite for everyone who turned seventeen. At the ceremony they are assigned a duty either in first class, second class and third class. The first class are assigned to the monarchs, the second class and third class citizens are assigned in military, merchants and farming. Seventeen year old Cyrene is a first class citizen who’s been training hard since young to get placed in the first class just like her brother and sister. At the ceremony, she gets selected in the first class and placed in a most prestigious position, an affiliate to the queen. She also gets the attention of the handsome King Eric whom she feels drawn to but she can never have him. When she receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book that only she can read, Cyrene begins to search for the hidden secrets. While on her search, mysterious murders happen around the castle that might be connected with her. With her feelings growing stronger for the king, Cyrene needs to make a decision between her freedom and love.

Cyrene is a strong female protagonist but I can’t say she’s my favorite either. She’s brave, strong, adventurous and loyal. The only thing I hated about her was her strange attraction to the king who is also married to another woman. King Edric is handsome, regal and protective. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed with his character and I can’t connect with him either. Prince kael is cunning, flirty, mysterious character who seems to have hidden motives. When Cyrene rejects his attention, he takes it as a challenge. Both brothers vies for cyrene’s attention but Cyrene only has eyes for one guy *cliche much*. I can’t help but roll my eyes with how cyrene and King Edric gets enamored with each other. I wouldn’t even care if Cyrene ends up with prince Kael. I’m glad the romance isn’t the central focus of this book because I didn’t liked the romance in this book and I also didn’t cared much about it. I like triangles only if they excite me but this one didn’t even excite me a bit. I’m fan of slow burn romance with angst and tension which this book heavily lacked. As for the secondary characters, I liked Cyrene’s friends Rhea, Ahlvie and Maelia. I enjoyed the girl friendship between Cyrene and Rhea and I want more of it.

The plot is engaging, mysterious and unique. Though I didn’t enjoyed the romance, I really enjoyed the story and the world the author has created. The story moved in a fast pace and there’s never a dull moment. Even though some parts of the story is predictable, it never stopped me continuing the book. The whole book is told in third person perspective. I loved the writing style of this book, it was addictive and I flowed through it easily with out any struggle. I enjoyed the world the author has created with unique customs and culture and I’d love to know more of this world.

Overall, I liked it! With the appearance of the mysterious braj, the story became more interesting. Honestly, I would’ve given it a four star rating if there isn’t a super insta-love in this book. The story finally concluded with a minor cliffhanger with so many questions left unanswered and I might read the sequel just to find out what happens next. ...more

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May 28, 2017 Abbi rated it really liked it

3.5 stars

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Sep 12, 2015 Siobhan Davis rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, series, new-adult, fantasy, arc

This was a great fantasy read and a promising start to a new series.

We meet Cyrene as she is preparing for her presentation in the Royal Castle. Chosen as the Queen's affiliate, she immediately captures the eye of both King Edric and his sleazy brother Kael. As she tries to adjust to life in the Castle away from her family and without her childhood bestfriend, she becomes embroiled in mystery and intrigue and eventually sets out on a journey that will lead to a shocking revelation about her true ...more

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Feb 29, 2016 Wee Shubba's World rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I bought this a whim! It was only 99p on kindle and well that cover is amazing!! YA Fantasy is not a genre I usually read a lot. However, lately I have been finding the YA Fantasy is becoming a very strong genre within the YA books and the ones I have read are usually fantastic. The Affiliate is by far one of the more unique and fast paced ones. I can't wait to for next one. - See more at: http://weeshubbasworld.blogspot.co.uk... ...more

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Dec 18, 2016 Kathryn rated it it was amazing

Can't wait for the next one!!! ...more

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Jan 02, 2017 Jen rated it it was ok

where are all the 4 and 5 star reviews coming from? did i read the same book? cuz this book was terribly written and i cared nothing for any of the characters

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Sep 22, 2017 Robin Powers rated it it was amazing

This is one of my favorite YA Fantasy books this year. A world with monarchies and a class system and shady royals and perhaps magic. Cyrene finds herself immersed in the world of First Class at the castle with an attracted King and Prince, a jealous Queen, a insightful Consort and multiple murders popping up all around her. Add the mystery of a voice inside her head and feeling like she's being followed and a magical book...this book has me all sorts of intrigued. I feel like my adventure is ju ...more

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Apr 17, 2018 Fae Crate rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this book. I went into it thinking it would be a romance. And while that was a factor, it was not the lead story line. I'm a romance freak so I thought this would hurt my thoughts on the book but I was wrong! The unique culture and twists kept me intrigues and I swallowed this book in 2 days. I'm very interested in where Cyrene will go from here and how she will grow! I'm most excited to see her friendships grow and develop! ...more

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About K.A. Linde

K.A. Linde

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K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy n ...more