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The Valespian Pact #1
Alpha Trine
The sole survivor on a science vessel adrift in deep space, Zeus was adopted by the Emperor and Empress of the Mar'Sani, though he is both human and blind, and seen by most as unfit to join the royal family. Though they were able to repair his vision, Zeus does not trust his eyes and the nobles of his parents' court refuse to ever trust a frail human.
Dargon Kal-Turak, along with his symbiote and lover Alpha, command one of the most dangerous ships in the stars. Narrowly escaping a trap, they dock in a space port to make repairs, but find that the Psonics hunting them are closing in fast. In desperation they kidnap the port Master Mechanic, unaware that the man they've brought on board is more than he seems, and will bring far more upheaval to their ship, their lives, and the stars than any of them could have imagined.
Warning: This story contains a threesome relationship
Dargon Kal-Turak, along with his symbiote and lover Alpha, command one of the most dangerous ships in the stars. Narrowly escaping a trap, they dock in a space port to make repairs, but find that the Psonics hunting them are closing in fast. In desperation they kidnap the port Master Mechanic, unaware that the man they've brought on board is more than he seems, and will bring far more upheaval to their ship, their lives, and the stars than any of them could have imagined.
Warning: This story contains a threesome relationship
156 pages, ebook
First published November 18, 2012
About the author
Lexi Ander
33 books445 followersLexi has always been an avid reader and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her 80 pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.
Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
February 4, 2022
Reread February 2022
I have read this so many times now lol.
Reread February 2021
Reread November 2019
Reread March 2019
I don't know how many more times I can read this lol.
Reread October 2018
So I guess this qualifies as an all time favorite if I've read it 3 times in a year, right?
Reread May 2018
Lexi Ander is one of my favorite authors for PNR and Sci-fi. I love the worlds she creates. I enjoyed this more this time so I bumped up my rating. I can’t wait for more in this series.
Originally read October 2017
Zeus has grown up with his adopted family and believed all his life he was human. Humans are not regarded highly and are often killed. His adopted parents, after losing their youngest son to Poseidon's call, raises Zeus as their own and he becomes a royal prince. While working as a mechanic, he meets Dargon and Alpha, his symbiote and lover. While the attraction is immediate, Dargon doesn't like humans at all but can't stay away from Zeus. Will they be able to all put aside their differences and uncover who Zeus really is and his purpose?
It's no secret I'm in love with this author. She just clicks with me and I'm instantly grabbed from page 1. This book was no different. She is quite imaginative and comes up with this interesting and convoluted worlds and characters. My only issue with this one was I felt it was rushed. There were so many things that could have been expanded on and fleshed out more. I still enjoyed it and will go immediately into book 2. I just wish it was a bit longer so it could have incorporated so many more things.
I have read this so many times now lol.
Reread February 2021
Reread November 2019
Reread March 2019
I don't know how many more times I can read this lol.
Reread October 2018
So I guess this qualifies as an all time favorite if I've read it 3 times in a year, right?
Reread May 2018
Lexi Ander is one of my favorite authors for PNR and Sci-fi. I love the worlds she creates. I enjoyed this more this time so I bumped up my rating. I can’t wait for more in this series.
Originally read October 2017
Zeus has grown up with his adopted family and believed all his life he was human. Humans are not regarded highly and are often killed. His adopted parents, after losing their youngest son to Poseidon's call, raises Zeus as their own and he becomes a royal prince. While working as a mechanic, he meets Dargon and Alpha, his symbiote and lover. While the attraction is immediate, Dargon doesn't like humans at all but can't stay away from Zeus. Will they be able to all put aside their differences and uncover who Zeus really is and his purpose?
It's no secret I'm in love with this author. She just clicks with me and I'm instantly grabbed from page 1. This book was no different. She is quite imaginative and comes up with this interesting and convoluted worlds and characters. My only issue with this one was I felt it was rushed. There were so many things that could have been expanded on and fleshed out more. I still enjoyed it and will go immediately into book 2. I just wish it was a bit longer so it could have incorporated so many more things.
October 10, 2018
Audio - 3 stars. The audio didn't always follow the actual book. Several sentences and paragraphs were completely skipped over. Readers of Lexi Ander books know that every detail in the book is crucial to understanding wtf is going on.
Narrator performance - 4 stars
Story - 4.25 stars
This is my 2nd Lexi Ander book. The woman writes unique stories, and I love it. I'll admit that following the story is challenging because it's hard to keep up with the dozen or so different species that are introduced in her stories. I just focus on the big picture because if I try to focus on the details, I'll end up pulling my hair out.
As for the romance part of the story, there's no time wasted on push/pull once the MCs become a couple, only love and devotion. For an Ander's story, that's perfect because there's so much action and surprising reveals that as a reader, I don't want to have to deal with an uncertain couple.
Hey, Barb!! Thanks for the rec, girlfriend! xoxo
Narrator performance - 4 stars
Story - 4.25 stars
This is my 2nd Lexi Ander book. The woman writes unique stories, and I love it. I'll admit that following the story is challenging because it's hard to keep up with the dozen or so different species that are introduced in her stories. I just focus on the big picture because if I try to focus on the details, I'll end up pulling my hair out.
As for the romance part of the story, there's no time wasted on push/pull once the MCs become a couple, only love and devotion. For an Ander's story, that's perfect because there's so much action and surprising reveals that as a reader, I don't want to have to deal with an uncertain couple.
Hey, Barb!! Thanks for the rec, girlfriend! xoxo
February 23, 2020
Reread February 2020
I had so much fun rereading this story! I caught some bits and pieces that I missed the first time around! Oh, the power of rereading! I really liked how Alpha was integrated as a third but not in the relationship, the whole symbiote concept is mind boggling and so freaking cool. I am not a Star Wars fan (do not judge me here, folks!) but I am really digging this world Lexi Ander constructed with multilevel relations, politics and wars that stretch across time and space. There is so much going on at all times it's hard to keep up, but it's so engrossing! Anyhoo, good times!
****************************
Wow, that was awesome! I loved this book! I will not even try to recollect the many creatures that were mentioned but I will say that the descriptions are so vivid and detailed! This author knows how to write cool Sci-Fi story! So many feels, different cultures and matings going on but there is nothing insta here! It will take time and work! Oh yes, my kind of book!
I loved Zeus, his tenacity and his strength, how he was with his brothers, the loyalty he inspired in others was amazing. He has sassy sense of humor, he is one heck of a fighter and he longs for love and devotion. There are scars that tell the story of a man who was hurt so badly but he opens his mind and heart to Dargon and Alpha, and they become Alpha Trine.
Dargon is somewhat difficult to describe. All I would say that he is graceful, strong and has commanding presence. He comes from a planet where at puberty everyone is partnered with an ancient being called Alpha, his symbiote. This relationship is quite fascinating, and when Zeus joins the party it becomes downright thrilling. The fact of the matter, there are three sentient beings of different species who try to understand each others' needs and traditions. I loved their interactions - how they turned from antagonistic and angry to tender and passionate.
This whole book is a feast for imagination! I loved every page and can't wait to read its sequel. I highly recommend it!
P.S. There is mention of alien pregnancy but not in a traditional sense which was quite riveting, so be in the know.
I had so much fun rereading this story! I caught some bits and pieces that I missed the first time around! Oh, the power of rereading! I really liked how Alpha was integrated as a third but not in the relationship, the whole symbiote concept is mind boggling and so freaking cool. I am not a Star Wars fan (do not judge me here, folks!) but I am really digging this world Lexi Ander constructed with multilevel relations, politics and wars that stretch across time and space. There is so much going on at all times it's hard to keep up, but it's so engrossing! Anyhoo, good times!
****************************
Wow, that was awesome! I loved this book! I will not even try to recollect the many creatures that were mentioned but I will say that the descriptions are so vivid and detailed! This author knows how to write cool Sci-Fi story! So many feels, different cultures and matings going on but there is nothing insta here! It will take time and work! Oh yes, my kind of book!
I loved Zeus, his tenacity and his strength, how he was with his brothers, the loyalty he inspired in others was amazing. He has sassy sense of humor, he is one heck of a fighter and he longs for love and devotion. There are scars that tell the story of a man who was hurt so badly but he opens his mind and heart to Dargon and Alpha, and they become Alpha Trine.
Dargon is somewhat difficult to describe. All I would say that he is graceful, strong and has commanding presence. He comes from a planet where at puberty everyone is partnered with an ancient being called Alpha, his symbiote. This relationship is quite fascinating, and when Zeus joins the party it becomes downright thrilling. The fact of the matter, there are three sentient beings of different species who try to understand each others' needs and traditions. I loved their interactions - how they turned from antagonistic and angry to tender and passionate.
This whole book is a feast for imagination! I loved every page and can't wait to read its sequel. I highly recommend it!
P.S. There is mention of alien pregnancy but not in a traditional sense which was quite riveting, so be in the know.
May 2, 2017
Having recently lost their own child the Emperor and Empress of Mar'Sani adopt the lone infant survivor discovered in an abandoned vessel. The Gods have brought this infant into their lives for a reason and it's not theirs to question why.
Zeus has known only love from his parents and siblings though many others feel he is a human weakling with no redeeming qualities. Having reached adulthood, Zeus finds his calling in service as a Master Mechanic. With his rotation of service on a space port about to end and his return home to Valespia, he's conflicted with emotion not knowing what his future holds.
Dargon Kal-Turak orders his vessel to dock into the nearest space port to make much needed emergency repairs caused by an Psonics attack. Though his mission is of utmost importance and his cargo more precious than anyone realizes, the probability of making it to his destination is improbable without those repairs. Finding out the only person who can do the repairs is a human has it's own set of problems as humans are known to be deceitful, untrustworthy, and evil to their core.
When the Psonics get too close for comfort, Dargon is forced to kidnap Zeus to finish making repairs after which he'll release the human unharmed. Problems arise when Dragon's symbiote Alpha, who also happens to be his lover, feels a connection to Zeus. A connection that Dargon also shares but is fighting as he refuses to consider making love to a human.
It's problems all around as the Mar'Sani want their royal Prince back, the Psonics want Dragon's cargo, and Zeus, well he wants Dragon.
* * * *
Audible: 5 hrs and 25 mins listening time
Narrator Michael Stellman.
This was a book chosen for me in a reading challenge. It's not the sort of book I would have checked out or read otherwise so thrilled to pieces it was chosen as I can now add another author to stalk. Additionally, the narrator Michael Stellman ... sigh ... that man can make reading a phone book sound sexy.
My initial opinion is that I'm glad I 'read' this book via audible. Not sure I'd have been as much a fan if I had read the print version related to the complex list of alien names, species, world building elements, etc to deal with. Listening fast tracked my comprehension and thus able to focus on content.
SciFi LGBT gay erotic romance with an action adventure suspense theme. If that's not enough, throw in paranormal & menage (mmm) to spice it up even more. Pretty much more than I could handle as the author additionally adds more variables that I can't comment on because of spoiler restrictions. In other words, this story has a lot going on. It's not the sort of story that lets up as scene jumping brings new and different facets to appreciate time and time again.
The romance between Zeus and Dragon is a mix of angst and lust with a side of whop ass alpha military grade adventure that's balanced with a sweet caring vulnerable side to each of the main character. I subsequently became vested in Zeus, Alpha, and Dragon wanting them to succeed. Succeed in making their relationship work, succeed in their mission, and succeed in hoping they have a future. For those who want/need to know. The actual romance does include multiple graphic adult scenes of the m/m and m/m/m kind without any DV interaction whatsoever..... and a good time was had by all.
The cast of secondary characters did add value and depth to this story. So as not to massacre or misspell (audible version) I'm not including names. I'd like to see future installments that featured the twins but time will tell as the ending is open ended so I'm guessing the next installment continues with the existing story line.
Problematic areas of this story for me included that humans are the bad guys. Not a nice place to picture my race though the author does justify why this is. The problem is I couldn't resolve certain aspects related to that perspective. Technology and space exploration are something I'm on board with and it's nice to believe we're ahead of the game, but, in reality, Earth is an infant in a vast universe. Thinking we're superior is conceited and egocentric, thus any story that sells Earth superiority in any context is a turn off for me.
Lastly, not so much a problem as a caution. The cast of characters and unique world building terminology is challenging but if you are ok with space opera in general or are a fan of Firefly or maybe games such as World of Warcraft or Magic, the story components will fall into place easier.
This is a m/m SciFi fantasy erotic romance book fans should check out. It's fast paced with the occasional adult content intimacy scene that kept me engaged from cover to cover. Looking forward to continuing with Striker the next installment.
Zeus has known only love from his parents and siblings though many others feel he is a human weakling with no redeeming qualities. Having reached adulthood, Zeus finds his calling in service as a Master Mechanic. With his rotation of service on a space port about to end and his return home to Valespia, he's conflicted with emotion not knowing what his future holds.
Dargon Kal-Turak orders his vessel to dock into the nearest space port to make much needed emergency repairs caused by an Psonics attack. Though his mission is of utmost importance and his cargo more precious than anyone realizes, the probability of making it to his destination is improbable without those repairs. Finding out the only person who can do the repairs is a human has it's own set of problems as humans are known to be deceitful, untrustworthy, and evil to their core.
When the Psonics get too close for comfort, Dargon is forced to kidnap Zeus to finish making repairs after which he'll release the human unharmed. Problems arise when Dragon's symbiote Alpha, who also happens to be his lover, feels a connection to Zeus. A connection that Dargon also shares but is fighting as he refuses to consider making love to a human.
It's problems all around as the Mar'Sani want their royal Prince back, the Psonics want Dragon's cargo, and Zeus, well he wants Dragon.
* * * *
Audible: 5 hrs and 25 mins listening time
Narrator Michael Stellman.
This was a book chosen for me in a reading challenge. It's not the sort of book I would have checked out or read otherwise so thrilled to pieces it was chosen as I can now add another author to stalk. Additionally, the narrator Michael Stellman ... sigh ... that man can make reading a phone book sound sexy.
My initial opinion is that I'm glad I 'read' this book via audible. Not sure I'd have been as much a fan if I had read the print version related to the complex list of alien names, species, world building elements, etc to deal with. Listening fast tracked my comprehension and thus able to focus on content.
SciFi LGBT gay erotic romance with an action adventure suspense theme. If that's not enough, throw in paranormal & menage (mmm) to spice it up even more. Pretty much more than I could handle as the author additionally adds more variables that I can't comment on because of spoiler restrictions. In other words, this story has a lot going on. It's not the sort of story that lets up as scene jumping brings new and different facets to appreciate time and time again.
The romance between Zeus and Dragon is a mix of angst and lust with a side of whop ass alpha military grade adventure that's balanced with a sweet caring vulnerable side to each of the main character. I subsequently became vested in Zeus, Alpha, and Dragon wanting them to succeed. Succeed in making their relationship work, succeed in their mission, and succeed in hoping they have a future. For those who want/need to know. The actual romance does include multiple graphic adult scenes of the m/m and m/m/m kind without any DV interaction whatsoever..... and a good time was had by all.
The cast of secondary characters did add value and depth to this story. So as not to massacre or misspell (audible version) I'm not including names. I'd like to see future installments that featured the twins but time will tell as the ending is open ended so I'm guessing the next installment continues with the existing story line.
Problematic areas of this story for me included that humans are the bad guys. Not a nice place to picture my race though the author does justify why this is. The problem is I couldn't resolve certain aspects related to that perspective. Technology and space exploration are something I'm on board with and it's nice to believe we're ahead of the game, but, in reality, Earth is an infant in a vast universe. Thinking we're superior is conceited and egocentric, thus any story that sells Earth superiority in any context is a turn off for me.
Lastly, not so much a problem as a caution. The cast of characters and unique world building terminology is challenging but if you are ok with space opera in general or are a fan of Firefly or maybe games such as World of Warcraft or Magic, the story components will fall into place easier.
This is a m/m SciFi fantasy erotic romance book fans should check out. It's fast paced with the occasional adult content intimacy scene that kept me engaged from cover to cover. Looking forward to continuing with Striker the next installment.
January 15, 2022
I am a mean and vicious human and I am about to stab somebody's baby in the guts with an alien machete. If you have a problem with it, move along, if not - feel free to proceed.
~~*~~
1.
There are more alien species in these 150 pages than in all five Star Treks combined.
Too much info is cramped into too short of a book. The author is overly descriptive and repetitive where it comes to tiniest details.
There are too many words that leave no room for emotional side of the story. The book is a list of events, without a chance for us to connect with what is happening and/or the characters. The only emotion comes with an overused "male" ("the other male", "big male", "his male" and so on) and that emotion is frustration.
A grocery list is more emotional than this book.
2.
====
MINOR spoilers below.
The overwhelming majority of aliens despise mean and treacherous humans.... oh, no, no, wait!!! There isn't a single human in this book. However, there is a lot of talk about vicious corporations. But no real - flesh and blood - humans, no :/
It only takes about 10% of the book to figure out that Zeus is not really human. Yet no one in the book notices that for a very very long time.
And so Zeus is hated for being "human", especially by Captain Wasshispants, whose ding-dong nevertheless popped up and proclaimed itself mated to Zeus after he had sniffed the man once.
The good Captain is on important mission: he is smuggling to safety a royal family, rescued from the evil humans who experimented on them.
The crew knows about the royal family, the crew interacts with them every day, the crew supports them and helps them, the crew hangs out with them, the crew is being kind and gentle to them. And yet every single one of those space idiots under the good Captain's command fail to see that Zues, who they also know pretty well, is re-lat-ed to the fa-mi-ly, as in bro-ther-slash-sis-ter car-bon co-py, al-most twins, same D.N.A kind of re-la-ted. And so they continue hating him. Despite the fact that he personally did nothing bad.
3.
To get you an idea what the writing is like with all descriptions (not always word for word, but pretty close):
... purple [creature] with blue antennae on her ridged forehead ran half a meter,
... "a massive guy, a half meter below three meters tall" (kid you not! - Mrella),
... her body covered in black and white silky fur, her tail, curled up above her head, twitching.
======
Not sure I will try any more books by this author :/
~~*~~
1.
There are more alien species in these 150 pages than in all five Star Treks combined.
Too much info is cramped into too short of a book. The author is overly descriptive and repetitive where it comes to tiniest details.
There are too many words that leave no room for emotional side of the story. The book is a list of events, without a chance for us to connect with what is happening and/or the characters. The only emotion comes with an overused "male" ("the other male", "big male", "his male" and so on) and that emotion is frustration.
A grocery list is more emotional than this book.
2.
====
MINOR spoilers below.
The overwhelming majority of aliens despise mean and treacherous humans.... oh, no, no, wait!!! There isn't a single human in this book. However, there is a lot of talk about vicious corporations. But no real - flesh and blood - humans, no :/
It only takes about 10% of the book to figure out that Zeus is not really human. Yet no one in the book notices that for a very very long time.
And so Zeus is hated for being "human", especially by Captain Wasshispants, whose ding-dong nevertheless popped up and proclaimed itself mated to Zeus after he had sniffed the man once.
The good Captain is on important mission: he is smuggling to safety a royal family, rescued from the evil humans who experimented on them.
The crew knows about the royal family, the crew interacts with them every day, the crew supports them and helps them, the crew hangs out with them, the crew is being kind and gentle to them. And yet every single one of those space idiots under the good Captain's command fail to see that Zues, who they also know pretty well, is re-lat-ed to the fa-mi-ly, as in bro-ther-slash-sis-ter car-bon co-py, al-most twins, same D.N.A kind of re-la-ted. And so they continue hating him. Despite the fact that he personally did nothing bad.
3.
To get you an idea what the writing is like with all descriptions (not always word for word, but pretty close):
... purple [creature] with blue antennae on her ridged forehead ran half a meter,
... "a massive guy, a half meter below three meters tall" (kid you not! - Mrella),
... her body covered in black and white silky fur, her tail, curled up above her head, twitching.
======
Not sure I will try any more books by this author :/
May 26, 2013
The world-building here is just too convoluted: too many alien species, too many names, too many storylines. The core relationship between Zeus, Dargon and Dargon's symbiote Alpha was fascinating but at times so buried underneath all the technobabble it was a struggle to keep reading but kudos to the author because I did keep reading. These three held my attention and I wanted to find out what happened to them even if I felt my eyes crossing trying to decipher the crazily complex universe.
April 29, 2017
Wow I'm outta breath. This is a non-stop short book that hooked me right away.
It was so sweet when the Mar'Sani royal family adopted baby Zeus. I especially enjoyed the deep relationship between Zeus and his 2 brothers. They never treated him like he was different and in turn, Zeus thrives under their tutelage.
After 5 years on a space station serving as master mechanic, Zeus can't wait to get back home. He then runs into Dargon and his symbionte Alpha. OK, the chemistry is smoking hot right away although the relationship does move kinda fast.
I won't go into detail because the plot is so complex...it even confused me at times. Like, what's up with the humans? They seem really mean and not liked by any other aliens.
One thing I loved is all the crazy species we run into. Numerous creatures with 4 arms, tentacles, tails, fur, feathers, pouches, 2 belly buttons...you name it.
I think I will have to read more of this series to get all my questions answered. Great start to a promising series
It was so sweet when the Mar'Sani royal family adopted baby Zeus. I especially enjoyed the deep relationship between Zeus and his 2 brothers. They never treated him like he was different and in turn, Zeus thrives under their tutelage.
After 5 years on a space station serving as master mechanic, Zeus can't wait to get back home. He then runs into Dargon and his symbionte Alpha. OK, the chemistry is smoking hot right away although the relationship does move kinda fast.
I won't go into detail because the plot is so complex...it even confused me at times. Like, what's up with the humans? They seem really mean and not liked by any other aliens.
One thing I loved is all the crazy species we run into. Numerous creatures with 4 arms, tentacles, tails, fur, feathers, pouches, 2 belly buttons...you name it.
I think I will have to read more of this series to get all my questions answered. Great start to a promising series
November 2, 2015
I enjoyed a lot about this book and really admired Ander's incredible inventiveness, but the experience of reading it was mostly frustrating. My favorite part was the opening chapters about Zeus' adoption, but once the story moved to the space station I was overwhelmed by the onslaught of different alien species, with their wildly different appearances and abilities. Instead of giving us any time to get caught up or orient to what was happening, the book kept lurching from one major event to another, each accompanied by ginormous info-drops involving ever more complicated (and only tangentially related) plot entanglements--symbiotes, hatred of Terrens, assassination attempts, kidnapping, Fal'Amorics, Bespoken, United Galaxies, Valespia, V'Saar.
For a short novel--169 pages--there are way too many strands for the author to do justice to. It reminded me of the later George Lucas movies, especially Episodes 2 and 3, where the incredible wealth of detail comes at the expense of clear, focused story-telling. I would have preferred if we'd had about six fewer species in exchange for more basic facts about this world: what is the relationship between Zeus' adopted family of "Emperors" and the ones Dargon serves? Why are humans such a problem? Why are the Fal'Amoric necessary for this marriage? What the hell are psionics anyways? We spend most of the book running away from them but are never told what they are.
In a similar way, bits of crucial information about Zeus' life are tossed at us at random points, which I thought deserved more in-depth treatment, in particular the history with Rathmar and how Zeus came to be a master engineer instead of a warrior. Some of these problems might have been offset if I'd liked the sex more, but I found it lukewarm, more tender and affectionate than kinky, though I did think the "menage" bits with the symbiote were inventive and clever.
Bottom line: I will probably read the sequel because there were a lot of things I did like here and I don't like having all these unanswered questions, but I wish Ander had curtailed her amazing creativity a bit in favor of just focusing on her story and major characters.
For a short novel--169 pages--there are way too many strands for the author to do justice to. It reminded me of the later George Lucas movies, especially Episodes 2 and 3, where the incredible wealth of detail comes at the expense of clear, focused story-telling. I would have preferred if we'd had about six fewer species in exchange for more basic facts about this world: what is the relationship between Zeus' adopted family of "Emperors" and the ones Dargon serves? Why are humans such a problem? Why are the Fal'Amoric necessary for this marriage? What the hell are psionics anyways? We spend most of the book running away from them but are never told what they are.
In a similar way, bits of crucial information about Zeus' life are tossed at us at random points, which I thought deserved more in-depth treatment, in particular the history with Rathmar and how Zeus came to be a master engineer instead of a warrior. Some of these problems might have been offset if I'd liked the sex more, but I found it lukewarm, more tender and affectionate than kinky, though I did think the "menage" bits with the symbiote were inventive and clever.
Bottom line: I will probably read the sequel because there were a lot of things I did like here and I don't like having all these unanswered questions, but I wish Ander had curtailed her amazing creativity a bit in favor of just focusing on her story and major characters.
November 16, 2013
MM Sci Fi goodness doesn't get any better. Really great world building - and descriptions were off the charts great to set the characters. I felt like I could "see" them completely. I def. had Star Wars flashbacks to the bar/cantina scene..so loving that. The intrigue part of the story really gets time to develop and uncover and there are clues but nothing so out there you know what's happening the first 10 pages. Of course it has the obligatory "mine" and possessive alpha stuff...but the real Alpha symbiote was very fascinating and I'm still not quite sure how this works exactly but it's hot and it lends an extra somethin'-somethin' to the story. I eagerly await the second novel and this author has consistently pulled through with great world building for everything I've read. Superb!
Read
July 18, 2013Updated 7/18/2013
Less Than Three Press has picked up Alpha Trine and the sequel, Striker. The re-release of Alpha Trine is September 25th. Woot!!
updated 3/21/2013
Major edits were done to the story that added an additional 7k to the storyline. Issues with flow and the confusion of the first chapter have been taken care of. I hope you enjoy the additions. As before, this is a free download. :)
Cheers!
Less Than Three Press has picked up Alpha Trine and the sequel, Striker. The re-release of Alpha Trine is September 25th. Woot!!
updated 3/21/2013
Major edits were done to the story that added an additional 7k to the storyline. Issues with flow and the confusion of the first chapter have been taken care of. I hope you enjoy the additions. As before, this is a free download. :)
Cheers!
November 19, 2012
5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Zeus was found abandoned on a science vessel by the Mar’Sani, a reptilian race, accepted into the Imperial family he grows up loved and wanted even though he is blind, at thirteen he has his eyesight repaired by the Chtichlians. Having his sight is hard Zeus prefers to rely on what he hears as what he sees can’t always be trusted, now Zeus is about to return home with his brothers after spending nearly five years on a spaceport as the Master Mechanic. Dargon and his symbiote Alpha are currently on the run from a Psonics who wants their important cargo, snatching the Master Mechanic seems like a great idea, he can fix the ship on the run but Dargon has to fight his attraction to the man, after all the mechanic is human.
This is an incredible science fiction story that has the authors’ imagination running riot and creating an incredible experience with an array of wonderful species. Zeus, Dargon and Alpha are incredible characters who have a full adventure in this story, Zeus was brought up by the Mar’Sani and thinks of himself as one, Dargon is a Dar Massaga who shifts into a lion and Alpha is a symbiote who bonded with Dargon at puberty… and that’s all I am going to tell you lol. No truly I am not saying anything else as it would only confuse if I tried to explain further, it really needs to be experienced by reading the story and getting the full impact of all the descriptions and full explanations.
The world building is brilliantly done and is laced throughout the story, the characters are built up beautifully and the storyline is intriguing and exciting. There are many characters that you want to know more about, but only because they seem so interesting, there is a lot going on with the storyline but it doesn’t bog us down with too many details… it leads us into it, giving us tantalising glimpses but making sure we don’t lose any threads. There’s some hot sex between Zeus, Dargon and Alpha which is truly unique and very hot, there’s also some m-preg which is also completely unique and fits seamlessly into the story.
I have to recommend this to those who love m-preg, unique characters, hot sex, bloody fights, hidden agendas, hot aliens and hot men and a great ending with the promise of another great book to come.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Zeus was found abandoned on a science vessel by the Mar’Sani, a reptilian race, accepted into the Imperial family he grows up loved and wanted even though he is blind, at thirteen he has his eyesight repaired by the Chtichlians. Having his sight is hard Zeus prefers to rely on what he hears as what he sees can’t always be trusted, now Zeus is about to return home with his brothers after spending nearly five years on a spaceport as the Master Mechanic. Dargon and his symbiote Alpha are currently on the run from a Psonics who wants their important cargo, snatching the Master Mechanic seems like a great idea, he can fix the ship on the run but Dargon has to fight his attraction to the man, after all the mechanic is human.
This is an incredible science fiction story that has the authors’ imagination running riot and creating an incredible experience with an array of wonderful species. Zeus, Dargon and Alpha are incredible characters who have a full adventure in this story, Zeus was brought up by the Mar’Sani and thinks of himself as one, Dargon is a Dar Massaga who shifts into a lion and Alpha is a symbiote who bonded with Dargon at puberty… and that’s all I am going to tell you lol. No truly I am not saying anything else as it would only confuse if I tried to explain further, it really needs to be experienced by reading the story and getting the full impact of all the descriptions and full explanations.
The world building is brilliantly done and is laced throughout the story, the characters are built up beautifully and the storyline is intriguing and exciting. There are many characters that you want to know more about, but only because they seem so interesting, there is a lot going on with the storyline but it doesn’t bog us down with too many details… it leads us into it, giving us tantalising glimpses but making sure we don’t lose any threads. There’s some hot sex between Zeus, Dargon and Alpha which is truly unique and very hot, there’s also some m-preg which is also completely unique and fits seamlessly into the story.
I have to recommend this to those who love m-preg, unique characters, hot sex, bloody fights, hidden agendas, hot aliens and hot men and a great ending with the promise of another great book to come.
July 5, 2017
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: Michael Stellman – 4.5
Book Cover: 3
I really like Michael Stellman. What can I say? There is something about the way he reads, or pronounces his words, or I really don’t know what exactly it is, but it works for me. So it’s safe to say that enjoyed this even more because of him. It has to be said.
I liked this story a whole lot. It was original and it went places I really enjoyed.
I absolutely LOVE the way Zeus’s adopted family adores him. His twin brothers are some of my favourite characters at this moment in time for being who they are to him.
It’s no wonder Zeus never spent too much time dwelling on where he came from or who he is. His new family is amazing and loving and awesome! Love them!
The twists and turns it takes kept me interested in everything going on here. I like how independent, yet vulnerable, Zeus can be. I really liked the development on his origins and I can’t wait to read the second book to find out more!
The whole “Waters of Poseidon” thing brings another element to the story and I have to say I like that touch as well. His sister comforting him and his ability to “go-to-her” when things get to difficult. I like how she guides him in a safe place.
Dargon and Alpha bring their own little enigma and excitement to the story. There is so much going on under everything going on! Still I never thought of putting it down.
So....
Why 4 stars if I enjoyed this so much? Well, I have to say, I spent so much time trying to figure out what exactly who looked like in this story that I reached a point that simple had me skip over the descriptions. I had an overload on information and I don’t know if it’s just me but I’m never going to be able to remember every mentioned species or their looks. The story is complicated in itself. And I think maybe a little less would have made this a little easier to enjoy.
All in all, a GOOD one ;-)
Audio Book: Michael Stellman – 4.5
Book Cover: 3
I really like Michael Stellman. What can I say? There is something about the way he reads, or pronounces his words, or I really don’t know what exactly it is, but it works for me. So it’s safe to say that enjoyed this even more because of him. It has to be said.
I liked this story a whole lot. It was original and it went places I really enjoyed.
I absolutely LOVE the way Zeus’s adopted family adores him. His twin brothers are some of my favourite characters at this moment in time for being who they are to him.
It’s no wonder Zeus never spent too much time dwelling on where he came from or who he is. His new family is amazing and loving and awesome! Love them!
The twists and turns it takes kept me interested in everything going on here. I like how independent, yet vulnerable, Zeus can be. I really liked the development on his origins and I can’t wait to read the second book to find out more!
The whole “Waters of Poseidon” thing brings another element to the story and I have to say I like that touch as well. His sister comforting him and his ability to “go-to-her” when things get to difficult. I like how she guides him in a safe place.
Dargon and Alpha bring their own little enigma and excitement to the story. There is so much going on under everything going on! Still I never thought of putting it down.
So....
Why 4 stars if I enjoyed this so much? Well, I have to say, I spent so much time trying to figure out what exactly who looked like in this story that I reached a point that simple had me skip over the descriptions. I had an overload on information and I don’t know if it’s just me but I’m never going to be able to remember every mentioned species or their looks. The story is complicated in itself. And I think maybe a little less would have made this a little easier to enjoy.
All in all, a GOOD one ;-)
October 5, 2013
Aliens, space fights and... romance! What else a sci-fi fan could ask? NOTHING! It's all here, in this book!
Let me start the review saying this title was a freebie, but now it's not. I read (and I'm reviewing) the published version (click here, to the publisher's site).
The plot
Zeus is a human, born blind and growing up with an alien specie he is a warrior, as all Mar'Sani.
His live will be turn up side down by a alien in a secret mission... Dargon Kal-Turak may be the salvation of the universe, and also Zeus passport to adventure!
It's so weird...
Ok, let me start saying Zeus's family are something between a mermaid/mermen and a lizard. AND I LOVE IT!
Come on! It's a sci.fi, with aliens, OF COURSE I WANT weird aliens!
But that's not the weird stuff... at all... NO, Dargon Kal-Turak is! His specie is something like a feline (with marsupial! HAHAHAHA Cute...) and males are paired with a symbiont, a completely dissimilar being called Alpha. YES, it's weird shit! AND I LOVE IT!. I tagged it as "menage" because Alpha even if it's just in Dargon's neck, almost like a necklace, and it's a threesome relationship! Ok, Alpha is weird BUT HE IS ALIVE, and believe me... he will have a VERY important role in the story.
Everything in this book is weird, and PERFECT described.
It's also full of fights because Zeus is a warrior. He may be just a human to everyone eyes, but HE IS MUCH MORE! He think as a Mar'Sani, a very aggressive specie. He fight as a Mar'Sani. He IS Mar'Sani!
I wish it was perfect, but... I must just add that the part of the story of Zeus young years, as a blind human, was sort of... I don't know... wrong. No, wait, not wrong, but I was perplexed by Zeus notion of color, something that someone born blind would not have.
"Zeus brushed his fingers along the molding the irregularity letting him know he was in the doorway of his Meme's yellow room.
I know, it's just a name of a room, but it's weird, Zeus as a narrator saying it to me. As a reader, my first thought was how could him, born blind, call it yellow room too? Maybe it's because I just read a contemporary book with a blind character (I repeat, not a sci-fi, but contemporary romance, Love Comes in Darkness). It just pop in my mind, but maybe because I'm a detail freak :D. Seriously, it's nothing, but something I wonder about... I know for Zeus it's just a name, "yeloow room" but it's weird.
Something I MUST talk is how amazing are all secondary characters
I love them ALL! NO exception! ALL!
The plot if so perfectly build that everyone is a piece to a puzzle. All facts and all characters even if you may not think are connect, they are! And they fit perfectly together in this book.
That's how I saw it... as a giant puzzle, so well constructed by the writer that I had to read ALL pages, and THEN got the final picture. Understanding it when it was finished, as a puzzle.
I'm dying now...
The cliffhanger end is... driving me nuts!
I NEED more... I WANT more! And I will NOT give you any clue about it :D
Yeah... I'm evil....
:D
5 stars and I want to read the sequel NOW! NOW!
Let me start the review saying this title was a freebie, but now it's not. I read (and I'm reviewing) the published version (click here, to the publisher's site).
The plot
Zeus is a human, born blind and growing up with an alien specie he is a warrior, as all Mar'Sani.
His live will be turn up side down by a alien in a secret mission... Dargon Kal-Turak may be the salvation of the universe, and also Zeus passport to adventure!
It's so weird...
Ok, let me start saying Zeus's family are something between a mermaid/mermen and a lizard. AND I LOVE IT!
Come on! It's a sci.fi, with aliens, OF COURSE I WANT weird aliens!
But that's not the weird stuff... at all... NO, Dargon Kal-Turak is! His specie is something like a feline (with marsupial! HAHAHAHA Cute...) and males are paired with a symbiont, a completely dissimilar being called Alpha. YES, it's weird shit! AND I LOVE IT!. I tagged it as "menage" because Alpha even if it's just in Dargon's neck, almost like a necklace, and it's a threesome relationship! Ok, Alpha is weird BUT HE IS ALIVE, and believe me... he will have a VERY important role in the story.
Everything in this book is weird, and PERFECT described.
It's also full of fights because Zeus is a warrior. He may be just a human to everyone eyes, but HE IS MUCH MORE! He think as a Mar'Sani, a very aggressive specie. He fight as a Mar'Sani. He IS Mar'Sani!
I wish it was perfect, but... I must just add that the part of the story of Zeus young years, as a blind human, was sort of... I don't know... wrong. No, wait, not wrong, but I was perplexed by Zeus notion of color, something that someone born blind would not have.
"Zeus brushed his fingers along the molding the irregularity letting him know he was in the doorway of his Meme's yellow room.
I know, it's just a name of a room, but it's weird, Zeus as a narrator saying it to me. As a reader, my first thought was how could him, born blind, call it yellow room too? Maybe it's because I just read a contemporary book with a blind character (I repeat, not a sci-fi, but contemporary romance, Love Comes in Darkness). It just pop in my mind, but maybe because I'm a detail freak :D. Seriously, it's nothing, but something I wonder about... I know for Zeus it's just a name, "yeloow room" but it's weird.
Something I MUST talk is how amazing are all secondary characters
I love them ALL! NO exception! ALL!
The plot if so perfectly build that everyone is a piece to a puzzle. All facts and all characters even if you may not think are connect, they are! And they fit perfectly together in this book.
That's how I saw it... as a giant puzzle, so well constructed by the writer that I had to read ALL pages, and THEN got the final picture. Understanding it when it was finished, as a puzzle.
I'm dying now...
The cliffhanger end is... driving me nuts!
I NEED more... I WANT more! And I will NOT give you any clue about it :D
Yeah... I'm evil....
:D
5 stars and I want to read the sequel NOW! NOW!
September 30, 2013
I don't think I'm cut out for Sci-fi.
Alpha Trine was a fun but mediocre read for me-- one that would be better appreciated by someone else, I believe. Lexi Ander has crafted an intricate and intriguing vision of the world in the far away future (I can't really say 'alternate-world' since, well, who knows, we may be traipsing across the galaxy as one of the most hated species in the universe sometime in the future...). There was a multitude of alien races introduced to us, complete with sufficiently mind-boggling descriptions, and some very interesting threads of connection are drawn between some races through the history of the universe we are told. As much as I appreciated the complex world and its history, I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to. The writing wasn't captivating and my poor mind could barely comprehend all of the Sci-fi esque machinery descriptions, explanations about the pact and visualise these bizarre aliens.
But anyway, something that really bugged me was Alpha. I just-- GAH it frustrates me because even now I'm not sure how to imagine him, let alone in a bloody ménage. Having sex. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Alpha is a moving puddle of goo. Someone please correct me. I believe I'm very open about love, and should love come your way in the form of some extraterrestrial being, I can wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. But it's-- it's difficult to fathom.
Summary of thoughts before I blab more about Alpha:
- the romance was flat and uninspiring
- the plot and history could sometimes be confusing (aka, I don't understand Sci-fi one bit)
- the family love was so beautiful *wipes tear*
- didn't enjoy writing
- I love kitties. Dargon was kinda a kitty. *squeal*
Overall this novel wasn't for me, but it was still enjoyable at times. I may or may not move on to the next book. I'm curious what will happen but I didn't enjoy this book enough to have a burning need to continue.
Rating: 2.5
Alpha Trine was a fun but mediocre read for me-- one that would be better appreciated by someone else, I believe. Lexi Ander has crafted an intricate and intriguing vision of the world in the far away future (I can't really say 'alternate-world' since, well, who knows, we may be traipsing across the galaxy as one of the most hated species in the universe sometime in the future...). There was a multitude of alien races introduced to us, complete with sufficiently mind-boggling descriptions, and some very interesting threads of connection are drawn between some races through the history of the universe we are told. As much as I appreciated the complex world and its history, I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to. The writing wasn't captivating and my poor mind could barely comprehend all of the Sci-fi esque machinery descriptions, explanations about the pact and visualise these bizarre aliens.
But anyway, something that really bugged me was Alpha. I just-- GAH it frustrates me because even now I'm not sure how to imagine him, let alone in a bloody ménage. Having sex. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Alpha is a moving puddle of goo. Someone please correct me. I believe I'm very open about love, and should love come your way in the form of some extraterrestrial being, I can wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. But it's-- it's difficult to fathom.
Summary of thoughts before I blab more about Alpha:
- the romance was flat and uninspiring
- the plot and history could sometimes be confusing (aka, I don't understand Sci-fi one bit)
- the family love was so beautiful *wipes tear*
- didn't enjoy writing
- I love kitties. Dargon was kinda a kitty. *squeal*
Overall this novel wasn't for me, but it was still enjoyable at times. I may or may not move on to the next book. I'm curious what will happen but I didn't enjoy this book enough to have a burning need to continue.
Rating: 2.5
April 5, 2020
Update 23 March 2020 - I have just re-read for the 4th time now as Constant (3rd book in series) has just been released. Still LOVE IT!!!!! on to Striker now.
Update 5 June 2014 - I have re-read for the 3rd time now as Striker (2nd book in series) has just been released. Still LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I have just re-read this new release of Alpha Trine and I loved it.
The world building and alien descriptions are great. Lexi gives you just enough detail so that you understand the different worlds and alien cultures without over describing the details and hindering the pace and progress of the story.
Zeus, Dargon and Alpha are really strong characters and it was very easy to fall in love with all three of them. Lexi did a wonderful job of making these three "aliens" so real and believable.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Striker.
I highly recommend this book to all m/m/m lovers and sci-fi readers.
Update 5 June 2014 - I have re-read for the 3rd time now as Striker (2nd book in series) has just been released. Still LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I have just re-read this new release of Alpha Trine and I loved it.
The world building and alien descriptions are great. Lexi gives you just enough detail so that you understand the different worlds and alien cultures without over describing the details and hindering the pace and progress of the story.
Zeus, Dargon and Alpha are really strong characters and it was very easy to fall in love with all three of them. Lexi did a wonderful job of making these three "aliens" so real and believable.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Striker.
I highly recommend this book to all m/m/m lovers and sci-fi readers.
March 28, 2013
Fantastic world building! So much to take in and so much developed that I hope there's a sequel. A great read with a brisk pace and the take on mpreg was cool. Loved the characters and all I can say is that with more space it might have been a less dense read--which at the pace it went could be overwhelming if you weren't in the mood.
I want more.
Favorite passage:
“Brother,” Azaes whispered, emotion choking his words. “Please…never withhold from us again. You don’t have to stand alone. I never want to wonder why I’m not worthy of your trust again.”
I want more.
Favorite passage:
“Brother,” Azaes whispered, emotion choking his words. “Please…never withhold from us again. You don’t have to stand alone. I never want to wonder why I’m not worthy of your trust again.”
May 17, 2020
Hmm.... I had high hopes for this. The premise was intriguing and the sample was promising. But alas, way too many alien species and it was all so confusing. Felt like I got dropped into the middle of a series rather than the first book of the series.
It wasn’t that there was too many side stories but it just felt like too many things were happening. Way too many players and I don’t remember half their names and/or species and function and world and... yeah... just too complicated.
I might skip the second book since it’s a continuation but might read the third book since the storyline runs concurrently to the first book? The sample looks promising...again. But I haven’t decided... hmm....
It wasn’t that there was too many side stories but it just felt like too many things were happening. Way too many players and I don’t remember half their names and/or species and function and world and... yeah... just too complicated.
I might skip the second book since it’s a continuation but might read the third book since the storyline runs concurrently to the first book? The sample looks promising...again. But I haven’t decided... hmm....
November 27, 2019
Just finished the audio. While it wasn’t bad, it didn’t have the highest production quality. I found it tinny in some places and I could hear the breath on the microphone. Also it is the same voice for all characters, which isn’t necessarily bad but didn’t provide as much of an experience as I was hoping. I still love the story though!
First read in Dec, 2012. Just read with the revamped first chapter and loved it even more! As with all of Lexi's books, it is a rich world with interesting characters. Looking forward to more in the series!
ETA:
****Reviewed for Prism Book Aliance****
I grew up reading science fiction, fantasy and romance novels. They were never all in the same book however, which is why I love Alpha Trine. It combined all the things I adored from my favourite genres and put them all together. Alpha Trine has spaceships and technology; it has mystical races and journeys that need to be taken; it has love and devotion.
The world building was vast and we are introduced to a myriad of characters and species of aliens, all with colourful descriptions, that brought this book to vivid life. The story itself was well paced and action packed; it was hard to put down.
While this is the first in the series and focuses more on Zeus and his life, we also see some of Dargon and Alpha’s relationship as well. I loved how the three came together and I was glad that even though the story arc was left incomplete, the relationship between the three of them wasn’t left as a big cliffhanger. There is definitely reason to read the next book, but I wasn’t left feeling bereft. Alpha Trine is definitely on my Favourites Shelf!
First read in Dec, 2012. Just read with the revamped first chapter and loved it even more! As with all of Lexi's books, it is a rich world with interesting characters. Looking forward to more in the series!
ETA:
****Reviewed for Prism Book Aliance****
I grew up reading science fiction, fantasy and romance novels. They were never all in the same book however, which is why I love Alpha Trine. It combined all the things I adored from my favourite genres and put them all together. Alpha Trine has spaceships and technology; it has mystical races and journeys that need to be taken; it has love and devotion.
The world building was vast and we are introduced to a myriad of characters and species of aliens, all with colourful descriptions, that brought this book to vivid life. The story itself was well paced and action packed; it was hard to put down.
While this is the first in the series and focuses more on Zeus and his life, we also see some of Dargon and Alpha’s relationship as well. I loved how the three came together and I was glad that even though the story arc was left incomplete, the relationship between the three of them wasn’t left as a big cliffhanger. There is definitely reason to read the next book, but I wasn’t left feeling bereft. Alpha Trine is definitely on my Favourites Shelf!
April 18, 2020
There is something really special about this book, and I think it is the combination of fantastically imaginative world building, a mysteriously twisting plot line, and some very creative characters who make their way through a galacto-political mess of, well, galactic proportions. The back story is much deeper than I first suspected, and while some of the more immediate questions get answered to the point that the ending (intermediate as it may be) is mostly satisfying, there is a ton of issues left for the sequel. Add to this a well-woven adventure and a passionate love story, and this novel has got just about everything I look for in a great science fiction story.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 24, 2013
3 - 3.5 stars.
Lexi Ander created a huge, new world in Alpha Trine, with lots of interesting species and conflicts. Every one of the alien races is different and unique and sometimes even kind of funny (or not) – like the L'Eemas, who will destroy themselves (preferably in a great explosion) when they reach a certain age.
But sometimes it felt like the world was too complex for this one book, like some parts were too short or rushed. Because of all the facts and explanations it took me a while to get into the story.
But it’s only the first book in this series and I know there will be more! There are still so many questions unanswered and I really want to know what will happen to Alpha and… err… you will know what I mean if you read it! ;)
Lexi Ander created a huge, new world in Alpha Trine, with lots of interesting species and conflicts. Every one of the alien races is different and unique and sometimes even kind of funny (or not) – like the L'Eemas, who will destroy themselves (preferably in a great explosion) when they reach a certain age.
But sometimes it felt like the world was too complex for this one book, like some parts were too short or rushed. Because of all the facts and explanations it took me a while to get into the story.
But it’s only the first book in this series and I know there will be more! There are still so many questions unanswered and I really want to know what will happen to Alpha and… err… you will know what I mean if you read it! ;)
November 30, 2012
Great story! A bit confusing at first, it took a few catch on. The relationship between Zeus and his siblings really did it for me, got me engaged and fully invested. I loved the history and world building, complicated with so many different "species".
Some very sexy stuff going on too! *whew*
Definitely interested in seeing this as a series!
Some very sexy stuff going on too! *whew*
Definitely interested in seeing this as a series!
March 11, 2014
Very enjoyable read, which was on par for the course for Lexi Ander. I did however have a problem with how quickly they all forgot the past and fell in love-it seemed a bit in-genuine and that spoiled some of the last third of the book. I will be looking forward to the next one however :)
September 25, 2016
Well this was a very surprising book. I knew it would be good but it was more than good. First off I had never read anything like that. Herms, aliens, sea gods ... it had everything in it and I loved it. It was very fast moving and action packed. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 22, 2016
Ever read a book and have no idea why you picked it? You spend the entire thing going wtf? And it's just awkward. That was this book for me.
Two stars because the writing was serviceable
Two stars because the writing was serviceable
July 19, 2023
Historia wciągnęła mnie praktycznie od pierwszego zdania, co było fatalne, bo przeczytałam je o 1 w nocy. O 2 ledwo widziałam na oczy, a i tak dalej próbowałam czytać.
Więc dlaczego tylko 3 gwiazdki?
Autorce zupełnie nie wyszedł wątek miłosny.
Ta powieść jest krótka, nie zaszkodziłoby kolejne 100 stron na temat rozwoju związku. W pewnym momencie bohaterowie wskakują ze sobą do łóżka, a Ty myślisz WHAT? Ale że co? Zupełnie niedopracowane i nierealistyczne przedstawienie relacji, ale reszta bardzo mi się podobała.
Mnóstwo tu różnych ciekawych kosmicznych ras i niezła intryga, fajny też pomysł na symbiotyczny związek jednego z MC.
Gdyby tylko ta miłość była lepiej napisana, albo chociaż umiejętnie pominięta.
Na pewno przeczytam kolejną część.
Więc dlaczego tylko 3 gwiazdki?
Autorce zupełnie nie wyszedł wątek miłosny.
Ta powieść jest krótka, nie zaszkodziłoby kolejne 100 stron na temat rozwoju związku. W pewnym momencie bohaterowie wskakują ze sobą do łóżka, a Ty myślisz WHAT? Ale że co? Zupełnie niedopracowane i nierealistyczne przedstawienie relacji, ale reszta bardzo mi się podobała.
Mnóstwo tu różnych ciekawych kosmicznych ras i niezła intryga, fajny też pomysł na symbiotyczny związek jednego z MC.
Gdyby tylko ta miłość była lepiej napisana, albo chociaż umiejętnie pominięta.
Na pewno przeczytam kolejną część.
July 22, 2019
I really liked this book. the Idea with the symbiote was well done and the story was interesting
June 12, 2014
Bear with me, because I don't read a lot of Sci-Fi. I do read a lot of M/M however, and this story qualifies....
An infant, Zeus, is found in hypersleep on a derelict vessel in space near the home planet of the Mar'Sani, a reptilian-humanoid species. The Empress, in grief over the loss of her youngest child, immediately adopts Zeus believing his arrival was ordained by Poseidon. Zeus is not only blind, he's a Terran (human) and Terrans are the scourge of the galaxy due to their rapacious enslavement of other planets. A war had been fought and a treaty established, but Zeus is still subject to prejudice, even as a son to the Mar'Sani imperial family.
Zeus grows up. He is loved and cherished by his family. An attack prompts his father to employ the galaxy's preeminent geneticists, the Chtichlians, to restore Zeus's eyesight. While sedated Zeus learns that he's not quite Terran--he's a hermaphrodite--a physical condition the Chtichlians soon remedy by removing Zeus' hidden uterus.
In time, Zeus grows into a powerful warrior, like his older foster brothers, but Zeus is denied entry into the Mar'Sani warrior training so he goes to university. He becomes the chief starship mechanic on a prime star base. While there he encounters Dargon and Alpha. This symbiotic male is comprised of a Dar Massaga and his paired symbiotic Alpha who resides as a partial covering on his body. They are connected via a mind link and sexually active within their combined unit. Dargon feels no interest for other mates, but meeting Zeus turns on his Marking instinct. This sucks because Dargon holds a deep hatred for Terrans. And that's what he believes Zeus to be.
Dargon is in the space port for repairs, all while hiding his live cargo. At first Zeus thinks he's a pirate, but it turns out to be more complicated. Dargon is charged with finding the final Galactic prince, the Bespoken, a Fal'Amoric, or ancient race from whom all species of life were generated. The Fal'Amoric had been herded and hunted by the Terrans in the hope of gaining control of the Galactic counsel. Dargon's cargo is the last Fal'Amoric princess, and Zeus' sister. Oh, and Zeus, too, because Dargon kidnaps him so he can repair the ship while Dargon escapes pursuit from the Terrans and their V'Saar allies.
Zeus doesn't want to be Fal'Amoric, he's Mar'Sani by choice, and he certainly doesn't want to be the Bespoken, because then he will have to be united with the two other (hermaphoroditic) Galactic princes--especially not when his baby is being carried by another. Zeus's only chance is to find his lost brother, Prometheus, in order to fulfill that Galactic destiny, and it seems his memories of his sexual mutilation by the Chtichlians holds the key.
Holy cow. I was a bit stunned by the pace. So many species, of which I had no grasp, and yet, I adored Zeus. He overcame so much prejudice. And his destiny is truly great. He has a lot of power within himself, and is only just learning to use it. His strength has won him many admirers in the Mar'Sani nobility, even if he's persecuted by some for his 'Terran' appearance. He's also won over Dargon and Alpha--completely. They have imprinted on him, so they need to remain near each other--even if Zeus must couple with the Galactic princes. Does this make Zeus the center of a love square, or a love pentagon?
I liked the slower build of "pairing" between Zeus and Dargon and Alpha. They recognize their passion, but want to start slow--not that they hold off on all physical contact. I guess they recognize the inherent problems with the possibility that Zeus will be claimed as the Bespoken. It's an interesting book. I had feared I'd get bogged in detailed explanations of sci-fi whozits and whatzits, but that didn't happen. The disjointed timeline was sometimes a gripe, but the pace was adequate. I'm interested enough to seek out the sequel.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
An infant, Zeus, is found in hypersleep on a derelict vessel in space near the home planet of the Mar'Sani, a reptilian-humanoid species. The Empress, in grief over the loss of her youngest child, immediately adopts Zeus believing his arrival was ordained by Poseidon. Zeus is not only blind, he's a Terran (human) and Terrans are the scourge of the galaxy due to their rapacious enslavement of other planets. A war had been fought and a treaty established, but Zeus is still subject to prejudice, even as a son to the Mar'Sani imperial family.
Zeus grows up. He is loved and cherished by his family. An attack prompts his father to employ the galaxy's preeminent geneticists, the Chtichlians, to restore Zeus's eyesight. While sedated Zeus learns that he's not quite Terran--he's a hermaphrodite--a physical condition the Chtichlians soon remedy by removing Zeus' hidden uterus.
In time, Zeus grows into a powerful warrior, like his older foster brothers, but Zeus is denied entry into the Mar'Sani warrior training so he goes to university. He becomes the chief starship mechanic on a prime star base. While there he encounters Dargon and Alpha. This symbiotic male is comprised of a Dar Massaga and his paired symbiotic Alpha who resides as a partial covering on his body. They are connected via a mind link and sexually active within their combined unit. Dargon feels no interest for other mates, but meeting Zeus turns on his Marking instinct. This sucks because Dargon holds a deep hatred for Terrans. And that's what he believes Zeus to be.
Dargon is in the space port for repairs, all while hiding his live cargo. At first Zeus thinks he's a pirate, but it turns out to be more complicated. Dargon is charged with finding the final Galactic prince, the Bespoken, a Fal'Amoric, or ancient race from whom all species of life were generated. The Fal'Amoric had been herded and hunted by the Terrans in the hope of gaining control of the Galactic counsel. Dargon's cargo is the last Fal'Amoric princess, and Zeus' sister. Oh, and Zeus, too, because Dargon kidnaps him so he can repair the ship while Dargon escapes pursuit from the Terrans and their V'Saar allies.
Zeus doesn't want to be Fal'Amoric, he's Mar'Sani by choice, and he certainly doesn't want to be the Bespoken, because then he will have to be united with the two other (hermaphoroditic) Galactic princes--especially not when his baby is being carried by another. Zeus's only chance is to find his lost brother, Prometheus, in order to fulfill that Galactic destiny, and it seems his memories of his sexual mutilation by the Chtichlians holds the key.
Holy cow. I was a bit stunned by the pace. So many species, of which I had no grasp, and yet, I adored Zeus. He overcame so much prejudice. And his destiny is truly great. He has a lot of power within himself, and is only just learning to use it. His strength has won him many admirers in the Mar'Sani nobility, even if he's persecuted by some for his 'Terran' appearance. He's also won over Dargon and Alpha--completely. They have imprinted on him, so they need to remain near each other--even if Zeus must couple with the Galactic princes. Does this make Zeus the center of a love square, or a love pentagon?
I liked the slower build of "pairing" between Zeus and Dargon and Alpha. They recognize their passion, but want to start slow--not that they hold off on all physical contact. I guess they recognize the inherent problems with the possibility that Zeus will be claimed as the Bespoken. It's an interesting book. I had feared I'd get bogged in detailed explanations of sci-fi whozits and whatzits, but that didn't happen. The disjointed timeline was sometimes a gripe, but the pace was adequate. I'm interested enough to seek out the sequel.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2019
Second time experiencing this story, first time on audio. My review might be a tiny bit spoilerish.
I enjoyed experiencing Alpha Trine for the second time, but didn't feel the five stars this time. I'm kicking the audiobook down to four stars. Way too much sap and sex at the end. I really hate prolonged sex scenes at the end of a book. And proclaiming the prince is nicknamed Striker after the deadly desert striker, and then letting him get his ass handed to him, more than once, was a huge rookie error. And wrong/disappointing/stupid. But there's a solid story arc and it's well written, which I think makes it one of the better mm sci-fi stories out there.
I think Michael Stellman was a poor choice for this audiobook. He's way up there in the tenor range, and this book clearly needed a narrator with a lower, bass range.
Recommended. Yep, I look forward to the next in the series.
I enjoyed experiencing Alpha Trine for the second time, but didn't feel the five stars this time. I'm kicking the audiobook down to four stars. Way too much sap and sex at the end. I really hate prolonged sex scenes at the end of a book. And proclaiming the prince is nicknamed Striker after the deadly desert striker, and then letting him get his ass handed to him, more than once, was a huge rookie error. And wrong/disappointing/stupid. But there's a solid story arc and it's well written, which I think makes it one of the better mm sci-fi stories out there.
I think Michael Stellman was a poor choice for this audiobook. He's way up there in the tenor range, and this book clearly needed a narrator with a lower, bass range.
Recommended. Yep, I look forward to the next in the series.
April 29, 2020
2019 Re-Read:
I still like this one a lot, although the same weird plot points still bugged me this time around. It was tons of fun, though, to revisit this one after so long.
I listened to this on audio this time around, and at first I thought it was the narrator that was off but I think I decided it was the production instead. There's a bit of reverb or something that made it difficult to listen to in my car, although it wasn't as bad when I used my headphones instead.
I still like this one a lot, although the same weird plot points still bugged me this time around. It was tons of fun, though, to revisit this one after so long.
I listened to this on audio this time around, and at first I thought it was the narrator that was off but I think I decided it was the production instead. There's a bit of reverb or something that made it difficult to listen to in my car, although it wasn't as bad when I used my headphones instead.
March 16, 2017
4.2 Stars
OMG that was all kinds of awesome!
Sure, there were moments at the beginning where I had a hard time keeping track of the different races & characters but the story in whole was fascinating. Plus, there were bits of plot that reminded me of my favorite scifi movies/shows & really kept me on the edge of nerdgasm for the entire book. (SG-1's symbiote, Starship Troopers bugs, Farscape & Babylon 5's multi species ship contingents & that finale fight scene? Mentally projecting River decimating the Reavers in Serenity.)
I'm really excited to start the next one; it'll have to wait 'til next month though because I want to listen to that one as well!
OMG that was all kinds of awesome!
Sure, there were moments at the beginning where I had a hard time keeping track of the different races & characters but the story in whole was fascinating. Plus, there were bits of plot that reminded me of my favorite scifi movies/shows & really kept me on the edge of nerdgasm for the entire book. (SG-1's symbiote, Starship Troopers bugs, Farscape & Babylon 5's multi species ship contingents & that finale fight scene? Mentally projecting River decimating the Reavers in Serenity.)
I'm really excited to start the next one; it'll have to wait 'til next month though because I want to listen to that one as well!
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