The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate

Serpents of Serant #1

by Robin O'Connor

I thought I was dead, but my pulse is racing when I see the beautiful, terrifying creature that woke me.

Vera

My family maneuvered me like a worthless pawn, then cast me away. I was supposed to be executed but even that didn’t go right. When I wake up, my whole world is titled on its axis when I lock eyes with a monster.

He’s half snake, half man and somehow he’s the most alluring thing I’ve ever seen. When he touches me I can understand him and he says I’m his mate. But how’s that possible? I’ve never belonged anywhere.

When more of his kind chase us, cast us out, and try to do everything they can to keep us apart. I must fight for what I want, fight to keep the one place where I’m wanted. In the arms of my mate.

Zathar

Cast out by my own Clan, by my very mother the Queen. I am left adrift until a skyship falls from the heavens, carrying with it my mate.

She is curvy and soft, everything I never knew I wanted. She’s perfect, and I will give up anything, climb any mountain, even crawl through the haunted ancestral caves if it means I can keep her. If only she’ll believe me when I swear she’s my heart.

This is a standalone novel, and book one in the Serpents of Serant Series. This steamy sci-fi monster romance features one barbaric outcast Naga Prince, a human woman unwanted by her own kin, and a steamy HEA.

Genres: Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance, Monster Romance, Forced Proximity

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2023

About the author

Robin O’Connor is an author who loves to write about strong, alien heroes and quirky heroines. She lives with her husband and son along with a couple hundred books (hers, definitely hers) and probably just as many computer parts (her husband’s). Her house therefore probably resembles something like a mad-scientist’s lab on any given day.

She’s always working on at least a half dozen projects at the same time but is never without time to answer questions, write up funny extras or hang out in her group online to speak with her readers.

Join her mailing list ➜ https://robinoconnor.ink/

Join her on Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/RobinOConnor...

Visit her website ➜ https://robinoconnor.ink/

Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/robinoconnorofficial/

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😔🤓😘

The heroine: Vera - She was sentenced to die for a crime she didn’t commit. She grew up a debutante with a wealthy but vicious family who knew she wasn’t guilty but didn’t care if she went down for the crime of forging documents and stealing from her family’s biggest rival. Though they probably would have been prouder of her if she had been guilty, they disavowed her to save the family reputation.

The Hero: Zathar - he is a Naga from the Thunder Rock clan. He and his brothers lost their position in the clan and have no chance of finding a mate within the clan unless they can find some way of bargaining with his mother, the queen to restore their position. His friend wanted to try his luck with the females of the Bitter Storm clan, but Zathar wasn’t interested. Thunder Rock clan had scales blue and grey and sometimes silver, while Bitter Storm were red, and they hated all technology. Zathar didn’t mind the different colors, but he enjoyed technology. So, when something crash landed on the planet he was determined to find it first.

The Story: When they gas her after the court proceedings, Vera thinks she is being executed, only to wake up later from a stasis pod in a crashed spaceship with a snake-like male hovering over her. She thinks he is some sort of monster and starts screaming. Zathar had thought the small female was in a coffin, so when she opened her eyes and screamed, he was more than a bit startled. Though he could not deny that she had aroused him despite her pale skin and small frame.

Luckily Vera was from the future, an Earth that had already traveled to other worlds and though Vera had a a translator, it couldn’t understand Zathar’s language. Though for some reason when he touched her, they could understand one another. A bit too magical for my liking but at least they could speak to one another. Personally, I would have liked translators that were equipped with some sort of AI that learned new languages after speaking with other cultures for a few days, it would have been a better explanation. But I guess the author wanted to show that these two had some sort of bond.

It also disturbed me quite a bit how quickly Vera got attracted to Zathar. I mean most women, especially wealthy women, I would think are a bit afraid of snakes, but she easily went from first seeing him to wanting him before she ever got to know if he had a decent personality. Zathar’s society was very matriarchal with his mother being the queen. The females often fought each other and the males doted on the females. I was glad though that Zathar stood up to his mother when she wanted him to mate another Naga.

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[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find more here: The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate

Zathar, the first-born serpentine son of the Queen, was cast out of his tribe for not finding a mate. Vera had a family that didn't want her and she never found a place to belong... until now. Crash landing on a strange planet delivered everything both of them could ever want—a home, found family, and eternal love.

I really enjoyed this story. From the moment I was introduced to the language barrier between the aliens and humans and the unique method the author chose for them to communicate, I was intrigued by this story. I liked Vera and Zathar, the world building, and the secondary characters who I'm sure will get their own stories some day. Even the characters who caused SO MUCH DRAMA kept me entertained. There was such warmth to these characters... well, most of them anyway... I found them so endearing.

While there were several sensual moments between Zathar and Vera, they took a backseat to the plot and the developing intimate bond growing between these characters. I really liked how although there was plenty of instalove and instalust vibes to this story, the relationship never felt rushed. There was a learning curve for these characters, forcing them to find common ground and to build a solid foundation for their future.

I would definitely read more from this series.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot

I rather enjoyed this story definitely has the same vibes as ipb but different. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more about the different pairings

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

This book wasn't bad but I'm not really a fan of when the plot involves traveling from place to place. I understand why it was necessary to this story but it sure makes things drag. Also there was such minimal interaction with anyone besides the main couple. So there was no development with anyone else. Even the evil queen was only in two short parts. It made the characters feel very one dimensional. It was entertaining enough to finish the book but not enough to continue the series.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥

This is the 'first' book in the series, but I read The Naga Hunter's Lost Mate a while back, and I definitely think it is worth the short read before this story. I was excited to jump back into this world, and this didn't disappoint!

Vera was set to be executed by her family framing her for a crime. When she wakes up, she realizes she was never executed, but put on a spaceship to be sold to other planets. Well, she would have been if she didn't crash on this planet, saved by a hot Naga who can only talk to her while they are touching.

Zathar and his friends saw the spaceship crash, and went to scavenge it for any technology. What he didn't expect is to find his mate, and now he will do anything to protect her. Even from his Clan that he was kicked out of, who want him back as their Prince.

This is truly a good short alien book. The plot was solid, good depth to the characters and decent şmüt. Definitely more of a slow burn even though they instantly were lusting after one another. To note, there is only one smex scene....wish there could have been more but we got some great build-up to it.

This is a series I definitely will pick up as a great pallet cleanser in between heavier plotted books.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Crashed Landing
✅ Insta-Lust
✅ Alien 🍆
✅ HEA

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera (h), a human outcast from her own family and framed for a crime, crash-lands on an alien planet and encounters Zathar (H), a captivating half-snake, half-man naga prince. Their connection is immediate and heartfelt, and the unique communication dynamic between Vera and Zathar, where touch is the key to understanding, adds an intimate layer into their evolving relationship and self-discovery. Vera's transformation from a vulnerable outsider to a determined warrior adds depth to her character, and Zathar's unwavering devotion to her adds depth to their romance. The chemistry between Vera and Zathar is undeniable, and their journey captivates from start to finish. The world-building is intriguing, showcasing an imaginative universe and an eclectic mix of characters, including Zathar's friends, and the challenges they face in their struggle for acceptance, love, and survival amidst danger and societal expectations. While some questions are left unanswered, it only builds anticipation for the rest of the Serpents of Serant series, including the mysteries surrounding the Naga race and the fate of the other ship passenger. Hot and steamy alien-human story of action, romance, and mystery.

[Marian Pattechat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Naga romance, and it won't be the last! I'm afraid of snakes, but this book was written so well that I began seeing the MMC's coils as sexy in no time xD I loved the world building and the whole idea of tribes of Naga on another planet with a mysterious past yet to be revealed. Be warned: if you read this book, you'll find yourself wanting to be a Naga's mate ;)

[Antonia Guindo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

[OneDayI'll · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started off ok, went downhill fast

The book started off alright. The focus was on the backstory of the human character, her sham trial and how she ended up on the new planet. Their rescue made sense, all the interactions were logical until it all somehow devolved into a bickering fest and TSTL moment. At which point I gave up. Because life is too short to read bad books. That was at 25% as a heads up for those feeling brave enough to try this one. Inane sniping arguments and complete denial of reality when it's staring you in the face by grown adults who should be focused on survival and not complete BS leaves readers unsatisfied and ready to toss this back to KU unread.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera, the female human lead, is a third child whose parents “rebelled” by not polishing her genes in utero and then complained about everything she did and was her entire life. She’s now been framed for a crime she didn’t commit and “executed” but she awakens on a crashed spaceship which is sinking into a lake.

Zathar, the male Naga lead, is first born of the leading family in his matriarchal society and currently outcast for displeasing his mother, the clan leader, by not securing a mate.

When they spot something falling from the sky, they race to see if they can salvage the tech and possibly buy their way back into the Matriarch’s good graces. They’re shocked to find “coffins” (stasis pods) with a never before seen species inside and Zathar is even more shocked to find himself attracted to one, and then mate bonded.

But he lives in a world full of dangerous creatures, the most dangerous of which is the female of his species, who fight for status and position on a regular basis and his new mate is too fragile for that…

This story is dual POV, well written, and has great world building as well as an interesting and complex plot and romance. I enjoyed the lead character development, with both lead characters working through self-esteem issues. I enjoyed Vera’s growing confidence and determination and her willingness to share tech knowledge with Zathar and his friends. I enjoyed Zathar’s absolute devotion to his new mate, well before she was convinced of his care. I enjoyed the secondary characters and appreciated the well written communication struggles due to lack of appropriate language translators. I enjoyed the intimate scenes. I enjoyed the set up for multiple future stories in this world, which is adjacent to the series the author recently finished.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Naga Outcast's Unwanted Mate is the first book of Robin O'Connor's Serpents of Serant series, and it was absolutely amazing and thrilling.

The future universe that was unfolding is intriguing. Earth now has an expedited legal system that seems to favour executions (I'm wondering if more is going to come up about that in later books). This is where we meet Vera Clayborne, the daughter of a rich and powerful family who had been natural (i.e. not genetic enhancement, think like the movie GATTACA). She is the unwanted child who was set up for a crime she didn't commit. Expecting to go to her execution, when the world went blank to Vera, she didn't expect to wake up on an alien planet after being put in a stasis pod and transported off earth. And that is how she meets the half-snake-like alien Zathar.

Amazingly, when Zathar and Vera touch, they can understand each other when they speak. It is through Vera and Zathar that the small group of serpent aliens and the humans from the earth space ship can communicate. Xathar and Vera are both outcasts in their own right. This is a start of an adventure of finding home and acceptance and love together. There is a touch of mystery and danger... and with the next book we discover what happened to others that had been separated from Zathar and Vera.

This is a real fascinating world that is being built, likewise the people are fascinating. I've really enjoyed the chemistry between Xanthar and Vera. I can't wait for the installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Naga Outcast’s Unwanted Mate by Robin O’Connor
Serpents of Serant #1

Scapegoated, sentenced to death, abandoned by her family…but…ends up on an alien planet saved by a huge alien snake-man that knows that this woman is his fated mate – now to convince her.

What I liked:
* Vera: stronger than she realized, survivor, willing to take a chance, leery of Zathar but definitely won over by him before the end of the story
* Zathar: outcast, Naga, half-man+half-snake, good friend, strong, resourceful, knows what he wants and he wants Vera
* The development of the relationship between Vera and Zathar
* Meeting characters that will play parts in the rest of the series – human and Naga
* The world building and character descriptions-development
* Thinking about what Serant must have been like in the past and wondering what happened to cause the decline of the planet and its inhabitants
* Charlie and Mox arriving at the end
* Wondering if the three that were cut off from the rest will be found and join the group AND if others will ultimately choose to follow Zathar’s outcasts instead of staying in the clans of their origin
* Looking forward to what will happen next

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about what must have happened on earth to create the situation that those in stasis pods found themselves in throughout this series

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being set up, found guilty and sentenced to death on Earth, Vera's last thought on Earth was that she through she was about to die as everything went dark.

Vera wakes up in a stasis pod on an alien planet and comes face to face with a big, blue snake-man alien. I don't know about you, but I would be freaking out, and she did at first. Once vera takes in her surroundings she realizes that the stasis pod she was in was on a ship and there were other humans on the ship with her. Once she was able to speak to and understand the alien male, she told him that they had to free the other people on the ship before they left.

Once safely off the ship and with Zathar and his friends, Vera and the other humans make their way back to the place where Zathar and his friends have been staying. All is well for a little while until Zathar's mother- The Queen comes for a visit.

Zathar is an outcast and all he wants is for Vera to believe him when he tells her that she is his mate and he will take care of her for always. She's not buying it, at least not right away. He's going to have to be convincing to get her heart. But when Vera and the other humans are put in danger from the Queen, Zathar has to find a way to make things right.

This book was definitely a fun read. I liked the world building and getting to know the snake-aliens a little more.

I read another of this authors books last week and I liked it so much that I decided to read another one. I'm so glad I did because this was so much fun to read.

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zathar believed he would never have a mate...until

A skyship crashed, and he rescued the occupants. It seems it was like an execution ship. All the occupants had been deemed guilty of some crime on earth, packed into stasis pods and shot into space. As soon as Zathar touched Vera, his mating sigil illuminated. She didn't know what it meant, but he did. In fact, she was frightened of Zathar. He was half humanoid and half snake! There was another like him whose name was Corin, and he seemed to have medical knowledge, as although most of the "criminals" were uninjured, one female suffered a severe head wound and was unconscious. Corin took charge of her treatment. Although it was very unusual for these displaced earthlings, they soon realized these "snakemen" were trying to help them. And oddly, Vera could actually understand them, as long as Zathar was touching her in some way.

This is the first entry in the "Serpents of Serant" series. It is very well written as long as you ignore the run-on sentences, so it's well written with respect to the story content with exciting action, some mystery, wonderful characters and interesting world building. The interactions between Zathar and Vera are intelligent, heartwarming, heartstopping and hot.

I've already several other of the stories in the series, and every one has a slightly different theme and is action-packed. Definitely not boring!

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was a cute story, if not groundbreaking. The FMC is a human from a futuristic dystopian earth where justice is swift and harsh. Accused of a crime she didn’t commit, abandoned by her wealthy family, she is sentenced to death, but wakes up instead in a stasis chamber on a crashed ship, faced with a naga that thinks he’s her fated mate. He too is an outcast, squatting in the ruins of his ancient high-tech ancestors’ once-great civilization, where his old clan dare not tread for fear of ghosts and curses.

After being spotted in this daring rescue, his mother, the clan leader, tries to lure him back when she realizes she’s close to actually losing control over her wayward son. The FMC and the other rescued humans are imprisoned for several days until the MMC and his outcast brethren manages to break them out, and the groups get separated in the aftermath. While the MCs spend time together falling in love on the run, the enemy clans gear up for war, and the MMC is torn between going back to warn his mother or leaving his clan to their fates. FMC proves her mettle in several confrontations that challenge the naga’s assumptions about the capabilities of her weak human body and her blunt human teeth. (I particularly liked that about this book; it’s practically a genre staple that humans are smaller and crappier than every other alien species and it drives me nuts!) The MMC manages to carve out a truce with his mother and help his former clan.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazing and the main characters had me staying up late to finish it but was sad when it came to an end. Vera is a human female that has never known love from her parents or family and the only thing they’re ever done was use her as a pawn in what ever they needed her for and now she has been framed by her own Mother and was tried and convicted and was to be executed but when she wakes she is on a strange planet with a half snake 🐍 half man standing over her and when he touches her she can understand everything he is telling her and because of this he tells her she is his fated mate. Zathar is the prince of the Thunder rock clan but has been exciled with his friends Lave. Corin because he is not mated and now there is a skyship thats fallen from the sky and they race to rescue who ever is inside and when he see the gorgeous human female he ouches her and straight away they can understand each other and he knows she is his fated mate but now his clan want to take the humans from them but he will fight anybody who even try’s. There is plenty of drama with his mother the Queen and with the Bitter Storm clan as well how does it all turn out in the end well get this book to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera was arrested for something she didn't do but her parents are happy to let her take the blame. As she thinks she's going to be killed, she's put in a dark closet. Zathar is a naga on a planet. He and his friends are looking for what they know fell from the sky. They find a space ship and when they go in they find what they think are coffins with dead bodies. But when he looks in the window he is shocked because his sigils on his body light up. How could a die weird looking being be his mate? Then she awakens when he opens the coffin. Vera is shocked she's alive and in front of her is a snake!!!?? When he touches her she can understand him and vice versa. Well now she needs to help the others and get out of the wreck. Life is getting quite chaotic for her and her human friends but she is warming up to Zathar! Then his mother, the Queen, comes to take him and the humans to the village. She gives him three days to agree to mate with another naga. But he rescues Vera and the others. Now they have to escape further into the mountains. Will they get far enough away from his mother? What about his friend who has been missing?
Excitement and adventure galore!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 terrific 🌟's for the Naga's Outcasts Unwanted Mate

Vera outcast in her own wealthy family set up and punished for something she didn't do. Death was to be her fate ,but instead she woke crashed on a new planet saved by a Naga who takes one look and knows she's his mate. Zathar he to is an outcast warrior. A mother who also cares for nothing but power decides to banish her son who does not have a mate . He an two of his most loyal friends, leave and do not look back. Zathar while scouting sees the sky ship crash and knows he needs to get there first to see if it has anything that he can salvage. This planet was once technology driven then something horrible happens that set his people back to being savages afraid of anything new , different or technically advanced. When he rescues Vera and the other humans he knows that his fate is tied to hers. Both of these outcasts find acceptance and belonging with one another.proof love can be found in the most dire of circumstances. This also sets off a new adventure and is the first book in a series of Naga stories. It was a solid story and I can't wait to learn more about the Naga and what happened in the time before! 💖🔥🌟🌟🔥💖💖🔥🌟

[Little Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I haven't read a lot of books with Naga's in them, because I think I have just kind of been confused. After reading this one though, I definitely think I will read others.

In typical alien romance fashion, the FMC is in a shipwreck. She was supposed to be executed, only she was gassed to sleep and shipped off somewhere, though we do not know much about that. The ship, with other prisoners, land on a primitive island with different Naga tribes.

This story has insta-love for the Naga. The FMC takes a little while to come around since she is not used to being wanted. This book falls in a series, but is a completed book in the series. Each book will likely follow a different Naga.

There is some editing issues in the book, but since this is an ARC, it should be corrected by release date.

I have not read a lot of alien romances, though I have been crossing into it. My first real alien romance series was Ice Planet Barbarians. I try very hard to not make comparisons, but as I read this book, I couldn't help but see some similarities. Whether the author is a fan of IPB or not, even with the similarities, the story stands on its own...tail ;).

I really like how the author either knows about snakes or did a lot of research, because I had to look up some things in the book because I do not know much about snakes. Also, I think one of the biggest reasons I have not really read Naga related stories in the past is because I have a hard time envisioning the spicy scenes. So...did I take a trip to google to look up Naga *spicy* photos? I did. Did it help me appreciate this story more? It did. Do I recommend this book as a new series to start? I do.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging story with wonderful world building and well-developed characters. The human female Vera crash lands on an alien planet after being discarded by her family. Despite her heartbreak she is determined to survive. The male character is a Naga native, Zathar, who has been made outcast by his family due to not being mated. He remains loyal and honourable despite the callous treatment he received. When trying to salvage wreckage from the ship Vera arrived in, he stumbles across the struggling human and is surprised to find his longed-for mate.
The story continues with these very different strangers finding their way to each other. We meet Zathar’s loyal friends and other human females who arrived with Vera. There is conflict with other Naga tribes and with Zathar’s family and tribe. The main characters are required to fight for each other and their future.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Robin O’Connor knows how to write wonderful characters who embrace their new lives and found families.
I received an ARC from booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Right now, they seemed the be our best bet for safety, and my odd attraction to Azure-Eyes was making me recklessly desperate to just trust them. Stupid idea, never let your damn ovaries do the leading.' 

I loved this book! An excellent start to a new series! Great world building and wonderful characters. This book wasted no time and got right to the action from the beginning. I loved both Zathar and Vera. With the precarious situation he found her in, there was no real time for fear or curiosity as the two of them, along with Zathar's two friends, rushed to free the other humans in the pods before the ship sank. This story was a fast-paced adventure. I loved Vera and Zathar as a couple. I also really liked the supporting characters and can't wait for their books. I also think that fated mates can understand each other's language while touching was a unique trait. And of course, I love nagas, so this book was a treat. I always love Robin O'Connor's books. Can't wait for more! 5 stars.

[Jurnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good start to this series! Granted I did read the prequel first, you can enjoy this book without it.

The characters are great, and it’s lovely to see so many different personalities in the cast of humans and nagas. Vera is relatable and interesting, I liked her viewpoint a lot. I felt like we really got to know her right at the beginning which helps me want to see her story throughout the book. Zathar makes a great first male lead, with an interesting back story and understandable motivations. His place as an outcast prince and what that means for his society was interesting, I appreciate the details like that.

Speaking of details, the world building was full of them and I LOVE that. This alien world is expansive and while slightly familiar it’s like everything is just turned up a notch which makes it feel more feral and exciting. I hope to learn more in the later books about the other clans and the environment of Serant, maybe more about the animals that live there. Lots of fun action and the main characters really prove themselves.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

MFC Vera Claiborne has been accused of forgery and theft in the name of her wealthy family who instead of standing behind her innocence throws her to the wolves which lands her a death sentence by the courts.
MMC Zathar is an alien Naga who finds Vera’s stasis pod after it and others crash on his world.
Zathar awakens Vera who thinks she is dreaming when first seeing Zathar but dead people don’t dream, do they? Totally unaware she’d been placed in stasis by the Earth authorities.
I enjoyed this first book of the Serpents of Serant series which was just as action packed, adventure filled and steamy as the prequel story.
Naga Outcast’s Unwanted Mate has plenty of intrigue, romance, and thrills in a well written narrative that is immersive and a great Sci-Fi read to get lost in as Vera finds out just where she truly belongs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series and little backwards. That book was awesome so I had to turn around and start from the beginning. Yes. the books can be read as a standalone and for that i love that Robin adds an Appendix at the end of the books to update you or let you know who's who with out giving it all away! Love that! 🥰🥰 Any who...

This book didn't let me down. Although i would say a 4.5 star because of the one whiny human female (not the MFC thank the stars!) who annoyed the heck out of me.... Buuuuuut all in all it was a great story. From the beginning you're captivated and pulled in with Vera on what happens to her. Then you get Zathar and his friends who were casted out of their clan and trying to find a way back in. Both main characters not only find a connection but the find a family. I could picture every bit of the story so clearly. The world building was sublime. The plot was perfectly written. The spice was just the right amount of spice and the characters were sooo good for eachother!

Off to the next book of the Surpents of the Serant series. 😍😍

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera and Zathar's Story . . .

These two characters have both had a similar devastating experience where their families tossed them away as worthless. Zathar had been thrown out of his Clan by his mother, the Queen. When a ship crashes, his entire attitude changes when he recognizes his mate. Vera was supposed to be executed, but instead the ship crashed and she woke up staring at a creature who was half snake. Being able to understand him was a result of being his mate. It was heartbreaking that her surprise was not because she saw a “monster” looking down at her, but because she felt cherished after never belonging anywhere else in her life. That was devastating. But Zathar would protect her with his life, and she is willing to fight as well for the mate who loves her. Will they find acceptance in each other?

[Laura Quevedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a good start to a series.

Both main leads were interesting, and I really liked how the FL did her best to adapt to a new, dangerous situation and make the most of it...
The development of their relationship was nice to see too, and how they both protected and helped each other was nice.. And yes the FL was not an incredible fighter but she used her wits and courage to do her best.
I was surprised at how well the secondary characters were presented, there was not much backstory to them but they weren't faceless people either, I'm actually really interested in seeing more of them and hoping that they all get a book of their own.

POV: dual (both main leads)
Tropes: alien planet, ship crash landing, fated mates, outcasts, clan wars.
Spice: high (scenes with detailed description) alien peen, tail play, restraints.
CW: violence.

[BedroomBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book after reading the summary, and boy did the book deliver. It has everything you want in a fated mates book…surprise circumstances, intrigue, drama, a jealous “other woman” (for lack of a better phrase), and obviously love. Overcoming the language barrier in this book was unique as I had never read a book where it is done in the same way.

I read this entire book in one sitting of about an hour and a half. I literally couldn’t put it down and was mildly disappointed when it ended only because I wanted to keep reading! I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, thrilling story, Vera is the black sheep of her family, useless disappointment. Her own mother framed her for forging documents, Vera is sentenced to death and her mother laughed at how much money her sentence made for the family. Vera is gassed but wakes up on a crashed spaceship, sold by her government for slave labour. Zathar is a Naga hunter, he and his friends find the wreckage and rescue everyone they can. Vera is Zathars fated mate and he will do anything to protect her and prove his love . Their journey through dangerous territory, attacking enemies, betrayal, and growing bound is exciting, surprising and inspiringly beautiful read. I love the happy ending 🥰🤩❤️‍🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera was not expecting to survive. She thought that she was headed to a prison planet and since her very own mother was the one who set her up to be there she had no great hope for the rest of her life. The huge blue snake man was also not something that she ever envisaged either. Still when in Rome, or wherever the whatsit she actually ended up! Zathar has been exiled by his Queen, who also just so happens to be his mother. His crime? Not taking a mate something which is about to pale into insignificance when he meets, and touches, Vera. So now what is an exiled Prince to do? There is action, romance and a whole new world to discover. The world building gives you just enough for now and you know that there is more to come. I love the fact that a single touch allows them to communicate.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera has been stabbed in the back by her family. Set for execution she awakes to see a monster peering down at her. Unbelievably things are tricky but her life is looking up. She is a strong individual with a confident attitude and likeable character.

Zathar is one of a group of outcasts since he has not found his mate by a certain age. Out hunting with his friends he sees something falling from the sky. Little does he know that it is bringing him his future. He is a muscled warrior with a firm sense of justice.

Vera and Zathar's story is an action packed adventure with some great plot twists. I'm really enjoying this series and definitely looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.