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The League: Nemesis Rising #7
Born of Defiance
Born an Outcast, Talyn Batur has spent the whole of his life fighting against the prejudice of his people. An Andarion without a father is not something anyone wants to be.
But when his companion's brother draws him into a plot against the Andarion crown, he finds himself torn between the loyalty to their planetary government that his mother has beaten into him and his own beliefs of justice and right.
Now, he must decide for himself to remain a pawn of their government or to defy everything and everyone he's ever known to stand up to tyranny. It's a gamble that will either save his life or end it. And when old enemies align with new ones, it's more than just his own life at risk. And more than just his homeworld that will end should he fail, in Born of Defiance, the next League novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon.
But when his companion's brother draws him into a plot against the Andarion crown, he finds himself torn between the loyalty to their planetary government that his mother has beaten into him and his own beliefs of justice and right.
Now, he must decide for himself to remain a pawn of their government or to defy everything and everyone he's ever known to stand up to tyranny. It's a gamble that will either save his life or end it. And when old enemies align with new ones, it's more than just his own life at risk. And more than just his homeworld that will end should he fail, in Born of Defiance, the next League novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon.
518 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2015
187 people are currently reading
5512 people want to read
About the author
Sherrilyn Kenyon
243 books30.2k followersOfficial Author site
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
Official Nevermore site
Official Deadman's Cross site
Official Chronicles of Nick site
Official Silent Swans site
Official Hunter Legends site
Official Witch of Endor site
Official Lords of Avalon site
Official Facebook site
New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon is a regular at the #1 spot. With legions of fans known as Paladins (thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her series and who travel from all over the world to attend her appearances), her books are always snatched up as soon as they appear on store shelves. Since 2004, she had placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats including manga and graphic novels. Her current series are: Dark-Hunters, Chronicles of Nick and The League, and her books are available in over 100 countries where eager fans impatiently wait for the next release. Her Chronicles of Nick and Dark-Hunter series are soon to be major motion pictures while Dark-Hunter is also being developed as a television series. Join her and her Paladins online at MySherrilyn.com and www.facebook.com/mysherrilyn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
September 22, 2015
This book was not what I expected, it was a bit disappointing even. It wasn't bad, it's just that I wasn't happy about some things. I did enjoy the read and had a great time reading it. I have to admit that my fist reaction after reading the book's synopsis was who is this Talyn and why the hell is his story coming before so many others we still are dying to read? . So I was lost and mad from the beginning.
So why exactly 3 stars?
1) It took me forever to realize this book was set in a different timeline, the one of the first 3 stories. A small notice would have been nice. This series has too many characters and so many things going on that it is really hard to keep up with it most of the times. If we also sum up to that different timelines... well, let's just say it was't easy.
2) More new characters. While this is usually a nice thing, it made me even angrier to see we are getting introduced to more people while still many we already know did not even made an appearance. But what I hated the most was how Fain was constantly mentioned but he never did an appearance either. I just kept waiting for him to save the day, but he never did. I hated to see how many characters thought badly about him, while we do know he is nothing like they described.
3) Too much background and politics. We are given A LOT of information about Andarions and their history. While this is usually something positive, it wasn't this time. Too many laws, too many prejudices. I found myself hating their world and their people, while I remember adoring everything about them from previous books. While before I used to found them interesting and different, now I just felt disgusted with almost everything.
4) Some incoherencies that made me doubt many things. One of them being the fact that our hero was completely loathed by the entire race and just because he did something good every single soldier, even the ones who would spit at his face every time they saw him, decided to follow every single command and support him completely. I mean, either they hate or love him, but you can't have it both, at least not feeling so strongly about both positions.
Overall this book was just a bit too similar to the ones that came before it. A tortured hero who would do anything to get the respect and love he deserves, with a strong heroine with the biggest heart and a powerful soul. While not a bad thing, it's getting a bit boring. The story felt rushed toward the ending and the ending did not give me what I had been waiting the whole book to happen.
So why exactly 3 stars?
1) It took me forever to realize this book was set in a different timeline, the one of the first 3 stories. A small notice would have been nice. This series has too many characters and so many things going on that it is really hard to keep up with it most of the times. If we also sum up to that different timelines... well, let's just say it was't easy.
2) More new characters. While this is usually a nice thing, it made me even angrier to see we are getting introduced to more people while still many we already know did not even made an appearance. But what I hated the most was how Fain was constantly mentioned but he never did an appearance either. I just kept waiting for him to save the day, but he never did. I hated to see how many characters thought badly about him, while we do know he is nothing like they described.
3) Too much background and politics. We are given A LOT of information about Andarions and their history. While this is usually something positive, it wasn't this time. Too many laws, too many prejudices. I found myself hating their world and their people, while I remember adoring everything about them from previous books. While before I used to found them interesting and different, now I just felt disgusted with almost everything.
4) Some incoherencies that made me doubt many things. One of them being the fact that our hero was completely loathed by the entire race and just because he did something good every single soldier, even the ones who would spit at his face every time they saw him, decided to follow every single command and support him completely. I mean, either they hate or love him, but you can't have it both, at least not feeling so strongly about both positions.
Overall this book was just a bit too similar to the ones that came before it. A tortured hero who would do anything to get the respect and love he deserves, with a strong heroine with the biggest heart and a powerful soul. While not a bad thing, it's getting a bit boring. The story felt rushed toward the ending and the ending did not give me what I had been waiting the whole book to happen.
August 15, 2015
Scared unloved unclaimed and unhappy, Talyn must fight for every breath he takes and more. The world is against him for his birth at the very least. This world has a very well defined chaste system and he is at the lowest. He uses what he has to survive, his body, he fights in the ring, and always wins but at a physical cost. There are many who control him and hate him for the past, a time before he was in born. He has a sucky suck life and it's sinking deeper in the muck. Then he meets a girl, a girl who changes everything.
Another dark fun escapade with SK, not much League stuff in this one but it had ties to many of the characters and branches. I enjoy this space action romance series and look forward to the next book
Another dark fun escapade with SK, not much League stuff in this one but it had ties to many of the characters and branches. I enjoy this space action romance series and look forward to the next book
December 4, 2015
This book was a very welcome surprise. Sherrilyn has gone back in time, to when the first League book was set, to introduce us to Talyn. This was a fantastic book that any die hard Kenyon fan will love, and if you haven't read any of her books yet this can be read as a stand alone to give you a taste of the series.
I really loved this book, it gave me an insight into what to expect for Born of Betrayal and I can safely say that this book is, in typical Sherriyln Kenyon fashion, brilliant. I loved all of the characters and have totally fallen in love with sweet but deadly Talyn.
For all of you worried that this book wasn't the one you expected or wanted: fear not, there is method to Sherrilyn Kenyons' marvellous madness. It will fit in the with time line soon enough, just be patient and read it because as soon as you start to read it you will understand why this one came out before Born of Betrayal.
I really loved this book, it gave me an insight into what to expect for Born of Betrayal and I can safely say that this book is, in typical Sherriyln Kenyon fashion, brilliant. I loved all of the characters and have totally fallen in love with sweet but deadly Talyn.
For all of you worried that this book wasn't the one you expected or wanted: fear not, there is method to Sherrilyn Kenyons' marvellous madness. It will fit in the with time line soon enough, just be patient and read it because as soon as you start to read it you will understand why this one came out before Born of Betrayal.
June 8, 2015
I will start this review by stating that I read this in one day. I would have really liked it if this one didn't follow the rest of Sherrilyn Kenyon's stories. We have a male who is unworthy, been abused by society and his family, and basically feels as if he isn't ever going to gain the respect he has been striving for all of his life. Then we have a female who is adorable, loving, and sees below the surface to the very worthy man underneath all of those tough layers. However, this one had an interesting twist in that .
I won't go into the plot in great detail although I do believe the description is too vague. We have Talyn, in the Andarian military, who is ridiculed due to his lack of paternal lineage and Felicia, a companion determined to go to an expensive university as a pre-med and thus must become a paid companion in order to pay for tuition. Because that is the most logical method I would take as well rather than attempt to go to a school that is more within my financial abilities.
If you have read any of Sherrilyn Kenyon's previous works then you already know where this plot will go but I do have a few issues that I wasn't loving thus the 2 stars only.
The first issue I had is that we never delve into the issue of Fain, Talyn's father. Other than a few mentions here and there we aren't really given anything else. I was expecting Fain to come busting in to save the day and that never happened. I vaguely remember Fain being mentioned in previous stories but I honestly don't remember anything about it so some background would have been nice.
The biggest issue I had is the fact that Talyn and Felicia are not able to . This was so disappointing to me as this would have been the epitome of a HEA for me.
The last issue was the ending. It just felt so rushed for me that I was still anticipating another 30 pages to tie all of the loose ends. I needed there to be more closure and I felt that there was just too much left unresolved.
I won't go into the plot in great detail although I do believe the description is too vague. We have Talyn, in the Andarian military, who is ridiculed due to his lack of paternal lineage and Felicia, a companion determined to go to an expensive university as a pre-med and thus must become a paid companion in order to pay for tuition. Because that is the most logical method I would take as well rather than attempt to go to a school that is more within my financial abilities.
If you have read any of Sherrilyn Kenyon's previous works then you already know where this plot will go but I do have a few issues that I wasn't loving thus the 2 stars only.
The first issue I had is that we never delve into the issue of Fain, Talyn's father. Other than a few mentions here and there we aren't really given anything else. I was expecting Fain to come busting in to save the day and that never happened. I vaguely remember Fain being mentioned in previous stories but I honestly don't remember anything about it so some background would have been nice.
The biggest issue I had is the fact that Talyn and Felicia are not able to . This was so disappointing to me as this would have been the epitome of a HEA for me.
The last issue was the ending. It just felt so rushed for me that I was still anticipating another 30 pages to tie all of the loose ends. I needed there to be more closure and I felt that there was just too much left unresolved.
May 17, 2015
The last two books of the League have focused on the Andarian, starting with Born of Fury, followed by Born of Defiance and will end with Born of Betrayal. I am a big fan of the League books, the Dark-hunters are losing me because of lot of confusing information and because some really loved characters have become very unlikable since they found their significant other not to mention the significant other being annoying and not likable. The League is still a very enjoyable series that I look forward to.
Born of Defiance was a book that I really enjoyed, I was a bit confused with the timeline until I realized that everything was happening concurrently with Born of Night which is the first League book. I enjoyed Talyn's book and his story was a sad one but he had a mother that loved and cared for him. Most of Talyn's suffering was by the hands of the family that his mother denied marriage to, yet they never tried to get to her which I found kind of interesting since she was the one that humiliated them. So their were a few things I was confused about or annoyed about but overall it was an enjoyable book. I am really looking forward to Fain and Galene's book. I know Fain has suffered but he left Galene pregnant, he needs to grovel for leaving her alone with a baby.
Born of Defiance was a book that I really enjoyed, I was a bit confused with the timeline until I realized that everything was happening concurrently with Born of Night which is the first League book. I enjoyed Talyn's book and his story was a sad one but he had a mother that loved and cared for him. Most of Talyn's suffering was by the hands of the family that his mother denied marriage to, yet they never tried to get to her which I found kind of interesting since she was the one that humiliated them. So their were a few things I was confused about or annoyed about but overall it was an enjoyable book. I am really looking forward to Fain and Galene's book. I know Fain has suffered but he left Galene pregnant, he needs to grovel for leaving her alone with a baby.
May 13, 2015
Wasn't great, wasn't terrible.
I do ask: How many times can two characters say "I love you" in the span of a 300 page book?
And when will "insta-love" stop being a thing?
I do ask: How many times can two characters say "I love you" in the span of a 300 page book?
And when will "insta-love" stop being a thing?
May 25, 2015
Talyn Batur is a Ring Fighter and a soldier in the Andarion army who is treated like crap by the Anatole Royal family. Wishing for happiness, Talyn hires a female companion named Felicia who he slowly falls in love with. When the ones he loves are threatened, Talyn goes off the edge and strikes back at the ones who harm him as he is born in defiance. Can he protect the ones he love? Read and find out for yourself.
This was a great installment of the League series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. If you enjoy action, romance, and science fiction stories about space pirates and aliens, def check this series out. The books can be found at your local library and wherever books are sold.
This was a great installment of the League series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. If you enjoy action, romance, and science fiction stories about space pirates and aliens, def check this series out. The books can be found at your local library and wherever books are sold.
January 14, 2018
It's one of my greatest reading sorrows that Sci Fi Romance is not a popular genre right now, because it's popular with ME. Fortunately for me, Sherrilyn Kenyon write this AMAZING series! It had somehow dropped off my TBR for several years, which is SACRILEGE. When I discovered that, I got that same feeling you get when you find a $20 in the pocket of the coat you haven't worn since last year, and immediately picked up book 7. AND LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! This series is just to die for. On to book 8!
November 16, 2015
Final rating: 4/5 stars
What can I tell you about League series that I already haven't in my previous reviews? I freaking love this series - one of the rare sci fi romance series of books that I will always love.
This book was also great, but felt weaker than Born of Night, Born of Fire , Born of Silence & Born of Fury to which I gave full five stars (most probably because I except something to happen and it didn't happen - at all ). One thing I did notice through all books in this series: Sherrilyn really loves tortured heroes (and so do I, bless her). So if you are looking for series with lot of angst and for dark books, the League is right series for you.
These books are best to be read in order of publication, but Born of Defiance takes place at the same time as Born of Night , the first book in the series and contains serious spoilers for Born of Night. At first i thought it happened after Born of Fury which is why i was confused by the cruelty of one character that appears until I realized it wasn't our at all. And this whole thing I realized around 75% (another thing that downgraded the rating). In other words, you might want to remind yourself of the first book if you want full experience, but it is not needed.
____________________________________________
STORY & CHARACTERS:
____________________________________________
Continuing on from the previous book, we are once again reading about Andarions who have not-so-kind rules and even more terrifying government (as in the same Born of Night goverment).
I will quote myself from one of my reviews:
Andarions are the race who genetically come from humans, but they refuse to acknowledge it. They are fierce, they are vicious, and are predatorial race that sometimes fed on humans. They are long fanged, have red rimmed eyes, and they always have black hair. And they are scary as hell to regular people.They also value physical beauty only second to physical strength.
This time we find out what happens to those whose fathers became Outcasts and about companion system for females, as well as many other rules, laws, etc.
♦ Talyn Batur grew up without his father - something no living Andarion would ever wish - especially if the father is an Outcast and disowned member of the family. Having grown up in extremely harsh conditions because he had no family name of the father, his only family member is his mother, Galene Batur. But not even she can help her son get honor and respect he deserves. Talyn is restricted from everything - he cannot marry, have kids, attend prestigious schools or even get a high rank in military the usual way. So he spends time fighting to death in the arena to make for a living and try to rise to a better position in the military, as he is also a fighter pilot. Growing tired of being alone, he sees an offer for the companion - so he gives even more that he needed to give just to have someone stay by him. He fully expected that she, too, would mock him and ridicule him for his heritage, but he had grown so tired of everything he would accept even the smallest kindness as something precious.
♦ Felicia Orfanos is a companion - or in other words a female who needs a patron who would pay money (in her case, for the studies) in return for being his woman/lover/mistress. Wishing to take no money from her father or her brothers, this is the only solution left for her to take. After all, her mother is a companion, but her father is already married man with children who is also on a high position. The only one she could truly rely on was the advices from her mother and on herself. So when she makes a deal with Talyn, whose conditions allowed her to do everything she wanted to do, truly seem like a dream come true. What she didn't expect are the rumors about him. But over time, she realizes that rumors are not true and that her man is just another man who needs someone reliable, and that the kindness and everything he did for her are qualities that won her heart despite everything.
Both Talyn & Felicia were adorable and I enjoyed reading about both of them. Their relationship started slow but steady and they both found themselves completely in love and filling each others faults. What I didn't expect is that they were both . I hated what Talyn had to endure and to be forced not to retaliate or he would find himself in ever worse position than he was, and how sometimes whatever he did backfired on him. If Felicia and his mother weren't by his side he probably would break forever - although maybe not given his strong personality and fighter soul - he never leaves without a fight. And Felicia is a person who is ready to do everything in her power to help as much as possible.
✍ ☘ ❦ ☕ ❂ ✄ ☸ ⚡ ⚓ ☁ ☂ ✎ ✍ ☘ ❦ ☕ ❂ ✄ ☸ ⚡ ⚓ ☁ ☂ ✎ ☸ ⚡ ⚓
Galene Batur was someone we have heard of in the previous book - she is highly capable military woman. But before all, she is also a very wonderful and kind mother - as Tayln is the only thing left to her, and she hates to see her son being driven in corner because no one of her family wanted to do anything with the son of her husband. The identity of the husband is not a surprise - the hints given are enough to concule it was who we met in the previous books enough time to realize the connection. An outcast because he married a human woman? Who else could it be? Given that his book is also the next one and by the description of it, I am looking forward to conclusion of their story.
Of characters from previous books we have Jayne (with a very surprising revalation about her), her husband Hadrian and his brother Nero, as well as Ryn Dane/Cruel, Darling's brother. We hear about Nykyrian (given that this book takes place at the same time) and of Kiara, and worst of all, Jullien and the rest of his family appears (but to be honest Tylie and Cairistiona were great). We also meet some new characters like Aaron, Erix and Ferrick who were nice additions to the story. I was in dislike relationship with Lorens, Felicia's brother, but after a while he grew on me and I started liking him more.
____________________________________________
OVERALL:
____________________________________________
It was a very good book, while I dont love it as much as I do the ones i mentioned before, I still liked it enough. But if i had to describe this book in percents it would be: everything is going down to pile of s*** aka angst, angst & even more angst (60%), love and cuteness between the two of them(whole 15%), and badassery (20%) and other characters (5%). Thankfully I love extremely angsty books. Can't wait to read the next one, which I will do immediately.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY THE LEAGUE REVIEWS:
◉ Born of Night (The League, #1)
◉ Cloak & Silence (The League, #7)
◉ Born of Fury (The League, #8)
◉ Born of Defiance (The League, #9)
◉ Born of Betrayal (The League, #10)
What can I tell you about League series that I already haven't in my previous reviews? I freaking love this series - one of the rare sci fi romance series of books that I will always love.
This book was also great, but felt weaker than Born of Night, Born of Fire , Born of Silence & Born of Fury to which I gave full five stars (most probably because I except something to happen and it didn't happen - at all ). One thing I did notice through all books in this series: Sherrilyn really loves tortured heroes (and so do I, bless her). So if you are looking for series with lot of angst and for dark books, the League is right series for you.
These books are best to be read in order of publication, but Born of Defiance takes place at the same time as Born of Night , the first book in the series and contains serious spoilers for Born of Night. At first i thought it happened after Born of Fury which is why i was confused by the cruelty of one character that appears until I realized it wasn't our at all. And this whole thing I realized around 75% (another thing that downgraded the rating). In other words, you might want to remind yourself of the first book if you want full experience, but it is not needed.
____________________________________________
STORY & CHARACTERS:
____________________________________________
Continuing on from the previous book, we are once again reading about Andarions who have not-so-kind rules and even more terrifying government (as in the same Born of Night goverment).
I will quote myself from one of my reviews:
Andarions are the race who genetically come from humans, but they refuse to acknowledge it. They are fierce, they are vicious, and are predatorial race that sometimes fed on humans. They are long fanged, have red rimmed eyes, and they always have black hair. And they are scary as hell to regular people.They also value physical beauty only second to physical strength.
This time we find out what happens to those whose fathers became Outcasts and about companion system for females, as well as many other rules, laws, etc.
♦ Talyn Batur grew up without his father - something no living Andarion would ever wish - especially if the father is an Outcast and disowned member of the family. Having grown up in extremely harsh conditions because he had no family name of the father, his only family member is his mother, Galene Batur. But not even she can help her son get honor and respect he deserves. Talyn is restricted from everything - he cannot marry, have kids, attend prestigious schools or even get a high rank in military the usual way. So he spends time fighting to death in the arena to make for a living and try to rise to a better position in the military, as he is also a fighter pilot. Growing tired of being alone, he sees an offer for the companion - so he gives even more that he needed to give just to have someone stay by him. He fully expected that she, too, would mock him and ridicule him for his heritage, but he had grown so tired of everything he would accept even the smallest kindness as something precious.
♦ Felicia Orfanos is a companion - or in other words a female who needs a patron who would pay money (in her case, for the studies) in return for being his woman/lover/mistress. Wishing to take no money from her father or her brothers, this is the only solution left for her to take. After all, her mother is a companion, but her father is already married man with children who is also on a high position. The only one she could truly rely on was the advices from her mother and on herself. So when she makes a deal with Talyn, whose conditions allowed her to do everything she wanted to do, truly seem like a dream come true. What she didn't expect are the rumors about him. But over time, she realizes that rumors are not true and that her man is just another man who needs someone reliable, and that the kindness and everything he did for her are qualities that won her heart despite everything.
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Look ashamed. Ever. You’re a beautiful female, Felicia. The most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. More than that, you have a soul. I don’t ever want to see you hold your head down again. You don’t apologize to anyone for who and what you are.”
Both Talyn & Felicia were adorable and I enjoyed reading about both of them. Their relationship started slow but steady and they both found themselves completely in love and filling each others faults. What I didn't expect is that they were both . I hated what Talyn had to endure and to be forced not to retaliate or he would find himself in ever worse position than he was, and how sometimes whatever he did backfired on him. If Felicia and his mother weren't by his side he probably would break forever - although maybe not given his strong personality and fighter soul - he never leaves without a fight. And Felicia is a person who is ready to do everything in her power to help as much as possible.
“You’re very sweet.”
He snorted. “Don’t say that out loud. You’ll ruin my ferocious reputation.”
Laughing, she shook her head. “Ferocious, huh?”
“Absolutely. How you think I got my rank at this age?”
“Your sexy sweetness?”
His warm laughter filled her ear. “Yeah, sure,” he said drily. “That always works for rank advancement. You sweet-talk the enemy. They fall over, laughing at you.”
✍ ☘ ❦ ☕ ❂ ✄ ☸ ⚡ ⚓ ☁ ☂ ✎ ✍ ☘ ❦ ☕ ❂ ✄ ☸ ⚡ ⚓ ☁ ☂ ✎ ☸ ⚡ ⚓
Galene Batur was someone we have heard of in the previous book - she is highly capable military woman. But before all, she is also a very wonderful and kind mother - as Tayln is the only thing left to her, and she hates to see her son being driven in corner because no one of her family wanted to do anything with the son of her husband. The identity of the husband is not a surprise - the hints given are enough to concule it was who we met in the previous books enough time to realize the connection. An outcast because he married a human woman? Who else could it be? Given that his book is also the next one and by the description of it, I am looking forward to conclusion of their story.
Of characters from previous books we have Jayne (with a very surprising revalation about her), her husband Hadrian and his brother Nero, as well as Ryn Dane/Cruel, Darling's brother. We hear about Nykyrian (given that this book takes place at the same time) and of Kiara, and worst of all, Jullien and the rest of his family appears (but to be honest Tylie and Cairistiona were great). We also meet some new characters like Aaron, Erix and Ferrick who were nice additions to the story. I was in dislike relationship with Lorens, Felicia's brother, but after a while he grew on me and I started liking him more.
____________________________________________
OVERALL:
____________________________________________
It was a very good book, while I dont love it as much as I do the ones i mentioned before, I still liked it enough. But if i had to describe this book in percents it would be: everything is going down to pile of s*** aka angst, angst & even more angst (60%), love and cuteness between the two of them(whole 15%), and badassery (20%) and other characters (5%). Thankfully I love extremely angsty books. Can't wait to read the next one, which I will do immediately.
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY THE LEAGUE REVIEWS:
◉ Born of Night (The League, #1)
◉ Cloak & Silence (The League, #7)
◉ Born of Fury (The League, #8)
◉ Born of Defiance (The League, #9)
◉ Born of Betrayal (The League, #10)
June 28, 2015
Sherrilyn Kenyon hits the rewind button in this latest installment of The League. We’re going back to the time that coincides with the first book of the series. For me, that was cool in some ways, bad in others. I liked it because Nykyrian’s book was my favorite and I enjoyed revisiting some of the events of his story, albeit from a different perspective. It was challenging at times, though, because I read that book many years ago and I was struggling to remember what I should know, not only about Nyk’s history, but Fain Hauk’s. After all, Fain is our hero’s father.
The hero I’m talking about is Talyn Batur. I don’t remember meeting him before, but this was one of those things I was straining my memory over. He is 100% your typical Kenyon hero. He is strong, loyal, courageous, and has been mistreated his entire life. The only person who has ever loved him is his mother. (Which in the Kenyon-verse, is a small miracle. Very few have even that much love.) He is considered one of the lowest castes of Andarion, because he is unclaimed by his father’s family, and lineage is paramount to their people. The irony is that if he were legitimate, he would be of nearly royal status.
Anyway, the only way Talyn can make anything of himself is through the military. He also participates in brutal Ring fights to up his rank. He is undefeated and something of a celebrity, but in person, people treat him like the mongrel they consider him to be, Talyn is so tired of being scorned, he hires a “companion” named Felicia. So basically, our heroine is an escort, and as long as there is a contract, that’s ok in their society. Long story short, these two fall in insta-love, but can’t ever get married or have kids, because of his lineage issues. And despite the light Felicia brings to his life, things continue to suck for Talyn because his C.O. hates him and is determined to make his life a living hell. That commander and his cronies end up tying in with Nykyrian’s evil brother and the corrupt government that is destined to be overthrown.
This book feels just like the ones that came before it. The hero is abused but maintains hope. The heroine is his saving grace. She is gentle with his heart and is like a fierce little pixie, determined to protect him. Some people will love it for that reason, because it’s just like the other ones and we obviously liked those enough to keep reading. Others may be ready for something different. These books don’t stretch or grow. Kenyon has found a formula that she likes and just uses it over and over again.
For me, it was like reminiscing with an old friend. It was pleasant, but I am getting tired of hearing the same old stories. Even the dialogue and endearments felt tired. Not bad, just overly familiar.
Plus, I kept waiting for Fain to show up and make things better for Talyn. I know his book is coming and I guess it will be addressed there, but his absence left me feeling like something was missing.
I don’t know. It was ok. I liked it. I didn’t love it.
Rating: B/B-
*ARC provided by publisher
The hero I’m talking about is Talyn Batur. I don’t remember meeting him before, but this was one of those things I was straining my memory over. He is 100% your typical Kenyon hero. He is strong, loyal, courageous, and has been mistreated his entire life. The only person who has ever loved him is his mother. (Which in the Kenyon-verse, is a small miracle. Very few have even that much love.) He is considered one of the lowest castes of Andarion, because he is unclaimed by his father’s family, and lineage is paramount to their people. The irony is that if he were legitimate, he would be of nearly royal status.
Anyway, the only way Talyn can make anything of himself is through the military. He also participates in brutal Ring fights to up his rank. He is undefeated and something of a celebrity, but in person, people treat him like the mongrel they consider him to be, Talyn is so tired of being scorned, he hires a “companion” named Felicia. So basically, our heroine is an escort, and as long as there is a contract, that’s ok in their society. Long story short, these two fall in insta-love, but can’t ever get married or have kids, because of his lineage issues. And despite the light Felicia brings to his life, things continue to suck for Talyn because his C.O. hates him and is determined to make his life a living hell. That commander and his cronies end up tying in with Nykyrian’s evil brother and the corrupt government that is destined to be overthrown.
This book feels just like the ones that came before it. The hero is abused but maintains hope. The heroine is his saving grace. She is gentle with his heart and is like a fierce little pixie, determined to protect him. Some people will love it for that reason, because it’s just like the other ones and we obviously liked those enough to keep reading. Others may be ready for something different. These books don’t stretch or grow. Kenyon has found a formula that she likes and just uses it over and over again.
For me, it was like reminiscing with an old friend. It was pleasant, but I am getting tired of hearing the same old stories. Even the dialogue and endearments felt tired. Not bad, just overly familiar.
Plus, I kept waiting for Fain to show up and make things better for Talyn. I know his book is coming and I guess it will be addressed there, but his absence left me feeling like something was missing.
I don’t know. It was ok. I liked it. I didn’t love it.
Rating: B/B-
*ARC provided by publisher
May 20, 2015
I was so disappointed with this book. Absolutely, categorically cannot be read without having read the others in the series AND having a total recall of events.
This book seemed to be in two distinct sections. The first, and longest, was very depressing. Talyn is a fantastic person, a great Andarion who epitomises everything the race holds dear. Yet because he is illegitimate and his father has been disowned he is the lowest of the low. The men of the ruling family also have it in for him so his life is one long punishment with petty annoyances and restrictions not faced by others. He is so low that he is willing to pay his entire salary for a companion, something that normally only old men pay for, to at least show him some compassion - even if it is fake and she hates him. Instead he gets Felicia. Herself illegitimate but acknowledged, she is impressed by his gentle nature and good manners. However, nothing ever goes smoothly and Talyn suffers one humiliation after another. Demoted, punished and much much more it just goes on and on and on. Honestly I felt there was no point in reading on because I couldn't believe Talyn could survive any more.
Then, the second part (probably the last 30% of the book) was like seeing the other side of a story you already know - the only problem is although I have read the previous seven books I don't have a total recall of events and I was totally at sea. So much happens off-stage it is totally confusing.
Overall, I felt that it was a chore to finish the book, most of the action took place elsewhere and Talyn arrived after the event. Also I couldn't reconcile the actions and attitudes of the Andarion soldiers. They despised Talyn and refused to allow him such simple amenities as using the communal bathrooms. Yet, towards the end the soldiers he leads suddenly will follow him anywhere. Either the soldiers should loath him always because of his birth or they should grudgingly learn to respect him for his behaviour but it seemed as though until the start of the book, none of the soldiers he worked with day-in and day-out had any respect for him at all.
Anyway, I have loved the previous books but this one went too far. Each of the Sentella has had a story more dark and depressing than the last but this one went too far for me.
This book seemed to be in two distinct sections. The first, and longest, was very depressing. Talyn is a fantastic person, a great Andarion who epitomises everything the race holds dear. Yet because he is illegitimate and his father has been disowned he is the lowest of the low. The men of the ruling family also have it in for him so his life is one long punishment with petty annoyances and restrictions not faced by others. He is so low that he is willing to pay his entire salary for a companion, something that normally only old men pay for, to at least show him some compassion - even if it is fake and she hates him. Instead he gets Felicia. Herself illegitimate but acknowledged, she is impressed by his gentle nature and good manners. However, nothing ever goes smoothly and Talyn suffers one humiliation after another. Demoted, punished and much much more it just goes on and on and on. Honestly I felt there was no point in reading on because I couldn't believe Talyn could survive any more.
Then, the second part (probably the last 30% of the book) was like seeing the other side of a story you already know - the only problem is although I have read the previous seven books I don't have a total recall of events and I was totally at sea. So much happens off-stage it is totally confusing.
Overall, I felt that it was a chore to finish the book, most of the action took place elsewhere and Talyn arrived after the event. Also I couldn't reconcile the actions and attitudes of the Andarion soldiers. They despised Talyn and refused to allow him such simple amenities as using the communal bathrooms. Yet, towards the end the soldiers he leads suddenly will follow him anywhere. Either the soldiers should loath him always because of his birth or they should grudgingly learn to respect him for his behaviour but it seemed as though until the start of the book, none of the soldiers he worked with day-in and day-out had any respect for him at all.
Anyway, I have loved the previous books but this one went too far. Each of the Sentella has had a story more dark and depressing than the last but this one went too far for me.
September 29, 2015
Talyn Batur hasn't had life easy, as a male with a missing blood line he is deemed an Outcast, he will never be permitted to marry or have children, and is hated by his own people. But, after years of toil both in the military and as a fighter, he is determined to have something of his own to ease his loneliness a little. However, bringing Tara, a Companion into his life brings more pleasure....and pain than he can ever imagine.
Phew, give me a minute! I time to recover, as always Sherrilyn Kenyon has thrown me on an emotional roller coaster and flipped the ON switch on leaving me with barely a second to pull down the safety bar. I'm still slightly out of breath and dizzy but raring to go again! I can't get enough of her League series.
If you have read Kenyon before, than this book is not going to throw any surprises your way, her standard recipe of: One hero, tortured to the point of near insanity, one compassionate and only slightly tortured heroine, a shit load of social injustice, a dash of previous characters.....then shake together firmly. Voila! A Sherrilyn Kenyon book has been created. And although I am poking fun at her formula, I still can't help but enjoy it, I think maybe she also adds a pinch of crack...cos I am a League addict.
Talyn and Felicia was almost unbearably sweet together, right from the start they suited each other perfectly and I couldn't help but be invested in their romance having a HEA. Kenyon really puts you through the emotional wringer with Born of Defiance but I really fell in love with the pair. The timeline of this one is also back to the beginning of the series and coincides with the events of Born of Night, around the time when Nyk is discovered by his family, making Born of Defiance take place in a time full of rebellion and action, something which added some extra excitement and danger to the book.
Another great book in the League series and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Phew, give me a minute! I time to recover, as always Sherrilyn Kenyon has thrown me on an emotional roller coaster and flipped the ON switch on leaving me with barely a second to pull down the safety bar. I'm still slightly out of breath and dizzy but raring to go again! I can't get enough of her League series.
If you have read Kenyon before, than this book is not going to throw any surprises your way, her standard recipe of: One hero, tortured to the point of near insanity, one compassionate and only slightly tortured heroine, a shit load of social injustice, a dash of previous characters.....then shake together firmly. Voila! A Sherrilyn Kenyon book has been created. And although I am poking fun at her formula, I still can't help but enjoy it, I think maybe she also adds a pinch of crack...cos I am a League addict.
Talyn and Felicia was almost unbearably sweet together, right from the start they suited each other perfectly and I couldn't help but be invested in their romance having a HEA. Kenyon really puts you through the emotional wringer with Born of Defiance but I really fell in love with the pair. The timeline of this one is also back to the beginning of the series and coincides with the events of Born of Night, around the time when Nyk is discovered by his family, making Born of Defiance take place in a time full of rebellion and action, something which added some extra excitement and danger to the book.
Another great book in the League series and I cannot wait to read the next one!
October 30, 2015
I feel I should start this review by setting this book in context so that other readers will know exactly where it fits in this series. Firstly it's events take place at exactly the same time as those in Born of Night which is Nykrians story. Secondly it in many ways advances the story from the previous book Born of Fury as it takes the reader even further into the bizarre and twisted world known as Andaria and in particular the Hauk family. Fain Hauk is the father of Talyn but as the reader quickly discovers that's not necessarily a good thing.
So Talyn has the misfortune to have been born of Andarian parents and their's is a culture that values blood lines more than anything. Vain, merciless people who willingly ostracise family members when their taboos are infringed . Yes it's fair to say I hate this prejudiced world and yet our hero Talyn is proud to serve his people. Considered the lowest of the low due to his fathers family not accepting him Talyn has nevertheless fought his way through the ranks and as the story begins he is a Major . Trouble is his commanding officer is part of a family who hate Talyns mother and poor Talyn constantly pays the price. Yet Talyn never gives in and takes a chance to contract a "companion" named Felicia. In their society it's acceptable to "sell" yourself as long as proper rules and procedures are followed but this lonely couple quickly learn to love each other. Unfortunately due to lineage issues they will never be able to marry no matter how much they might wish to. Talyns commander does everything he can to tear them apart and soon Talyn finds himself a pawn in a deadly game that could overthrow the government !
This book in many ways feels quite similar to the previous one. Indeed the abuse Talyn suffers seems very familiar. Talyn is brave but quite brutal and I don't think he ever let's pain stop him which felt a tad unbelievable at times. His saving grace is his sweet nature when it comes to those he cares for. He has willingly suffered for his mother and then Felicia comes into his life. Felicia may be gentle but she's also bright and possessed by a fierce love for Talyn that shines through.
I love this series and fans like myself will enjoy this story as it is laying down the groundwork for Fains story which hopefully isn't too far off now. Remember I mentioned Nykrian ? Well this ties in quite nicely with his story too as his evil brother features here. So all in all this was time well spent by me even though I still detest the prejudiced Andarians. The only thing that might have improved it was Fain himself appearing but I guess the author has other ideas for him and I for one cannot wait!
Fabulous space opera and a series that I cannot recommend highly enough
So Talyn has the misfortune to have been born of Andarian parents and their's is a culture that values blood lines more than anything. Vain, merciless people who willingly ostracise family members when their taboos are infringed . Yes it's fair to say I hate this prejudiced world and yet our hero Talyn is proud to serve his people. Considered the lowest of the low due to his fathers family not accepting him Talyn has nevertheless fought his way through the ranks and as the story begins he is a Major . Trouble is his commanding officer is part of a family who hate Talyns mother and poor Talyn constantly pays the price. Yet Talyn never gives in and takes a chance to contract a "companion" named Felicia. In their society it's acceptable to "sell" yourself as long as proper rules and procedures are followed but this lonely couple quickly learn to love each other. Unfortunately due to lineage issues they will never be able to marry no matter how much they might wish to. Talyns commander does everything he can to tear them apart and soon Talyn finds himself a pawn in a deadly game that could overthrow the government !
This book in many ways feels quite similar to the previous one. Indeed the abuse Talyn suffers seems very familiar. Talyn is brave but quite brutal and I don't think he ever let's pain stop him which felt a tad unbelievable at times. His saving grace is his sweet nature when it comes to those he cares for. He has willingly suffered for his mother and then Felicia comes into his life. Felicia may be gentle but she's also bright and possessed by a fierce love for Talyn that shines through.
I love this series and fans like myself will enjoy this story as it is laying down the groundwork for Fains story which hopefully isn't too far off now. Remember I mentioned Nykrian ? Well this ties in quite nicely with his story too as his evil brother features here. So all in all this was time well spent by me even though I still detest the prejudiced Andarians. The only thing that might have improved it was Fain himself appearing but I guess the author has other ideas for him and I for one cannot wait!
Fabulous space opera and a series that I cannot recommend highly enough
December 22, 2021
Note: While this is Book 8* in the series, chronologically it takes place concurrently with the events in book 1 (Born of Night). Though it’s really better read between 7 (Born of Fury) & 9 (Born of Betrayal), even if you’re a die-hard-read-chronologically like me.
This ties with Born of Fury for being my favorite of the series. I just love Talyn & Felicia - both as individuals and as a couple. Felicia, while not a warrior or fighter, is especially fierce and loyal. Strong in her own ways. Talyn puts up with so much through no fault of his own and all he wants is someone to love and to maybe even care for him back.
I adore the story that Kenyon has written for them in terms of pacing, suspense, and even their very sweet (but yes, still steamy) romance. I like how Kenyon uses this to fill in some blanks that were left in the Andarion history/politics when the focus was more on the specific timeframe and other aristocracies for each of the previous books.
This is also absolutely a must-read before Fain’s book, Born of Betrayal. It’s a huge back story to that.
*The numbering for the books changed at some point. Originally, Cloak & Silence was book 5.5. Then it began being listed as book 6 with subsequent book’s numbering bumped up accordingly.
Narration: Fred Berman’s narration was terrific again. He’s very consistent with the Andarion accent he did with the last book and still manages to differentiate all the different characters. It’s a great listen.
This ties with Born of Fury for being my favorite of the series. I just love Talyn & Felicia - both as individuals and as a couple. Felicia, while not a warrior or fighter, is especially fierce and loyal. Strong in her own ways. Talyn puts up with so much through no fault of his own and all he wants is someone to love and to maybe even care for him back.
I adore the story that Kenyon has written for them in terms of pacing, suspense, and even their very sweet (but yes, still steamy) romance. I like how Kenyon uses this to fill in some blanks that were left in the Andarion history/politics when the focus was more on the specific timeframe and other aristocracies for each of the previous books.
This is also absolutely a must-read before Fain’s book, Born of Betrayal. It’s a huge back story to that.
*The numbering for the books changed at some point. Originally, Cloak & Silence was book 5.5. Then it began being listed as book 6 with subsequent book’s numbering bumped up accordingly.
Narration: Fred Berman’s narration was terrific again. He’s very consistent with the Andarion accent he did with the last book and still manages to differentiate all the different characters. It’s a great listen.
May 13, 2015
Oh god, she so tortures them all
November 27, 2019
Glancing at the reviews made me a little nervous about reading this one as everyone seemed upset by the jump back in time and the new characters. But for me, I felt like this book had to be put where it was to make the next book in the series make sense. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and it was fun to read what was going on on Andaria from the other side of the equation instead of Nyk's.
I really liked Talyn Batur. He's an honorable man stuck with a horrid lot in life. Makes me want to smack the Andarians over the head with their own brand of stupid. His and Felicia's relationship was just so sweet. At the same time she's quite the little spitfire when pressed. I liked how they were together and that it was the only place in his life where Talyn could relax and let down his guard a little. Even with the evil Anatole's were doing their best to make his life shit. Grrrrrrrr.
Once the true action of the second half of the novel kicked off it was a lot of fun as well. You already had an inkling of what was happening elsewhere and who people were because of the other books. I loved getting a little more about Jayne and her husband Hadrian in this one too. I feel like either I was reminded of things I already knew or got some way cool new pieces of information about them in this one.
All in all I was quite happy with this book as another great read in one of my all time favorite series'.
I really liked Talyn Batur. He's an honorable man stuck with a horrid lot in life. Makes me want to smack the Andarians over the head with their own brand of stupid. His and Felicia's relationship was just so sweet. At the same time she's quite the little spitfire when pressed. I liked how they were together and that it was the only place in his life where Talyn could relax and let down his guard a little. Even with the evil Anatole's were doing their best to make his life shit. Grrrrrrrr.
Once the true action of the second half of the novel kicked off it was a lot of fun as well. You already had an inkling of what was happening elsewhere and who people were because of the other books. I loved getting a little more about Jayne and her husband Hadrian in this one too. I feel like either I was reminded of things I already knew or got some way cool new pieces of information about them in this one.
All in all I was quite happy with this book as another great read in one of my all time favorite series'.
March 9, 2016
5/2015
The book is ok, nothing special. I'm absolutely certain that I would have appreciated the story more had it been released earlier in the series. As it is, I was not expecting it to be about characters we hadn't met before and to take place during the same time period as the first two book in the series. (Although now I understand why it was described as a First Gen book even if it's about Second Gen characters.)
Talyn is an ok guy, Felicia is an ok female, but not very interesting.
This book lacked the fun and comraderie of the others. There was very little snark and watching people interact with each other, which made the other books enjoyable, especially Born of Fury.
Ms. Kenyon seems to have gotten away from her crutch of having people find out information about their love interest by either evesdropping or having someone tell secrets they shouldn't. This couple actually knew how to communicate, which was nice. There were also many, many fewer sentences that end in "that he'd ever known" (or seen, or felt...) I'm tempted to give the book five stars just for that, because her constant use of variations of that phrase in every one of her books, over and over again was starting to drive me insane.
It was basically a sort of set up for Fain's book, and I wish it had been the length of Maris and Ture's book (which really should've been full length.)
Here's hoping that Fain's book is more along the lines of Dancer's. In the meantime I'll go reread that instead of Born of Defiance.
The book is ok, nothing special. I'm absolutely certain that I would have appreciated the story more had it been released earlier in the series. As it is, I was not expecting it to be about characters we hadn't met before and to take place during the same time period as the first two book in the series. (Although now I understand why it was described as a First Gen book even if it's about Second Gen characters.)
Talyn is an ok guy, Felicia is an ok female, but not very interesting.
This book lacked the fun and comraderie of the others. There was very little snark and watching people interact with each other, which made the other books enjoyable, especially Born of Fury.
Ms. Kenyon seems to have gotten away from her crutch of having people find out information about their love interest by either evesdropping or having someone tell secrets they shouldn't. This couple actually knew how to communicate, which was nice. There were also many, many fewer sentences that end in "that he'd ever known" (or seen, or felt...) I'm tempted to give the book five stars just for that, because her constant use of variations of that phrase in every one of her books, over and over again was starting to drive me insane.
It was basically a sort of set up for Fain's book, and I wish it had been the length of Maris and Ture's book (which really should've been full length.)
Here's hoping that Fain's book is more along the lines of Dancer's. In the meantime I'll go reread that instead of Born of Defiance.
May 29, 2015
Скорее понравилось, чем нет. В последние годы Кеньон перешла для меня в категорию guilty pleasure. От предыдущих двух лиговских книг почти никакого pleasure я не получила, только страдания, пафос и сахар. Да, в Born of Defiance герои тоже страдают (а то как же, это ж Кеньон), патетика тоже присутствует, но сахара всё же поменьше. Частично потому, что нет в ней "окольцованных" героев прошлых книг, так как *внимание, барабанная дробь* никакая это не Лига 8 (все врут!), хронологически действие этой книги разворачивается параллельно первой. И нигде я не видела никаких предупреждений, поэтому когда начала читать, это очень сбивало с толку, пока сама не разобралась. Никириан становится наследным принцем только в самом конце сего произведения, его монаршия маман большую часть Born of Defiance пребывает в одурманенном состоянии по приказу своей родительницы, а мерзкий братан портит жизнь положительным героям. В целом книга вызывает у меня довольно приятные эмоции, замешанные на ностальгии, именно в такую Кеньон я когда-то влюбилась без памяти. Да, мои вкусы поменялись, но все равно хорошо иногда вспомнить старые-добрые времена.
January 18, 2016
5 stars
Very good book. Enjoyed Talyn and Felicia's story. Even though it wasn't a story about one of the members of the Sentella or anyone else we already know, I still enjoyed it. Poor Talyn and Felicia. Glad Talyn got to become a Commander though. Hope Fain knows about him soon. Liked seeing some members of the Sentella there and Talyn's mother, Galene Batur. Also liked seeing how Nykyrian's mother got on the throne and how the army helped. Can't wait to read Born of Betrayal!!!
Very good book. Enjoyed Talyn and Felicia's story. Even though it wasn't a story about one of the members of the Sentella or anyone else we already know, I still enjoyed it. Poor Talyn and Felicia. Glad Talyn got to become a Commander though. Hope Fain knows about him soon. Liked seeing some members of the Sentella there and Talyn's mother, Galene Batur. Also liked seeing how Nykyrian's mother got on the throne and how the army helped. Can't wait to read Born of Betrayal!!!
January 7, 2016
The eighth addition to The League series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Talyn Batur is of the lowest class of Andarions. His mother never married his father and his father's family refused to acknowledge him. His father is an Outcast. He was disinherited and banished. Still Talyn managed to join the military, like his mother. But Talyn is lonely and can never marry so he decides to hire a companion, Felicia Orfanos. Felicia's parents never married either but her father acknowledged her so she is in a higher class than Talyn. She is currently attending medical school and hopes becoming a companion will help pay for it.
Boy, Sherrilyn Kenyon really knows how to make a hero suffer! Loved it! Personally, I think this book should be read after the first book in the series Born of Night since it takes place during the same timeline. In fact, I wish I had done a reread of it before starting this. But I did remember enough that the story didn't get confusing or anything. I highly recommend this series to SciFi Romance lovers everywhere!
Boy, Sherrilyn Kenyon really knows how to make a hero suffer! Loved it! Personally, I think this book should be read after the first book in the series Born of Night since it takes place during the same timeline. In fact, I wish I had done a reread of it before starting this. But I did remember enough that the story didn't get confusing or anything. I highly recommend this series to SciFi Romance lovers everywhere!
May 15, 2015
Boy, Talyn sure hasn't had an easy life. I loved that he didn't let it make him mean, but hated how he had to turn his back again and again on those that hurt him. I hated how grateful Talyn was for even the smallest kindness, those should have been common place, not the exception. I really liked how Felicia brought out the best in Talyn and was glad that she allowed herself to fall for Talyn.
The last half of the book was so different from the first, more battle than love story, but it fit with the story. I loved how Talyn finally found allies who helped him do what was needed to do for the good of his people. While he still doesn't have the status he should by the end of the book, he is in the best spot possible and is happy.
The last half of the book was so different from the first, more battle than love story, but it fit with the story. I loved how Talyn finally found allies who helped him do what was needed to do for the good of his people. While he still doesn't have the status he should by the end of the book, he is in the best spot possible and is happy.
August 3, 2015
Talyn Batur is torn between loyalty to the planetary government and his own beliefs of justice and right and his decision is a gamble that will save his life or end it in this pulse pounding sci-fi romance. The League series is a complex and fascinating world that never fails to surprise me with all of its unexpected twists and sexy, daring characters that I can’t get enough of, so it’s no surprise that I was up all night reading this one and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this thrilling world.
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
May 14, 2015
I loved this book it puts together pieces missing in Born of Night. Yes, it goes back that far. I can't wait for Fain's book!
I can't wait for this book! Fain's son. Oh man dreamy!He has serious daddy issues and just who can blame him? Not me. In Fain's defense he didn't know but still he damn well knew he slept with a virgin so he should've at least asked. I've only read a little bit of the book at the end of Son of No One but I already like him.
I can't wait for this book! Fain's son. Oh man dreamy!He has serious daddy issues and just who can blame him? Not me. In Fain's defense he didn't know but still he damn well knew he slept with a virgin so he should've at least asked. I've only read a little bit of the book at the end of Son of No One but I already like him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2015
Loved it! Talyn and Felicia's story is heart wrenching but at the same time beautiful. The love between the two came pretty fast, but it worked well. As many Kenyon books I've read I'm still in awe of the amazing characters she creates. Years ago when I picked up the first book Born of Night, I didn't think I would like it. But it was captivating and addicting. Haven't missed a book since. Born of Defiance is intense, sexy and many times sweet. A must read in my book.
Born of Defiance is narrated by Fred Berman. As ever he does an amazing job bring the story and characters alive.
Born of Defiance is narrated by Fred Berman. As ever he does an amazing job bring the story and characters alive.
May 14, 2015
The League is one of my favorite Series, I just love the Universe SK created! I loved this book, it brings back some memories of "Born of night", because it happens in paralel, which I found interesting.. Sometimez we have to go back, to go forward. I cant wait for the next one, Fain's book, now that we know his son, Talyn, I look forward to seeing how their relationship will evolve and how will Fain conquer back Galene. :)
May 20, 2015
4 solid stars.
This is another fine example why Sherrilyn's books are an automatic buy for me. I truly enjoyed it. I loved learning more about Janie and her hubby. Loved both main characters. They were very likable and acted their age. I can't wait for Fain to get his arse handed back to him by Galene and maybe his pretty face can meet the iron hammer's fist a few times too!
This is another fine example why Sherrilyn's books are an automatic buy for me. I truly enjoyed it. I loved learning more about Janie and her hubby. Loved both main characters. They were very likable and acted their age. I can't wait for Fain to get his arse handed back to him by Galene and maybe his pretty face can meet the iron hammer's fist a few times too!
July 22, 2015
Love this series a lot. I like how this was set in the past a bit and we got to relive a little from the first book with Nykyrian and Kiara first met and the Andarians still thought he died as a young boy. Loved how Talyn was like a fierce huge teddy bear. Can't wait for the next one.
June 24, 2019
Extremely predictable story, and yet it was a very satisfying read.
Talyn is the classic Kenyon hero, tortured, recluse, universally feared and a bit of a brute, albeit with a heart of gold, while Felicia is beautiful, sweet, with a backbone made of steel. Those two get through the grinder and although they fall in love pretty easily, the problems and enemies they face are non ending, keeping the reader on her toes. Runs almost parallel with Nykyrian's story, which started (re)reading right away.
Talyn is the classic Kenyon hero, tortured, recluse, universally feared and a bit of a brute, albeit with a heart of gold, while Felicia is beautiful, sweet, with a backbone made of steel. Those two get through the grinder and although they fall in love pretty easily, the problems and enemies they face are non ending, keeping the reader on her toes. Runs almost parallel with Nykyrian's story, which started (re)reading right away.
July 29, 2015
I have to say I was a bit disappointed by this book. It wasn't a bad book at all, in fact it was quite an enjoyable story for the most part, but I really felt like it added nothing to the series and left me feeling a little lost. This book takes us back in time and pretty much parallel's Nyk's book (which was the first book in the series). It follows the story of Talyn Batur who connects with the rest of the series as Fain's son.
Explaining my rating
When I first saw the synopsis of this book my first thought was who the hell is Talyn and why is he getting a book when there are so many amazing characters who's story I have to know?, my next thought was what a boring synopsis. But I love SK and I know she would never lead me astray, so I went on her site and got excited when she explains that this book needed to be told because it would give info on the Tavali, Jayne's secrets and Nero's background, as well as a lot about the Andarions. But after reading this book, I feel like all the key info could have been included in Fain's book. But I haven't read Fain's book yet, so I can't say whether this book was necessary or not yet... we'll just have to wait and see for that.
Though I still feel a little robbed by this story, I really wanted to read more about the characters I have grown to love and a completely new character felt a little sucky. I also didn't like that we didn't get much about Fain's part in this book, in fact he never even features except as a name drop... which irritated me. I kept waiting for the Fain I love and know to show up and explain everything. This book made him seem like an asshole and that bothered me.
Stepping away from the series...
Talyn is an amazing character, I love how powerful and compassionate he is. It was quite difficult to picture him as the young man he is, and it's hard to associate him as Fain's son in terms of age. The fighting was great to read about and I really enjoyed how Felicia and Talyn meet and get together. And I was surprised that even though Felicia isn't your awesome kick-ass female, I really liked her. The romance worked for me and I really enjoyed that element of the story.
I did find that this book was a bit predictable at times, but it was great to get some surprises . The one thing that made this book a bit overbearing was the Andarion history and laws. I have to say it all got so complicated and with the hard to pronounce and long winded names, it all kinda gave me a headache. But I really enjoyed the overall story and it was interesting to read the events of Nyk's story from another POV.
At the end of the day, this book was difficult to review because of its part in a series that I greatly love. It's a fun story, but nothing as amazing as some of the other books in the series. It did feel a bit rushed and I'm left with this feeling of something missing. I feel like the book needed something more to end it off, but I'm excited for Fain's book and maybe it will bring everything together.
Explaining my rating
When I first saw the synopsis of this book my first thought was who the hell is Talyn and why is he getting a book when there are so many amazing characters who's story I have to know?, my next thought was what a boring synopsis. But I love SK and I know she would never lead me astray, so I went on her site and got excited when she explains that this book needed to be told because it would give info on the Tavali, Jayne's secrets and Nero's background, as well as a lot about the Andarions. But after reading this book, I feel like all the key info could have been included in Fain's book. But I haven't read Fain's book yet, so I can't say whether this book was necessary or not yet... we'll just have to wait and see for that.
Though I still feel a little robbed by this story, I really wanted to read more about the characters I have grown to love and a completely new character felt a little sucky. I also didn't like that we didn't get much about Fain's part in this book, in fact he never even features except as a name drop... which irritated me. I kept waiting for the Fain I love and know to show up and explain everything. This book made him seem like an asshole and that bothered me.
Stepping away from the series...
Talyn is an amazing character, I love how powerful and compassionate he is. It was quite difficult to picture him as the young man he is, and it's hard to associate him as Fain's son in terms of age. The fighting was great to read about and I really enjoyed how Felicia and Talyn meet and get together. And I was surprised that even though Felicia isn't your awesome kick-ass female, I really liked her. The romance worked for me and I really enjoyed that element of the story.
I did find that this book was a bit predictable at times, but it was great to get some surprises . The one thing that made this book a bit overbearing was the Andarion history and laws. I have to say it all got so complicated and with the hard to pronounce and long winded names, it all kinda gave me a headache. But I really enjoyed the overall story and it was interesting to read the events of Nyk's story from another POV.
At the end of the day, this book was difficult to review because of its part in a series that I greatly love. It's a fun story, but nothing as amazing as some of the other books in the series. It did feel a bit rushed and I'm left with this feeling of something missing. I feel like the book needed something more to end it off, but I'm excited for Fain's book and maybe it will bring everything together.
May 22, 2015
I'd call this about a 3.5, but I'll bump it up. I spent much of the book confused about the timeframe. Since Talyn was introduced in Born of Fury, I just expected this to follow that book directly. Which, of course, means I also expected Fain to be a factor in the story. But I guess Kenyon's saving that for the next book, because this book takes place years before that. (I say years; I honestly have no idea what kind of time we're talking about here, but since Nykerian gets acknowledged as Andarion crown prince at the end of this book, and if I recall correctly, he has multiple children by the time Fain came around in the last book, I'm sticking with years.) It really took me way too long to glom on to that fact, and even when I felt I had it I still kept second-guessing myself, so I feel like I read it in a fog. I'm sure a second read would go much better, now that I indisputably know the time setting.
Anyway, as a romance, it was just ok--way too insta-lovey. But as a viewpoint into the tyranny that makes up Andarion society, it was quite interesting. We got one angle already with Hauk's story, but Talyn's story of growing up as the unacknowledged son of an Outcast and the predjudice and derision that he had to take on a daily basis certainly paints an even uglier picture. (I kept wanting to scream, "Just go join the Sentella, already!!" But of course, the timeframe wasn't right for that yet, making it even more frustrating.) The backstage view into the Andarion coup that ended up with Nykerian's mother in charge, was also much much more interesting than the romance itself.
The way Talyn and his companion were introduced in the last book also helped contribute to my ongoing cloud of confusion--for some reason, I was under the impression that it wasn't a particularly romantic relationship (or that it was more so on his side than hers), but maybe that was just Hauk's or Fain's predjudices coming through rather than formed on any actual basis. It makes me want to go back and see what was really said. When it comes down to it, however, this is essentially just set-up for the next book, in which Talyn's parents finally reunite. We know have the full picture of what life was like for Galene and Talyn after Fain abandoned them, plus we have a pretty good picture of what Fain's life was like after he left them. So we're now perfectly poised to lance that boil and let the healing begin!! Even knowing the foregone conclusion, I'm still chomping at the bit to get to that story.
Anyway, as a romance, it was just ok--way too insta-lovey. But as a viewpoint into the tyranny that makes up Andarion society, it was quite interesting. We got one angle already with Hauk's story, but Talyn's story of growing up as the unacknowledged son of an Outcast and the predjudice and derision that he had to take on a daily basis certainly paints an even uglier picture. (I kept wanting to scream, "Just go join the Sentella, already!!" But of course, the timeframe wasn't right for that yet, making it even more frustrating.) The backstage view into the Andarion coup that ended up with Nykerian's mother in charge, was also much much more interesting than the romance itself.
The way Talyn and his companion were introduced in the last book also helped contribute to my ongoing cloud of confusion--for some reason, I was under the impression that it wasn't a particularly romantic relationship (or that it was more so on his side than hers), but maybe that was just Hauk's or Fain's predjudices coming through rather than formed on any actual basis. It makes me want to go back and see what was really said. When it comes down to it, however, this is essentially just set-up for the next book, in which Talyn's parents finally reunite. We know have the full picture of what life was like for Galene and Talyn after Fain abandoned them, plus we have a pretty good picture of what Fain's life was like after he left them. So we're now perfectly poised to lance that boil and let the healing begin!! Even knowing the foregone conclusion, I'm still chomping at the bit to get to that story.
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