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Legends of the Goldens #1
Forbidden Playground
Part human. Part alien. Being superhuman doesn't make them immune to love. Or to heartbreak. Akeelah never asks to be different. She sure doesn't ask to be a hybrid. She doesn't want to be a psychic orbweaver like her people-able to create new worlds with only a thought. She. Just. Wants. To. Be. A. Girl. More precisely, Saffron's girl. Saffron's her best friend, a hybrid like her-and hot. Being superhuman doesn't make him immune to love. Or heartbreak. His one focus-Akeelah. Coming into their powers and against the wishes of their android guardians, together Akeelah and Saffron practice their psychic skills. Because of the dangers of orbweaving, the guardians they trust take Akeelah away, zap her memory. Saffron can't live without Akeelah. All he wants is her memory restored, so she knows she's in love with him. But trust is rare in a world full of deception, androids, and aliens-even when two people love each other.
- GenresRomance
348 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2013
7 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
S.B.K. Burns
11 books55 followersAuthor of New Adult Book Series:
Hybrid published: self, Simon & Schuster and Soul Mate.
Sci-fi Romance: LEGENDS OF THE GOLDENS: About a race of space-faring, do-gooder vampires who come to Earth to learn how to chill out from some pretty talented humans. Oh, yes, and they also can restore your soul if you happen to get bit by the baddies.
Read in sequence: FORBIDDEN PLAYGROUND, DANCING DRAGONS, A FAR FAR BETTER THING, and LOVE ME, BITE ME.
Stop by my Amazon Author Page.
A FAR FAR BETTER THING is FREE.
Historical Sci-fi Romance Series (elements of time travel and steampunk): AGES OF INVENTION: There are many ways into the past--quantum entanglement, past life regression, channeling--their fueling all depends on the FLOW. So far the time-traveling quantum computer has taken our lovers to Scotland of the past (1717) a time of lenses and telescopes (ENTANGLED). And in FLY LIKE AN EAGLE, Philadelphia of 1824 sees the opening of the Franklin Institute of Science and a rare glimpse of Franklin's kite experiment--in action. [Cameos from Leibniz, Newton, Amelia Earhart, and H.G. Wells.]
WEBSITE: www.SusanBurnsAuthor.com
BRAND: Heroines with Attitude/Heroes with Heart
SCI-FI THEMES: Blending Science with Spirituality
[THESE NOVELS ARE NOT SWEET ROMANCES. READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL!)]
In pre-order and newly out, a romantic suspense, OPEN SEASON ON LOVE AND DEATH: Maddy is about to challenge the number one player in the world--both on and off the court. How unfortunate. His mother is willing to do everything she can to thwart her--including poison.
Before the end of the year: SPACE FOR US, a sci-fi romantic space opera, that exposes part of my secret life as an aerospace forensics engineer, will be published, through, I hope, my first agent.
Hybrid published: self, Simon & Schuster and Soul Mate.
Sci-fi Romance: LEGENDS OF THE GOLDENS: About a race of space-faring, do-gooder vampires who come to Earth to learn how to chill out from some pretty talented humans. Oh, yes, and they also can restore your soul if you happen to get bit by the baddies.
Read in sequence: FORBIDDEN PLAYGROUND, DANCING DRAGONS, A FAR FAR BETTER THING, and LOVE ME, BITE ME.
Stop by my Amazon Author Page.
A FAR FAR BETTER THING is FREE.
Historical Sci-fi Romance Series (elements of time travel and steampunk): AGES OF INVENTION: There are many ways into the past--quantum entanglement, past life regression, channeling--their fueling all depends on the FLOW. So far the time-traveling quantum computer has taken our lovers to Scotland of the past (1717) a time of lenses and telescopes (ENTANGLED). And in FLY LIKE AN EAGLE, Philadelphia of 1824 sees the opening of the Franklin Institute of Science and a rare glimpse of Franklin's kite experiment--in action. [Cameos from Leibniz, Newton, Amelia Earhart, and H.G. Wells.]
WEBSITE: www.SusanBurnsAuthor.com
BRAND: Heroines with Attitude/Heroes with Heart
SCI-FI THEMES: Blending Science with Spirituality
[THESE NOVELS ARE NOT SWEET ROMANCES. READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL!)]
In pre-order and newly out, a romantic suspense, OPEN SEASON ON LOVE AND DEATH: Maddy is about to challenge the number one player in the world--both on and off the court. How unfortunate. His mother is willing to do everything she can to thwart her--including poison.
Before the end of the year: SPACE FOR US, a sci-fi romantic space opera, that exposes part of my secret life as an aerospace forensics engineer, will be published, through, I hope, my first agent.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 27, 2015
From the opening pages of “Forbidden Playground” I knew it would be different from the books I’ve been reading lately and I was right! Ms. Burns sets of the scene and characterizations in a skillful way that not only pulls us in, but creates great visualizations and elicits emotional investments. I truly cared about the characters’ fates, and was shocked and saddened (and relieved!!) at certain things (no spoilers!). An interesting and diverse cast of dynamic characters, along with several intriguing plotlines interwoven against unique fantasy setting makes this a memorable read for me. Highly recommend!
October 31, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book although there were a couple parts that were a bit confusing. The story has a good plot though Golden Hybrids( aliens) have to mate with humans in order to save there species. The book's genre is somewhat a coming-of-age story for the two main characters Akeelah and Saffron(which are Golden Hybrids) as they learn who they are and what they are capable of together. Akeelah and Saffron go through many dangerous adventures toghether throughout the book.I really loved the book!!!
I enjoyed reading this book although there were a couple parts that were a bit confusing. The story has a good plot though Golden Hybrids( aliens) have to mate with humans in order to save there species. The book's genre is somewhat a coming-of-age story for the two main characters Akeelah and Saffron(which are Golden Hybrids) as they learn who they are and what they are capable of together. Akeelah and Saffron go through many dangerous adventures toghether throughout the book.I really loved the book!!!
July 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While this book was often confusing (more on that later) I think the idea behind this story is neat. Aliens come to Earth and mix with humans to save their race. For the two main characters, Akeelah and Saffron, it is almost a coming of age story as they learn who they are and what they can do. Akeelah is a bit naïve but I love her tenacity to go under cover as a boy to discover what her father – and I use the term father loosely here – is up to. Saffron comes off as a bit of a horn dog, but his willingness to mentor the other young boys like himself and his ability to control himself around Akeelah redeems him a little bit. Red, at first, appears to be the bad guy causing the hybrids to lose their focus and thus control. However he turns out to actually want to help the hybrids.
I did enjoy the characters and normally sci-fi is no problem for me, but this novel is very confusing! Throw in alien hybrids, androids, government agents, African albinos, world jumping, creating worlds with just a thought, actual aliens, as well as telepathy, sex, conspiracy groups, gangs and the confusion the characters themselves feel and it is almost too much for one novel. I do think the idea is a good one but I also feel there was too much going on and parts of the story got lost. Only when Akeelah goes undercover and finds Saffron do things sort of fall into place and become a little bit clearer. Sex seems to play an important role in the story but I found it actually distracted from it, the way everyone was obsessing over it. I was also unclear on how the Tanzanian gangs hunting albinos really played into the story. I normally like science fiction, but this book wasn’t really my cup of tea, so because of that I give it a two.
If you like this book…
If you enjoy science fiction books about aliens check out the classic War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. If you believe aliens are among us try Stephanie Meyers’ The Host, and if alien romance is your thing look into the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout!
While this book was often confusing (more on that later) I think the idea behind this story is neat. Aliens come to Earth and mix with humans to save their race. For the two main characters, Akeelah and Saffron, it is almost a coming of age story as they learn who they are and what they can do. Akeelah is a bit naïve but I love her tenacity to go under cover as a boy to discover what her father – and I use the term father loosely here – is up to. Saffron comes off as a bit of a horn dog, but his willingness to mentor the other young boys like himself and his ability to control himself around Akeelah redeems him a little bit. Red, at first, appears to be the bad guy causing the hybrids to lose their focus and thus control. However he turns out to actually want to help the hybrids.
I did enjoy the characters and normally sci-fi is no problem for me, but this novel is very confusing! Throw in alien hybrids, androids, government agents, African albinos, world jumping, creating worlds with just a thought, actual aliens, as well as telepathy, sex, conspiracy groups, gangs and the confusion the characters themselves feel and it is almost too much for one novel. I do think the idea is a good one but I also feel there was too much going on and parts of the story got lost. Only when Akeelah goes undercover and finds Saffron do things sort of fall into place and become a little bit clearer. Sex seems to play an important role in the story but I found it actually distracted from it, the way everyone was obsessing over it. I was also unclear on how the Tanzanian gangs hunting albinos really played into the story. I normally like science fiction, but this book wasn’t really my cup of tea, so because of that I give it a two.
If you like this book…
If you enjoy science fiction books about aliens check out the classic War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. If you believe aliens are among us try Stephanie Meyers’ The Host, and if alien romance is your thing look into the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout!
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January 5, 2016Akeelah Everett (hybrid, psychic) holds some remarkable powers/capabilities.
Saffron (hybrid, psychic, solipsist) kind of has his eyes on her.
Akeelah is not fond of being a psychic orbweaver.
The guardians the 2 know capture/kidnap Akeelah.
The book is filled with other cool stuff like tele-pathing, teleporting (portals) & psychic healing Where will the characters journey end up next?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Another one not my normal read but I enjoyed it. I would have loved to have seen pictures. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Soul Mate Publishing; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Saffron (hybrid, psychic, solipsist) kind of has his eyes on her.
Akeelah is not fond of being a psychic orbweaver.
The guardians the 2 know capture/kidnap Akeelah.
The book is filled with other cool stuff like tele-pathing, teleporting (portals) & psychic healing Where will the characters journey end up next?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. Another one not my normal read but I enjoyed it. I would have loved to have seen pictures. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Soul Mate Publishing; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 23, 2016
In Forbidden Playground, Akeelah and Saffron are facing dangers from all sides of the situation they find themselves in. First, their home in Tanzania is under a forced evacuation with a group trying to relocate them away from a nearby newly active volcano, only the group that is claiming to want to help may be involved in the disappearances of local women. Akeelah and Saffron, who are both hybrids or part human and alien, are also under oppressive care from those who take care of such hybrids. Akeela and Saffron find themselves not knowing who to trust after an accident involving their powers, and their strong feeling for each other cloud their judgement and may help or hurt their ability to survive.
Burns quickly build up the powers that Akeela and Saffron wield, and this creates a strong and interesting world for the story. I think she also captures the feeling of young people in love, with the overwhelming feelings, especially Akeela’s fear of what she feels and how this informs her behavior.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Burns quickly build up the powers that Akeela and Saffron wield, and this creates a strong and interesting world for the story. I think she also captures the feeling of young people in love, with the overwhelming feelings, especially Akeela’s fear of what she feels and how this informs her behavior.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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January 21, 2017The idea of mental sex is interesting, maybe more fulfilling than reality sex. Of course we add in the idea of aliens who have lived among us, but don't really understand us, is interesting. I would have liked to learned more about the aliens and why they are here and have not left. I guess the chaotic nature of humans can be appealing, especially to those who don't experience our emotions. I hope to see a book by this author dealing with the aliens and their arrival on this planet.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews