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Irdesi Empire #1
Sigil
He will possess her in every way.
After a century, The Irdesi Emperor has finally cornered their species’ only female. Sovereign and his fanatic brothers are closing in, driving Sigil to desperation.
They outnumber her, they are stronger, and they are relentless.
Sovereign knows her secrets better than Sigil knows herself. He knows she was conditioned to hate him. It changes nothing. The Emperor cannot help but crave her - just as his loyal brothers crave her.
The entire future of their species hinges on Sovereign’s ability to dominate the slippery renegade and make her feel the truth of what she is. She is his Consort. She is his obsession - a bride destined to be shared with and adored by his kin... to be satiated and ruled, to be overpowered and healed of her compulsions by any means necessary.
She has no choice in the matter. The empire will stop at nothing. Sigil will belong to them; she will be made to love them, even if they are forced to rip the galaxy apart to claim her.
Publisher’s Note: The first novella in Addison Cain's provocative and raw Irdesi Empire series is a dark tale with explicit sexual themes and complete power exchange. Some scenes are written to be disturbing. If such material offends you, please do not read it.
176 pages, ebook
First published September 29, 2016
1471 people are currently reading
1619 people want to read
About the author
Addison Cain
56 books4,531 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author and Amazon Top 25 bestselling author, Addison Cain is best known for her dark romances, smoldering paranormal suspense, and twisted alien worlds. Her antiheroes are not always redeemable, her lead females stand fierce, and nothing is ever as it seems.
Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.
Visit her website: addisoncain.com
Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/AddisonCainNewsletter
Amazon: amzn.to/2ryj4LH
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AddisonCain
Bookbub Deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cain
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AddisonlCain/
Addison Cain’s Dark Longings Lounge Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/DarkLongingsL...
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!
The Golden Line
The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)
Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced
The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)
Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic
A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark
Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun
Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate
Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.
Visit her website: addisoncain.com
Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/AddisonCainNewsletter
Amazon: amzn.to/2ryj4LH
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AddisonCain
Bookbub Deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cain
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AddisonlCain/
Addison Cain’s Dark Longings Lounge Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/DarkLongingsL...
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!
The Golden Line
The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)
Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced
The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)
Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic
A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark
Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun
Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
January 10, 2020
3 Stars
I liked this...but Sovereign and Sigil are not Claire and Shepherd. And there was definitely that connection lacking. The world-building was also a tad hazy for me. But still decent. I will eventually read the next one, but not until I know the series is complete.
I liked this...but Sovereign and Sigil are not Claire and Shepherd. And there was definitely that connection lacking. The world-building was also a tad hazy for me. But still decent. I will eventually read the next one, but not until I know the series is complete.
August 9, 2020
5 Stars
Book Review
Release Date-29/9/18
I suppose we're both monsters; Black hair hung in his eyes as he turned her chin to taste her mouth. "At least I didn't try to eat her, lost lamb.
Oh, my Star and moon this was bloody good, like seriously, I really couldn't get enough of this darkly sadistic depraved tale, I'm not even sure how to start describing this madhouse of mayhem.
So this places us in a fictional fantasy landscape set in space, so its a sci-fi Yes? Well, it sort of is but then its also so much more it’s sci-fi ,Erotica, Horror, and dystopian; We have a bit of everything all mashed up together to create this fantastical adventure that I honestly have nothing to compare it to.
Everything that shouldn't have worked did, this author has the exceptional ability to create whole masterpieces her world building skills are phenomenal.
What she's is also a master of is giving me a story that I didn't even know I wanted never mind needed.
I am having quite a time lately with dark fiction that I am struggling to accept emotionally as a result its reflecting in my final book ratings.
I am not even sure what the correct combination for me is so to expect anyone else to get it is a bloody long stretch.
Addison Cain seems to have punched my ticket because she gets the formula correct for me every single time, definite auto-buy author fro me.
This is dark dubious material skirting the fringes constantly in regards to its content.
dub-con bordering at times on non-con and I seriously devoured every depraved scenario we were given.
Oh, Sigil.” Sovereign slid his lips over her ear. “It had to happen this way. Can you not already feel me working inside you, undoing the damage? Does it not satisfy to be mounted by your own kind? Every time we mate, you’ll know completion. You’ll chemically recognize your place until you are healed of the poison they inflicted on you to punish me.
Sigil/Quinn is a complete psychopath with very few redeeming qualities of these anomalies was her compulsion to save neglected children and provide them with an alternative (probably an understandable result of her own horrific childhood).
Also her love for Que her unemotional alien companion and saviour, her devotion and internal gratitude to this particular individual is very apparent.
So while playing the role of master and slave on the space station Pax, Sigil is discovered by the very species that she has been evading for years.
With Sovereign and his brothers now ready to reclaim Sigil as imperial Consort to the Irdesi empire they are willing to do whatever it takes to claim and dominate there elusive escapee.
Sigil is right back at ya and the trials and agonies she is willing to endure to evade sovereigns attentions were truly astounding.
Sovereign I'm still not sure of but I do think he generally cares in his own unique fashion and even when he does what is necessary his words still reflect his hope and blind devotion that Sigil will return his affections some day.
So we left Sigil this on a shocking cliffhanger that had me screaming NO!!!
I will be starting the next instalment immediately, how could I not.
Before I go just a small observation Sigil, in my opinion, is one of the most crazy-ass female characters I have ever encountered.
I mean geez this girl has actually eaten people.
Quinn envisioned plucking out one of his unimaginable eyes and crushing it to jelly—or maybe eating it, swallowing down a piece of him while he watched. The fantasy blossomed, made her smile, and she slipped further into manic bloodlust.
She was completely the bomb and I adored her crazy lab-engineered butt, You so rock girlie.
I am so looking forward to my next Sigil fix.
This one definitely won't be one for everyone, but it was definitely my particular brand of bad.
For clarification, this review is for the re-released book.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 2, 2016
Because I read the author's prior work (Alpha's Claim, Books 1-3), it is hard not to see the similarities...
1) Another tough as nails heroine.
2) Another anti-hero that pursues the heroine, despite her rejection of him.
3) And humans that are also a bit more than human.
You also get another...
1) Unique and fascinating world.
2) Amazingly real and genuine characters.
3) And another story weaved and told in Cain's intricate style.
What to expect...
1) A serial type of series.
2) Another dark tragedy.
3) And no guaranteed hea/hfn.
Overall, a really good dark science fiction novel that I really liked, but not enough romance or erotica imo. Although, it seem like there might be more erotica or romance to come in the next book.
-
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review. A positive rating/review was not requested or required. Review is on ARC version.
April 2, 2017
As much as I enjoyed the Alpha's Claim series, I was quick to pick up another work by Cain. As I mentioned in my previous reviews, one of Cain's strengths is in world building. Instead of a massive dump of descriptive information right at the beginning, we are spoon fed details as the story progresses. It's just enough to get a clear picture without being so much that it overwhelms you. It's masterfully done--perfect.
It's a little bit pnr, a bit sci-fi, some erotica, some horror... It's an odd mix, but it works.
I liked Sigil, aka Quinn. She was a super bad-ass bitch who had zero qualms about killing as many beings as necessary to do what she had to do...or simply because she was bored--could've just been having a bad day too. But she loved her companion Que and had a serious soft spot for children. I loved her.
Sovereign I wasn't so sure about. It took me a while to figure him out and his motivation. Even by the end of the book, I still was not sure how I felt about him or his brothers other than intrigued enough to read the sequel.
I do feel like I should give a trigger warning on this one. It's got some pretty graphic gore, including cannibalism, and there are some scenes I would label as non-con turned dub-con.
Now, on to book two!
It's a little bit pnr, a bit sci-fi, some erotica, some horror... It's an odd mix, but it works.
I liked Sigil, aka Quinn. She was a super bad-ass bitch who had zero qualms about killing as many beings as necessary to do what she had to do...or simply because she was bored--could've just been having a bad day too. But she loved her companion Que and had a serious soft spot for children. I loved her.
Sovereign I wasn't so sure about. It took me a while to figure him out and his motivation. Even by the end of the book, I still was not sure how I felt about him or his brothers other than intrigued enough to read the sequel.
I do feel like I should give a trigger warning on this one. It's got some pretty graphic gore, including cannibalism, and there are some scenes I would label as non-con turned dub-con.
Now, on to book two!
April 10, 2018
Whoa. Whoawhoawhoa.
Phew.
Quinn might be the most terrifying character I've ever read.
The inside of her mind is the stuff nightmares are made of. Nightmares so absolutely horrifying that you can't dream this shit up.
So, why then, am I digging into book 2 as soon as I finish writing this?
I am in absolute awe of Addison Cain's world-building skills. Seriously. I didn't think I'd be more in awe of her writing skills than I was after reading the Alpha's Claim book. But, here I am.
And, let's just say that her mind scares me more than a little bit.
If she ever teaches a creative writing class, sign me up.
This woman is absolutely one of the most talented authors I've ever read.
Phew.
Quinn might be the most terrifying character I've ever read.
The inside of her mind is the stuff nightmares are made of. Nightmares so absolutely horrifying that you can't dream this shit up.
So, why then, am I digging into book 2 as soon as I finish writing this?
I am in absolute awe of Addison Cain's world-building skills. Seriously. I didn't think I'd be more in awe of her writing skills than I was after reading the Alpha's Claim book. But, here I am.
And, let's just say that her mind scares me more than a little bit.
If she ever teaches a creative writing class, sign me up.
This woman is absolutely one of the most talented authors I've ever read.
June 19, 2019
Finally! I’ve waited só long to get my hands on this beauty!
And let me tell you,it was worth the wait! And i know i want more! I NEED Sovereign!
We meet Quinn and her friend Que in a far away corner of space,on Pax. They have been together ever since he found her,and patiently brought her back from the dark place her mind was in. Quinn still has trouble controlling her urges to kill those that stand in her way,but Que knows how to handle it. Until trouble arrives. Because Quinn is Sigil,the Irdesi Emperor’s Consort. And he’s been searching for her....a long time. She is the one for him,and his brothers. And they will stop at nothing to take her home.
I know Sigil is a killer,i know she is brutal at times. But if you look closely,you understand why. And those reasons made me cry. Because what she’s been through from the moment she was created,that alone is enough to make a girl do what she did. Add the fact she’s been programmed to kill Sovereign,and their relation becomes even more troubled.
This is a dark story,one that hurts. It is the kind of story that only Addison can write. And i love it!
Now,to find a way to get my hands on Sovereign.......because i dó need it,badly!
And let me tell you,it was worth the wait! And i know i want more! I NEED Sovereign!
We meet Quinn and her friend Que in a far away corner of space,on Pax. They have been together ever since he found her,and patiently brought her back from the dark place her mind was in. Quinn still has trouble controlling her urges to kill those that stand in her way,but Que knows how to handle it. Until trouble arrives. Because Quinn is Sigil,the Irdesi Emperor’s Consort. And he’s been searching for her....a long time. She is the one for him,and his brothers. And they will stop at nothing to take her home.
I know Sigil is a killer,i know she is brutal at times. But if you look closely,you understand why. And those reasons made me cry. Because what she’s been through from the moment she was created,that alone is enough to make a girl do what she did. Add the fact she’s been programmed to kill Sovereign,and their relation becomes even more troubled.
This is a dark story,one that hurts. It is the kind of story that only Addison can write. And i love it!
Now,to find a way to get my hands on Sovereign.......because i dó need it,badly!
Read
November 15, 2016I need to stay away from this author, her stuff is too heartbreaking for me. Seriously none of her heroines can have any happiness at all. oficially done with this author I know none of these will have an even semi happy ending.
April 20, 2018
So i have put a lot of thought into what i would say in this review.
There is a lot that is wrong with this book.
1. The book was not properly edited, it was difficult to read because it lacked commas in the right places.
2. The violence. This book contains A LOT of useless violence. Sigil spends most of this book self mutilating herself or killing people. I found that this violence took a lot of attention away from the story line.
3. I found that Sigil is a horrible character with ZERO redeeming qualities. So yes, she did have a horrible childhood, but, one would expect that as time goes by in a book that she would start to soften, but no, i am more than halfway into book 2 and there she is, still a horrible person that MAKES every single sex scene look like rape. I mean, if that doesn't put you off, she RIPS OUT the H's eye and SWALLOWS it. Yeah... swallows it.
3. The men never ever retaliated, not once. They acted like spineless little worms that just gave and gave and gave.
I am not finishing the second book. I just cannot find it in myself to read about an abusive h.
There is a lot that is wrong with this book.
1. The book was not properly edited, it was difficult to read because it lacked commas in the right places.
2. The violence. This book contains A LOT of useless violence. Sigil spends most of this book self mutilating herself or killing people. I found that this violence took a lot of attention away from the story line.
3. I found that Sigil is a horrible character with ZERO redeeming qualities. So yes, she did have a horrible childhood, but, one would expect that as time goes by in a book that she would start to soften, but no, i am more than halfway into book 2 and there she is, still a horrible person that MAKES every single sex scene look like rape. I mean, if that doesn't put you off, she RIPS OUT the H's eye and SWALLOWS it. Yeah... swallows it.
3. The men never ever retaliated, not once. They acted like spineless little worms that just gave and gave and gave.
I am not finishing the second book. I just cannot find it in myself to read about an abusive h.
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January 25, 2019💝FREE on Amazon today ONLY (7/13/2018)!💝
Blurb:
He will possess her in every way.
After a century, The Irdesi Emperor has finally cornered their species’ only female. Sovereign and his fanatic brothers are closing in, driving Sigil to desperation.
They outnumber her, they are stronger, and they are relentless.
Sovereign knows her secrets better than Sigil knows herself. He knows she was conditioned to hate him. It changes nothing. The Emperor cannot help but crave her—just as his loyal brothers crave her.
The entire future of their species hinges on Sovereign’s ability to dominate the slippery renegade and make her feel the truth of what she is. She is his Consort. She is his obsession—a bride destined to be shared with and adored by his kin... to be satiated and ruled, to be overpowered and healed of her compulsions by any means necessary.
She has no choice in the matter. The empire will stop at nothing. Sigil will belong to them; she will be made to love them, even if they are forced to rip the galaxy apart to claim her.
Blurb:
He will possess her in every way.
After a century, The Irdesi Emperor has finally cornered their species’ only female. Sovereign and his fanatic brothers are closing in, driving Sigil to desperation.
They outnumber her, they are stronger, and they are relentless.
Sovereign knows her secrets better than Sigil knows herself. He knows she was conditioned to hate him. It changes nothing. The Emperor cannot help but crave her—just as his loyal brothers crave her.
The entire future of their species hinges on Sovereign’s ability to dominate the slippery renegade and make her feel the truth of what she is. She is his Consort. She is his obsession—a bride destined to be shared with and adored by his kin... to be satiated and ruled, to be overpowered and healed of her compulsions by any means necessary.
She has no choice in the matter. The empire will stop at nothing. Sigil will belong to them; she will be made to love them, even if they are forced to rip the galaxy apart to claim her.
Read
August 7, 2023ETA - I have removed my rating as this is yet another unfinished series by this author. I have enjoyed her work, but I can no longer support someone who repeatedly starts a series just to leave it unfinished.
***updated review for the newer updated/extended version***
It's been a while since I read the 'original' version of this book, so the extra content and new editing weren't obvious to me. However that just goes to show how well the reworking has been done, you really could not see the 'seems'. I felt the story flowed more smoothly on this read-through, and it was easier to follow both the descriptions and the action. Whether this was a result of reading the book for the second time or due to the updated content I couldn't say. However, it was fantastic to revisit this amazing story, even if it did break my heart all over again.
***Original review***
I loved this book so much that upon finishing it I instantly bought book 2 and am now kicking my heels wondering when book 3 will be out.
It does contain rape (and in a contemporary romance this is usually a hard limit for me), but this is very much a sci-fi/dystopian /alien book and with two beings so totally at war with each other that it did fit into the storyline.
You do spend most of the story not sure of many facts - I liked this because it very much puts you in the same place as Quinn/Sigil. She is fed lies, untruths and distorted facts and even when Sovereign does tell her something often it is a half truth or manipulated in a way to best serve himself.
This is a dark story with a lot of violence, death and murder. Despite the fact that much of this is committed by Sigil, there is something still very much likeable and endearing about her. The Quinn part of her is very much a redeeming quality.
This is a dark story with a lot of violence, death and murder. Despite the fact that much of this is committed by Sigil, there is something still very much likeable and endearing about her. The Quinn part of her is very much a redeeming quality.
I was gripped by the story, the writing is of a high standard, the prose flowed smoothly and was easy to follow. The book is written third person but mainly, though not exclusively, follows Quinn/Sigil. The characters are well written but what you see is not what you get, through this book, and more especially book 2 we discover that friends and enemies are not easy to distinguish.
This book intrigued me enough to buy book 2. It was book 2 that really drew me into the story. This book definitely contains a lot of character building and setting of background information but it also contains a lot of action and adventure too.
I can't recommend this book enough - although it does end on a cliff hanger and you will need to read the rest of the books to complete the story.
***updated review for the newer updated/extended version***
It's been a while since I read the 'original' version of this book, so the extra content and new editing weren't obvious to me. However that just goes to show how well the reworking has been done, you really could not see the 'seems'. I felt the story flowed more smoothly on this read-through, and it was easier to follow both the descriptions and the action. Whether this was a result of reading the book for the second time or due to the updated content I couldn't say. However, it was fantastic to revisit this amazing story, even if it did break my heart all over again.
***Original review***
I loved this book so much that upon finishing it I instantly bought book 2 and am now kicking my heels wondering when book 3 will be out.
It does contain rape (and in a contemporary romance this is usually a hard limit for me), but this is very much a sci-fi/dystopian /alien book and with two beings so totally at war with each other that it did fit into the storyline.
You do spend most of the story not sure of many facts - I liked this because it very much puts you in the same place as Quinn/Sigil. She is fed lies, untruths and distorted facts and even when Sovereign does tell her something often it is a half truth or manipulated in a way to best serve himself.
This is a dark story with a lot of violence, death and murder. Despite the fact that much of this is committed by Sigil, there is something still very much likeable and endearing about her. The Quinn part of her is very much a redeeming quality.
This is a dark story with a lot of violence, death and murder. Despite the fact that much of this is committed by Sigil, there is something still very much likeable and endearing about her. The Quinn part of her is very much a redeeming quality.
I was gripped by the story, the writing is of a high standard, the prose flowed smoothly and was easy to follow. The book is written third person but mainly, though not exclusively, follows Quinn/Sigil. The characters are well written but what you see is not what you get, through this book, and more especially book 2 we discover that friends and enemies are not easy to distinguish.
This book intrigued me enough to buy book 2. It was book 2 that really drew me into the story. This book definitely contains a lot of character building and setting of background information but it also contains a lot of action and adventure too.
I can't recommend this book enough - although it does end on a cliff hanger and you will need to read the rest of the books to complete the story.
September 25, 2020
Cringe worthy but I couldn't stop reading it.
April 29, 2018
4.5 STARS for Sigil
Sigil is the story of a young woman on the run. On the run from the empire that created her, from her supposed destiny with Sovereign and his brothers, and lost in a galaxy that is hunting her down. The setup for this Sci-fi reverse harem story is fascinating, but here is the twist, while I’m rooting for my girl Sigil to remain in hiding and avoid Sovereign and his nasty band of brothers, I find out not long after that Sigil is no angel. Yup! She’s got a few screws loose!
“Sigil is a psychopath, lacks empathy—is incapable of forming emotional attachments with her own species, let alone an alien one. It would be in your best interest to help us find her...”
And I was like: WTF! B*tch be CRAZY!
I was completely emotionally invested. Addison Cain had me by my proverbial balls lapping at every word. I read this book twice, pre and post revisions to the new edition. My emotional rollercoaster wasn’t lessened by the first experience of reading Sigil.
I’m a HEA kinda reader. I like to know that my H and h (or in this case our H and is merry band of brothers - who drank the Kool-Aid I might add - and are all obsessed with our h) are gonna have their happy ending. I’ll admit, I’m also a masochist when it comes to my reading selection. I don’t mind that my protagonist endures hardships along the way - hell, it makes for the best stories! The grittier, the better, to an extent… And Sigil is gritty! Sigil doesn’t just experience hardship, she delivers it right back! POW!
When it comes to Addison Cain’s writing, I NEVER know what I’m gonna get. There’s no set pattern with how her plot will unfold. Her stories are a journey that will feel like the scariest rollercoaster ride you’ve ever been on. And when you get off that ride, despite being scared sh*tless, you’ll look at it in awe and want more knowing full well it’s heart attack inducing!
Sigil has been updated and rereleased. The changes in my opinion were subtle and seemed to address any of the questions I had when I first read the story. And in true Addison Cain form, the writing was tight, on point, and had me “fangirling” over one of my favourite writers!
So, here is the part where I address the disclaimers of the book and finish my thoughts. I don’t want to say “this book isn’t for everyone” because then that would have applied to me at one point. I took a big risk reading Sigil because I’m a wuss who gets scared reading alien, sci-fi fiction that includes cannibalism. All I have to say is, I think Addison Cain wrote this all so beautifully. I am in awe of this author’s writing talent and how she can take extremely disturbing content and write it is such a way that isn’t over the top, but still keeps the story suspenseful.
As a final thought, I know this review sounds like a reaction piece as opposed to an actual review, so, all I have to say on that is, if the writing is good and the story is solid, my reaction is a compliment to the writer for giving me the FEELS! ❤️
Sigil is the story of a young woman on the run. On the run from the empire that created her, from her supposed destiny with Sovereign and his brothers, and lost in a galaxy that is hunting her down. The setup for this Sci-fi reverse harem story is fascinating, but here is the twist, while I’m rooting for my girl Sigil to remain in hiding and avoid Sovereign and his nasty band of brothers, I find out not long after that Sigil is no angel. Yup! She’s got a few screws loose!
“Sigil is a psychopath, lacks empathy—is incapable of forming emotional attachments with her own species, let alone an alien one. It would be in your best interest to help us find her...”
And I was like: WTF! B*tch be CRAZY!
I was completely emotionally invested. Addison Cain had me by my proverbial balls lapping at every word. I read this book twice, pre and post revisions to the new edition. My emotional rollercoaster wasn’t lessened by the first experience of reading Sigil.
I’m a HEA kinda reader. I like to know that my H and h (or in this case our H and is merry band of brothers - who drank the Kool-Aid I might add - and are all obsessed with our h) are gonna have their happy ending. I’ll admit, I’m also a masochist when it comes to my reading selection. I don’t mind that my protagonist endures hardships along the way - hell, it makes for the best stories! The grittier, the better, to an extent… And Sigil is gritty! Sigil doesn’t just experience hardship, she delivers it right back! POW!
When it comes to Addison Cain’s writing, I NEVER know what I’m gonna get. There’s no set pattern with how her plot will unfold. Her stories are a journey that will feel like the scariest rollercoaster ride you’ve ever been on. And when you get off that ride, despite being scared sh*tless, you’ll look at it in awe and want more knowing full well it’s heart attack inducing!
Sigil has been updated and rereleased. The changes in my opinion were subtle and seemed to address any of the questions I had when I first read the story. And in true Addison Cain form, the writing was tight, on point, and had me “fangirling” over one of my favourite writers!
So, here is the part where I address the disclaimers of the book and finish my thoughts. I don’t want to say “this book isn’t for everyone” because then that would have applied to me at one point. I took a big risk reading Sigil because I’m a wuss who gets scared reading alien, sci-fi fiction that includes cannibalism. All I have to say is, I think Addison Cain wrote this all so beautifully. I am in awe of this author’s writing talent and how she can take extremely disturbing content and write it is such a way that isn’t over the top, but still keeps the story suspenseful.
As a final thought, I know this review sounds like a reaction piece as opposed to an actual review, so, all I have to say on that is, if the writing is good and the story is solid, my reaction is a compliment to the writer for giving me the FEELS! ❤️
March 18, 2018
UPDATE: This book has been re-released with new covers, which I think look awesome, and has also been extended. I have also just done a re-read and thoroughly enjoyed this if not more on my second time of reading, it really is a fantastic read with brilliantly written characters. I really felt for Sigil and everything she had been through, having been reprogrammed to hate Sovereign only to learn she was actually made to be his Consort!! Highly recommended reading!!
*******
So after reading the Alpha's Claim series, I still had this series unread on my Kindle, so stayed with the author to see how different this would be compared with the one I had just read.
Again this is very much a mix of genres - sci fi / dystopian / horror / erotica, but the mix is good and works well with the story.
There's a lot to take in at first, as with every new world building at the start, but its not difficult to get to grips with.
Sigil aka Quinn is a real badass and I loved her!! Not one to be messed with, with the skills to kill you quicker than you could blink and mental psionics that could blow things apart - do not get in her way!!! But she loved her companion Que, her rock, the one she could rely on no matter what. And she had a soft spot for kids, many of which she saved if she could.
For centuries she has avoided Sovereign and his brothers, or killed any that got in her way. As far as she is concerned that is her job in life, she has been raised to kill Sovereign, and will do so with pleasure if she gets the chance.
But to Sovereign and his brothers, she is the last female of the species and was designed to be with him, but her training/programming has been rewritten to be his enemy, which he must overcome if he has any chance of being with her.
Lots of great characters in this one, with lots going on!! I was hooked in this vivid world within a few pages. But be warned there are hot and sexy scenes in here, but couple that with lots of gore, violence and even cannibalism!! If you're not good with dark reads, this probably won't suit you.
But I thoroughly enjoyed it, straight on to book 2 for me now!
*******
So after reading the Alpha's Claim series, I still had this series unread on my Kindle, so stayed with the author to see how different this would be compared with the one I had just read.
Again this is very much a mix of genres - sci fi / dystopian / horror / erotica, but the mix is good and works well with the story.
There's a lot to take in at first, as with every new world building at the start, but its not difficult to get to grips with.
Sigil aka Quinn is a real badass and I loved her!! Not one to be messed with, with the skills to kill you quicker than you could blink and mental psionics that could blow things apart - do not get in her way!!! But she loved her companion Que, her rock, the one she could rely on no matter what. And she had a soft spot for kids, many of which she saved if she could.
For centuries she has avoided Sovereign and his brothers, or killed any that got in her way. As far as she is concerned that is her job in life, she has been raised to kill Sovereign, and will do so with pleasure if she gets the chance.
But to Sovereign and his brothers, she is the last female of the species and was designed to be with him, but her training/programming has been rewritten to be his enemy, which he must overcome if he has any chance of being with her.
Lots of great characters in this one, with lots going on!! I was hooked in this vivid world within a few pages. But be warned there are hot and sexy scenes in here, but couple that with lots of gore, violence and even cannibalism!! If you're not good with dark reads, this probably won't suit you.
But I thoroughly enjoyed it, straight on to book 2 for me now!
February 2, 2019
Dystopian...light and dark...
Light and dark; humans and aliens; this is a gritty sci fi story with an original premise and an alternative universe that is detailed and carefully constructed... as is the norm with this genre, initially, I found the imagined world order confusing; it took me a few chapters to begin to comprehend the framework of this complex landscape and its rationale, but once I understood, I became immersed in the plot....
This is a dystopian society where exploitation, death and destruction are the norm; Quinn is a slave by title but there is nothing about her that is submissive or owned..she is a conflicted murderous, sexual antiheroine with brutal powers that she cannot control or curtail and in truth it took some effort on my part to like her...enter Sovereign and his brothers; they are her aggressive, ruthless enemies and the men destined, it would appear, to become her dark and twisted captors and potential lovers..the story is told mostly from Quinn’s perspective, which helps to explain the reasons for her nature and her responses to Sovereign and the others.. as for the men, they wear their hearts on their sleeves with regards to Quinn....there is something decidedly attractive about men who are willing to go to any lengths to find and protect a woman....
There are shocking and disturbing themes in this book but it is also a twisted love story as Quinn inspires complete devotion from her would be lovers....the first tentative steps towards an eventual reverse harem have been taken....but this is a slow burner, in that respect, and what the final grouping will look like will have to wait until a later installment...this was a compelling start to this odyssey and I look forward to reading more....I received an advanced copy of this book from the author
Light and dark; humans and aliens; this is a gritty sci fi story with an original premise and an alternative universe that is detailed and carefully constructed... as is the norm with this genre, initially, I found the imagined world order confusing; it took me a few chapters to begin to comprehend the framework of this complex landscape and its rationale, but once I understood, I became immersed in the plot....
This is a dystopian society where exploitation, death and destruction are the norm; Quinn is a slave by title but there is nothing about her that is submissive or owned..she is a conflicted murderous, sexual antiheroine with brutal powers that she cannot control or curtail and in truth it took some effort on my part to like her...enter Sovereign and his brothers; they are her aggressive, ruthless enemies and the men destined, it would appear, to become her dark and twisted captors and potential lovers..the story is told mostly from Quinn’s perspective, which helps to explain the reasons for her nature and her responses to Sovereign and the others.. as for the men, they wear their hearts on their sleeves with regards to Quinn....there is something decidedly attractive about men who are willing to go to any lengths to find and protect a woman....
There are shocking and disturbing themes in this book but it is also a twisted love story as Quinn inspires complete devotion from her would be lovers....the first tentative steps towards an eventual reverse harem have been taken....but this is a slow burner, in that respect, and what the final grouping will look like will have to wait until a later installment...this was a compelling start to this odyssey and I look forward to reading more....I received an advanced copy of this book from the author
February 10, 2017
Title: Sigil
Author: Addison Cain
Series: Irdesi Empire #1
Genre: dark biopunk, horror
Themes: bonded/fated
Heat: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer's note: this is the first part of a serial, so, naturally, it ends on a cliffhanger.
The main strength of Cain's writing is her ability to form original universes, and that is also the best feature of this series. I highly appreciate the lack of info-dump, instead enough detail being dripped throughout these pages to obtain a greater depth of understanding - although, as ever, it is initially confusing when adapting to new ideas and universes within the first few pages, this disappears very quickly and it's easy to settle down and massively enjoy the ride.
This isn't just biopunk sci-fi - there are elements of erotica and horror present (though the former not quite enough for me to describe this as an erotic novel), including gore, cannibalism and rape/dub-con; yet all of this is done in a bizarrely tasteful way, contributing to the understanding of Quinn and her little 'problem', without the feeling of being bombarded with dark elements with the sole purpose to shock.
I felt Quinn was a vastly interesting heroine, strong (if not a little psychotic) and utterly powerful, despite her dark past. I have to say that I wasn't quite as interested in Sovereign, but I have a feeling this will change as the series progresses. We had four potential heroes to contend with, and Cain did a fantastic job of giving them their own personalities - Arden's my man, and I'm dying to see how this one goes.
What I will say is that, thematically, this is in some respects very similar to Cain's Alpha's Claim series. They share specific elements such as biting, bonding and the theme of being a slave to one's own genetic makeup. But don't let this put you off - there is enough difference between them to retain my interest, and I really cannot wait to see where this series goes.
Another strong first instalment from Cain's dark, twisted mind, that leaves you no choice but to have to keep reading.
Author: Addison Cain
Series: Irdesi Empire #1
Genre: dark biopunk, horror
Themes: bonded/fated
Heat: 3/5
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer's note: this is the first part of a serial, so, naturally, it ends on a cliffhanger.
Saturated in stimulus, panting, pleading for a thing partway between mercy and annihilation, she screamed, "Please", choked on the word, and climaxed so hard the world went black.
The main strength of Cain's writing is her ability to form original universes, and that is also the best feature of this series. I highly appreciate the lack of info-dump, instead enough detail being dripped throughout these pages to obtain a greater depth of understanding - although, as ever, it is initially confusing when adapting to new ideas and universes within the first few pages, this disappears very quickly and it's easy to settle down and massively enjoy the ride.
"I suppose we're both monsters."
Black hair hung in his eyes as he turned her chin to taste her mouth. "At least I didn't try to eat her, lost lamb."
This isn't just biopunk sci-fi - there are elements of erotica and horror present (though the former not quite enough for me to describe this as an erotic novel), including gore, cannibalism and rape/dub-con; yet all of this is done in a bizarrely tasteful way, contributing to the understanding of Quinn and her little 'problem', without the feeling of being bombarded with dark elements with the sole purpose to shock.
I felt Quinn was a vastly interesting heroine, strong (if not a little psychotic) and utterly powerful, despite her dark past. I have to say that I wasn't quite as interested in Sovereign, but I have a feeling this will change as the series progresses. We had four potential heroes to contend with, and Cain did a fantastic job of giving them their own personalities - Arden's my man, and I'm dying to see how this one goes.
"The thought of your hate has burned me for a century. I do not wish to earn more of it."
What I will say is that, thematically, this is in some respects very similar to Cain's Alpha's Claim series. They share specific elements such as biting, bonding and the theme of being a slave to one's own genetic makeup. But don't let this put you off - there is enough difference between them to retain my interest, and I really cannot wait to see where this series goes.
Another strong first instalment from Cain's dark, twisted mind, that leaves you no choice but to have to keep reading.
March 26, 2018
As far as I'm concerned Addison Cain is the true queen of dark erotica/romance. How can I despise a hero (villain? twisted dictator?) but utterly want the fairy tale ending for him? How about the heroine? Completely psychotic, utterly ruthless and destructive Sigil and Sovereign are monsters literally made for each other. Their stories told from any other point of view would be the despotic villains that literally end worlds.
Broken...
Sigil is the broken monster that an utterly inhumane, human civilization turned her into. She was broken piece by piece and so she ripped THEM apart piece by piece. She's learned her lessons well and her mercy is both rare and monstrous. Her capture was a tense stand off to say the least. She's no wilting flower. No brave and enduring hero striving to make up for her past, for her destruction. She's the predator that pounces when you least expect. She's utterly broken and my heart breaks for the monster that swipes before she thinks.
Destroyer...
Sovereign, the emperor of an empire that swallows worlds and spits out humans as the flotsam is perhaps the only monster that could stand up, no, DOMINATE the broken creature that is Sigil. He has and will destroy worlds, galaxies in order to make sure his consort is safe if not exactly sound. No crime, no perfidy is to tame, to heinous. He's beautiful and perhaps as broken as his reluctant consort...How insane is it that I want him and Sigil to live their happily destructive after?
Holy guacamole Addison! How did this twisted saga land in your head? Sigil may wear a crown as Sovereign's Consort but Addison Cain takes the Crown as Dark Erotica/Romance's Queen
Broken...
Sigil is the broken monster that an utterly inhumane, human civilization turned her into. She was broken piece by piece and so she ripped THEM apart piece by piece. She's learned her lessons well and her mercy is both rare and monstrous. Her capture was a tense stand off to say the least. She's no wilting flower. No brave and enduring hero striving to make up for her past, for her destruction. She's the predator that pounces when you least expect. She's utterly broken and my heart breaks for the monster that swipes before she thinks.
Destroyer...
Sovereign, the emperor of an empire that swallows worlds and spits out humans as the flotsam is perhaps the only monster that could stand up, no, DOMINATE the broken creature that is Sigil. He has and will destroy worlds, galaxies in order to make sure his consort is safe if not exactly sound. No crime, no perfidy is to tame, to heinous. He's beautiful and perhaps as broken as his reluctant consort...How insane is it that I want him and Sigil to live their happily destructive after?
Holy guacamole Addison! How did this twisted saga land in your head? Sigil may wear a crown as Sovereign's Consort but Addison Cain takes the Crown as Dark Erotica/Romance's Queen
March 21, 2018
I love The Worlds that Addison creates.
This book is different than anything that I have read and I really liked that.
The heroine Sigil aka Quinn is fantastic, she is happy in the life she created with her companion and defended that life.
Que is not a big caracter in the story but he is big for Quinn.
She have only two soft spots Que and Children. For the rest she have no boundaries and I love that.
For the part of Sovering and his brothers I have to say that I hated their first encounter and the form they had to corral her. But I suppose that is the only way she is going to stay with them.
I understand their reasons for needing her but that don’t make me liking it. I hope in the second book I can.
The best part of this book is Sigil and her powers, she is a badass. I can’t wait to know what is next.
This book is different than anything that I have read and I really liked that.
The heroine Sigil aka Quinn is fantastic, she is happy in the life she created with her companion and defended that life.
Que is not a big caracter in the story but he is big for Quinn.
She have only two soft spots Que and Children. For the rest she have no boundaries and I love that.
For the part of Sovering and his brothers I have to say that I hated their first encounter and the form they had to corral her. But I suppose that is the only way she is going to stay with them.
I understand their reasons for needing her but that don’t make me liking it. I hope in the second book I can.
The best part of this book is Sigil and her powers, she is a badass. I can’t wait to know what is next.
January 17, 2017
A fun read. It's a nice, novella length story, equipped with quite thorough world building. It gritty and dark, with a strong heroine and hot men in great quantities. It worked well for me as a in between book. Something to read for fun, with lots of action and ?romance... well something like that. It looks like it's going to be published in serial format. Definitely gonna read the next one.
December 26, 2017
Eh it was good, I can see why some people had troubles with this one as there were some things that were disturbing. I’m not sure where the reverse harem aspect comes into play. I may finish this series at some point but I’m moving on to something else for now.
October 3, 2016
I freaking love the worlds Addison creates and the characters she puts in them! Please keep them coming.
An auto buy author for me.
An auto buy author for me.
July 13, 2017
Utter devastation!! WHY?????
I keep telling myself that the bitch-queen was setting a trap that badly backfired on her it was some sort of illusion.. and all will be well in the second or third installment...
PLEASE!!!!!!
I keep telling myself that the bitch-queen was setting a trap that badly backfired on her it was some sort of illusion.. and all will be well in the second or third installment...
PLEASE!!!!!!
August 9, 2017
I enjoyed this read a lot. Very different, but very gritty and captivating. I will read rest of the series.
December 10, 2019
Ok I'm afraid I am one of *those* people who did not manage to connect with this series. That said I have read half of book 2 (Sovereign) and I still can't finish it.
Here's why. And you might wonder why I'm giving it 3* when I can't completely connect? Because I do think that the world building is very good - the world the Author has created here I can picture and see, I think there is great imagination used here and that takes it from a 2* to a 3* for me.
But as I said I just could not properly connect. I have seen some who think there is too much fighting, violence and unnecessary mutilation.... I don't have any issues with this.
Yes it's a book with scenes that are not for the feint of heart - so do be warned, the book is psychologically triggering in many areas - I def. read it with a higher pulse than normal in many section, it had me at the end of my chair some places - but I still felt too lost.
That said I am not normally a Sci-fi reader. I'm very new to the category, and you could argue that maybe Sigil was not the best choice to go for as an "introduction" hehee.
But it was recommended all over the place. It's not a BAD book - it's just not...I guess it's just not up my ally just yet. In the future I will most likely re-read it and will then update the review after I re-read it, but for now it's stuck on 3*.
As for my confusion - this has most likely a lot to do with what exactly Sigil is. Now when you read this book you can not imagine her as a human being, she might look human - but she is in fact a clone which a LOT of different alien DNA - she was made for a specific purpose.
As long as you keep that in mind and don't put human morals ahead - you might be less lost and find some of her behaviour less ...odd.
Here's why. And you might wonder why I'm giving it 3* when I can't completely connect? Because I do think that the world building is very good - the world the Author has created here I can picture and see, I think there is great imagination used here and that takes it from a 2* to a 3* for me.
But as I said I just could not properly connect. I have seen some who think there is too much fighting, violence and unnecessary mutilation.... I don't have any issues with this.
Yes it's a book with scenes that are not for the feint of heart - so do be warned, the book is psychologically triggering in many areas - I def. read it with a higher pulse than normal in many section, it had me at the end of my chair some places - but I still felt too lost.
That said I am not normally a Sci-fi reader. I'm very new to the category, and you could argue that maybe Sigil was not the best choice to go for as an "introduction" hehee.
But it was recommended all over the place. It's not a BAD book - it's just not...I guess it's just not up my ally just yet. In the future I will most likely re-read it and will then update the review after I re-read it, but for now it's stuck on 3*.
As for my confusion - this has most likely a lot to do with what exactly Sigil is. Now when you read this book you can not imagine her as a human being, she might look human - but she is in fact a clone which a LOT of different alien DNA - she was made for a specific purpose.
As long as you keep that in mind and don't put human morals ahead - you might be less lost and find some of her behaviour less ...odd.
March 23, 2018
I could have sworn I wrote a review on the previous version, but I guess not. So, I will be reviewing the new extended version of this book. And I will try my best to avoid spoilers. In a nutshell, Sigil is a reverse harem about a Psycho-Heroine and some really hot, obsessive, and also psychotic, Heroes. Quinn, the only female of her species is running from the Irdesi Empire and its leader Sovereign and his brothers. They have now found her on Pax, and she has no choice but to fight, trying to keep her freedom, no matter how many of them she has to kill. First warning, this is Dark. There are no roses and sweet romancing. So no complaining, you knew what you were getting into. Second warning, the heroine of this story is Psycho. Which in this book, makes it all the better. Last warning, there is a cliffhanger. It's book one of the series, so this should be expected. Although, the first version of the book was awesome, the extended version make the story smoother and just adds to the dark and twisted hotness. when reading this I question myself, asking "who's sicker? The author, for writing this, or me, for loving it?" Either way, I love this book, and the new version just adds to the greatness of the first of a fantastic and crazy series.
May 2, 2020
Do not read any of Addison Cain's books! Warning, she almost NEVER finishes any of her series. Who wants to read half a story??? Don't waste your time. For everyone else who has been cheated by this author stringing you along, please leave bad reviews. People need to know what they are getting into with her books.
January 25, 2019
Great Read
The author continues to offer dark and challenging stories that really capture your attention.
Sigil though she found her home and her own kind of safety until she is discovered by the men that have hunted her for decades.
The characters are well developed and I found myself very drawn to them. Sigil is very much a contradiction. She has great strength and uncontrollable weaknesses. She can destroy but wants desperately to create life and save children.
I look forward to reading more of the series.
The author continues to offer dark and challenging stories that really capture your attention.
Sigil though she found her home and her own kind of safety until she is discovered by the men that have hunted her for decades.
The characters are well developed and I found myself very drawn to them. Sigil is very much a contradiction. She has great strength and uncontrollable weaknesses. She can destroy but wants desperately to create life and save children.
I look forward to reading more of the series.
February 20, 2019
It has been a long time since I’ve read an alien trope book that was an absolutely awesome read. The main female, Sigil, is a freaking badass and makes the story incredibly interesting. This is a dark romance and the sex scenes are so dirty, you’ll blush. It’s also reverse harem, so plenty of sexy alphas to keep you salivating with every turn of the page. I like the difference between the men’s personalities too. The thing I honestly loved most about this book though is Sigil. She’s a cunning warrior of a woman and I know that you will absolutely love her!
January 29, 2019
This book was a rollercoaster! I was laughing one minute, crying the next! And that ending! I'm still gutted. I understand how it was necessary, this is a dark series afterall, but I 100% didn't see it coming. Addison Cain kept me on my toes the entire book, leaving me wanting for more and I am looking forward to starting Sovereign! But just FYI the kindle book finished at 74% and then there are chapters from her other books.
May 26, 2018
Oh, My!
I kind of loved this book. I am so looking forward to reading the next in the series. That’s all I am going to say, because I hate spoilers for books that don’t have an obvious direction.
Read and enjoy!
I kind of loved this book. I am so looking forward to reading the next in the series. That’s all I am going to say, because I hate spoilers for books that don’t have an obvious direction.
Read and enjoy!
November 18, 2018
Not sure what to think of this one. I don’t know who the hero is supposed to be. So I have conflicting feelings. Quinn doesn’t seem to have any softness and is just so blood thirsty. Maybe the next book will bring a bit more clarification?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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