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The Cubi #2
Claimed Beauty
Daniel was an Untouchable destined to be trained as a companion to a high-ranking Cubus. A red-eyed Incubus screwed all that up at a dinner party, and Daniel is now a confused Changeling with a libido far exceeding anything he could ever have dreamed off.
Seldon failed in keeping the Untouchable under his care safe, and he accidentally dosed the too young human. His worst fears came to pass when Daniel turned out to be a Changeling, and Seldon now has to face the Cubi justice for turning someone so young.
Luckily, Seldon has a powerful friend at his side—one who also has an eye for the young beauty.
Seldon failed in keeping the Untouchable under his care safe, and he accidentally dosed the too young human. His worst fears came to pass when Daniel turned out to be a Changeling, and Seldon now has to face the Cubi justice for turning someone so young.
Luckily, Seldon has a powerful friend at his side—one who also has an eye for the young beauty.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2016
30 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Meraki P. Lyhne
38 books236 followersMeraki P. Lyhne, real name Martin, is a Danish author spanning multiple genres and pseudonyms. Meraki P. Lyhne mainly writes contemporary paranormal LGBT fiction with various degrees of romantic heat, some with a HEA, some with a HFN, and some with white-knuckling cliffhangers. Mostly, he writes long series with focus on worldbuilding, action, and something epic.
To make sure no one is ever confused about what kind of book they're about to pick up, the surname will guide you.
Lyhne writes gay fiction (with various degrees of heat).
If the surname is mirrored on the cover, it is het-fiction (with various degrees of heat).
If both are on the cover (like the logo), it is bi-fiction (with various degrees of heat).
Information is best found on his website.
Other than that, he’s a single dad to a teenage boy, the happy companion to a Rottweiler, and he lives in a very small village next to nowhere.
To make sure no one is ever confused about what kind of book they're about to pick up, the surname will guide you.
Lyhne writes gay fiction (with various degrees of heat).
If the surname is mirrored on the cover, it is het-fiction (with various degrees of heat).
If both are on the cover (like the logo), it is bi-fiction (with various degrees of heat).
Information is best found on his website.
Other than that, he’s a single dad to a teenage boy, the happy companion to a Rottweiler, and he lives in a very small village next to nowhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 14, 2016
So glad the sequel came fast after #1.
A lot of story in a short time. I can't wait for #3. This could expanse on and on.
Awesome all the explaining it become clear more and more.
The story was kind of addictive I read it like a lunatic :)
The hierarchy was very satisfying, I love all that good stuff. Everybody knows what be expected from him or her. If you are disobedient you know what to expect.
And then... what keeps them alive......God....help me...I want to live there.... (hungry LOL)
The story developed really good and the way of writing was consuming. Never did it get weak, every part was entertaining as hell.
The sex was arousing, refreshing, brisk and very appetizing.
All the characters were close to my heart i loved them. Especially the main Daniel, Seldon and Caledon.
This genre is opposite from my usual reading, I don't know nothing about Cubi etc so my opinion is one of a baby, from the heart.
Only one tiny thing I found confusing and that's the timeline. Two whole books about two weeks? Or did I miss something?
*Kindly received a copy from the author for a honest review*
A lot of story in a short time. I can't wait for #3. This could expanse on and on.
Awesome all the explaining it become clear more and more.
The story was kind of addictive I read it like a lunatic :)
The hierarchy was very satisfying, I love all that good stuff. Everybody knows what be expected from him or her. If you are disobedient you know what to expect.
And then... what keeps them alive......God....help me...I want to live there.... (hungry LOL)
The story developed really good and the way of writing was consuming. Never did it get weak, every part was entertaining as hell.
The sex was arousing, refreshing, brisk and very appetizing.
All the characters were close to my heart i loved them. Especially the main Daniel, Seldon and Caledon.
This genre is opposite from my usual reading, I don't know nothing about Cubi etc so my opinion is one of a baby, from the heart.
Only one tiny thing I found confusing and that's the timeline. Two whole books about two weeks? Or did I miss something?
*Kindly received a copy from the author for a honest review*
January 25, 2020
Phenomenal World Building
On Claimed Beauty, Meraki P. Lyhne continues, building, layering and expanding the word she created based on legends, folklore of the mythological creatures , Incubus and Succubus.
Book is written in such a way, that us the readers and the MC learn and get to know, together, the history, way to do things, life; well, everything , about this entertaining, addictive , hot AF, fascinating, intriguing and new "world".
#ClaimedBeautyTheCubiSeries #MerakiPLyhne #LesCourt #Kindle
On Claimed Beauty, Meraki P. Lyhne continues, building, layering and expanding the word she created based on legends, folklore of the mythological creatures , Incubus and Succubus.
Book is written in such a way, that us the readers and the MC learn and get to know, together, the history, way to do things, life; well, everything , about this entertaining, addictive , hot AF, fascinating, intriguing and new "world".
#ClaimedBeautyTheCubiSeries #MerakiPLyhne #LesCourt #Kindle
May 12, 2018
This is a book about incubi, so there is lots and lots of sex. But this book - this series - is also about personal growth, and the journey Daniel takes from being an entitled, vain teen to someone who starts realizing his actions have consequences, and who starts caring enough to stand up for someone else. I'm not going to rehash the plot - I'll just say that I could not put these books down!!! They roped me in and got me so invested in the story that I HAD to keep going. I definitely didn't lose interest partway through as I often do (I'm a grass-is-greener gal sometimes).
January 20, 2017
L-O-V-E-D it so hard!
January 6, 2017
This is book two in Meraki P. Lyhne’s Cubi Series. I absolutely LOVED book one, Untouchable Beauty, and this book is equally as amazing!
In Claimed Beauty we evolve with Daniel. There’s so many amazing things that happen with his character in this book. We get several history lessons about the Cubi from Caledon and Seldon. Daniel even takes interest in studying a lot himself. We see him build very strong feelings for Seldon that are really awesome to see.
There’s a terrific surprise in this book that I adored! And I’m not telling you but it makes be a billion times more excited for book three. Now, is it a cliffy? I’m sure you’re all wondering. The answer is… not totally. When book one ended we were left needing to know about a certain someone’s fate. In this one a certain someone’s fate is revealed now we wait to see how outstanding this person will be. It’s more of an excitement cliffy instead of a suspense OMG what’s going to happen cliffy lol.
The world building for this series is truly amazing and each character is wonderfully fleshed out. The author is setting them up and knocking them down with each passing chapter and I’m sad when the books end.
I am beyond eager to see where it is going and this series has my undivided attention.
In Claimed Beauty we evolve with Daniel. There’s so many amazing things that happen with his character in this book. We get several history lessons about the Cubi from Caledon and Seldon. Daniel even takes interest in studying a lot himself. We see him build very strong feelings for Seldon that are really awesome to see.
There’s a terrific surprise in this book that I adored! And I’m not telling you but it makes be a billion times more excited for book three. Now, is it a cliffy? I’m sure you’re all wondering. The answer is… not totally. When book one ended we were left needing to know about a certain someone’s fate. In this one a certain someone’s fate is revealed now we wait to see how outstanding this person will be. It’s more of an excitement cliffy instead of a suspense OMG what’s going to happen cliffy lol.
The world building for this series is truly amazing and each character is wonderfully fleshed out. The author is setting them up and knocking them down with each passing chapter and I’m sad when the books end.
I am beyond eager to see where it is going and this series has my undivided attention.
February 20, 2021
Book 2 picks up where 1 ended. These stories are not meant to be read as stand-a-lones. Book 1 ended with Seldon begin arrested for the accidental dosing of Daniel. Yes he was only trying to protect him, but he still did it. Seldon turns Daniel over to Caledon for safe keeping as they don't know what is going to happen. The red-eye that started this all, Jonah, is also on trial. Seldon's punishment was harsh, Jonah's was not harsh enough. Yes I kind of hated Jonah. We find out more of the history of the Cubi and why they do not have a Royal ruling over them. I'm glad that we didn't get the MF portion on page as I don't really like reading that in my MM books. I am enjoying watching these three start to navigate their feelings. Even though Caledon is Lord of the house, he is growing ever closer to Seldon & Daniel, even though he was pretty close to Seldon to begin with. We also find out somethings about Daniel. I had one of the things figured out, but not the other. The author has a way of dropping a bomb & then ending things. Off to the next one.
ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
soooo much yummy sex haha.. this was a lot of fun.. interesting.. very good writing. i like this series a lot
February 22, 2020
the premise of this series of books is sooooo interesting. Meraki has created a fascinating world. I'm hooked badly on this series.
March 14, 2017
This is the second book in the Cubi series. This book continues where we left off in the first book so it is a must that you read Untouchable Beauty first. We get to see more into the Cubi society and so the workings. Daniel is starting to show more strength in his character. There was awesome twist that has come about with one of the characters that is going to create many changes. The story keeps you hook to the steamy chemistry between them in the pages that you are unable to put down until the end. The ending did have a small cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens with House third next. Highly recommend this book and series if you love paranormal with some steamy twist mix in
February 19, 2017
Loved it... This story just keeps getting better and better. Cant wait to see what happens next and hopefully that'll be soon.
February 23, 2017
Finally finished, glad it's over!
The 1st book was good, interesting premise with intriguing characters, good set up of an original universe where all kinds of good stuff was set to happen. Went quickly on to the 2nd one, hoping to see where it was going, then it devolved into fairy tale territory and fucked it all up.
Don't think I'll read the next one, if/when it ever comes out.
The 1st book was good, interesting premise with intriguing characters, good set up of an original universe where all kinds of good stuff was set to happen. Went quickly on to the 2nd one, hoping to see where it was going, then it devolved into fairy tale territory and fucked it all up.
Don't think I'll read the next one, if/when it ever comes out.
February 2, 2017
WOW, loved it!
March 9, 2021
This just keeps getting better and better. Daniel has only been in the kingdom for two weeks and so much has happened. From slave to prince in two weeks.
April 17, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Claimed Beauty opens up right after Untouchable Beauty ended with Daniel being accidentally dosed and Seldon being taken into custody. It doesn’t matter that Seldon was trying to protect Daniel; he was ultimately responsible for keeping him safe. While Seldon’s judgment certainly isn’t as severe as it could have been, it’s definitely a blow to his ego. It’s also keeps him permanently tied to Daniel for many years to come.
This book is mostly about Daniel coming to terms with being a changeling, as he will become an Incubus. He now needs to feed like the rest of the Cubi and being a “newborn” his appetite is ravenous. That is where Seldon and Lord Caledon come in. The primary focus here is on the sex the men need to survive as they feed off of the energy. There are again many, many intimate scenes and multiple partner swaps and a variety of locations and options as Daniel needs to be classified to see all of the ways that he is able to feed. Lyhne certainly knows how to write an erotic moment, but there may have been a bit too many erotic scenes here for me and at times I was looking for a bit more story as this led to some scenes and phrasing feeling repetitive.
We are treated to a few history lessons revolving around the evolution, as well as hierarchy of the Cubi. This was all interesting, but I still wasn’t given a sense of what else they did besides feed. There are Lords and Ladies and houses and a true hierarchy, yet everything revolves around their feeding schedule. I get that this is how they survive, but given the length of their lifespan, they didn’t seem to do anything with that longevity and I was expecting a little more in way of a storyline.
That’s not to say the world they inhabit isn’t interesting and when Daniel finds out even more about himself, the stakes get raised yet again. There is a relationship already in place between Seldon and Daniel, but the nature of it is changing at a rapid pace, yet they both remain tentative. Seldon has never experienced jealousy before and while it’s necessary as well as a way of life for them to be intimate with other Cubi, being with other humans is something the men are willing to sacrifice to keep their bond special.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Claimed Beauty opens up right after Untouchable Beauty ended with Daniel being accidentally dosed and Seldon being taken into custody. It doesn’t matter that Seldon was trying to protect Daniel; he was ultimately responsible for keeping him safe. While Seldon’s judgment certainly isn’t as severe as it could have been, it’s definitely a blow to his ego. It’s also keeps him permanently tied to Daniel for many years to come.
This book is mostly about Daniel coming to terms with being a changeling, as he will become an Incubus. He now needs to feed like the rest of the Cubi and being a “newborn” his appetite is ravenous. That is where Seldon and Lord Caledon come in. The primary focus here is on the sex the men need to survive as they feed off of the energy. There are again many, many intimate scenes and multiple partner swaps and a variety of locations and options as Daniel needs to be classified to see all of the ways that he is able to feed. Lyhne certainly knows how to write an erotic moment, but there may have been a bit too many erotic scenes here for me and at times I was looking for a bit more story as this led to some scenes and phrasing feeling repetitive.
We are treated to a few history lessons revolving around the evolution, as well as hierarchy of the Cubi. This was all interesting, but I still wasn’t given a sense of what else they did besides feed. There are Lords and Ladies and houses and a true hierarchy, yet everything revolves around their feeding schedule. I get that this is how they survive, but given the length of their lifespan, they didn’t seem to do anything with that longevity and I was expecting a little more in way of a storyline.
That’s not to say the world they inhabit isn’t interesting and when Daniel finds out even more about himself, the stakes get raised yet again. There is a relationship already in place between Seldon and Daniel, but the nature of it is changing at a rapid pace, yet they both remain tentative. Seldon has never experienced jealousy before and while it’s necessary as well as a way of life for them to be intimate with other Cubi, being with other humans is something the men are willing to sacrifice to keep their bond special.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 6, 2020
The continuation of the story from “Untouchable Beauty #1” into this book “Claimed Beauty #2” is smoothly done & keeps the reader’s attention. The plot is full of surprises & there are some good scene descriptions & world building. The story continues with an untouchable young man (Daniel) who is turning into a changeling & a bit of a brat due to an accidental error by an incubus (Seldon) who was arrested & whipped for this. Daniel is taken in by another incubus (Lord Caledon) until such time he is can be returned to Seldon
There is: incubus, succubus, humans, breeders, twists & turns, drama, suspense, intrigue, responsibilities, insecurities, emotional turmoil, punishment, contemplation, complications, confrontations, explanations, sensual teasing, explicit steamy scenes & life-changing surprises. Sadly this book does end in a cliffhanger
There is: incubus, succubus, humans, breeders, twists & turns, drama, suspense, intrigue, responsibilities, insecurities, emotional turmoil, punishment, contemplation, complications, confrontations, explanations, sensual teasing, explicit steamy scenes & life-changing surprises. Sadly this book does end in a cliffhanger
February 3, 2020
The hint of something special that ran through the first book of the series blooms into something spectacular, as we enter more into the Cubi world, following Daniel, Seldon and his family, and Caledon.
Great development follows the suggestion: "Never limit yourself unless not doing so will do harm unto others."
The extreme limits placed on them due to the accident at the end of the first book becomes something much greater, perhaps even more limiting with the responsibilities that must be confronted.
Great plot sequencing, with less informing about the Cubi world than the first book, but still masterfully included within scenes that explain his new life to Daniel.
Great development follows the suggestion: "Never limit yourself unless not doing so will do harm unto others."
The extreme limits placed on them due to the accident at the end of the first book becomes something much greater, perhaps even more limiting with the responsibilities that must be confronted.
Great plot sequencing, with less informing about the Cubi world than the first book, but still masterfully included within scenes that explain his new life to Daniel.
April 29, 2021
Great second book in the series. This book starts off right where Untouchable Beauty left off, with Daniel being turned into a Cubi. The characters all have great growth in this book. I loved watching Daniel come into himself in his new state and the way that he uses his beauty is astounding for someone who was a little unlikeable in the beginning. Being a book about incubi and succubi there are a lot of scenes in this book that are super steamy and help to deepen connections between the characters. I like where Seldon and Caledon’s characters are going and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book.
February 10, 2020
Must read book one first. Daniel was accidentally dosed by Seldon who he had tried to protect from unwanted groping unfortunately Daniel changed to a changeling. I get that it shouldn’t have happened but I hated that Seldon was punished with a beating, it made me cry, but I’m understanding their laws more with each book I read. I’m finding it’s very easy to love these characters and erotic intimate scenes between them. This is a challenging, fascinating series and can’t wait for the next book. Click this book for an exciting ride.
March 11, 2020
Claimed Beauty is the second book in The Cubi series by Meraki P Lyhne. If I thought book one was interesting, book two is even more so. The world of the Cubi is further explored and has my full attention and desire for more. Seldon and Daniel are amazing together I love their bond... and all other characters are also great. I am wrapped upon this story and was blown away by some things uncovered here -very excited to see what unfolds next.
March 18, 2020
And the story followed exactly where the previous book finished. Now the changes between Daniel’s and Seldon’s relationship and in Daniel’s status increased the complexity in the story so I strongly recommend to read it in order to fully understand the evolution in the plot. Emotional and sweet, this original story trapped me from the beginning, and all the explanations about Cubi history? Priceless!! Wonderful reading!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
December 20, 2020
I'm really starting to love this series. So far I've been surprised in both books of this series which makes me very interested in the rest of the series. I enjoy seeing characters grow, and this author definitely does that. I also like series that follow the same characters for a while because I get to see the characters grow more. This series checks all kinds of boxes for me! You definitely have to read these books in order.
March 3, 2021
As good as the first book! Daniel's story continues to unfold and there are a few major surprises in this book that kept my interest for the next one rising.
Daniel matures fast and he becomes more likeble. His dedication to Seldon is so nice and the old Incubus can feel it deepely. I love seeing them get closer and fall in love.
Seldon's family are a big part of this book, which was also very nice. His sons added a lot to the story.
*I read an ARC of this book, kindly offered by Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion*
Daniel matures fast and he becomes more likeble. His dedication to Seldon is so nice and the old Incubus can feel it deepely. I love seeing them get closer and fall in love.
Seldon's family are a big part of this book, which was also very nice. His sons added a lot to the story.
*I read an ARC of this book, kindly offered by Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion*
April 26, 2021
I was seriously intrigued by the world building in the first book in this series, and as this one adds nuance and layers to that foundation, I find myself increasingly drawn into it. Daniel’s circumstances have, once again, changed in ways he wasn’t expecting— no longer an Untouchable, he’s Now a Changeling, with altered appetites and a whole new social status to learn to navigate within the highly rigid hierarchy of the Cubi. There’s plenty of steam, like the first book, and there’s also quite a bit of character development and evolution, for Daniel, and for those who come to care for him. I honestly can’t wait to see where their story goes next.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2019
Moving on to Book 3...
I love being able to read about this world! It definitely gets creative and fulfills my imagination.
I feel inspired by the author who I think is brilliant writing the books I've read to this point of the series. Loving the characters and looking forward to exploring the next!
I love being able to read about this world! It definitely gets creative and fulfills my imagination.
I feel inspired by the author who I think is brilliant writing the books I've read to this point of the series. Loving the characters and looking forward to exploring the next!
April 8, 2021
This was a great book. After learning that Daniel that is a changling; Seldon faces the consequences of the incident that caused his early empowerment. As Daniel learns what it means to be a changling he is also learning more about the world he is now a part of. This world is so thought out and complex and you can't help but fall in love with the characters and the story line. I can't wait for the next book and see how Daniel now navigates his new life.
June 19, 2018
I loved this second book in The Cubi series! Not only is this book hot as hell but the entire concept is extremely interesting. I devoured this book and now on to the next one!
March 12, 2020
~4.5 Stars~
There’s a lot of sex in this story as Daniel now needs it several times a day. Daniel not only learns more about the Cubi history, but learns where his place is now that he is changing.
There was a little bit more world building in this one compared to the first story and I got a lot of my unanswered questions answered in this one.
There’s a lot of sex in this story as Daniel now needs it several times a day. Daniel not only learns more about the Cubi history, but learns where his place is now that he is changing.
There was a little bit more world building in this one compared to the first story and I got a lot of my unanswered questions answered in this one.
March 30, 2021
Interesting book 2 and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens.
Highly recommend.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
Highly recommend.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
December 17, 2016
Original blog Post: Week 3: Author In Focus: December _ @MerakiPLyhne @HPCaledon #AIF #Giveaway #mm #paranormal #fantasy
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
I was thinking this Cubi series would be one of those menages, where three men fall in love and la di da they get their happily ever after. Usually, there are either two dominants and one subservient, or two subies to one domie, etc etc... Not the case for Cubi. When I first saw that title, I thought, could be it succubus? Well, indeed, it is, so that means, no, this is most likely not going to be a romantic series. I was thinking of the succubus feeding on the energies released from sex so there could be no romance in it. Well, I guess I was right? 'Cause, seriously, the first book, Untouchable Beauty was more about getting the readers a birds' eye view on the life and leisure of the Cubi race who hid right under the noses of the blind humans. Figuratively speaking, that is. Well maybe not, but that's a whole different subject.
Let's begin this review with the first book. As I mentioned, no this is definitely not romance, from the time we meet the bratty Daniel to the time I was horrified to read about his abduction and eventual slavery to the Cubi (Incubi and Succubi) to be fed upon. Now, as an untouchable because of his youth, Daniel turned out to be more of a problem for Seldon than he originally thought he could handle. For one thing, Daniel was just too beautiful and even the strongest could forget the rules.
And eventually, someone did forget and in the process, what was once untouchable, became a changeling. Seldon is punished for failing to keep Daniel untouched and so Caledon, takes over the job of...well, dosing Daniel. And by dosing, I'm not saying drugs. What I'm saying is all about sex and...oh boy, fanning self here. Oh boy...
Now, let's stop talking about sex for a minute and get on with the review, okay? Why? Well, because it's your job to pick up the book, and my job to keep this review spoiler proof. Which means, I am not about to related everything that went on in and out of the sheets!
In terms of world building, this is exemplary. The Cubi series is one of those epic fantasy stories I love to read. There are a lot of characters involved, and the plot development goes in increments rather than one whole wham-bam-dump-all-the-information-on-the-poor-reader kind of thing. As we read, we learn not just about who the Cubi are, but who Daniel is, and of course, Seldon. Many people who've read this mentioned they didn't like Daniel at first because he was kind of shallow and a bit of a brat, but then, I'm thinking, he's the perfect nineteen year old character I've read for what nineteen-year-old acts like someone who has the mental age of a sixty year old?
As for the plot itself, this is scary. True, this is fantasy, and with all the sex involved (okay, so I couldn't help mentioning the word again, sue me!), this would kind of feed the fantasy seekers out there. But this is also kind of disturbing for it gives you an alternate reality of all those kids out there who've been lured in by strangers in the guise of parties, jobs, etc. and end up getting kidnapped. So if you don't like that sort of thing because it can trigger bad stuff in your mind, I'd warn you not to pick this up. Otherwise, this was fantastically written.
No, I did not get to finish this in one sitting. The Cubi is not a light read, neither is this a short one. In fact, I would say that this had to be taken slow, so as not to miss the minutest of details. Also, to savor the...yes, you got it!
This is one hell of an erotic read so brace yourselves and pick this series up.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
I was thinking this Cubi series would be one of those menages, where three men fall in love and la di da they get their happily ever after. Usually, there are either two dominants and one subservient, or two subies to one domie, etc etc... Not the case for Cubi. When I first saw that title, I thought, could be it succubus? Well, indeed, it is, so that means, no, this is most likely not going to be a romantic series. I was thinking of the succubus feeding on the energies released from sex so there could be no romance in it. Well, I guess I was right? 'Cause, seriously, the first book, Untouchable Beauty was more about getting the readers a birds' eye view on the life and leisure of the Cubi race who hid right under the noses of the blind humans. Figuratively speaking, that is. Well maybe not, but that's a whole different subject.
Let's begin this review with the first book. As I mentioned, no this is definitely not romance, from the time we meet the bratty Daniel to the time I was horrified to read about his abduction and eventual slavery to the Cubi (Incubi and Succubi) to be fed upon. Now, as an untouchable because of his youth, Daniel turned out to be more of a problem for Seldon than he originally thought he could handle. For one thing, Daniel was just too beautiful and even the strongest could forget the rules.
And eventually, someone did forget and in the process, what was once untouchable, became a changeling. Seldon is punished for failing to keep Daniel untouched and so Caledon, takes over the job of...well, dosing Daniel. And by dosing, I'm not saying drugs. What I'm saying is all about sex and...oh boy, fanning self here. Oh boy...
Now, let's stop talking about sex for a minute and get on with the review, okay? Why? Well, because it's your job to pick up the book, and my job to keep this review spoiler proof. Which means, I am not about to related everything that went on in and out of the sheets!
In terms of world building, this is exemplary. The Cubi series is one of those epic fantasy stories I love to read. There are a lot of characters involved, and the plot development goes in increments rather than one whole wham-bam-dump-all-the-information-on-the-poor-reader kind of thing. As we read, we learn not just about who the Cubi are, but who Daniel is, and of course, Seldon. Many people who've read this mentioned they didn't like Daniel at first because he was kind of shallow and a bit of a brat, but then, I'm thinking, he's the perfect nineteen year old character I've read for what nineteen-year-old acts like someone who has the mental age of a sixty year old?
As for the plot itself, this is scary. True, this is fantasy, and with all the sex involved (okay, so I couldn't help mentioning the word again, sue me!), this would kind of feed the fantasy seekers out there. But this is also kind of disturbing for it gives you an alternate reality of all those kids out there who've been lured in by strangers in the guise of parties, jobs, etc. and end up getting kidnapped. So if you don't like that sort of thing because it can trigger bad stuff in your mind, I'd warn you not to pick this up. Otherwise, this was fantastically written.
No, I did not get to finish this in one sitting. The Cubi is not a light read, neither is this a short one. In fact, I would say that this had to be taken slow, so as not to miss the minutest of details. Also, to savor the...yes, you got it!
This is one hell of an erotic read so brace yourselves and pick this series up.
December 9, 2016
**Very kindly received an ARC for an honest review**
Freakin' awesome ! I was so excited to read this book and I devoured it like there's no tomorrow. And fucking loved it.
Okay. I don't even know where to begin. But no spoilers, promise.
So ! The book #2 begins where the book #1 endend. It was a relief, I wanted to know so much what was going to happen. And I was not disappointed ! The story offers us some surprises and revelations. To me, it was a page-turner.
The world and the history/mythology of the Cubi are perfectly built. It was quite different and new compared to the m/m fantasy books I read before (and not only the m/m, all kind of fantasy books in general actually). I really liked the Cuby history, it was very interesting. And the writing made it more interesting. There were no boring ten miles descriptions. All the descriptions, the dialogues, the introspections were very well balanced. No time for a nap or to be bored. I was so hooked up I did not sleep at all that night. Well, yes I did, at fucking 10 in the morning. But it was worth it !
Anyway. Back to the subject. I really, really loved the characters. All of them. I was surprised (and in a good way) because I thought I was maybe going to be a bit annoyed with Daniel. But no. Not at all.
Daniel was a spoiled kid, a bit lazy, egocentric and self-absored before all the Cubi thing. He's young, he's vain, he's a bit rebellious with the Cuby way of living and he's lost. And I agreed with him. If I was thrown into a totally new world with new rules, I would be a bit lost to. And rebellious.
The Cubi world is not all unicorns and butterflies and we see that. What was really good was that Daniel is learning, he's evolving and he's adapting to his new environment. But he's not the only one to evolve and learn, the Cubi around him do that too. No one holds the truth in the way of living, they learn to live together and they make compromises.
And now, let's talk about sex. Oh my, the sex was HAWT. Like i-want-to-watch-them-and-participate-and-drool-everywhere hot. It wasn't just hot and wild, it was touching and cute and fun and passionate. Daniel is some naughty boy. I loved that ! There was a lot of sex in the book but I never got bored. On the contrary. The all thing was balanced and the sex scenes were so intense that I was all for it.
Seldon and Caledon are absolutely awesome and sexy, they care for little Daniel and it shows.
I was surprised by the gentleness (and sexiness) of Caledon, I really want to see more about him. Seldon is just as sweet and I really liked the relationship between him and Daniel. He's some strong guy and protective of the people he loves.
The secondary characters were cool, too. I like when there are more than just two MCs and when they're part of the story.
Claimed Beauty was really a pleasant surprise, it goes straight to my favorites shelf. It was refreshing and rather new to me as a story. The end leaves us with a few surprises and I really want to find out where this is going.
So, to summarize my thoughts :
A huge thank you to Meraki P. Lyhne for sending me a copy ! I was like a 5yo at Christmas !
I'm really sorry if my english is horrible, it's not my native language. I probably made mistakes. If it makes you bleed trough your eyes (is that even a real expression in english ? know that in french, it is), please let me know and I'll correct whatever spelling mistakes I made.
Freakin' awesome ! I was so excited to read this book and I devoured it like there's no tomorrow. And fucking loved it.
Okay. I don't even know where to begin. But no spoilers, promise.
So ! The book #2 begins where the book #1 endend. It was a relief, I wanted to know so much what was going to happen. And I was not disappointed ! The story offers us some surprises and revelations. To me, it was a page-turner.
The world and the history/mythology of the Cubi are perfectly built. It was quite different and new compared to the m/m fantasy books I read before (and not only the m/m, all kind of fantasy books in general actually). I really liked the Cuby history, it was very interesting. And the writing made it more interesting. There were no boring ten miles descriptions. All the descriptions, the dialogues, the introspections were very well balanced. No time for a nap or to be bored. I was so hooked up I did not sleep at all that night. Well, yes I did, at fucking 10 in the morning. But it was worth it !
Anyway. Back to the subject. I really, really loved the characters. All of them. I was surprised (and in a good way) because I thought I was maybe going to be a bit annoyed with Daniel. But no. Not at all.
Daniel was a spoiled kid, a bit lazy, egocentric and self-absored before all the Cubi thing. He's young, he's vain, he's a bit rebellious with the Cuby way of living and he's lost. And I agreed with him. If I was thrown into a totally new world with new rules, I would be a bit lost to. And rebellious.
The Cubi world is not all unicorns and butterflies and we see that. What was really good was that Daniel is learning, he's evolving and he's adapting to his new environment. But he's not the only one to evolve and learn, the Cubi around him do that too. No one holds the truth in the way of living, they learn to live together and they make compromises.
And now, let's talk about sex. Oh my, the sex was HAWT. Like i-want-to-watch-them-and-participate-and-drool-everywhere hot. It wasn't just hot and wild, it was touching and cute and fun and passionate. Daniel is some naughty boy. I loved that ! There was a lot of sex in the book but I never got bored. On the contrary. The all thing was balanced and the sex scenes were so intense that I was all for it.
Seldon and Caledon are absolutely awesome and sexy, they care for little Daniel and it shows.
I was surprised by the gentleness (and sexiness) of Caledon, I really want to see more about him. Seldon is just as sweet and I really liked the relationship between him and Daniel. He's some strong guy and protective of the people he loves.
The secondary characters were cool, too. I like when there are more than just two MCs and when they're part of the story.
Claimed Beauty was really a pleasant surprise, it goes straight to my favorites shelf. It was refreshing and rather new to me as a story. The end leaves us with a few surprises and I really want to find out where this is going.
So, to summarize my thoughts :
A huge thank you to Meraki P. Lyhne for sending me a copy ! I was like a 5yo at Christmas !
I'm really sorry if my english is horrible, it's not my native language. I probably made mistakes. If it makes you bleed trough your eyes (is that even a real expression in english ? know that in french, it is), please let me know and I'll correct whatever spelling mistakes I made.
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