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Stranded in the Stars #2
Collector of Souls
Ophelia was dying.
She was raised on a backwater planet on the outskirts of a Trentian controlled sector, on a planet that was so far out in the fringes that the intergalactic council barely knew of its existence.
One day changed her life. When she was brutally examined to see if her body was viable to procreate– she was found barren. Running from the news, the terrible confession of her womb, the brutality of her situation, she finds herself willing to give up her soul for a second chance at life.
What does eternity mean to a girl who doesn’t understand the concept? When she accidentally summons a mystic force from the ancient ages of Earth?
When science and the supernatural collide?
Seraph is a Soul Collector. His eternal profession is to bargain for the souls of the living in order to control their ether in the afterlife. He has been sitting dormant for millennia as his profession phases out with the Age of Science, the Age of Space, and the Age of Intergalactic Travel.
When he is summoned from his realm by a dying half-alien girl, his static existence takes a turn for a techno-supernatural adventure.
----
Themes: science fiction, dark romance, horror elements
Warning: mature readers only, explicit sex scenes
Standalone, HEA
She was raised on a backwater planet on the outskirts of a Trentian controlled sector, on a planet that was so far out in the fringes that the intergalactic council barely knew of its existence.
One day changed her life. When she was brutally examined to see if her body was viable to procreate– she was found barren. Running from the news, the terrible confession of her womb, the brutality of her situation, she finds herself willing to give up her soul for a second chance at life.
What does eternity mean to a girl who doesn’t understand the concept? When she accidentally summons a mystic force from the ancient ages of Earth?
When science and the supernatural collide?
Seraph is a Soul Collector. His eternal profession is to bargain for the souls of the living in order to control their ether in the afterlife. He has been sitting dormant for millennia as his profession phases out with the Age of Science, the Age of Space, and the Age of Intergalactic Travel.
When he is summoned from his realm by a dying half-alien girl, his static existence takes a turn for a techno-supernatural adventure.
----
Themes: science fiction, dark romance, horror elements
Warning: mature readers only, explicit sex scenes
Standalone, HEA
264 pages, ebook
First published October 10, 2016
302 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Lucas
42 books1,630 followersNaomi Lucas is an indie author. She loves being creative whether it’s with painting, writing, or making little jingles about her dog, Barracuda, or her cat, Daliah, in the car.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 6, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to author Naomi Lucas.)
This was an adult fantasy story, set on a different planet.
The characters in this were okay, and I appreciated the situation Ophelia found herself in. Being outcast and left to die would not be a good situation for anyone to find themselves in.
The storyline in this was about Ophelia trading her soul for her survival, and then trading other things for favours too, from the soul collector Seraph. We got a couple of steamy scenes between the two, and Ophelia’s situation just seemed to go from bad to worse time and time again, I did find that the story lost my interest quite a bit as it went along though.
The ending to this was okay, although it wasn’t quite what I expected.
6 out of 10
This was an adult fantasy story, set on a different planet.
The characters in this were okay, and I appreciated the situation Ophelia found herself in. Being outcast and left to die would not be a good situation for anyone to find themselves in.
The storyline in this was about Ophelia trading her soul for her survival, and then trading other things for favours too, from the soul collector Seraph. We got a couple of steamy scenes between the two, and Ophelia’s situation just seemed to go from bad to worse time and time again, I did find that the story lost my interest quite a bit as it went along though.
The ending to this was okay, although it wasn’t quite what I expected.
6 out of 10
April 7, 2022
Umm.. what?
What was this one? I am so confused. I get how it connects with Book 1. But also.. WTF. I am super annoyed. Wish I had just skipped this one and went to book 2.
2.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
What was this one? I am so confused. I get how it connects with Book 1. But also.. WTF. I am super annoyed. Wish I had just skipped this one and went to book 2.
2.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
November 16, 2024
Paranormal alien romance!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩵🖤❤️💜💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️😍🥰😁
The heroine: Ophelia - she was Allie’s best friend from Last Call. They were females on a Trentian run planet on the outskirts of Trentian space. After many of the women in the maiden colony, including Ophelia, were raped by the usurper Warlord, Ophelia was able to secure them passage aboard a spaceship leaving the planet. Though the transport ship ended up crashing on a desert planet called Argos, with Allie being the only survivor. Allie had always felt guilty that she never found Ophelia’s body.
The Hero: Seraph - he is a gargoyle and a soul collector. He used the souls as energy sources that powered him and for centuries he stood guard from his perch in Lesbos, Greece. Since the war, Earth had changed and there was nothing left around him, no more souls. He was fascinated though by the half breed souls; they were the products of human and the aliens they warred agains in years past. The souls were luminescent with bright lights that fought off the mists and soothed them at the same time. Though he couldn’t influence the physical realm unless invited.
The Story: This story begins long before Ophelia met Allie. When orphaned females on her planet turn fourteen, they are taken to the priests who determine if they are fertile or not, if they are, the girls are taken to a maiden colony where they are treasured until a time when they are old enough to be chosen by a warlord. If they are barren, there is not much left for them but to end up working in a pleasure house or possibly finding a male that will take her, but it won’t be a warlord. The priests instead took turns with her and left her fragile and bleeding and told her she was barren. Ophelia ran from them to the forest. That is where she lay dying and cried out that she would sell her soul for a chance to get back what she had lost.
Ophelia, who is half Trentian, half human, meets Seraph in the forest after making her wish, and makes a deal with him. He saves her life, restores her virginity, and makes her fertile in exchange for her soul. This was an odd book, it was more of a paranormal fantasy than the previous book. Parts of it took place in the ether, the mist between the upper and lower gates (heaven and hell). That is where Seraph lives and where souls go first when a person dies. The story was good, but not nearly as good as the first book in this series.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩵🖤❤️💜💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️😍🥰😁
The heroine: Ophelia - she was Allie’s best friend from Last Call. They were females on a Trentian run planet on the outskirts of Trentian space. After many of the women in the maiden colony, including Ophelia, were raped by the usurper Warlord, Ophelia was able to secure them passage aboard a spaceship leaving the planet. Though the transport ship ended up crashing on a desert planet called Argos, with Allie being the only survivor. Allie had always felt guilty that she never found Ophelia’s body.
The Hero: Seraph - he is a gargoyle and a soul collector. He used the souls as energy sources that powered him and for centuries he stood guard from his perch in Lesbos, Greece. Since the war, Earth had changed and there was nothing left around him, no more souls. He was fascinated though by the half breed souls; they were the products of human and the aliens they warred agains in years past. The souls were luminescent with bright lights that fought off the mists and soothed them at the same time. Though he couldn’t influence the physical realm unless invited.
The Story: This story begins long before Ophelia met Allie. When orphaned females on her planet turn fourteen, they are taken to the priests who determine if they are fertile or not, if they are, the girls are taken to a maiden colony where they are treasured until a time when they are old enough to be chosen by a warlord. If they are barren, there is not much left for them but to end up working in a pleasure house or possibly finding a male that will take her, but it won’t be a warlord. The priests instead took turns with her and left her fragile and bleeding and told her she was barren. Ophelia ran from them to the forest. That is where she lay dying and cried out that she would sell her soul for a chance to get back what she had lost.
Ophelia, who is half Trentian, half human, meets Seraph in the forest after making her wish, and makes a deal with him. He saves her life, restores her virginity, and makes her fertile in exchange for her soul. This was an odd book, it was more of a paranormal fantasy than the previous book. Parts of it took place in the ether, the mist between the upper and lower gates (heaven and hell). That is where Seraph lives and where souls go first when a person dies. The story was good, but not nearly as good as the first book in this series.
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November 29, 2016
2.5 Stars
So I am really not sure how to exactly review this book.
It was an odd book for me to say the least. And I really like the odd and off the wall shit. But I think with this book, it was more of how things came about.
I had a hard time following the plot of this book. Honestly - if the end game was for Ophelia and Seraph to finally be together - I got that. But I am not so sure about all the crap on the pages in between the beginning and end. I know that sounds horrible but it's mostly because I am guessing as to what this world is about it. And my guesses are based on the quick recaps of what each species is. The best part for me was looking forward to when these two beings would finally get to bang their brains out together. Yea - I am slightly weird in that aspect.
So yea, even though it says this can be read as a standalone, I am not so sure it can be. How do I explain this - Ophelia and Seraph's story can be told alone but when you add in the other species and what is going on, that can't be read as a standalone. There is too much unknown and that just adds confusion to the story.
All in all - the book was ok. Will I read the other books - maybe. Would I be upset if I didn't, no.
So I am really not sure how to exactly review this book.
It was an odd book for me to say the least. And I really like the odd and off the wall shit. But I think with this book, it was more of how things came about.
I had a hard time following the plot of this book. Honestly - if the end game was for Ophelia and Seraph to finally be together - I got that. But I am not so sure about all the crap on the pages in between the beginning and end. I know that sounds horrible but it's mostly because I am guessing as to what this world is about it. And my guesses are based on the quick recaps of what each species is. The best part for me was looking forward to when these two beings would finally get to bang their brains out together. Yea - I am slightly weird in that aspect.
So yea, even though it says this can be read as a standalone, I am not so sure it can be. How do I explain this - Ophelia and Seraph's story can be told alone but when you add in the other species and what is going on, that can't be read as a standalone. There is too much unknown and that just adds confusion to the story.
All in all - the book was ok. Will I read the other books - maybe. Would I be upset if I didn't, no.
November 22, 2016
Another brilliantly crafted tale by Ms. Lucas. Immersive and engaging, this prequel adds many facets to the first story and even changes your perception of what happened in that book. This one didn't have quite the same feeling of terror, although I'd still classify it as horror.
I appreciated the author's definition of true soul mates and really liked Seraph and Ophelia, but I cannot shake the melancholy and hopeless feeling that pervaded throughout the story. It's definitely not a light read, but the perspective on the afterlife, the Great Above and Great Below, and ether and souls and strings of memories were fascinating. In short, I am completely in awe of Ms. Lucas's vivid storytelling and will continue to watch for more books in the Stranded in the Stars series. They're beguiling, just like the beings portrayed in them.
I appreciated the author's definition of true soul mates and really liked Seraph and Ophelia, but I cannot shake the melancholy and hopeless feeling that pervaded throughout the story. It's definitely not a light read, but the perspective on the afterlife, the Great Above and Great Below, and ether and souls and strings of memories were fascinating. In short, I am completely in awe of Ms. Lucas's vivid storytelling and will continue to watch for more books in the Stranded in the Stars series. They're beguiling, just like the beings portrayed in them.
June 16, 2017
First and foremost, I had received this book in place of an honest review. Secondly I would like to apologize to the author Naomi Lucas, for taking forever with this review.
Alright so on to the book, I have not read the first book yet, but reading this one I would like to read the first one and the third one. This was set in a world like no others, like literally, you know it's set on Earth or what was earth. But there is a different species as well. This book is like a medieval saga, mixed with sci-if and a weird kind of romance. It's hard to describe any of it, but the world this author created was so vivid and surreal it kept me interested when I actually had time to pick reading back up. I love the character, I love the world, it's was crazy and awesome wrapped in one entity.
Alright so on to the book, I have not read the first book yet, but reading this one I would like to read the first one and the third one. This was set in a world like no others, like literally, you know it's set on Earth or what was earth. But there is a different species as well. This book is like a medieval saga, mixed with sci-if and a weird kind of romance. It's hard to describe any of it, but the world this author created was so vivid and surreal it kept me interested when I actually had time to pick reading back up. I love the character, I love the world, it's was crazy and awesome wrapped in one entity.
June 15, 2020
2.5/5 - Seraph x Ophelia — FYI, this is not really a “standalone” book. Book one should be read first. And it’s a prequel to the series, if that makes any sense?
This rating kills me. I love all of Naomi Lucas’ books, excerpt this one. I skimmed so much of the book. The abundant inner monologue was excruciating to read after the first 10%. The formatting was way off, as well. This is the second book in the series, it should have been written even better than the first but it wasn’t. It’s like this book was written eight years before the first book and shelved. The writing is so mundane and newbie feeling.
Her authors note did explain what she was trying to do with this story and I get it. But the execution was off. It felt like she had the story in her mind and got it down on paper BUT this was the story she wanted to read or get out of her head. Whereas, any of her readers from the first book, Last Call, all wanted the story of why and how in a condensed form and more of the WHY about everything that happened after the crash on HiS leading up to Allie’s story. Like what was the point of the haunting... besides being tied to her.
A quote from the book sums up how I’m feeling right now, “You taste like dust and frustration.” <~~~ that is the theme of the book for me.
Poor Allie got the shaft big time. Ophelia manipulated her for extremely selfish reasons. There was no consent because Allie had zero idea what she was agreeing to in the first place. She was stuck in an intense situation that magnified the bonding to a “friend” in all honestly Ophelia was all about herself in this book. Allie clung to her because she was the only one that didn’t hate her for her race.
Seraph and Ophelia weren’t hot or sexy. They were a ball of secrets and selfishness. The sex wasn’t earned, the “HEA” wasn’t earned, it just was...
Please tell me what happened to Lysander? Larik? Poor Larik was freaking locked in a frozen prison at the end of book one and he only gets a mention in this book. Yes, I get this was eight years prior BUTTTTTTT..... HIS BOOK IS NOT THE NEXT ONE!
FYI: yeah there’s sex. But it’s super boring. She’s a virgin and just lays there enduring Seraph’s enormous size. It’s not until the end when she’s been “liberated” does she show some sexual initiative.
This rating kills me. I love all of Naomi Lucas’ books, excerpt this one. I skimmed so much of the book. The abundant inner monologue was excruciating to read after the first 10%. The formatting was way off, as well. This is the second book in the series, it should have been written even better than the first but it wasn’t. It’s like this book was written eight years before the first book and shelved. The writing is so mundane and newbie feeling.
Her authors note did explain what she was trying to do with this story and I get it. But the execution was off. It felt like she had the story in her mind and got it down on paper BUT this was the story she wanted to read or get out of her head. Whereas, any of her readers from the first book, Last Call, all wanted the story of why and how in a condensed form and more of the WHY about everything that happened after the crash on HiS leading up to Allie’s story. Like what was the point of the haunting... besides being tied to her.
A quote from the book sums up how I’m feeling right now, “You taste like dust and frustration.” <~~~ that is the theme of the book for me.
Poor Allie got the shaft big time. Ophelia manipulated her for extremely selfish reasons. There was no consent because Allie had zero idea what she was agreeing to in the first place. She was stuck in an intense situation that magnified the bonding to a “friend” in all honestly Ophelia was all about herself in this book. Allie clung to her because she was the only one that didn’t hate her for her race.
Seraph and Ophelia weren’t hot or sexy. They were a ball of secrets and selfishness. The sex wasn’t earned, the “HEA” wasn’t earned, it just was...
Please tell me what happened to Lysander? Larik? Poor Larik was freaking locked in a frozen prison at the end of book one and he only gets a mention in this book. Yes, I get this was eight years prior BUTTTTTTT..... HIS BOOK IS NOT THE NEXT ONE!
FYI: yeah there’s sex. But it’s super boring. She’s a virgin and just lays there enduring Seraph’s enormous size. It’s not until the end when she’s been “liberated” does she show some sexual initiative.
March 31, 2017
This book isn't your typical erotic romance smut...it was exceptionally well written with a complicated plot. The protagonist was kind of a jerk, but it was necessary as he was almost a god-like immortal who hadn't ever been in contact with living beings. I would've liked to have spent more time in his realm as it was very interesting, but a story needed to be told and his realm only played into that story only slightly. The world that Ms. Lucas has created is a bit bleak and her heroines tend to be innocents who have to overcome incredible and devastating odds to eventually be with the men that they love. This book is actually a precursor to Last Call. It tells Ophelia's story. You catch glimpses of Allie through Ophelia's eyes and you finally get to know what happened to the rest of the maidens and how their story was even more tragic than you thought it was. Near the end of Ophelia's story, you also come to understand why Allie is the only survivor from the ship that crashed on Argo. I hope that Ms. Lucas will give us more insight into Lysander and Rowana in later stories. They are both very interesting characters!!
November 27, 2017
I liked the first book but this one was a mess
This book was poorly written. It was all over the place. I found myself constantly having to re-read portions of this book just to get an idea of what the hell was going on. The plot was all over the place. The characters were also under developed. I liked the first book in this series but I'm unsure if I will check out any of this writer's other work. This particular book gave me nothing but frustration and a headache.
This book was poorly written. It was all over the place. I found myself constantly having to re-read portions of this book just to get an idea of what the hell was going on. The plot was all over the place. The characters were also under developed. I liked the first book in this series but I'm unsure if I will check out any of this writer's other work. This particular book gave me nothing but frustration and a headache.
August 3, 2021
I know I should say spoiler alert, but I'm not. People with triggers need to know there are several rapes in this book. It is very dark.... In the beginning, I wanted to - but couldn"t stop reading until the end. One thing with Naomi Lucas, her stories are different and keep your attention. (IMO)
Spoilers ahead
The heroine is raped by multiple priest in the beginning of the book. Towards the middle / end of the book her "sisters" and others are raped. The hero is definitely a selfish, big time ANTIHERO. I liked him even though he was a selfish ahole. He was devoted to Ophelia but it was because he wanted her devotion in return. I kept hoping he would evolve/change. Did I mention he takes innocents who are suffering souls in exchange for saving/revenge? Still, the story was unique and kept my interest
Spoilers ahead
The heroine is raped by multiple priest in the beginning of the book. Towards the middle / end of the book her "sisters" and others are raped. The hero is definitely a selfish, big time ANTIHERO. I liked him even though he was a selfish ahole. He was devoted to Ophelia but it was because he wanted her devotion in return. I kept hoping he would evolve/change. Did I mention he takes innocents who are suffering souls in exchange for saving/revenge? Still, the story was unique and kept my interest
August 6, 2022
Collector of stars
Wasn't as good, as captivating as the first book, but I needed to finish it, needed to know what happens. I just didn't feel there chemistry, it didn't feel real on her part.
Wasn't as good, as captivating as the first book, but I needed to finish it, needed to know what happens. I just didn't feel there chemistry, it didn't feel real on her part.
October 28, 2016
How can I do this without spoilers....hmm.
I want to begin by saying: This is an incredibly unique book. It is certainly not for the average reader. Rarely do authors attempt to blend a true romantic and erotic love story with so many dark and horrific elements. Even less rarely do they make it work, as Lucas has done here.
What amazes me the most about this story is the world-building. I am obsessed with the breadth and depth of the world Lucas has created. She's thought of everything, from the big pieces of religion and government, futuristic technology and the nature of the afterlife, to the small details of slang and local plant life -- just a huge quantity of thought and time and imagination is apparent from the outset. But great world-building isn't just about designing these details, it's about conveying them in subtle and pervasive ways that don't infodump on the reader. This second part takes far more work, and Lucas does that with real talent.
There is so much pleasure to be had in reading and slowly having the world revealed to you in unobtrusive ways. Like when Ophelia and Allie were in the gardens weaving the alien flowers together. Or the isolation of their warring, backwards planet, made so perfectly clear at the characters' reactions to the appearance of an actual spaceship.
The plot here is dark dark dark. The romance was dark dark dark. Seraph is, well, not a nice guy. He's really, really not. There wasn't much to like about him. But Ophelia never attempts to see him as good in her own mind -- she's perfectly aware that this is an entity that seeks power by manipulating people at their lowest moments, that is possessive and selfish and violent. She doesn't care, because she's an intrinsically selfish person too. (It was quite deft, how Lucas made Ophelia's personality and qualities clear through her actions rather than telling us. Very good character building.) Nevertheless, they are drawn together and are able to make each other better. I was reminded of my first time reading Wuthering Heights, in that Healthcliff and Catherine are also both terrible people but they love each other deeply nevertheless, and their love improves them while the denial of it makes them much worse. So it is for Ophelia and Seraph. Definitely a refreshing change of pace from the usual perfect characters and cliched love plots.
Seraph was painted with a bit less skill than Ophelia, but the heart of the tale was with Ophelia and Allie in my opinion, so I don't mind. He's clearer to me than Jack from Last Call. Lucas is improving.
And that is an overall trend I want to point out: improvement. Lucas is an indie author. She publishes without the aid of a publishing house with professional editors and marketers. Just from Last Call to Collector of Souls, she's made huge leaps in skill level. The lack of a strong editing is still apparent, there are typos, some word misusage, some places where the pace could be better or just the sequence of events made clearer. No book is perfect, this one has its flaws, but none of them could take me out of the engrossing story.
I loved how this book answered so many questions from the first one, too, but also raised so many more. Even though the romances can be read as individual tales, I think readers are really going to get a better experience by reading all the Stranded in the Stars series. Each story grows the world and the minor characters organically and lovingly. I desperately want to know what happens to Romana and Acheron, to Lysander, to the young warrior trying to find his sister. I can't wait to read more!
In short, highly recommended for anyone looking for a lush, science fiction, gothic romance. Or a shot in the arm, and innoculation against all the other boring romances out there.
I want to begin by saying: This is an incredibly unique book. It is certainly not for the average reader. Rarely do authors attempt to blend a true romantic and erotic love story with so many dark and horrific elements. Even less rarely do they make it work, as Lucas has done here.
What amazes me the most about this story is the world-building. I am obsessed with the breadth and depth of the world Lucas has created. She's thought of everything, from the big pieces of religion and government, futuristic technology and the nature of the afterlife, to the small details of slang and local plant life -- just a huge quantity of thought and time and imagination is apparent from the outset. But great world-building isn't just about designing these details, it's about conveying them in subtle and pervasive ways that don't infodump on the reader. This second part takes far more work, and Lucas does that with real talent.
There is so much pleasure to be had in reading and slowly having the world revealed to you in unobtrusive ways. Like when Ophelia and Allie were in the gardens weaving the alien flowers together. Or the isolation of their warring, backwards planet, made so perfectly clear at the characters' reactions to the appearance of an actual spaceship.
The plot here is dark dark dark. The romance was dark dark dark. Seraph is, well, not a nice guy. He's really, really not. There wasn't much to like about him. But Ophelia never attempts to see him as good in her own mind -- she's perfectly aware that this is an entity that seeks power by manipulating people at their lowest moments, that is possessive and selfish and violent. She doesn't care, because she's an intrinsically selfish person too. (It was quite deft, how Lucas made Ophelia's personality and qualities clear through her actions rather than telling us. Very good character building.) Nevertheless, they are drawn together and are able to make each other better. I was reminded of my first time reading Wuthering Heights, in that Healthcliff and Catherine are also both terrible people but they love each other deeply nevertheless, and their love improves them while the denial of it makes them much worse. So it is for Ophelia and Seraph. Definitely a refreshing change of pace from the usual perfect characters and cliched love plots.
Seraph was painted with a bit less skill than Ophelia, but the heart of the tale was with Ophelia and Allie in my opinion, so I don't mind. He's clearer to me than Jack from Last Call. Lucas is improving.
And that is an overall trend I want to point out: improvement. Lucas is an indie author. She publishes without the aid of a publishing house with professional editors and marketers. Just from Last Call to Collector of Souls, she's made huge leaps in skill level. The lack of a strong editing is still apparent, there are typos, some word misusage, some places where the pace could be better or just the sequence of events made clearer. No book is perfect, this one has its flaws, but none of them could take me out of the engrossing story.
I loved how this book answered so many questions from the first one, too, but also raised so many more. Even though the romances can be read as individual tales, I think readers are really going to get a better experience by reading all the Stranded in the Stars series. Each story grows the world and the minor characters organically and lovingly. I desperately want to know what happens to Romana and Acheron, to Lysander, to the young warrior trying to find his sister. I can't wait to read more!
In short, highly recommended for anyone looking for a lush, science fiction, gothic romance. Or a shot in the arm, and innoculation against all the other boring romances out there.
August 3, 2017
Strange and Ephemeral
It wasn't a bad story. Just very confusing. I could never grasp what caused a tear and what didn't. One moment he can do this vs with no damage, then the next if he tries the same thing, it's going to cause a tear. When he asked her to let him kill them when they were coming in the compound to rape and kill her sisters and she says NO. That made no sense at all. Just too much made no sense or wasn't explained clearly enough. So now they are together, but what exactly are they going to be doing with all their time? They are pretty much living in a gray mist where there is nobody or anything. Sounds like he!! to me. This one suffered from the point of view not making us feel what they felt. I just can't connect to this authors characters the way she writes them now. No passion, no heat. We get it to a better extent from the males, but not by much. The females just seem like these strange out of touch with reality creatures. I may read a newest book to see if she figured out how to improve her character development and emotional pull before reading this older stuff. Now my last issue are the sex scenes. They could be hot except in almost every scene, the girl gets here, then the guy really gets going while she just lays there till he gets his. I feel for this author if this is her experience with guys. A guy losing control is hot and should bring on another ummm, you know. A woman can have more then one! Anyway, I like her imaginations, but she needs some work. She leaves danglers all over the place in her stories. It's frustrating.
It wasn't a bad story. Just very confusing. I could never grasp what caused a tear and what didn't. One moment he can do this vs with no damage, then the next if he tries the same thing, it's going to cause a tear. When he asked her to let him kill them when they were coming in the compound to rape and kill her sisters and she says NO. That made no sense at all. Just too much made no sense or wasn't explained clearly enough. So now they are together, but what exactly are they going to be doing with all their time? They are pretty much living in a gray mist where there is nobody or anything. Sounds like he!! to me. This one suffered from the point of view not making us feel what they felt. I just can't connect to this authors characters the way she writes them now. No passion, no heat. We get it to a better extent from the males, but not by much. The females just seem like these strange out of touch with reality creatures. I may read a newest book to see if she figured out how to improve her character development and emotional pull before reading this older stuff. Now my last issue are the sex scenes. They could be hot except in almost every scene, the girl gets here, then the guy really gets going while she just lays there till he gets his. I feel for this author if this is her experience with guys. A guy losing control is hot and should bring on another ummm, you know. A woman can have more then one! Anyway, I like her imaginations, but she needs some work. She leaves danglers all over the place in her stories. It's frustrating.
March 8, 2018
Interesting
While a sequel/prequel to the first, this was an unexpectedly different story. How interestingly unique. Seraph is not a nice being. And is obsessed more than what you would call “in love” with Ophelia. I was hooked from the beginning. I will admit, I became lost during some parts of the book, and had to go back and re read slowly to try and keep up. But it wasn’t because of bad writing. More like this was so beyond the normal fantasy novel that my mind struggled to process those parts of the story. Definitely recommend and if you’ve already read the first book in this series you should enjoy this one. But I will advise you to read slowly, don’t skip parts to get to the “juicy bits” as you will miss important plot lines. This is a very very dark book. Not for the faint of heart. There are lots of dark violence and rape scenes. So if you’re not comfortable reading about such things then this isn’t the book for you.
While a sequel/prequel to the first, this was an unexpectedly different story. How interestingly unique. Seraph is not a nice being. And is obsessed more than what you would call “in love” with Ophelia. I was hooked from the beginning. I will admit, I became lost during some parts of the book, and had to go back and re read slowly to try and keep up. But it wasn’t because of bad writing. More like this was so beyond the normal fantasy novel that my mind struggled to process those parts of the story. Definitely recommend and if you’ve already read the first book in this series you should enjoy this one. But I will advise you to read slowly, don’t skip parts to get to the “juicy bits” as you will miss important plot lines. This is a very very dark book. Not for the faint of heart. There are lots of dark violence and rape scenes. So if you’re not comfortable reading about such things then this isn’t the book for you.
May 22, 2017
This is a well written sci fi romance/fantasy romance and honestly it is very difficult to find a well written book in this genre...This book took a slight detour from the first book and has fantasy elements along with sci fi...This book explains what happened to Allie's best friend Ophelia 8 years prior to the events in first book Last Call. It is not what I would call a prequel even though the events in this book precede the events in Last Call. In my opinion Last Call needs to be read first since it better explains the breeder element in this book. It can stand alone but I think reading Last Call first would increase your enjoyment of this book. Do read all the books by Naomi Lucas you won't be disappointed...
March 23, 2022
A story of unrequited love
I am reading this series. I like it because it’s a different take on the alien male to human female romance. Honestly this should have been book one because all of the storyline happens before book one. I liked the characters and they were interesting. Ophelia, the BFF to Allie (from the first book), is in a bad way. They have found out that she is not fertile and she is abused by some so-called leaders. Ophelia runs away in the forest but she is broken and bleeding. She calls out for help, anyone’s help. Seph answers her request. . . . And their first deal is brokered . . . . Her soul belongs to him. The ending of this book starts the book one story of Allie and Jack. Read On!
I am reading this series. I like it because it’s a different take on the alien male to human female romance. Honestly this should have been book one because all of the storyline happens before book one. I liked the characters and they were interesting. Ophelia, the BFF to Allie (from the first book), is in a bad way. They have found out that she is not fertile and she is abused by some so-called leaders. Ophelia runs away in the forest but she is broken and bleeding. She calls out for help, anyone’s help. Seph answers her request. . . . And their first deal is brokered . . . . Her soul belongs to him. The ending of this book starts the book one story of Allie and Jack. Read On!
May 14, 2022
Wow..Just WOW
It took a while for me to read this book cause it was so detailed and slow in some parts.
It is an interesting way to look at Heaven and Hell and the place in between. I will say that selling one's soul..in this book..is a beautiful way.
Ophelia reminded me that when you truly love someone you will sacrifice anything to protect them. Seraph made me look at the in between not as waiting place but a ever present moving living place where you still decide your fate.
The love Seraph has for Ophelia is not always pure and with love comes facets we are never quite sure of...Ophelia's love for Seraph was pure but restrained for her understanding of the in between was exhilarating and scary..but where she found her home.
It took a while for me to read this book cause it was so detailed and slow in some parts.
It is an interesting way to look at Heaven and Hell and the place in between. I will say that selling one's soul..in this book..is a beautiful way.
Ophelia reminded me that when you truly love someone you will sacrifice anything to protect them. Seraph made me look at the in between not as waiting place but a ever present moving living place where you still decide your fate.
The love Seraph has for Ophelia is not always pure and with love comes facets we are never quite sure of...Ophelia's love for Seraph was pure but restrained for her understanding of the in between was exhilarating and scary..but where she found her home.
April 12, 2022
imagery fail
I almost stopped reading so many times, but I made it through this book, barely. I kept reminding myself this is one of the author’s earlier books and her later work is better. Writing about the mystical, ether/heaven/hell themes was ambitious and might have worked if not for all the spelling and grammar errors that made large chunks of this ridiculous, confusing, or meaningless. It was so distracting having to backtrack, re-read and try to figure out what was meant to be said that I just couldn’t get into the story. I gave it 2 stars just because the bones of the story are good (if not we’ll executed), and it isn’t the worst thing I’ve read.
I almost stopped reading so many times, but I made it through this book, barely. I kept reminding myself this is one of the author’s earlier books and her later work is better. Writing about the mystical, ether/heaven/hell themes was ambitious and might have worked if not for all the spelling and grammar errors that made large chunks of this ridiculous, confusing, or meaningless. It was so distracting having to backtrack, re-read and try to figure out what was meant to be said that I just couldn’t get into the story. I gave it 2 stars just because the bones of the story are good (if not we’ll executed), and it isn’t the worst thing I’ve read.
June 13, 2022
Breaking up is so hard to do😘
I am doing this on my kindle. What can I say. I find I have times I can' t quit reading my " Naomi". This is one of the first. I am typing this on my kindle so it's not easy. This book is stunningly beautiful. It is violent, at the beginning there is the recollection of a defilement of an innocent. Then a love story but a sense of the balance where evil is triumphed over by a spirit of sacrifice. This book is something different and I find most difficult to describe. But I love it so much. I forget how many times I have read it like visiting an old and very dear friend.
I am doing this on my kindle. What can I say. I find I have times I can' t quit reading my " Naomi". This is one of the first. I am typing this on my kindle so it's not easy. This book is stunningly beautiful. It is violent, at the beginning there is the recollection of a defilement of an innocent. Then a love story but a sense of the balance where evil is triumphed over by a spirit of sacrifice. This book is something different and I find most difficult to describe. But I love it so much. I forget how many times I have read it like visiting an old and very dear friend.
February 3, 2020
This book was supposed to clear up mystery from book 1,yet it confused everything so mutch more. The relationship between Ophelia and Seraph was weird at best and uncomfortable to read at best. Ophelias character got corrupted by the end and I lost any good opinion I had about her. What was the point of epilogue of book 1 if it got no mention in this book?
This story is both all over the place and stitched together like I'll made quilt. There is both too mutch happening and also not enough. It is a mess of story and not even a decent romance to save it.
Disappointing.
This story is both all over the place and stitched together like I'll made quilt. There is both too mutch happening and also not enough. It is a mess of story and not even a decent romance to save it.
Disappointing.
July 25, 2022
This was a confusing read... I usually don't love it when authors make a point of stating the characters' ages but in this case it was kind of needed. Spoilers:
Ophelia is tested to see if she's fertile when she hits puberty and finds out she isn't so she sells her soul in order to gain fertility and a better life. Fine. Great. The problem is that Seraph immediately starts thinking about how sexy she is. So she's what, 12 or 13? Maybe 15 at the outside? Really creepy vibe that I just couldn't get past
Ophelia is tested to see if she's fertile when she hits puberty and finds out she isn't so she sells her soul in order to gain fertility and a better life. Fine. Great. The problem is that Seraph immediately starts thinking about how sexy she is. So she's what, 12 or 13? Maybe 15 at the outside? Really creepy vibe that I just couldn't get past
October 25, 2018
I think because NL needed to craft this story around the events of book 1, the logical everything was even less logical than usual? Like Ophelia's compulsion to help Allie survive even at the risk of herself and everyone else was... weird? And made for some real head-scratching moments. I think reading the first book in the series will help, but it's still confusing. Not where I would recommend anyone start reading NL.
CW: rape and other forms of sexual assault, other violence, monsters
CW: rape and other forms of sexual assault, other violence, monsters
February 24, 2020
Confusing plot
After reading Last Call, I decided to read CoS to better understand the origin story. I found the storytelling to be haphazard and difficult to follow. I could never really understand the motivations behind the primary characters. I think it left me with more confusion than understanding.
After reading Last Call, I decided to read CoS to better understand the origin story. I found the storytelling to be haphazard and difficult to follow. I could never really understand the motivations behind the primary characters. I think it left me with more confusion than understanding.
February 9, 2021
Weirdly Engrossing
This series fascinates me. The characters, the world building, the action and the heat keeps me flipping pages. Ophelia and Seraph are a complicated couple and their interactions are so wrong they work. I don’t know where the whole story line is headed but I’m definitely along for the ride.
This series fascinates me. The characters, the world building, the action and the heat keeps me flipping pages. Ophelia and Seraph are a complicated couple and their interactions are so wrong they work. I don’t know where the whole story line is headed but I’m definitely along for the ride.
December 3, 2021
Okay so, i really like all her books that i have read so far and the first book of this series was really good, but this book really felt like a filler. i was kinda confused at times but its still good book it just felt like it was a run on book if you get what i mean. Im glad i finished it i liked the ending (before the epilogue).
October 3, 2017
A VERY DIFFERENT STORY
This is so different from all the other books I've read from Lucas. It was beautiful and very moving. At times I found it confusing. But the imaginative characters, story and scenes kept me hooked.
This is so different from all the other books I've read from Lucas. It was beautiful and very moving. At times I found it confusing. But the imaginative characters, story and scenes kept me hooked.
May 9, 2018
Seraph
Oh, dark and twisted! I I loved it. Sarah and Ophelia are a not your typical pair.. alien and I dont even know what lol but this book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, the suspense was unreal.
Oh, dark and twisted! I I loved it. Sarah and Ophelia are a not your typical pair.. alien and I dont even know what lol but this book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, the suspense was unreal.
September 3, 2018
Loved it!!
Another great story, loved the characters and the storyline. The backstory behind Allie's arrival to "HIS" and the strength behind her best friend Ophelia. Quite a few twists, can't wait to see more!
Another great story, loved the characters and the storyline. The backstory behind Allie's arrival to "HIS" and the strength behind her best friend Ophelia. Quite a few twists, can't wait to see more!
September 14, 2018
Not my fav
This wasn't my fav. It should have been a side book to the other cyborg series or a prior story. I was in the dark for most of the story. I did like Ophelia and thought she was a good character. This whole story was weird for me.
This wasn't my fav. It should have been a side book to the other cyborg series or a prior story. I was in the dark for most of the story. I did like Ophelia and thought she was a good character. This whole story was weird for me.
September 22, 2019
this was an unexpected story. I've got 1 question though: in the first book Allie is haunted by some sort of spirit at the crash site, I would've liked to know what that spirit was especially since it's not even mentioned in this book....we do finally get to meet the elusive Lysander though lol
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