The Traitor's Bride

Keepers of Xereill #1

by Alix Nichols

Disgraced war hero Areg Sebi is on the scaffold, laying his head on the block.
A priestess chants a prayer for the major's soul.
In the crowd below, laundress Etana Tidryn stares into his eyes.
Last night his lips were hot against hers.
He worshipped her with the desperation of the damned...
Will he die today?
Or can Etana transcend Time and Space, transcend Life itself, to save him?

THE TRAITOR’S BRIDE is the first novel in a series of connected sci fi romances. This volume features Etana and Areg’s love story, and introduces readers to the world of Xereill.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
- toe-curling romance
- intense, racy love scenes
- family bonds and lasting friendships
- a quest for justice in a vivid, unique world
- page-turning action

Are you a fan of science fiction, paranormal or fantasy romance? Then you’ll love this new series!

Think Black Dagger Brotherhood with hot alien warriors.
Think Star Wars with lots of passion and sizzle.
Think Outlander with more than one couple to root for.

Sound good?

Then the Keepers of Xereill series is for you!

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance, Military Fiction, Paranormal, Space Opera

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2018

About the author

Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances.
She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).
At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.
She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**

Series and Books:

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

It’s Raining Royals (newest series)

1. The Boss Prince
2. The Bastard Prince
3. The Beast Prince

La Bohème (complete series)

1. 
Winter’s Gift

2. What If It’s Love?

3. Falling for Emma

4. Under My Skin
You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)

The Darcy Brothers (complete series)

1. Find You in Paris
2. Raphael’s Fling
3. The Perfect Catch
Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)

Playing to Win (complete series)

1. Playing with Fire
2. Playing for Keeps
3. Playing Dirty

Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)


The Devil’s Own Chloe
Amanda’s Guide to Love
An Autumn in Paris

ROMANTIC FANTASY

Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)

The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella)
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
4. The Samurai’s Lover

5. The Vestal’s Steward

Reviews

[Melanie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This half a book is better than most

I'm voluntarily reviewing ARC of this book from Hidden Gems, and the opinion expressed is my own. I'm an Alix Nichols fan, and I was keen to read her first foray into the SF romance sub-genre. As expected, the authors smooth and polished writing, combined with her bright imagination, set up a complex and intriguing new world of interplanetary politics, military conflicts, power-grabs and plots within plots within plots. At the center of it all, Lord Areg Sebi, war hero and member of a noble house, is falsely accused of treason and condemned to death. Unexpected aid from a lowly laundry maid, Etana, allows him to escape - only to be re-captured. This strange cycle repeats itself with variations throughout the book, and then it ends. BAM - just like that. It's a no resolution, no explanations, just "I quit writing here and I'll finish it in a couple of months" CLIFFHANGER ENDING. I hate that. I think blatant cliffhangers like this are a marketing ploy and a form of disrespect to the reader. What's here is a worthwhile story, characters with unplumbed depths and complexities, and a hot and beautiful romance, as far as it goes. But it doesn't go to the end, or even a logical temporary resting point, and I'm torqued. For the sake of those who will persist despite the cliffhanger, I'm giving this three stars. For readers like myself, I'm giving it the cold shoulder. As for reading the sequel - probably not.

[Kathleen R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not my first book by Alix Nichols, but it is the first science fiction novel that i have read from her so far - so i'm not quite sure if this is the first time that she's ventured into this genre or if she's a repeat, but suffice it to say that i was quite curious to find out what and how she'd deliver her book to her readers. Lately, i've become quite enamoured of this genre since the possibilities are quite endless when it comes to science fiction because quite frankly, there is no limit as to what you can image or create.

The Traitor's Bride is the first instalment in the Keeper of Xereill series and taking this into consideration, i knew that there would be some background to be discovered into the many types of 'creatures' and civilizations that exist on the many worlds. Now don't get me wrong, i really do love to get to know the ins and outs of new civilizations and new races, but i really do love a story between characters. While i applaud this author for being thorough in taking the lengths to describe the relationship that exists between the characters, the social standings and even the history of the planets (as well as their link to earth humans), i have to say that this was confusing at times.

I really did try to keep up, to make sense of who's who and especially the how these people made it to their home planet and why they are the way that they are, but i'll admit that i had troubles staying invested in the first half of the book. It felt drawn out and at the same time, some of the characters very naive or unable to act their age as is the case with Etana. Don't get me wrong, this girl is incredibly powerful and she's smart, but i think i may have rolled my eyes a few times, especially in the beginning - and maybe that's because i was still trying to keep up. So i'm taking some and i'm leaving some, knowing that i'll have to read this book once again in the future so that i can finally get a better handle on what's going on.

I'm not saying that this book isn't worth it - the complete opposite, Alix Nichols did create an incredibly details back drop of her characters that i'm sure we'll be seeing in the future. But what i am suggesting is to keep an open mind when picking this book up since there is so much information to take in a short period of time.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

 

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[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong characters and a great story line. I so can't wait to read more from Alix's too. I can't wait to read more of this series as well. You will love reading Areg and Etana's story. I just couldn't put it down once I started reading it.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great world and character building. The story never turned quite in the direction I had in mind. It ends on a MAJOR cliffhanger :( so I guess we will have to tune into the next story! :) I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to the next in the series!

I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.

[Brachanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing !! I'm not saying I just had a hard time putting it down, no it's much more than that !
This book managed the extraordinary feat of making me change my mind about science fiction !
I've always hated science fiction, I only read contemporary or historical romances and I had this (obviously wrong) idea that science fiction was all about robots, aliens, big metal spaceships and laser saber fights...
The only science fiction thing I liked was the Star Wars movies because, well, that's a classic !
But a book about science fiction, no I was sure I wouldn't like it.

However I had a problem when Alix Nichols published her Keepers of Xereill Series, because I love her novels. I'd already read all her books in the La Bohême series, in the Darcy Brothers series and in the Game time series !
I just had to read that new series of hers.

So I opened the Traitor's Bride, hoping that I would not hate it.
...And I absolutely loved it ! I couldn't stop reading after the first chapters !
I must admit that at the beginning it was difficult to enter a whole new world, with new rules and new words. But Alix Nichols managed to put it all together beautifully so that everything becomes clear after the first few chapters.

Now for the story in itself !
It was incredible, I was so invested in what would happen to the main characters that I couldn't put the book down ! This is by far the best book I've ever read by Alix Nichols (when I thought it would be the one I liked the least !).
The things I didn't really like about Alix Nichols' novels have disappeared in The Traitor's Bride and new wonderful things have appeared !
For example, I didn't find one scene "told" and not "shown", which used to frustrate me so much because I wanted to read what was happening to the characters !
And the things I love in Alix Nichols' novels were even better in this book ! Like always, she managed to turn the usual clichés of romance novels into a wonderful story full of unexpected twists !

To anybody who reads this review, read the Traitor's Bride. I can assure you you're going to fall in love with Areg, cry with Etana and root for their couple all through the book !
Now I would like to give so many more examples of things I loved in this novel but I hate reading reviews with spoilers so I won't do it. I'll just use a quote from my favorite movie to explain that this story has everything : "Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles !" (The Princess Bride)

Now give The Traitor's Bride a try and let yourself be seduced by the story !

P-S : I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

n her untamed gift hinges the future of a planet — and her lover’s life.
~ ~
A month ago, ex-army Major Areg Sebi was thrown into prison.
Now he’s on the scaffold, laying his head on the block.
ON public trial for the disgraced war hero. No cyborgs from the League of Realms to whisk him away.
No help. No escape.
A priestess chants a prayer for the major’s soul, even as a judge cries out, “Death to the traitor!”

In the crowd below, laundry maid Etana Tidryn stares into Areg’s eyes.
His lips were hot against hers last night. His hands roamed her body, worshipped her, pleasured her.
She’s falling for him, hard and fast.
She’s still hoping, even if he’s given up…
Can Etana transcend everything she knows — transcend life itself — to save him?
Can she rise to meet her destiny
------------------------------------
A new author for me, going in that this book was nervous, I do love my Science Fiction so it does have to be incredibly good for it to hook me. I guess I thought it would be a series of interconnected books that each had, at the very least, a happy for now ending for the main couple. That’s not the case for this book. Instead, it ends in a huge cliffhanger! Which I HATE !!thankfully the second book is already out but will be checking to see if its another cliff hanger before i purchase it. I normally avoid cliff hangers and will usually only read them if the remaining books are already available to read. So, if you aren’t into cliffhangers, you may want to stick this one on your to-be-read-later list and wait until the other books are available. That being said, it’s definitely worth reading. It was a really good book.

This book was relatively short, was fast paced, and kept me interested from start to finish. I can’t wait for the next installment, so I can see how the story ends (or continues). The world that is introduced in this book is one that could support many books going forward, but I hope that the author chooses to give this couple a happy ending in the next one.

The book does have a couple of errors, but it wasn’t anything distracting. The unusual names and made up words, for the alternate world the book is set in, were a little distracting at first, but I got used to it after a little while.

I view a lot of books on the precipice of a movie, and this would make a fantastic film depending on the next chapters off course

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was blown away at the talent of this author!! It most definitely won't be the only book I will read by this author, can't wait to read more of her work!!

This storyline was so exciting, based in a different universe you never know what to expect, you never know what could happen next and this is one of the things I loved about this story, learning their culture, their histories and the way they differentiate from the human race. You never know what is going to happen in this book, it is so imaginative and the descriptions are so vivid that although its on a different world, you as the reader can see it all so clearly as if you are there on that world with the characters going through it all with them.

Etana is a hero in my eyes, I loved her character! Her strength and courage is staggering, she does things that nobody would expect a woman of her upbringing and role in life to do. Against everything that is against her she does what her heart and soul tells her is the right thing to do even if it seems foolish and foolhardy. She is so inspiring and followed her heart, which is huge in its capacity to love, she is very protective of those that she loves. I just think that she is amazing to read about. Then we come to Areg who is a very addictive character to read about. He has been through so much pain in his life it doesn't seem to end but he still stays true to himself, protecting those he cares about as much as he can, even if it means him dying. This shows his capacity for love even when he thought all he would know was pain. There are so many other characters in this book that I really enjoyed reading about, I would love to know more about them!!!

This book was so compelling and so addictive that I couldn't stop reading it, I adored it!!! This book is well worth a 5* rating and I can't recommend this book highly enough!!!!

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major Areg Sebi dared to dream of a better life. Where people had access to level-two technology to make their quality of life and chance if equality better. He dared to voice this, his punishment was swift, swifter than any war criminal. First he was publically lashed, then forced to confess to a crime he did not commit. Etana, a laundry maid who shared his vision of the future, had but one chance to prevent this execution, invoking an ancient law. What she hadn't realised was the lengths his captors would go to in order to ensure he was no longer a threat, or what the dangers stacked against her hero would unlock within her.

The Traitor's Bride is the first book in Alix Nichols' romantic science fiction series Keepers of Xereill. It is a romance with no lack of passion, all of which is tastefully executed and portrayed. The stakes are high as Etana tries everything within her power to save her hero, Major Sebi, and unlocks a gift someone of her class should not possess. You will love, you will hate, and you will pray that certain characters to get their just desserts. As the first book in the series you are given an excellent, but not overwhelming, sense of the world, social structure and way of life for the people of Eta. The Traitor's Bride is a love story, but that is not all it is, it is an engaging, tense, and thrilling exploration of new worlds, the heroes and villains within and, of course, the many obstacles in love's path. I certainly won't hesitate to pick up the next book in this series.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Serpents🐉 Coil

A caste system exists on the planet 🌎 of Xereill. Etana💋👩 was born into the lower caste, or menial. She is a laundry maid.
Lord Sebi🐺🔪🔫, the hero of the people, is a Noble Blood👑. He is a hero Major and leader of the army of Eia against the Teteum invaders. He's a war hero Until he is arrested by the police chief, Ultek👹, for supposed cowardice.

It's a fake charge but there is a vendetta against his family. His parents and sister were supposedly killed in an "accident" . Ultek👹 is a psychopath, but the leader of Eia lets him do what he wants.

Lord Sebi🐺🔪🔫 is publicly flogged and all the local menials, including Etana💋👩, are there to see it. Only Etana💋👩💕 feels for Lord Sebi🐺🔪🔫, she feels something going on within herself. She feels a power, but she doesn't yet know what it is, how she got it and how to use it! Menials aren't supposed to have powers, they are diluted by too much human blood. Plus there is a dampening system in place on the planet 🌎.

All Etana💋👩💕 knows is she is enamored by Lord Sebi🐺🔪🔫, and she Will do anything to help him escape, because he cannot survive another flogging. Ultek👹 wants to kill him, anyway.

Other Noble Bloods from LOR are trying to rescue him and get him off planet 🌎 without being obvious.

This is an interesting, well written, multi faceted, Sci-fi XXX Romance💘 novel. The scenes are few and far between, but they are a natural part of the story, not the reason for it. This is the first book in a coming series. It does end in a cliffhanger. One 🌟star lost for the cliffhanger. I hates em! Recommend!

ARC Provided by HG, for a Voluntary and Honest review.
I also got the book with KU.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice change of story topics from Alix. This is a science fiction story about Lord Major Areg Sebi who is a hero and a recent war hero that got involved in politics with his former professor. There are some in power who are afraid of what they believe in so the plan some devious outcome for them. Areg ends up arrested, punished being brutally flogged in the public square where the residents are watching. Etana is a laundry maid and remembers Areg visiting the home where she works and finds herself inspired by him. The rival candidate is Governor Lord Boggond who is not a nice person and takes liberties with his power to hurt others. Chief Ultek helps Boggond with his evil plans and finds a way to cause more harm Areg. Lord Areg is good person and happens to come from a wealthy family. He has lost his parents in an accident and would do anything to prhis sister. Etana finds herself drawn towards Areg and finds a way to help him and keep him alive until Chief Ultek gets it reversed and unexpectedly Areg gets unexpected help and escapes being beheaded as he admits his quilt to protect his sister from untold harms. I loved the attraction between Areg and Etana and how it develops over the story. This is a great start to this series! This story does end in a cliffhanger but I understand the next part will be out shortly, I can not wait!! I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Traitor’s Bride is the first book that I have read by Alix Nichols and is the first book in the Keepers of Xereill Series.

There is a glossary provided at the back of the book. My wish is that it was at the beginning because I knew nothing of it until I completed this book and it would have been nice to refer to it while reading The Traitor’s Bride. It is a complicated world that Alix Nichols has created.

We first meet Major Areg Sebi (Lord Sebi) as he is being whipped he has been branded a traitor. Fortunately for Lord Sebi, Etana doesn’t believe the allegations against him. Etana found a loophole that could just save Areg. I won’t say more because if you like Sci-Fi romances I would recommend reading The Traitor’s Bride. I enjoyed this book and did find it a page-turner to see what is going to happen next in this make-believe world.

There are going to be 5 total books in this series and all releasing this year. The next book in this series will be coming out in less than a month. So, no long waits here.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never underestimate the greed of man or the love of a woman--4.5 🌟

Both Areg and Etana are strong characters, even though Areg is willing to give up a few times. It made me mad because Etana found a way to help him when no one else could or would. Areg feels like he isn't the war hero that everyone claims that he is because his early actions in the war got some of his teammates killed. Etana feels like she shouldn't be placed into some category just because of the socio-economic status she was born into; she feels that no one should be limited this way.
I got lost within the pages of this book. It was an artfully crafted world that felt a bit different from others in other books that I've read. There was so much richness in plot that I was completely entranced until there wasn't any more story left. I felt like I had been torn away from my best friends when the pages simply stopped turning. I NEED more. Please! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, and I borrowed it through the Kindle Unlimited program too.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that this book nicely avoids the most common pitfalls that can plague the first in a new series. It drops us right into the heart of the action without spending pages and pages explaining the background before we get there. It then provides us with that background in nice conversational snippets as the story moves along without becoming pedantic about it. It’s populated with interesting characters that I look forward to finding out more about. Though, their good versus evil natures are a bit simplistic at this point; most of the characters we see in action seem very obvious which side they fall on. Knowing that this is part of a series of connected stories, I was prepared for the ‘bigger picture’ not to be fully resolved by the end. I wasn’t prepared for the abrupt and sudden stop where this book does end. After watching the relationship developing between Etana and Areg, I was hoping for something more for them. However, where we’re left makes me very anxious to see what comes next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont normally read scifi books but im really starting to like these type of books :)

This is a exciting book about areg who is accused of being a traitor and he nearly gets his head chopped off but he saved by a woman called Etana who said she will marry him.
The only problem is the horrible man ( chief ultek) in charge will do everything he can to stop that from happening and he also wants Etana for himself.

A wonderful book about about falling in love and wanting to be with someone you has everyone after them trying to kill him.
Its about saving a mans life even the etana isnt sure how.

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what fun! I am used to reading author Alix Nichol's sassy, sexy, Parisian-based contemporary romances so didn't know what to think when I saw her name affixed to a science fiction story. We have multiple planets, varying levels of technical and technological sophistication, civilizations ranging from medieval to modern+, power mad evil-doers, national and interplanetary politics, bionics, and "magic" all wrapped up in one (full-length) novel which concludes its action but is a bit of a cliff-hanger. Think serial. Fortunately we are being promised the next chapter "soon"! (Disclaimer: I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. Haha! Of course I did! I love her stuff!)

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely Great Start To A New Genre For The Author.

I love the new world and characters which are introduced to us in this book. The characters are well-developed and the entertaining story is in the right pace.

The book contains a sweet heroin (Etana) and a sexy war hero (Areg), deep emotions, troubled characters, doubts, political intrigues, police power plots and an incredible chemistry.

But there is one point I really, really don't like: A really absolutely evil cliffhanger!!!!

I recommend you to wait until the next book is out. Otherwise the wait for the continuation makes you as crazy as me right now. ;)

But you have to read the series with this thrilling plotline.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Alex and I had to continue until I finished it in one setting. The world building puts you right next to the Major in all the stench, color and beauty that is his world. His true lady is a joy to read about; loyal and full of fierce honesty. Cyborgs, and powers inherent to the “rich bloods” make this story one to continue to follow and I intend to do so.

[pr stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first science-fiction story I've read by Alix Nichols and it was fantastic! The author successfully blends classic romance against the backdrop of an alien world filled with political intrigue, scandal and betrayal. The lead characters, Etana and Areg, are courageous, smart, and sympathetic and readers will love their story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Alix's first SF/traditional romance, this is a great start. The storyline is well-written, with awesome world-building, smooth easy flow, and developed characters. While this book ends on a cliffhanger, there is a promise of conclusion in the next installment. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this is just a a “quickie” review. Unfortunately, I’m in in a hospital and asked my husband to post this since I don’t have the time to do better - even though the book definitely deserves it.

Bottom line: five stars. This was one wonderfully fun novel and definitely recommended. It had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters.

[Anita Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under normal circumstances I try to avoid books with cliffhangers cause I'm an impatient person and like all my answers wrapped up in a nice little bow. To be honest I was warned that there was a cliffhanger but it somehow slipped my mind so I had a resounding nooooo echoing through my mind at the end of the book but you know what, in this instance I actually think it is a good thing. If the whole situation for Areg and Etana was resolved in this book it probably would have felt rushed and unsatisfying. I am genuinely excited for the next book in the series and hope that I don't have to wait too long. The world-building is outstanding and the characters, of which there are many, all have depth and big personalities. The baddies are ones you won't help but hate, they're not the sort that you may feel sympathy for believe me.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First let me say it took me a while to get into the characters and what was happening. I almost felt like I had missed something before this. A few chapters in and I cannot read this book fast enough! I'm loving it! Then it ends on a cliffie!! If I missed the warning then shame on me but I didn't see it. Honestly I don't think it takes away much from how awesome this book was!

I loved Areg and his sense of rightness. Poor guy gets dragged through the wringer! Estaba, although naive and young, knows what she believes in, knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Together I loved them and couldn't get enough! I look forward to reading the next in the series!

[Charity Chimni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love this new world Alix has created! She’s taken her knack for amazing characters and mixed it with the Sci-fi Romance Genre! I love the connection between Areg and Etana, and the sacrifices they are willing to make for the other. A page turning adventure filled with corruption, heros, family, friends, and love. The storyline is unique and intriguing. Full of excitement, mystery, and wonder. The possibilities are endless! I can’t wait to see where this series takes us! I still have a book hangover! While I usually despise cliffhangers, Alix presented us with enough crumbs to tide us over until the release of book two in a month, which promises to answer all of our questions about Areg and Etana.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book 📚, it has great storyline. Can't wait for more from this author. Received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Story a sci fi romance and full of excitement and mystery couldn't put it down I do hope the next book is out soon I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are really amazing and fun moments in here! I loved the story and the author's writing style. I do have an issue with how this ended though. It felt too abrupt for me. I like cliffhangers when done well, but here there wasn't much of a stopping point that made sense to be continued and right now I'm kinda confused!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚I am honestly and voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book 📚
I’m not a huge fan of the SciFi genre. I admit they tend to confuse me with all the “otherworldly” background. HOWEVER, this book, at its core is a story of two people, Areg and Etana, thrown together, fighting for each other, and fighting against evil. Working through the background bogged me down a bit, but I loved these two characters. I hate cliffhangers.........book 2, please 🙏🏻.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good start to this new series. A well written book that features a fully developed world. The plot is engaging and interesting. This book does end on a cliffhanger, so if this is a deal breaker for you be warned. Book offers a entertaining blend of romance, sci-fi, drama, action, intrigue, politics, and mystery. A good start and I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm posting a voluntary, honest review after reading this book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review for honest review. Etana lives on iltaga when watching a whipping of areg sebi . She needs to do something to help him . This is interesting book .good.

[Joyce Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Futuristic tale of greed, corruption, evil, adventure, romance, suspense and mysticism. A lot of elements at play in this novel; certainly enough to keep any reader captivated. The two main characters do not have an easy go of things, especially the main male character. The main female character showers her strength upon the main male character, giving him unconditional support. Other supporting characters are well developed and spring to life just as well as the two main characters do. Another book follows so we are left in suspense as to how things will totally evolve for these, quite literally, star-crossed lovers. Til the next novel ...

I received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest review.