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The Apprentice #4
Fortuna
*** 2018 RONE Nominee ***
For a year and a half, Lilian has endured the hostility, spite, and deadly violence of those who despise her for her father’s crimes. If not for the protection of the powerful warrior Lucius Mercio, Lilian might not have survived. Without Lilian’s courage and brilliance, Lucius might have lost the Serengeti Cartel to a vicious traitor. Instead, Lucius has total control of his Cartel, and few within Serengeti will risk his wrath to torment his apprentice.
Determined to advance his ambitions and reward Lilian for her role in his success, Lucius prepares for the voyage to Fortuna in the Fourth System. There, they will oversee the next phase of the first interstellar space exploration in two centuries. Lilian’s anticipation soon turns to dread as dark dreams haunt her nights, increasing in frequency and force as they journey to Fortuna. On a distant world, cut off from her few friends, Lilian will face dangerous intrigues as her nightmares take form.
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2017
About the author
E.G. Manetti
19 books157 followers
I write from the world around me, and the world around me is full of color.
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 15, 2019
My obsession, with this admittedly kind of weird series, continues. Have you ever read a book series where the main couple has a slow-burn romance but are definitely having smexy-times non stop? No? Me neither until now with this series!
Basically, part of the rules in this future-slightly-sci-fi society is that it's absolutely acceptable to be married and also have an 'apprentice' for a set three year period where the apprentice not only works for you but also has to submit to your carnal desires. HOWEVER, for both the 'bondholder' and the 'apprentice' it is absolutely NOT ok for them to have actual feelings for one another or have any semblance of a real relationship - that is strictly taboo. Not even after the three year period is up and they are free to do what they want. Messed up rules, right? It does make for an interesting romantic entanglement though because with each book in this series the relationship between Lilian (the apprentice) and Lucius (her bondholder) is clearly developing into something more, but neither one of them thinks of it, not even to themselves. Denial is not only a river in Egypt. Which is a probably a good thing for Lilian considering if anyone were to ever accuse them of having improper feelings, she would be sentenced to death due to her specific situation that I don't feel like explaining, so just go read the first book (it's free!).
Outside of this weird sex/slightly non-consensual dynamic, this book has a lot more going for it. Lilian is also really smart, really protective of her family, has friends both of the same sex and oppostie sex, has some slight magical-insight powers, and is constantly under threat by others who want to see her fail or outright kill her (again, read the book to understand more).
This is my favorite book of the series so far, I feel like the writing has improved quite a bit. The plot itself was perhaps a bit meandering with the 'villain of the day' a little too easily dispatched, but I was enjoying the book too much to care. On to the next one!
Basically, part of the rules in this future-slightly-sci-fi society is that it's absolutely acceptable to be married and also have an 'apprentice' for a set three year period where the apprentice not only works for you but also has to submit to your carnal desires. HOWEVER, for both the 'bondholder' and the 'apprentice' it is absolutely NOT ok for them to have actual feelings for one another or have any semblance of a real relationship - that is strictly taboo. Not even after the three year period is up and they are free to do what they want. Messed up rules, right? It does make for an interesting romantic entanglement though because with each book in this series the relationship between Lilian (the apprentice) and Lucius (her bondholder) is clearly developing into something more, but neither one of them thinks of it, not even to themselves. Denial is not only a river in Egypt. Which is a probably a good thing for Lilian considering if anyone were to ever accuse them of having improper feelings, she would be sentenced to death due to her specific situation that I don't feel like explaining, so just go read the first book (it's free!).
Outside of this weird sex/slightly non-consensual dynamic, this book has a lot more going for it. Lilian is also really smart, really protective of her family, has friends both of the same sex and oppostie sex, has some slight magical-insight powers, and is constantly under threat by others who want to see her fail or outright kill her (again, read the book to understand more).
This is my favorite book of the series so far, I feel like the writing has improved quite a bit. The plot itself was perhaps a bit meandering with the 'villain of the day' a little too easily dispatched, but I was enjoying the book too much to care. On to the next one!
November 6, 2022
4.75 Stars
I wonder how long I can hold out before I buy the next one.
LOVE this series!!
Purchased October 30, 2022 Amazon
I wonder how long I can hold out before I buy the next one.
LOVE this series!!
Purchased October 30, 2022 Amazon
October 17, 2025
Better than the first three!
More intrigue, more characters, more expansion of world building! An amazing Sexy Science Fiction series. I can easily see this adapted into a streaming series, the unique world building and fantastically diverse cast of characters, Brava EG, Brava.
More intrigue, more characters, more expansion of world building! An amazing Sexy Science Fiction series. I can easily see this adapted into a streaming series, the unique world building and fantastically diverse cast of characters, Brava EG, Brava.
March 13, 2017
Lilian Faesetili, apprentice to one of the most powerful and intuitive Cartel leaders in the Twelve Systems, continues to fascinate and beguile in this fourth book of the Twelve Systems series. She is brilliant and unconventional in circumstances where being either can send her to her death. As a reader, I cannot get enough of the story of Lilian and where her honor and duty will take her as she fulfills the will of milord, Monsignor Lucius Mercio, in all things.
Author E.G. Manetti has crafted a complex story around even more complex characters. Everything is evident in shades and nuances. Each book in the saga of The Apprentice has a new villain and a new mystery for Lilian to solve. How the woman keeps going is a testament to her resilience and the wily and ruthless ambitions of Monsignor Lucius. He is utterly self-possessed, but for the first time we see cracks as regards his wife, his children and his apprentice. In all other things he is the commerce king.
Each book in the series adds new characters and continues to develop the backstory of favorites among the existing cast. In particular, this fourth volume expands on the complex web of philosophies that birthed Monsignor Trevelyan and the healthy vengeance that marks a path for Associate Tabitha. We also learn a bit of the story behind how Lucius and his wife Estella met and the specifics of her illness. I have the sneaky suspicion that Estella is pulling strings behind the curtain about which her husband has no idea. Manetti has managed the impossible and created an "other woman" dynamic that has me admiring both the gracious and tragic Estella and earnest Lilian.
The "romance" between Lucius and Lilian is beginning to exhibit signs of affection, which is taboo in this Cartel and Warrior culture. As a result, neither even acknowledges the soft emotion, but we know. It is evidenced in subtle ways, ways the reader can glory in quietly. Plus, his lust for Lilian is boundless.
The science fiction element in the Twelve Systems series is finally starting to become a motivating element to the plot. Lilian - and many of the key members of the Serengeti Cartel - are working night and day to develop a vessel that will explore the beaconless expanse. It is an exciting and historic time for the citizens of the Twelve Systems. Working tirelessly in the background to make it all happen is Lilian. Few know that she is the genius behind so many of the innovations that have allowed the exploration agenda to leapfrog by years.
Manetti continues the scrupulously formal tone set in the previous three volumes in the series. She does a good job of reminding us of the apprentice protocols and Cartel strictures through quotes from handbooks. It is a unique and handy device. In addition, I love how the expression of the warrior disciplines is explored between the sects. The formal "duets" and other types of shrine devotions are taken to a new height, enriching this already rich book. It is immersive and very, very original.
"Lilian, I am beginning to believe that your purpose in the universe is to make the unimaginable, imaginable." I believe so, too.
Book source: Purchased.
Author E.G. Manetti has crafted a complex story around even more complex characters. Everything is evident in shades and nuances. Each book in the saga of The Apprentice has a new villain and a new mystery for Lilian to solve. How the woman keeps going is a testament to her resilience and the wily and ruthless ambitions of Monsignor Lucius. He is utterly self-possessed, but for the first time we see cracks as regards his wife, his children and his apprentice. In all other things he is the commerce king.
Each book in the series adds new characters and continues to develop the backstory of favorites among the existing cast. In particular, this fourth volume expands on the complex web of philosophies that birthed Monsignor Trevelyan and the healthy vengeance that marks a path for Associate Tabitha. We also learn a bit of the story behind how Lucius and his wife Estella met and the specifics of her illness. I have the sneaky suspicion that Estella is pulling strings behind the curtain about which her husband has no idea. Manetti has managed the impossible and created an "other woman" dynamic that has me admiring both the gracious and tragic Estella and earnest Lilian.
The "romance" between Lucius and Lilian is beginning to exhibit signs of affection, which is taboo in this Cartel and Warrior culture. As a result, neither even acknowledges the soft emotion, but we know. It is evidenced in subtle ways, ways the reader can glory in quietly. Plus, his lust for Lilian is boundless.
The science fiction element in the Twelve Systems series is finally starting to become a motivating element to the plot. Lilian - and many of the key members of the Serengeti Cartel - are working night and day to develop a vessel that will explore the beaconless expanse. It is an exciting and historic time for the citizens of the Twelve Systems. Working tirelessly in the background to make it all happen is Lilian. Few know that she is the genius behind so many of the innovations that have allowed the exploration agenda to leapfrog by years.
Manetti continues the scrupulously formal tone set in the previous three volumes in the series. She does a good job of reminding us of the apprentice protocols and Cartel strictures through quotes from handbooks. It is a unique and handy device. In addition, I love how the expression of the warrior disciplines is explored between the sects. The formal "duets" and other types of shrine devotions are taken to a new height, enriching this already rich book. It is immersive and very, very original.
"Lilian, I am beginning to believe that your purpose in the universe is to make the unimaginable, imaginable." I believe so, too.
Book source: Purchased.
March 20, 2017
Although this is similar to the previous 3 books, I think the author's writing has become stronger. There are numerous characters who come and go, and return later to twist the story again. The writing style has always been unique, but it seems to flow more smoothly, providing enough details to make it feel real, while avoiding huge data dumps. I am sure EG's whiteboard is spaghetti!
Which is why there will be several more books in this series. This book is transitional in some sense, as it neither starts not ends at natural points. The first chapter picks up right where book 3 left off, and the last chapter had me shaking my Kindle to get the next section to appear.
Which is why there will be several more books in this series. This book is transitional in some sense, as it neither starts not ends at natural points. The first chapter picks up right where book 3 left off, and the last chapter had me shaking my Kindle to get the next section to appear.
Read
March 14, 2017One of my favorite passages...
****
Lilian cannot fail to make the obvious comparison between the luxury of milord’s accommodations and the spartan nature of the militia transport that returned her to Metricelli Prime two years gone. Repressing a shudder, refusing to allow the memories of that ordeal to overwhelm her, Lilian focuses on the stellar transit center beyond the window. She is not looking forward to when the planet disappears, replaced by the star-filled void.
“What think you, Lilian?” Milord tosses his jacket on a chair and drops onto the oversized couch opposite the reviewer.
That I pray this stellar journey will be more agreeable than my last. Do not voice that. “The accommodations are very fine.”
Milord’s eyes narrow and his lips firm in unspoken command. Cautiously, Lilian adds, “Much nicer than the utilitarian accommodations of a militia transport.”
As Lucius suspected, evil memories of her protocol review haunt his apprentice. Although Lilian does not know it, Lucius owns the only monitor recording of Remus Gariten’s Final Draught and the ugly scene it included. The vicious militia corporal who allowed Lilian’s abuse no longer lives. Trevelyan’s operatives eliminated that particular threat to his apprentice with their customary efficiency. It occurs to Lucius that the pervert might not have been the only one. Media reports of prisoner abuse are common enough. Reaching out a hand, Lucius beckons to Lilian. Pulling her down next to him on the couch, he encircles her shoulders with one arm. “Were they cruel to you?”
Raising startled eyes, Lilian shakes her head in denial. “No, milord. For the most part, the militia officers were indifferent. Prisoners are but cargo to be transported safely, free of damage, and with as little effort as possible.”
A shadow flickers across Lilian’s face, and she adds, “There was one very nasty corporal. Fortunately, I was no longer a prisoner when I encountered him.”
With a gentle squeeze, Lucius encourages Lilian to continue. If there is aught of the corporal Lucius does not know, he will know it now.
With a lightening of her features, Lilian adds, “He came to a violent end some months gone. It was in the media. I admit, I pray regularly for the well-being of his murderers.”
Stunned and amused, Lucius pulls Lilian in for a kiss. Releasing her after several enjoyable moments, Lucius notes with pleasure Lilian’s wide eyes and red, swollen lips. A heartbeat later, sharp intellect replaces Lilian’s bemusement and a hint of wariness. “Should I be naming Seigneur Trevelyan in my prayers?”
Demon shit. Lilian is well aware Trevelyan’s services are often less than legal, and she is beyond intuitive.
Lilian’s eyes darken. Lucius’ silence is answer enough. “Milord has viewed the recording.”
“I have,” Lucius admits, wondering at her distress. The man was a threat to Lilian, and she was pleased to pray for his killers.
Lilian drops her eyes, her fingers nervously tracing the weave of her cheap linen skirt. “Milord is not . . . my behavior . . . I . . .”
Provoked by Gariten’s verbal abuse of Helena and Katleen, Lilian put her thorn to her sire’s throat and compelled him to swallow the Final Draught. Raising a weapon to her sire violated multiple taboos; threatening patricide bordered on an annihilation crime. None of this troubles Lucius. Cupping Lilian’s chin, he tilts her face to meet his gaze. “Peace, woman. You have no cause for shame. The corporal should never have permitted Gariten’s tirade. It was the corporal’s duty to administer the Draught. You did naught but what was necessary.”
Lilian’s eyes flare and brighten with emotion. Lowering her lashes, Lilian turns her face into his hand to kiss Lucius’ fingers. Her murmured ‘my thanks, milord’ is felt as much as heard. The gesture sends a familiar stab of lust to Lucius’ groin and a curious warmth to his heart. Unable to resist, he asks, “Will your prayers add my name to Trevelyan’s?”
“There is no need, milord.” Lilian’s eyes are full of conviction. “Milord’s name has long been included.”
Both lust and the odd warmth ignite into heat. Lucius drags Lilian close, claiming her mouth.
***
Honor endures.
****
Lilian cannot fail to make the obvious comparison between the luxury of milord’s accommodations and the spartan nature of the militia transport that returned her to Metricelli Prime two years gone. Repressing a shudder, refusing to allow the memories of that ordeal to overwhelm her, Lilian focuses on the stellar transit center beyond the window. She is not looking forward to when the planet disappears, replaced by the star-filled void.
“What think you, Lilian?” Milord tosses his jacket on a chair and drops onto the oversized couch opposite the reviewer.
That I pray this stellar journey will be more agreeable than my last. Do not voice that. “The accommodations are very fine.”
Milord’s eyes narrow and his lips firm in unspoken command. Cautiously, Lilian adds, “Much nicer than the utilitarian accommodations of a militia transport.”
As Lucius suspected, evil memories of her protocol review haunt his apprentice. Although Lilian does not know it, Lucius owns the only monitor recording of Remus Gariten’s Final Draught and the ugly scene it included. The vicious militia corporal who allowed Lilian’s abuse no longer lives. Trevelyan’s operatives eliminated that particular threat to his apprentice with their customary efficiency. It occurs to Lucius that the pervert might not have been the only one. Media reports of prisoner abuse are common enough. Reaching out a hand, Lucius beckons to Lilian. Pulling her down next to him on the couch, he encircles her shoulders with one arm. “Were they cruel to you?”
Raising startled eyes, Lilian shakes her head in denial. “No, milord. For the most part, the militia officers were indifferent. Prisoners are but cargo to be transported safely, free of damage, and with as little effort as possible.”
A shadow flickers across Lilian’s face, and she adds, “There was one very nasty corporal. Fortunately, I was no longer a prisoner when I encountered him.”
With a gentle squeeze, Lucius encourages Lilian to continue. If there is aught of the corporal Lucius does not know, he will know it now.
With a lightening of her features, Lilian adds, “He came to a violent end some months gone. It was in the media. I admit, I pray regularly for the well-being of his murderers.”
Stunned and amused, Lucius pulls Lilian in for a kiss. Releasing her after several enjoyable moments, Lucius notes with pleasure Lilian’s wide eyes and red, swollen lips. A heartbeat later, sharp intellect replaces Lilian’s bemusement and a hint of wariness. “Should I be naming Seigneur Trevelyan in my prayers?”
Demon shit. Lilian is well aware Trevelyan’s services are often less than legal, and she is beyond intuitive.
Lilian’s eyes darken. Lucius’ silence is answer enough. “Milord has viewed the recording.”
“I have,” Lucius admits, wondering at her distress. The man was a threat to Lilian, and she was pleased to pray for his killers.
Lilian drops her eyes, her fingers nervously tracing the weave of her cheap linen skirt. “Milord is not . . . my behavior . . . I . . .”
Provoked by Gariten’s verbal abuse of Helena and Katleen, Lilian put her thorn to her sire’s throat and compelled him to swallow the Final Draught. Raising a weapon to her sire violated multiple taboos; threatening patricide bordered on an annihilation crime. None of this troubles Lucius. Cupping Lilian’s chin, he tilts her face to meet his gaze. “Peace, woman. You have no cause for shame. The corporal should never have permitted Gariten’s tirade. It was the corporal’s duty to administer the Draught. You did naught but what was necessary.”
Lilian’s eyes flare and brighten with emotion. Lowering her lashes, Lilian turns her face into his hand to kiss Lucius’ fingers. Her murmured ‘my thanks, milord’ is felt as much as heard. The gesture sends a familiar stab of lust to Lucius’ groin and a curious warmth to his heart. Unable to resist, he asks, “Will your prayers add my name to Trevelyan’s?”
“There is no need, milord.” Lilian’s eyes are full of conviction. “Milord’s name has long been included.”
Both lust and the odd warmth ignite into heat. Lucius drags Lilian close, claiming her mouth.
***
Honor endures.
March 20, 2017
My love for this series is becoming an obsession. 5 stars is just not enough. The author has created the most magnificent world and characters with each book getting more fascinating.
This is the 4th book in the Twelve Systems Chronicles and Lillian is halfway through her bond. The intrigues of the previous books that threatened her life have been mostly resolved, however in this book she is faced with an ugly and deadly intrigue which has its roots in her past.
Lucius is becoming more and more concerned that the strains of the last 2 years are starting to break his apprentice, however due to the strict governing rules in this world and the stipulations of her bond, he cannot openly lighten her tasks or even financially assist. The Bright Star summit on Fortuna ( a planet in the 4th system) is a perfect opportunity for him to relax some her duties and allow her some rest without endangering the strictures of her bond.
This book however is not all about the visit to Fortuna, but this is the first time the science fiction element of the series come to the forefront with interstellar transport etc.
We also meet the Prelate Apollo in this book, who is the spiritual leader of the Adelaide shrines, the devotion that Lillian follows. He was her mentor when she was younger and is a powerful ally, who albeit clumsily nearly causes major problems for Lillian. We also get some more insight into Lillian' past and that of the Lady Helena (her mother).
The romance portion in this book is starting to tentatively take shape. It is becoming clear to the reader that Lillian is in love with her Monsignor. It is also clear that Monsignor feels way more for Lillian than he cares to admit or acknowledge. It would appear that both points are clear to the Lady Estella ( Lucius's wife) and makes me wonder if she had a hand in bringing Lucius and Lillian together. I also wonder if she will survive long enough to see Lillian's bond complete.
All in all, I cant wait to get the next book in this series.
This is the 4th book in the Twelve Systems Chronicles and Lillian is halfway through her bond. The intrigues of the previous books that threatened her life have been mostly resolved, however in this book she is faced with an ugly and deadly intrigue which has its roots in her past.
Lucius is becoming more and more concerned that the strains of the last 2 years are starting to break his apprentice, however due to the strict governing rules in this world and the stipulations of her bond, he cannot openly lighten her tasks or even financially assist. The Bright Star summit on Fortuna ( a planet in the 4th system) is a perfect opportunity for him to relax some her duties and allow her some rest without endangering the strictures of her bond.
This book however is not all about the visit to Fortuna, but this is the first time the science fiction element of the series come to the forefront with interstellar transport etc.
We also meet the Prelate Apollo in this book, who is the spiritual leader of the Adelaide shrines, the devotion that Lillian follows. He was her mentor when she was younger and is a powerful ally, who albeit clumsily nearly causes major problems for Lillian. We also get some more insight into Lillian' past and that of the Lady Helena (her mother).
The romance portion in this book is starting to tentatively take shape. It is becoming clear to the reader that Lillian is in love with her Monsignor. It is also clear that Monsignor feels way more for Lillian than he cares to admit or acknowledge. It would appear that both points are clear to the Lady Estella ( Lucius's wife) and makes me wonder if she had a hand in bringing Lucius and Lillian together. I also wonder if she will survive long enough to see Lillian's bond complete.
All in all, I cant wait to get the next book in this series.
January 25, 2019
4.5/5.0
This story would be an enthusiastic 5 star read for sure if I could just get past the disturbing storyline that involves Lily being a slave to Lucias and having to give in to his sexual demands whenever and however he chooses. And the added yuck factor that he is happily married to another woman,as well.
Luckily, that area is not a huge part of this installment - yes, it still happens frequently but we don't have to participate quite as much so if we choose, we can concentrate on the otherwise amazing talent in world-building, intrigue and suspense that Ms. Manetti is so beautifully penning. Man, I am amazed at the talent!!
Throughout this installment the reader is drawn even more into loving Lily (if that is even possible). Her character continues to go through the most horrific experiences and figures out a way to rise above and stay true to herself and her values. As we follow her, the overall corruption in the Cartel system is slowly coming to light and the players are getting more and more bold. Man,I wish the author could spit these books out faster! Alas, I understand why she can't, each book is so tightly written and superbly crafted, that anything less than a year would almost devalue the gift.
This story would be an enthusiastic 5 star read for sure if I could just get past the disturbing storyline that involves Lily being a slave to Lucias and having to give in to his sexual demands whenever and however he chooses. And the added yuck factor that he is happily married to another woman,as well.
Luckily, that area is not a huge part of this installment - yes, it still happens frequently but we don't have to participate quite as much so if we choose, we can concentrate on the otherwise amazing talent in world-building, intrigue and suspense that Ms. Manetti is so beautifully penning. Man, I am amazed at the talent!!
Throughout this installment the reader is drawn even more into loving Lily (if that is even possible). Her character continues to go through the most horrific experiences and figures out a way to rise above and stay true to herself and her values. As we follow her, the overall corruption in the Cartel system is slowly coming to light and the players are getting more and more bold. Man,I wish the author could spit these books out faster! Alas, I understand why she can't, each book is so tightly written and superbly crafted, that anything less than a year would almost devalue the gift.
March 29, 2020
Really enjoyed this installment. I was a bit annoyed that Lilian was abducted despite her constant vigilance...there was such a fuss about it in the first part of the book. It felt a bit contrived that she was taken unawares. Otherwise, the interplay between Lilian and Lucius was wonderful and the advances made in other relationships with Lilian welcome.
Complete bonus to have a character with my name! I thought it an odd name, but appropriate for the characters...and lo and behold, it was truly for me. Wow!
I can't wait for the next book.
Complete bonus to have a character with my name! I thought it an odd name, but appropriate for the characters...and lo and behold, it was truly for me. Wow!
I can't wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2017
4.5/5.0
E.G. Manetti wows with an incredibly detailed history-rich world!
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
E.G. Manetti wows with an incredibly detailed history-rich world!
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read
June 2, 20174.5/5.0
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 13, 2019
I am as hooked - no, more hooked than I was when I started this series, if it's possible.
I need the next ! And I'm going to have it 8)
I need the next ! And I'm going to have it 8)
October 30, 2019
Much, much better than the last one! Much less recaps, more new informations in the top chapters... that was a good one!
More depth, in the plot and in the characters, subtleties, details... this series could be a TV series. The universe the author created is so detailed that she could write a lot of books in it.
Edit October 30th : reread. I still love it! Can't wait for the next book in 2020!
More depth, in the plot and in the characters, subtleties, details... this series could be a TV series. The universe the author created is so detailed that she could write a lot of books in it.
Edit October 30th : reread. I still love it! Can't wait for the next book in 2020!
June 22, 2025
Se me ha hecho un poco repetitivo al comienzo, aunque luego mejora, ya que tras dos años de aprendiz en el Cartel, viajan a Fortuna, saliendo así de la rutina y con otros horarios, escenarios, personajes y reglas. Me han gustado las descripciones de ese nuevo planeta.
De nuevo, al volver del viaje, se me ha vuelto a hacer un poco pesado, ya que no me ha interesado el misterio de su secuestro ni todo lo que sale a la luz de su pasado. Me ha parecido muy conveniente e innecesario a la vez, relleno. Tantos secretos no es realista.
Lo que me mantiene enganchada es obviamente la relación entre ellos, que cada vez es más sentimental y el hecho de que esto sea prohibido, la personalidad e inteligencia de la protagonista, el consorcio de amigos, el estilo formal y anticuado en que está escrito que contrasta con un mundo tan futurístico, y las intrigas políticas.
De nuevo, al volver del viaje, se me ha vuelto a hacer un poco pesado, ya que no me ha interesado el misterio de su secuestro ni todo lo que sale a la luz de su pasado. Me ha parecido muy conveniente e innecesario a la vez, relleno. Tantos secretos no es realista.
Lo que me mantiene enganchada es obviamente la relación entre ellos, que cada vez es más sentimental y el hecho de que esto sea prohibido, la personalidad e inteligencia de la protagonista, el consorcio de amigos, el estilo formal y anticuado en que está escrito que contrasta con un mundo tan futurístico, y las intrigas políticas.
May 12, 2019
Just keeps getting better!
I have been hooked from book one. Each new addition to Lilian’s story has brought fresh and daunting challenges to the apprentice. Along with them new friends and a stronger bond with Lucius. Usually within the background of Serengeti headquarters this book we get to travel to a new world Fortuna. The whole society created for these books is endlessly fascinating and Fortuna brings us not only a new world but some interesting new characters as well. I look forward to seeing how they integrate going forward.
I have been hooked from book one. Each new addition to Lilian’s story has brought fresh and daunting challenges to the apprentice. Along with them new friends and a stronger bond with Lucius. Usually within the background of Serengeti headquarters this book we get to travel to a new world Fortuna. The whole society created for these books is endlessly fascinating and Fortuna brings us not only a new world but some interesting new characters as well. I look forward to seeing how they integrate going forward.
July 3, 2021
Excellent sci fi thriller
Although the erotic interludes between Lilian and Lucius are essential to the story, I don't fee! Fortuna is sci fi romance. The world building is marvelously intricate, the story is fascinating, and the wonderful secondary characters receive as much attention as the primaries. Pippa is a joy and the reactions to her are hilarious; I laughed out loud even though her part is small. Gloribelle is awesome. This series is my kind of science fiction.
Although the erotic interludes between Lilian and Lucius are essential to the story, I don't fee! Fortuna is sci fi romance. The world building is marvelously intricate, the story is fascinating, and the wonderful secondary characters receive as much attention as the primaries. Pippa is a joy and the reactions to her are hilarious; I laughed out loud even though her part is small. Gloribelle is awesome. This series is my kind of science fiction.
August 9, 2022
4.5
The tale is gaining more complexity and the characters are becoming more alive. I am still not as great a fan of the two main characters, but I find the endeavors they are engaged in fascinating.
The tale is gaining more complexity and the characters are becoming more alive. I am still not as great a fan of the two main characters, but I find the endeavors they are engaged in fascinating.
June 2, 2017
This was not the best of the series. Fells more like a filler book. The intrigue that usually consumes the book didn't seem to really go anywhere. Hope the next one is way better
April 15, 2017
Love this continuing story. Thankfully still a satisfying fix.
April 19, 2017
Die Story an sich hat mich stärker gefesselt als in den zwei Vorgängerbänden. Nur die Sexszenen werden von Mal zu Mal mühsamer.
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