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Age of the Andinna #3
The Warrior's Assault
Mave finally has a home.
The Ivory Shadow Mercenary Company has taken the long winter off, letting everyone recover from the troubles of the Empire and the shadows that loom over them. Despite the tumultuous beginning to her newfound freedom, Mave has stumbled upon everything that’s ever been denied to her. A family. A home. A place where she can feel she’s starting to belong, as she dives deeper and deeper into her missing culture. She’s finding her wings and touching the skies. For the first time in her life, Mave knows what real happiness is.
There’s only one thing that can ground the warrior that dared to survive a thousand years of slavery.
When she’s brought to her knees, Mave must do what she does best. This time, though, she doesn’t have to stand back up alone. The Ivory Shadow Mercenary Company, their King, and their people, will all be standing up with her.
Together, they will draw their swords.
The Mercenary’s Bounty is a 132,000+ words, full-length novel.
Age of the Andinna is a reverse harem epic fantasy series. The female lead will collect her lovers as the series progresses.
There is triggering content in this series including but not limited to: abuse, violence, mature language, and sexual content. It’s recommended for mature audiences.
The Ivory Shadow Mercenary Company has taken the long winter off, letting everyone recover from the troubles of the Empire and the shadows that loom over them. Despite the tumultuous beginning to her newfound freedom, Mave has stumbled upon everything that’s ever been denied to her. A family. A home. A place where she can feel she’s starting to belong, as she dives deeper and deeper into her missing culture. She’s finding her wings and touching the skies. For the first time in her life, Mave knows what real happiness is.
There’s only one thing that can ground the warrior that dared to survive a thousand years of slavery.
When she’s brought to her knees, Mave must do what she does best. This time, though, she doesn’t have to stand back up alone. The Ivory Shadow Mercenary Company, their King, and their people, will all be standing up with her.
Together, they will draw their swords.
The Mercenary’s Bounty is a 132,000+ words, full-length novel.
Age of the Andinna is a reverse harem epic fantasy series. The female lead will collect her lovers as the series progresses.
There is triggering content in this series including but not limited to: abuse, violence, mature language, and sexual content. It’s recommended for mature audiences.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2019
397 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Banet
27 books1,392 followersKristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem and smokes too much. She curses like a sailor (though, she used to be one, so she uses that as an excuse) and finds that many people don’t know how to handle that. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.
Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.
Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
February 16, 2020
This book, perhaps, might have been the worst in the series up till now! It was terrible and not at all upto the standards of the previous books, or other books by this author.
The plot was extremely unbelievable, false and impossible. The entire basis of the storyline was shaky at best.
Take the entire burning down the village situation, for example. How is it possible for an entire army to ambush an entire village? Battalion is noisy, large and requires lots of supplies. No way can you sneak a battalion into a village and burn the entire village before you are caught. Where were the patrols and guards. No way, a warring race leaves their entire village unguarded for some tradition! Not to mention, how did they find the village in first place? If it was hidden, the first thought should be of a traitor. And if it wasn't, then why did the empress allow it to grow and develop for more than 1000 years?
That brings me to stupidity of the two "brilliant tacticians and strategists". There entirely ingenious plan is to RUSH them into an impenetrable fortress??? Because brute strength served them so well in 100 year war! This was just the best example of their IQ, not the only one.
The other thing that made no sense for me was the hate and anger. Let me just get this straight. An entire race hates a 5 year old for playing outside, which indirectly (like way indirectly)led to them losing the war; but they are completely alright following orders from the empress SON that actually killed and enslaved them? Not that, thatwas much of a surprise. And for that matter, if you follow that circular logic, it can easily be argued that Luykas was the cause of the war. After all, the Express might not have gone after the General's daughter if the said general had not taken Luykas from his mother. Basically, there is a five year old girl who is at wrong place at a wrong time who ends up as a slave for 1000 years v/s a 300 year old adult whose mother is the Empress responsible for subjugating an entire race and father who killed the queen of the said subjugated race - and the girl wins the award for being the most hated?? Wow!
Add in the conversation, where Alchan refuses to feel guilty for leaving her in the pits! And is an ass about it. They also make it very clear to her that they wouldn't have saved her except the guard insisted and add that they didn't know anything about her and if she was alive, only considered her a myth. Now, compare it to the fact that they get attacked immediately by Elvasi in a free country far away from the empire specifically targeting Mave. What? The information only goes one way? And again, we are talking about 1000 years here! Could it be more unbelievable?
And then, there is some more unreasonable drama, where the village (including her friend) then blames Mave for being responsible for the attack. And this all from a race that lives thousands of year! I would think they would learn some perspective, patience and damn military tactics.
There were many other irregularities too, like, their time on the ocean. Travelling by water is not like travelling by air. If the ship leaves one day earlier, it doesn't mean it reaches exactly one day earlier after two month journey! And you can very easily catch up with a warship.
Unfortunately, the characters were a bust for me too. I felt as if Mave devolves! All through the book, the only feeling she has is of anger. The bond between her and Luykas is not consistent either. And didn't Luykas created the bond to protect Mave from Empress? By the same logic, the bond should also protect him.
Basically, except for the writing, this book is... lacking!
The plot was extremely unbelievable, false and impossible. The entire basis of the storyline was shaky at best.
Take the entire burning down the village situation, for example. How is it possible for an entire army to ambush an entire village? Battalion is noisy, large and requires lots of supplies. No way can you sneak a battalion into a village and burn the entire village before you are caught. Where were the patrols and guards. No way, a warring race leaves their entire village unguarded for some tradition! Not to mention, how did they find the village in first place? If it was hidden, the first thought should be of a traitor. And if it wasn't, then why did the empress allow it to grow and develop for more than 1000 years?
That brings me to stupidity of the two "brilliant tacticians and strategists". There entirely ingenious plan is to RUSH them into an impenetrable fortress??? Because brute strength served them so well in 100 year war! This was just the best example of their IQ, not the only one.
The other thing that made no sense for me was the hate and anger. Let me just get this straight. An entire race hates a 5 year old for playing outside, which indirectly (like way indirectly)led to them losing the war; but they are completely alright following orders from the empress SON that actually killed and enslaved them? Not that, thatwas much of a surprise. And for that matter, if you follow that circular logic, it can easily be argued that Luykas was the cause of the war. After all, the Express might not have gone after the General's daughter if the said general had not taken Luykas from his mother. Basically, there is a five year old girl who is at wrong place at a wrong time who ends up as a slave for 1000 years v/s a 300 year old adult whose mother is the Empress responsible for subjugating an entire race and father who killed the queen of the said subjugated race - and the girl wins the award for being the most hated?? Wow!
Add in the conversation, where Alchan refuses to feel guilty for leaving her in the pits! And is an ass about it. They also make it very clear to her that they wouldn't have saved her except the guard insisted and add that they didn't know anything about her and if she was alive, only considered her a myth. Now, compare it to the fact that they get attacked immediately by Elvasi in a free country far away from the empire specifically targeting Mave. What? The information only goes one way? And again, we are talking about 1000 years here! Could it be more unbelievable?
And then, there is some more unreasonable drama, where the village (including her friend) then blames Mave for being responsible for the attack. And this all from a race that lives thousands of year! I would think they would learn some perspective, patience and damn military tactics.
There were many other irregularities too, like, their time on the ocean. Travelling by water is not like travelling by air. If the ship leaves one day earlier, it doesn't mean it reaches exactly one day earlier after two month journey! And you can very easily catch up with a warship.
Unfortunately, the characters were a bust for me too. I felt as if Mave devolves! All through the book, the only feeling she has is of anger. The bond between her and Luykas is not consistent either. And didn't Luykas created the bond to protect Mave from Empress? By the same logic, the bond should also protect him.
Basically, except for the writing, this book is... lacking!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2022
Reread 20.01.2022
Well deserved 5 stars.
This time around, nothing made me bored or complain about stuff that could have been done better, but actually glued me to the pages, begging for more.
Mave is not one of those heroines, who as soon as they fall in love they completely lose themselves in what I like to call love induced stupidness, but remains faithful to who she is; a ruthless killer who wants nothing more than to kill her enemies with a passion.
Even after finding her place with her people, it does not change who she always will be. She’s a killer, and a very good one.
I’m not even bothered by the fact that the book has little romance.
I hope this not to be the last book from the series. Finally we have a direction which I totally support and want to be there every step of the way.
I’ll wait impatiently for the next instalment from the series.
Well deserved 5 stars.
This time around, nothing made me bored or complain about stuff that could have been done better, but actually glued me to the pages, begging for more.
Mave is not one of those heroines, who as soon as they fall in love they completely lose themselves in what I like to call love induced stupidness, but remains faithful to who she is; a ruthless killer who wants nothing more than to kill her enemies with a passion.
Even after finding her place with her people, it does not change who she always will be. She’s a killer, and a very good one.
I’m not even bothered by the fact that the book has little romance.
I hope this not to be the last book from the series. Finally we have a direction which I totally support and want to be there every step of the way.
I’ll wait impatiently for the next instalment from the series.
December 7, 2019
3rd book in this series
This series is a massive under taking for the author, a brilliant well thought out culture and world building series. However it’s slow build, despite being a high fantasy with a RH twist , at times it feels like a YA which there is nothing wrong with at all, just usually not my first go to, it does have gore and a one M15+ sex scene. The slow build in the harem if the harem will ever expand is personally exhausting.. I know Mave needs time, time to grow and change and come into her own. But I was frustrated at her and
If you are looking for a slow SLOW burn RH high fantasy with a YA ish feel then this is for you. Book 2/3 have dragged this series but I know I KNOW. I will finish reading because Kristen ❤️ I adore the worlds you write and maves is no different. Come on MAVE dont make a
This series is a massive under taking for the author, a brilliant well thought out culture and world building series. However it’s slow build, despite being a high fantasy with a RH twist , at times it feels like a YA which there is nothing wrong with at all, just usually not my first go to, it does have gore and a one M15+ sex scene. The slow build in the harem if the harem will ever expand is personally exhausting.. I know Mave needs time, time to grow and change and come into her own. But I was frustrated at her and
If you are looking for a slow SLOW burn RH high fantasy with a YA ish feel then this is for you. Book 2/3 have dragged this series but I know I KNOW. I will finish reading because Kristen ❤️ I adore the worlds you write and maves is no different. Come on MAVE dont make a
May 23, 2021
Update 23-5
Originally the cover was a mess, but then it got fixed!
Original!!
This isn't the cover and it's driving me crazy!!!!!!
The cover looks like this
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.c...
September 16, 2019
My least favorite of the series so far even though it was really good. I wish it had a little more romance in it.
September 27, 2019
3.5 stars
Mmm. Not my favorite for sure, I kept waiting for stuff to happen and it took forever for it to finally come to pass. I think I have better predictions now for whose gonna end up with who.
Mave:
I doubt it will be much more than that. Super disappointed though there wasn't more romance. There was so much time in the beginning of the book for it but it felt like we were all going around in the same angst circles lmao.
As for other mashups,
As for that ending, I think i'm just kind of dumb or a genius because I thought that was the case this entire time for some reason. Guess I was just ahead of the learning curve this time.
Mmm. Not my favorite for sure, I kept waiting for stuff to happen and it took forever for it to finally come to pass. I think I have better predictions now for whose gonna end up with who.
Mave:
I doubt it will be much more than that. Super disappointed though there wasn't more romance. There was so much time in the beginning of the book for it but it felt like we were all going around in the same angst circles lmao.
As for other mashups,
As for that ending, I think i'm just kind of dumb or a genius because I thought that was the case this entire time for some reason. Guess I was just ahead of the learning curve this time.
September 20, 2019
She said he was disgusting
One thing I haven’t run into is why the empress wants Mave so bad. Did I miss it? Also, I’m sorry but why do I feel so bad for Luke? He really didn’t do the bond on purpose. Lmao I just want to hug him! Maybe he can help Mave kill his mom?? #couplegoals. Ah sh*t Learen is giving me bad vibes I can feel it. Is he one of the Empress’ spies? Sooo should I be this uncomfortable with Alchan eyeing Rainev?? Because Rain is like 300 and Alchan is like ~1800.... that’s a baby sir. It was supposed to make the reader feel better that Alchan was always hands off when it came to Rain. Huh, guess we’ll see. Zayden... really you got the hots for Mave do you? That shall be an interesting pairing if it happens. I just wanna see her harem have 6 husbands in it.
One thing I haven’t run into is why the empress wants Mave so bad. Did I miss it? Also, I’m sorry but why do I feel so bad for Luke? He really didn’t do the bond on purpose. Lmao I just want to hug him! Maybe he can help Mave kill his mom?? #couplegoals. Ah sh*t Learen is giving me bad vibes I can feel it. Is he one of the Empress’ spies? Sooo should I be this uncomfortable with Alchan eyeing Rainev?? Because Rain is like 300 and Alchan is like ~1800.... that’s a baby sir. It was supposed to make the reader feel better that Alchan was always hands off when it came to Rain. Huh, guess we’ll see. Zayden... really you got the hots for Mave do you? That shall be an interesting pairing if it happens. I just wanna see her harem have 6 husbands in it.
September 13, 2019
All. The. Stars. Again. Kristen Banet delivers another immersive addition to Age of the Andinna series.
The world just continues to open up the further in we go. I loved getting a more in depth look at some of the Andinna culture. Also getting to meet some of Free City leaders, humans, was eye opening but their behavior wasn't surprising.
The twist at the end is both a surprise and not. I had hoped that wasn't the case. I'm confident Mave can work through it; hopefully she won't let it jade her thoughts too much.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book to see how Mrs. Banet will move forward after everything that happened here.
The world just continues to open up the further in we go. I loved getting a more in depth look at some of the Andinna culture. Also getting to meet some of Free City leaders, humans, was eye opening but their behavior wasn't surprising.
The twist at the end is both a surprise and not. I had hoped that wasn't the case. I'm confident Mave can work through it; hopefully she won't let it jade her thoughts too much.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book to see how Mrs. Banet will move forward after everything that happened here.
September 16, 2019
This is one of the books i was most excited for to read, i love this world. And i think this series is even better than the other series which says something cuz i fucking loved the redemption saga series! Mave is one kind of a badasss, i can´t wait until i get my hands on the next book. She is going to kick and kill some dead ass ass. The beginning was kind of slow but it was needed, cuz i feel when authors rush to explain the world and stuff it feels it´s going to fast. The world building needs time and get worldy explained so people can understand and get some feeling for how everything is.
September 11, 2019
4.5.
Kristen Banet really needs to be commended for writing what is probably one of the only high fantasy RH series'. The world building is truly emmense and the level of depth and detail of the Andinna culture is always something that strikes me throughout the books.
Why not 5 stars? A couple of niggly reasons, really. Firstly, the pace really doesn't get going until over 40%, and I did find myself begin to get a bit bored after a whole with all of the details of what was happening in the village. I understand why the writer did it, because it makes the action, when it does kick in, more powerful, but I was finding myself not massively wanting to pick it up at the start. But once it got going I flew through the last 60%.
I also found some of the characters a bit...lacking, maybe? Mat and Bryn felt a bit on the sidelines, which I didn't mind because I find some of the other characters much more interesting. I also found Maeve a bit off putting at times. I find her whole attitude to Luykas just nasty now, really, although there is some development there.
However, the world building is truly what sells this series for me and the fact that it is a RH that actually feels like a proper book, where the romance is a side storyline, which just happens to be RH.
I also really liked the way Maeve developed relationships with the other females and particularly Alchan. It's clear there's nothing romantic there, but their understanding of one another has come a long way.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough and is one of the best RH series out there.
Kristen Banet really needs to be commended for writing what is probably one of the only high fantasy RH series'. The world building is truly emmense and the level of depth and detail of the Andinna culture is always something that strikes me throughout the books.
Why not 5 stars? A couple of niggly reasons, really. Firstly, the pace really doesn't get going until over 40%, and I did find myself begin to get a bit bored after a whole with all of the details of what was happening in the village. I understand why the writer did it, because it makes the action, when it does kick in, more powerful, but I was finding myself not massively wanting to pick it up at the start. But once it got going I flew through the last 60%.
I also found some of the characters a bit...lacking, maybe? Mat and Bryn felt a bit on the sidelines, which I didn't mind because I find some of the other characters much more interesting. I also found Maeve a bit off putting at times. I find her whole attitude to Luykas just nasty now, really, although there is some development there.
However, the world building is truly what sells this series for me and the fact that it is a RH that actually feels like a proper book, where the romance is a side storyline, which just happens to be RH.
I also really liked the way Maeve developed relationships with the other females and particularly Alchan. It's clear there's nothing romantic there, but their understanding of one another has come a long way.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough and is one of the best RH series out there.
March 20, 2020
Cliff hanger ending for sure.
Wow. The ending. I had inklings that this would be the case. Don’t read this if you don’t want to know the epic secret !!!!!
Like wow. That’s gunna be not so great.
This one felt really filler though because it was glossed over a lot of parts. There was one part where they mention that there might have been an incident that left one of her lovers out of the bedroom, but we never actually hear what happens.
There are several parts where they allude to something but it’s never explained further for the reader. I was confused several times about what was going on.
But I still liked the book except what went down. This is going to be an epic battle.
I kinda wish I could figure out who will be in Maves harem cause 2 is not a harem. Lol. I keep wanting to see her with Zayden. And honestly I’d love to see her with Alchan but apparently that won’t ever happen. I really have no idea who will be added. But I’m excited with the turn of events coming.
Wow. The ending. I had inklings that this would be the case. Don’t read this if you don’t want to know the epic secret !!!!!
Like wow. That’s gunna be not so great.
This one felt really filler though because it was glossed over a lot of parts. There was one part where they mention that there might have been an incident that left one of her lovers out of the bedroom, but we never actually hear what happens.
There are several parts where they allude to something but it’s never explained further for the reader. I was confused several times about what was going on.
But I still liked the book except what went down. This is going to be an epic battle.
I kinda wish I could figure out who will be in Maves harem cause 2 is not a harem. Lol. I keep wanting to see her with Zayden. And honestly I’d love to see her with Alchan but apparently that won’t ever happen. I really have no idea who will be added. But I’m excited with the turn of events coming.
September 23, 2019
Cliffhanger ending with an intriguing twist. Great set up for book 3.
3.5 stars. Why not 5 stars? Bc parts of it felt slow but they all served to move the plot forward. & sometimes I wish the h would be more than just a gun in royal hands. Her lack of interest in politics & decision making is a bit of a let down.
All that said, this series continues to be an excellent fantasy Rh.
3.5 stars. Why not 5 stars? Bc parts of it felt slow but they all served to move the plot forward. & sometimes I wish the h would be more than just a gun in royal hands. Her lack of interest in politics & decision making is a bit of a let down.
All that said, this series continues to be an excellent fantasy Rh.
March 16, 2020
4.25 stars
February 10, 2020
Delicious
This book has everything you want from an epic fantasy and more. There’s romance, intrigue, danger, magic and death, all placed in a world so foreign to our own, yet somehow so familiar in its struggles. It’s gorgeous, and the ride is really just beginning,
Pros:
- So Very well written.
- captivating from beginning to end.
- Fully immersive.
- Mave is amazing, the company around her is amazing - and their journey is truly inspiring.
- ALL the characters grow in this installment. Relationships are forged, secrets revealed and hints of the future are given.
- I had hopes that Alchan would be part of her family, and while that may be the future case, in setting it form in a different way than I first imagined.
- That bomb at the end.... dang.... that bomb.
Cons:
- None. Except maybe the slight loss of hope for one relationship, though I think he’s going to end up somewhere very good anyway.
- Wanted a final POV of Trevan. I do NOT trust that mitt he’s talking to in the pits.
This book has everything you want from an epic fantasy and more. There’s romance, intrigue, danger, magic and death, all placed in a world so foreign to our own, yet somehow so familiar in its struggles. It’s gorgeous, and the ride is really just beginning,
Pros:
- So Very well written.
- captivating from beginning to end.
- Fully immersive.
- Mave is amazing, the company around her is amazing - and their journey is truly inspiring.
- ALL the characters grow in this installment. Relationships are forged, secrets revealed and hints of the future are given.
- I had hopes that Alchan would be part of her family, and while that may be the future case, in setting it form in a different way than I first imagined.
- That bomb at the end.... dang.... that bomb.
Cons:
- None. Except maybe the slight loss of hope for one relationship, though I think he’s going to end up somewhere very good anyway.
- Wanted a final POV of Trevan. I do NOT trust that mitt he’s talking to in the pits.
June 18, 2023
I can’t put this down, this series is fantastic
Re-read 16/06/23
Re-read 16/06/23
September 10, 2023
Definitely my favorite of the series so far, and I really appreciate the pacing and buildup with this one. I was convinced that we'd get more new full-on romance, and was pleasantly surprised by the nuance of the worldbuilding + relationship building here. Full RTC!!
April 29, 2021
RE-read April 2021: this time I stopped to absorb the plot, and was not understanding why a flying warrior race would spend 2 months WALKING after their enemies that had just raided and kidnapped their people. Why did they not just fly and take over them in battle before they got to the city? They could have picked them off a bit at a time and gotten their people back.
It must have just made for a better transition into the next phase: rebellion. But that bothers me- why didn't they just fly...
This story is just that- a nice transition. Mave is dealing with Luykas and working to trust him, she is settling into relationships with the women, enjoying her "males" and then BAM disaster strikes.
Original review: Unashamedly- I blew thru this one as well to get to the next :)
All I can say is that they should have listened to Mat! Senri- I was disappointed in your lack of concern with the patrols being a big deal. And do they not have any historical records?
Of course the enemy attacks when all the males are gone hunting. Sheesh.
It must have just made for a better transition into the next phase: rebellion. But that bothers me- why didn't they just fly...
This story is just that- a nice transition. Mave is dealing with Luykas and working to trust him, she is settling into relationships with the women, enjoying her "males" and then BAM disaster strikes.
Original review: Unashamedly- I blew thru this one as well to get to the next :)
All I can say is that they should have listened to Mat! Senri- I was disappointed in your lack of concern with the patrols being a big deal. And do they not have any historical records?
Of course the enemy attacks when all the males are gone hunting. Sheesh.
February 10, 2024
El mejor de los 3 y probablemente la mejor lectura del año aunque recién este empezando. No entiendo como está saga no es conocida si es magnífica
December 3, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
This book has been more effective for bolstering my will to live than my Effexor prescription
This book has been more effective for bolstering my will to live than my Effexor prescription
December 16, 2023
The journey continues for Mave and company. It was to be expected their happiness and freedom would be short-lived. After an attack leaves the Andinna crippled and many prisoners taken, Mave is determined to end the Elvasi once and for all. The Queen will never stop hunting them and it's time her people find peace. There's also word on both Dave and Trevan who helped her escape in book one. It's been about a year and she's absolutely gutted to learn they are both alive, feeling as if she abandoned them to the same fate she suffered for centuries. Feels like this book sets us up for a lot more battles, betrayals and victories to come. Every time they one up the empress it makes me happy and I'm eager to watch her slowly crumble. The Andinna may be outnumbered but it's time they fight back and stop being used as slaves, gladiators and whores just for the crown of an evil woman!!!
September 14, 2019
The Warrior's Assault is intriguing, teasing, and features some moments that will leave your jaw dropped. In its final paragraphs, I thought I needed something or someone to hug because I had ZERO chill left.
Much of the first portion of TWA are digging into Mave's continued assimilation into the village. She's not just finding a new way to survive, she's finding a way to truly live. She's building her home with Matesh and Brynec (who are so effing adorable, I can't stand it aka I love it), learning how to use her bond with Luykas, and figuring out what it means to be an Andinna who's actually part of their culture. We also get some signs to hint at who might be the next addition(s) to the harem! Though, after finishing the end, my mind is totally blown as to what order this will actually happen. All bets are off, folks.
When something unexpected happens (totally won't spoil it for you), the Company finds itself fighting in a conflict that they were totally unprepared for, and the Empress has something quite evil....though undeniably creative....up her sleeve to try and take down the Andinna.
I love the friendship between her and Senri, two bad*ss females who can kick butt, takes names, and are creating this sweet dynamic where Mave really has her first true taste of a friend. I think it goes a long way towards helping her see that people outside the Company can be kind, supportive, and loyal to her. There's also some great growing pains as Mave still struggles to figure out where she really belongs in the hierarchy of the Andinna females, and there's plenty of Jesvena and Allaina moments to keep readers on their toes.
We also get the chance to see other females find their strength, which is awesome, and I think it's going to lead to some beautifully bloodthirsty girl power in the next book. Totally ready for this. Let's go, ladies!
Banet paces TWA very well, so there were no points where I felt like the story was lagging/dragging. Instead, I found myself captivated by even the moments that weren't inherently packed with action. The characters are well fleshed out, and their different thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors are all distinct in this wonderful way that makes each POV unique and special. We get check-ins with the Company crew as well as checking our how things are back in the pits and with the easy-to-hate Empress.
If I wanted for anything, it was a little more of the romance. By that, I don't mean s*x, I mean intimacy. With the Company traveling in book two, and Mat and Rain being in the pits with Mave in book one, we (and by that, I mean I) got a bit spoiled in terms of the harem content. In TWA, the guys are busy a lot, and we don't get as many of those moments that make us sigh and squeal. Don't worry, Banet gives us some, I'm just greedy. However, it's totally my own fault because I already knew that the romance was not the biggest emphasis in this series. In any case, there are some adorable Rain/Mave moments, she starts building a rapport with (GASP) Zayden, and even Luykas manages to make a crack in the walls that Mave puts up.
There's still so much to be happy about, that I couldn't stand to take any stars away. Overall, I'm really loving this series, and it's this epic journey that holds me captive until the final words, and that's really the most that I could hope for.
Much of the first portion of TWA are digging into Mave's continued assimilation into the village. She's not just finding a new way to survive, she's finding a way to truly live. She's building her home with Matesh and Brynec (who are so effing adorable, I can't stand it aka I love it), learning how to use her bond with Luykas, and figuring out what it means to be an Andinna who's actually part of their culture. We also get some signs to hint at who might be the next addition(s) to the harem! Though, after finishing the end, my mind is totally blown as to what order this will actually happen. All bets are off, folks.
When something unexpected happens (totally won't spoil it for you), the Company finds itself fighting in a conflict that they were totally unprepared for, and the Empress has something quite evil....though undeniably creative....up her sleeve to try and take down the Andinna.
I love the friendship between her and Senri, two bad*ss females who can kick butt, takes names, and are creating this sweet dynamic where Mave really has her first true taste of a friend. I think it goes a long way towards helping her see that people outside the Company can be kind, supportive, and loyal to her. There's also some great growing pains as Mave still struggles to figure out where she really belongs in the hierarchy of the Andinna females, and there's plenty of Jesvena and Allaina moments to keep readers on their toes.
We also get the chance to see other females find their strength, which is awesome, and I think it's going to lead to some beautifully bloodthirsty girl power in the next book. Totally ready for this. Let's go, ladies!
Banet paces TWA very well, so there were no points where I felt like the story was lagging/dragging. Instead, I found myself captivated by even the moments that weren't inherently packed with action. The characters are well fleshed out, and their different thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors are all distinct in this wonderful way that makes each POV unique and special. We get check-ins with the Company crew as well as checking our how things are back in the pits and with the easy-to-hate Empress.
If I wanted for anything, it was a little more of the romance. By that, I don't mean s*x, I mean intimacy. With the Company traveling in book two, and Mat and Rain being in the pits with Mave in book one, we (and by that, I mean I) got a bit spoiled in terms of the harem content. In TWA, the guys are busy a lot, and we don't get as many of those moments that make us sigh and squeal. Don't worry, Banet gives us some, I'm just greedy. However, it's totally my own fault because I already knew that the romance was not the biggest emphasis in this series. In any case, there are some adorable Rain/Mave moments, she starts building a rapport with (GASP) Zayden, and even Luykas manages to make a crack in the walls that Mave puts up.
There's still so much to be happy about, that I couldn't stand to take any stars away. Overall, I'm really loving this series, and it's this epic journey that holds me captive until the final words, and that's really the most that I could hope for.
August 29, 2022
DNF 55%. I was never the biggest fan of this series. I think the first book was the best. I liked (not loved) Mave the gladiator. But began to loose interest in her and the company as the series progressed. She just wasn’t turning out to be the person I hoped she would be. I think the author got a lot of the insecurities right at the start which I thought was very believable. However the longer the series went on the less interesting everything and especially Mave became. Also there are so many plot holes you could drive a truck through it. The biggest one is the fact that these people live up to 6,000 years. You would think they would get some perspective and not act like the 20-30yr olds I would compare them with in human terms. I feel these guys live this long because they are just that dense and need that much time to gain some kind of maturity. I also don’t get the blame Mave received regarding her roll in the 100yr war. I also don’t get the whole baser instinct thing they have going on: like asserting dominance through eye contact or the nest building or the fertility period etc. For a race that lives that long you would think they would evolve past that. Mace’s reactions to certain situations just didn’t seem authentic to me. A lot of their customs and behaviours are extremely cringe worthy and non of the love scenes were any fun to read. I cringed and rolled my eyes a lot a lot during this series so far and just couldn’t get over some of the more awkward scenes. So I give up at book 3 since I have completely lost interest.
September 23, 2019
I am not really sure what to complain about as it just did not make an impression.
I have to admit that plot wise this book was necessary, however, it gave nothing to Mave's mayara, these relationships did not evolve. Other relationships grew, though at a snail's pace. It should have felt more convincing because of that but it felt too long.
A positive thing was that in this book I finally began remembering who was who. The different POVs helped in seeing things from their side. Without that it would have seemed like even less progress was made in the relationship building.
Still an interesting series and a nice plot twist but I expect much more from the next book.
I have to admit that plot wise this book was necessary, however, it gave nothing to Mave's mayara, these relationships did not evolve. Other relationships grew, though at a snail's pace. It should have felt more convincing because of that but it felt too long.
A positive thing was that in this book I finally began remembering who was who. The different POVs helped in seeing things from their side. Without that it would have seemed like even less progress was made in the relationship building.
Still an interesting series and a nice plot twist but I expect much more from the next book.
April 19, 2021
Another solid installation. I can't say I'm entirely sure of what's to come, but I suppose that makes it even more exciting. I was really expecting oh well. Onto the next one I suppose.
Also, side note but my heart just hurts, don’t judge me
Also, side note but my heart just hurts, don’t judge me
September 17, 2019
Give Luykas a chance on the next book 💔
The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because I was hoping Mave would make Luykas her male. I hate that she’s making it so hard on him and barely gives him any attention when all he wants is to make her happy.
The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because I was hoping Mave would make Luykas her male. I hate that she’s making it so hard on him and barely gives him any attention when all he wants is to make her happy.
September 18, 2019
Kinda sorta review to come
August 29, 2022
I'm not comfortable with Alchan eyeing Rainev.
January 19, 2023
Dnf @ 92% won’t be fooling myself anymore. Has lots of potential tbh but it just keeps dragging and dragging its feet.
December 27, 2020
3.5
This is quite good, but I'm seeing a trend of doing major reveals at the end of the book and it's a bit off putting. I mean, I am cruising through the book and loving the developments, the twists, just the right amount of action, and there's heat even if this particular author's versions of smexy don't particularly ring my bell but not too much of it.
The series has it all, but the reveals at the end feel manipulative and off putting. I'm glad there is only one book that hasn't yet been released and is due out in the spring. These endings would probably cause me to lose interest if I had to wait a long time for the next one. Not true cliff hangers, but big reveals that you know are going to be drama and issues and then "the end." Kinda tacky.
But that's all there is to complain about with this series, and I'm enjoying it immensely, so I'm not going to down grade for it, just whine instead. LOL
This is quite good, but I'm seeing a trend of doing major reveals at the end of the book and it's a bit off putting. I mean, I am cruising through the book and loving the developments, the twists, just the right amount of action, and there's heat even if this particular author's versions of smexy don't particularly ring my bell but not too much of it.
The series has it all, but the reveals at the end feel manipulative and off putting. I'm glad there is only one book that hasn't yet been released and is due out in the spring. These endings would probably cause me to lose interest if I had to wait a long time for the next one. Not true cliff hangers, but big reveals that you know are going to be drama and issues and then "the end." Kinda tacky.
But that's all there is to complain about with this series, and I'm enjoying it immensely, so I'm not going to down grade for it, just whine instead. LOL
February 6, 2021
4.5 stars
Oof, that ending though. My poor heart 💔 To be honest, I saw the twist coming, but it still hurts to read lol
The plot thickens in this one. Romance takes more of a backseat (a bit more than I wanted, but alas slow burn is the game it seems). We can see where things are going for at least the next 2 books in that regard, though.
I loved learning more about all the Andinna and their way of life. The first half is a bit slower pace-wise, but the payoff comes in the second half once you’ve grown to really know the everyone.
Well-written, fun character dynamics and growth, and an ever darkening atmosphere as the Elvasi threat becomes reality. Overall, a great addition to the series.
Also, please someone cut poor Luykas a break. Poor guy needs a hug.
Senri is awesome and I love her dearly. Easily one of my fav characters.
On to book 4!
Oof, that ending though. My poor heart 💔 To be honest, I saw the twist coming, but it still hurts to read lol
The plot thickens in this one. Romance takes more of a backseat (a bit more than I wanted, but alas slow burn is the game it seems). We can see where things are going for at least the next 2 books in that regard, though.
I loved learning more about all the Andinna and their way of life. The first half is a bit slower pace-wise, but the payoff comes in the second half once you’ve grown to really know the everyone.
Well-written, fun character dynamics and growth, and an ever darkening atmosphere as the Elvasi threat becomes reality. Overall, a great addition to the series.
Also, please someone cut poor Luykas a break. Poor guy needs a hug.
Senri is awesome and I love her dearly. Easily one of my fav characters.
On to book 4!
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