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The Omega Misfits #3
Alpha's Embrace
I am Misha.
My name was given to me at birth by the doctor who delivered me. I have never known my parents. I live in a ten by ten space with one window, a sink and toilet, a bed and a locked door. Once a day I’m taken to an outdoor exercise area. I am allowed a limited access tablet and tutored online by computer programs. I have one friend I talk to through a tiny crack in the wall. His name is Cedric and he has trouble keeping himself quiet. When he isn’t talking to me about monsters and demons, he screams all the time.
Why is my life so isolated and depressing? Because I am a Sylph. Sylphs are the byproduct of illegal Omega to Omega matings. We are all beautiful, but 99.9% are born insane. The rarest of Sylphs, like me, show no outward signs of madness or brain damage, but we live in institutions because we cannot be trusted.
All of us Sylphs who have lived long enough to pass through puberty have hypersexual disorder which makes life even more difficult for us, let alone our keepers. It is like something Alphas call the Burn, a mating urge Alphas experience once every couple of months.
But we’re Sylphs, not Alphas, and this Burn thing? We experience it all the time. It’s a huge problem and why we are kept isolated. Most of us don’t survive through our teens because of it.
One day, a handsome Alpha comes to interview and study me. He calls himself the Chief of Staff but his real name is Geo. Like magic, I fall in love with him instantly. I do everything I can to seduce him. He will have none of it because touch between an Alpha and a Sylph is taboo. But I have plans. No matter what, I intend to bond him and make him mine. Forever.
My name was given to me at birth by the doctor who delivered me. I have never known my parents. I live in a ten by ten space with one window, a sink and toilet, a bed and a locked door. Once a day I’m taken to an outdoor exercise area. I am allowed a limited access tablet and tutored online by computer programs. I have one friend I talk to through a tiny crack in the wall. His name is Cedric and he has trouble keeping himself quiet. When he isn’t talking to me about monsters and demons, he screams all the time.
Why is my life so isolated and depressing? Because I am a Sylph. Sylphs are the byproduct of illegal Omega to Omega matings. We are all beautiful, but 99.9% are born insane. The rarest of Sylphs, like me, show no outward signs of madness or brain damage, but we live in institutions because we cannot be trusted.
All of us Sylphs who have lived long enough to pass through puberty have hypersexual disorder which makes life even more difficult for us, let alone our keepers. It is like something Alphas call the Burn, a mating urge Alphas experience once every couple of months.
But we’re Sylphs, not Alphas, and this Burn thing? We experience it all the time. It’s a huge problem and why we are kept isolated. Most of us don’t survive through our teens because of it.
One day, a handsome Alpha comes to interview and study me. He calls himself the Chief of Staff but his real name is Geo. Like magic, I fall in love with him instantly. I do everything I can to seduce him. He will have none of it because touch between an Alpha and a Sylph is taboo. But I have plans. No matter what, I intend to bond him and make him mine. Forever.
210 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2020
About the author
Wendy Rathbone
177 books366 followersWendy Rathbone has had dozens of stories published in anthologies such as: Hot Blood, Writers of the Future (second place,) Bending the Landscape, Mutation Nation, A Darke Phantastique, and more. The book "Dreams of Decadence Presents: Wendy Rathbone and Tippi Blevins" contains a large collection of her vampire stories and poems. Over 500 of her poems have been published in various anthologies and magazines. She won first place in the Anamnesis Press poetry chapbook contest with her book "Scrying the River Styx." Her poems have been nominated for the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling award at least a dozen times.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Her recent books include:
"Pale Zenith," science fiction novel
"The Foundling," male/male romance novel
"None Can Hold the Dark," sequel to "The Foundling"
"The Secret Sharer," science fiction romance novella
"Unearthly," omnibus collection of 7 out-of-print poetry booklets
"The Vampire Diaries: The Myth," available from Kindle Worlds
"The Vampire Dairies: Deep In the Virginia Woods," available from Kindle Worlds
"My House Is Full Of Whispers," erotica short story collection
"Letters To An Android," science fiction novel
Upcoming very soon:
"Risque Science Fiction," short stories by Wendy Rathbone
"The Red Fountain, Where Vampires Come to Drink," short stories and poetry by Wendy Rathbone
Look for more novels and short story collections coming up in 2014.
She lives in Yucca Valley, CA with her partner of 32 years, Della Van Hise.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 21, 2020
This is the third book is the series and it can be read as a standalone (although I highly recommend reading the other two books because they’re brilliant). I love the world the author has created and it was great visiting it again. It’s different than most omegaverse worlds and I like the change.
In this universe when a child is born from two omegas it’s called a Sylph. Sylphs can’t knot like an alpha and they can’t have children. They’re are also in a constant Burn, have health issues and most of them don’t survive past adolescence.
Misha is a Sylph but he’s the exception to the rule. He’s twenty, he’s intelligent, healthy, non violent and he can control the Burn.
Misha was a fascinating character. The ways he found to cope with his situation were impressive. I couldn’t help loving him and feeling for him, and crying for him.
Geo is an Alpha and the new Chief of staff at the place where Misha lives. He fights for Misha and he cares for him and wants to help him. A bond develops between them, and it’s beautiful.
But a relationship between an Alpha and a Sylph is forbidden by law so they both have to make a hard decision.
The story was amazing, I loved every single word. I couldn’t put the book down. Also, I absolutely adore the writing style! It’s magical.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
In this universe when a child is born from two omegas it’s called a Sylph. Sylphs can’t knot like an alpha and they can’t have children. They’re are also in a constant Burn, have health issues and most of them don’t survive past adolescence.
Misha is a Sylph but he’s the exception to the rule. He’s twenty, he’s intelligent, healthy, non violent and he can control the Burn.
Misha was a fascinating character. The ways he found to cope with his situation were impressive. I couldn’t help loving him and feeling for him, and crying for him.
Geo is an Alpha and the new Chief of staff at the place where Misha lives. He fights for Misha and he cares for him and wants to help him. A bond develops between them, and it’s beautiful.
But a relationship between an Alpha and a Sylph is forbidden by law so they both have to make a hard decision.
The story was amazing, I loved every single word. I couldn’t put the book down. Also, I absolutely adore the writing style! It’s magical.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
April 17, 2020
Alpha's Embrace is a very enjoyable read. A bittersweet soulmates tale between Misha and Geo.
At first, I thought Misha was schizophrenic, but no, he's not. He's just like us readers, who's creating our own world and make believe sometimes.
Especially in Misha's lonely world.
But then came Geo, his savior and soulmate.
Wendy Rathbone delivered a very good story from another universe.
Though this is part of a series, it can read as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed Geo and Misha.
Recommended!
At first, I thought Misha was schizophrenic, but no, he's not. He's just like us readers, who's creating our own world and make believe sometimes.
Especially in Misha's lonely world.
But then came Geo, his savior and soulmate.
Wendy Rathbone delivered a very good story from another universe.
Though this is part of a series, it can read as a stand alone.
I really enjoyed Geo and Misha.
Recommended!
Read
July 1, 2020I'm going to call this one DNF at 32%. It's just very slow and I cannot engage in the way Misha is - I'm sure of the reasons but the language is mostly putting me to sleep and I don't really care for the other MC at all. I enjoyed the other two - so I'll move on to #4 and see if I can get back on track.
April 17, 2020
Alpha’s Embrace by Wendy Rathbone is the third book in The Omega Misfits series. This book has dual POV which really lets you get into Misha’s state of mind.
I liked that in this story we get back to the fairytale quality of book one. I loved Misha. Despite being a prisoner, and in a hellish place he is upbeat and loveable. He truly is one of a kind.
Geo is the new Chief of Staff. He wants to change things, make life better for the people is he is protecting. He is 30 and unmated. He bonded with an Omega as a child. He never wanted to go through a broken bond again. He carries a ton of pain.
I loved getting to know this class of people. It made me feel like I wanted to help them too. Very emotional.
There is one thing I am going to mention cause it was in both book one and book two. There is violence against Misha by a person who has power over him. It is a fight that is a near-rape. I get using this to bring us to the point Misha is powerless in his situation. But having this scene in every book is not particularly making me want to read more. I really hope this is not something in future books. So, I will say, if you are a sensitive reader, this is not the book for you.
But on the flip side, this book is very intense. Lots of emotional moments, and full of hope. I cannot wait to read more from this series in the future.
Four Twinkling Stars
I liked that in this story we get back to the fairytale quality of book one. I loved Misha. Despite being a prisoner, and in a hellish place he is upbeat and loveable. He truly is one of a kind.
Geo is the new Chief of Staff. He wants to change things, make life better for the people is he is protecting. He is 30 and unmated. He bonded with an Omega as a child. He never wanted to go through a broken bond again. He carries a ton of pain.
I loved getting to know this class of people. It made me feel like I wanted to help them too. Very emotional.
There is one thing I am going to mention cause it was in both book one and book two. There is violence against Misha by a person who has power over him. It is a fight that is a near-rape. I get using this to bring us to the point Misha is powerless in his situation. But having this scene in every book is not particularly making me want to read more. I really hope this is not something in future books. So, I will say, if you are a sensitive reader, this is not the book for you.
But on the flip side, this book is very intense. Lots of emotional moments, and full of hope. I cannot wait to read more from this series in the future.
Four Twinkling Stars
May 1, 2020
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
Really a very lowkey calm sweet read. I really liked the development of the connection between Geo and Misha. It was quick, but didn't feel rushed. There was weight to it somehow. I really believed it. I liked the resolution a bit less, but I suppose it's fine. I would've liked some more solidity in their circumstances, their relationship is set but there's still questions to be answered. But I enjoyed this book overall.
Really a very lowkey calm sweet read. I really liked the development of the connection between Geo and Misha. It was quick, but didn't feel rushed. There was weight to it somehow. I really believed it. I liked the resolution a bit less, but I suppose it's fine. I would've liked some more solidity in their circumstances, their relationship is set but there's still questions to be answered. But I enjoyed this book overall.
April 19, 2020
4.5 Stars
Wendy Rathbone's Alpha's Embrace, the third book in The Omega Misfits series, is a fantastic read. It's easily read as a standalone, but reading the previous books adds to the fun.
I found myself wanting to cry from the start, as Geo reminisces about being separated from Mace. My investment in these characters is immediate and strong.
Misha suffers in hypersexuality, cuffed and trapped in his own castle, as is the case for Omegas. He's a man who knows love, loving everyone he meets, but never having been in love. As as the story goes on, and we learn more about Misha, I found myself extremely impressed with his character. The way he makes the best of his situation is fascinating. He is truly a breathe of fresh air in a dark world.
This is a story with Sylphs, in a world with a saying "Take a Sylph to bed, Tomorrow wake up dead." Thus sets the setting for this story.
But Geo, the new Chief of Staff feels something is different about Misha, believing he's been wronged. His connection to the sylph is immediate and strong.
I honestly adore this story. I love that their connection goes against everything people expect. I love that their bond is all that matters. And I enjoy the fight to be together. The writing is fabulous, written with dual pov, allowing the reader to fully get into the minds of both men, which is absolutely necessary to tell this story correctly.
Alpha's Embrace is a fantastic, fun escape to a different type of world. Wendy Rathbone's Omega Misfits created world is intriguing, well rounded, and a lot of fun to explore. This emotional story of forbidden romance is sure to entertain. And the entire series is thrilling!
The Omega Misfits Series -
Book One - Trust No Alpha
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
Book Two - The Alpha's Fake Mate
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
Wendy Rathbone's Alpha's Embrace, the third book in The Omega Misfits series, is a fantastic read. It's easily read as a standalone, but reading the previous books adds to the fun.
I found myself wanting to cry from the start, as Geo reminisces about being separated from Mace. My investment in these characters is immediate and strong.
Misha suffers in hypersexuality, cuffed and trapped in his own castle, as is the case for Omegas. He's a man who knows love, loving everyone he meets, but never having been in love. As as the story goes on, and we learn more about Misha, I found myself extremely impressed with his character. The way he makes the best of his situation is fascinating. He is truly a breathe of fresh air in a dark world.
This is a story with Sylphs, in a world with a saying "Take a Sylph to bed, Tomorrow wake up dead." Thus sets the setting for this story.
But Geo, the new Chief of Staff feels something is different about Misha, believing he's been wronged. His connection to the sylph is immediate and strong.
I honestly adore this story. I love that their connection goes against everything people expect. I love that their bond is all that matters. And I enjoy the fight to be together. The writing is fabulous, written with dual pov, allowing the reader to fully get into the minds of both men, which is absolutely necessary to tell this story correctly.
Alpha's Embrace is a fantastic, fun escape to a different type of world. Wendy Rathbone's Omega Misfits created world is intriguing, well rounded, and a lot of fun to explore. This emotional story of forbidden romance is sure to entertain. And the entire series is thrilling!
The Omega Misfits Series -
Book One - Trust No Alpha
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
Book Two - The Alpha's Fake Mate
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
April 19, 2020
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Omega Misfits series, but you don't need to have read Trust No Alpha (book 1) or The Alpha's Fake Mate (book 2) before you read this one. They all take place in the same world, but can totally be read as a stand alone read. I HAVE read them, although I did not write reviews for them as I read them via the Unlimited programme.
And I found THIS one the weakest of the three.
Alphas are supposed to mate with Omegas and ONLY with Omegas. However when 2 Omegas mate, and produce a child, that child is a Sylph. Sylph children are removed from society and kept locked up for their own good. They live with a constant Burn, unlike Alphas who get them regularly, and most do not live into adulthood for going insane.
Misha is such a child. Well, not a child, he is well into adulthood and a bit of an anomoly. He can control his Burn, and be a productive member of society, BUT for the fact he is Sylph. Geo is an Alpha and the new general manager at the facility where Misha lives. When Geo touches Misha without gloves, a bond begins. A bond that is as illegal as it is dangerous. To BOTH of them.
Both Misha and Geo know this is different, whatever they are feeling, but Geo is best able to voice it and rationalise what is happening between them. Misha is, for want of a better explanation, away with the fairies most of the time, but then again, being locked up all the time would make anyone so. Misha KNOWS he is Sylph, he KNOWS he cannot bond, so he doesn't know what this is between him and Geo. He KNOWS he wants Geo, in a way that is different to his usual want (Sylphs want everyone) he just doesn't know what to do. Geo makes the decision, but Misha is given a choice. I liked that it took time for them to act on the bond, to consummate it. They both have thoughts about the other, it just takes time for them to act on it. I've filed it as m-preg, cos it is talked about and does appear in other books in the series, but there isn't any here.
Both guys have a say, in the first person. Misha's voice is a little airy-fairy, like I said and Geo's is very much an Alpha, but he does go a little off the rails, and that comes out of nowhere, to be honest. I found Geo the least liked of the three Alphas in these books and I cannot pinpoint exactly why.
I liked how it all sorted out, but I would have liked a bit of an epilogue, a some-time-later type thing, to catch up on them, and how things pan out after what they did, and whether things had changed for Misha with a fully formed bond.
A nice read, a GOOD addition to the series though and I think it really was needed, a story about the Slyph children, who are talked about in the other books. This book just didn't push my buttons as the other two did, I'm afraid.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the Omega Misfits series, but you don't need to have read Trust No Alpha (book 1) or The Alpha's Fake Mate (book 2) before you read this one. They all take place in the same world, but can totally be read as a stand alone read. I HAVE read them, although I did not write reviews for them as I read them via the Unlimited programme.
And I found THIS one the weakest of the three.
Alphas are supposed to mate with Omegas and ONLY with Omegas. However when 2 Omegas mate, and produce a child, that child is a Sylph. Sylph children are removed from society and kept locked up for their own good. They live with a constant Burn, unlike Alphas who get them regularly, and most do not live into adulthood for going insane.
Misha is such a child. Well, not a child, he is well into adulthood and a bit of an anomoly. He can control his Burn, and be a productive member of society, BUT for the fact he is Sylph. Geo is an Alpha and the new general manager at the facility where Misha lives. When Geo touches Misha without gloves, a bond begins. A bond that is as illegal as it is dangerous. To BOTH of them.
Both Misha and Geo know this is different, whatever they are feeling, but Geo is best able to voice it and rationalise what is happening between them. Misha is, for want of a better explanation, away with the fairies most of the time, but then again, being locked up all the time would make anyone so. Misha KNOWS he is Sylph, he KNOWS he cannot bond, so he doesn't know what this is between him and Geo. He KNOWS he wants Geo, in a way that is different to his usual want (Sylphs want everyone) he just doesn't know what to do. Geo makes the decision, but Misha is given a choice. I liked that it took time for them to act on the bond, to consummate it. They both have thoughts about the other, it just takes time for them to act on it. I've filed it as m-preg, cos it is talked about and does appear in other books in the series, but there isn't any here.
Both guys have a say, in the first person. Misha's voice is a little airy-fairy, like I said and Geo's is very much an Alpha, but he does go a little off the rails, and that comes out of nowhere, to be honest. I found Geo the least liked of the three Alphas in these books and I cannot pinpoint exactly why.
I liked how it all sorted out, but I would have liked a bit of an epilogue, a some-time-later type thing, to catch up on them, and how things pan out after what they did, and whether things had changed for Misha with a fully formed bond.
A nice read, a GOOD addition to the series though and I think it really was needed, a story about the Slyph children, who are talked about in the other books. This book just didn't push my buttons as the other two did, I'm afraid.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
September 9, 2020
I have a hard time with stories like this, because even though this is fictional, it is a great reminder that things like this happen in the real world. When someone is not up to society’s standard or different, they are treated below dirt, beaten, raped, locked up, and so much more. And it’s so unfair. And this is one of those stories. I know it’s supposed to be an HEA, but for me it almost feels like an HFN. Because of the risks that are there. But I will hope for an HEA for the rest of their lives.
Misha has only known the walls of the colony and the little bit of the world surrounding it in the short time he gets outside every day. He gets to have tv and internet and dreams of worlds beyond. But one thing he will never be, is free. Misha is a slyph, a product of an omega/omega relationship. A being that constantly lives in a state of alpha burn, constantly wanting to obtain an orgasm. Most don’t live til puberty or much after. In fact, Misha is pretty much the oldest one known. And although Misha feels the burn every day, he’s learned and taught himself control. He can’t help who he is but he can control his body and mind and what he does. But the minute he meets the new ‘king’, or Chief of Staff, Geo, things change. He wants Geo as he’s never wanted anything or anyone ever. And even though Geo hides it better, he feels Geo wants him too. But the problem is, their relationship, if they had one, would be illegal. NO one is allowed to mate or be with slyphs. Slyphs are considered dangerous and most are. But what if. Seeing as Misha is different….what if?
I hate in most stories how omegas are treated. But I love them so much because time and time again they prove how much stronger they really are. But for slyphs, beings like Misha, they are treated even worse. And while some of it is understandable, to a point, it still can be cruel as this story shows. And what I love about Geo, is he didn’t take one single thing for granted or at someone’s word. He checked everything out. Wanted to know why things were the way they were. Why someone like Misha, who is a model slyph, can’t be allowed to have more freedoms. Why certain slyphs are constantly checked on or things handled a certain way. And because of it, things started to change. In a good way. At least Geo thought so. But things have a way of backfiring sometimes. And sometimes, fate seems to step in and take over. And everyone has to scramble to make things right or better. It’s hard. So many things are at risk. But if done right, could work out very well.
I can’t really go on about too much more or I will give too much away. It’s a good story, please don’t misunderstand me. And in the end, I’m glad of what happened. But the in between is a tough story.
lovebytesreviews.com
Misha has only known the walls of the colony and the little bit of the world surrounding it in the short time he gets outside every day. He gets to have tv and internet and dreams of worlds beyond. But one thing he will never be, is free. Misha is a slyph, a product of an omega/omega relationship. A being that constantly lives in a state of alpha burn, constantly wanting to obtain an orgasm. Most don’t live til puberty or much after. In fact, Misha is pretty much the oldest one known. And although Misha feels the burn every day, he’s learned and taught himself control. He can’t help who he is but he can control his body and mind and what he does. But the minute he meets the new ‘king’, or Chief of Staff, Geo, things change. He wants Geo as he’s never wanted anything or anyone ever. And even though Geo hides it better, he feels Geo wants him too. But the problem is, their relationship, if they had one, would be illegal. NO one is allowed to mate or be with slyphs. Slyphs are considered dangerous and most are. But what if. Seeing as Misha is different….what if?
I hate in most stories how omegas are treated. But I love them so much because time and time again they prove how much stronger they really are. But for slyphs, beings like Misha, they are treated even worse. And while some of it is understandable, to a point, it still can be cruel as this story shows. And what I love about Geo, is he didn’t take one single thing for granted or at someone’s word. He checked everything out. Wanted to know why things were the way they were. Why someone like Misha, who is a model slyph, can’t be allowed to have more freedoms. Why certain slyphs are constantly checked on or things handled a certain way. And because of it, things started to change. In a good way. At least Geo thought so. But things have a way of backfiring sometimes. And sometimes, fate seems to step in and take over. And everyone has to scramble to make things right or better. It’s hard. So many things are at risk. But if done right, could work out very well.
I can’t really go on about too much more or I will give too much away. It’s a good story, please don’t misunderstand me. And in the end, I’m glad of what happened. But the in between is a tough story.
lovebytesreviews.com
May 1, 2020
From the very beginning of the series I was intrigued by the idea of Sylphs and new we'd get at least one of their stories. For all the mystery and agony surrounding these men, there had to be individuals among them that didn't fit the lore passed around their society. Misha was one such man and it took a kind, earnest, and determined Alpha to give him the future filled with love he didn't dare to dream could become a reality.
There were quite a few directions we could have been taken in with this story and while none that I expected happened, the path we took was interesting in quite a few ways. Despite being interesting it drifted from one point to another while not really progressing and that made this book a little harder to read than the previous two. I think there was a bit missing in the way of depth because for all the intrigue, mystery, genetic anomalies, surprise bonds, nefarious characters, and "planning" for their future, we got virtually none of the completion of any of those points. They really could have been streamlined and refined and this would have easily been my favorite of the series.
It took way, way too long for anything romantic to happen and Geoff's constant denial was incredibly taxing, especially because there were a couple times when he seemed to come to the defining conclusion about his convictions toward Misha rather than away from him and in the next moment he's mentally and verbally denying anything he feels about him. This is not my kind of roller coaster.
Overall there was a whole lot that drew me in with the premise, but the slow-burn wasn't implemented effectively to make me believe in the MC's or their romance. With so many points of interest that weren't visited with intention I'm wondering where this series is going from here. I'm still interested enough in how the author weaves a story from unconventional societal pairings with the men of this world that I'll absolutely be back for more.
There were quite a few directions we could have been taken in with this story and while none that I expected happened, the path we took was interesting in quite a few ways. Despite being interesting it drifted from one point to another while not really progressing and that made this book a little harder to read than the previous two. I think there was a bit missing in the way of depth because for all the intrigue, mystery, genetic anomalies, surprise bonds, nefarious characters, and "planning" for their future, we got virtually none of the completion of any of those points. They really could have been streamlined and refined and this would have easily been my favorite of the series.
It took way, way too long for anything romantic to happen and Geoff's constant denial was incredibly taxing, especially because there were a couple times when he seemed to come to the defining conclusion about his convictions toward Misha rather than away from him and in the next moment he's mentally and verbally denying anything he feels about him. This is not my kind of roller coaster.
Overall there was a whole lot that drew me in with the premise, but the slow-burn wasn't implemented effectively to make me believe in the MC's or their romance. With so many points of interest that weren't visited with intention I'm wondering where this series is going from here. I'm still interested enough in how the author weaves a story from unconventional societal pairings with the men of this world that I'll absolutely be back for more.
July 21, 2023
This one was not for me. I probably could have guessed as much had I read the summary instead of immediately jumping in after book 2 but…
Misha comes across lovely in the book, I quite liked him. The summary that I read just now makes him sound a lot more calculating and manipulative, to trap Geo in a relationship..?
Given the premise, consent is murky at best and it was a little uncomfortable to read but I kept hoping something would change? I don’t know why but I was hoping for something that would change for Misha (or better, some breakthrough for all Sylphs), like meeting his mate and forming a bond somehow helping to smother the Sylph burn, so that it’s not a constant. Something that would take the burn and the pheromones of the sylphs out of the equation, so that consent could be clearly and emphatically given between Misha and Geo.
I’m 3 books into this series and I don’t know why I keep hoping for the HEAs to include the Omegas/Sylphs’s situations.
Previous books had me wanting these alphas to see the light and want to fight for rights for ALL omegas but I guess they got their omega, so it’s all good..? This book, I hate that we finally get more information on the Sylphs, from a sylph and caretakers of Sylphs (not just rumours and ‘textbook knowledge’ from characters who’d never actually met a sylph before) and it’s honestly even worse than I’d thought.. A caged life of mental and physical anguish—Misha’s neighbours are almost always described to be screaming or harming themselves—that’s IF they even live to puberty. And even then Misha is an exception, being in good health. Sylphs who make it to puberty are expected to die not long after because of things like their hearts giving out. This is awful.
I really, really (naively) wanted the HEA to include some hope for a better life for Sylphs. With none, this book was quite depressing, on top of the lack of feels for the couple themselves and their unclear ability to genuinely consent.
Anyway, I know a lot of people did enjoy this book and to each their own. As I say, it just was not for me.
Misha comes across lovely in the book, I quite liked him. The summary that I read just now makes him sound a lot more calculating and manipulative, to trap Geo in a relationship..?
Given the premise, consent is murky at best and it was a little uncomfortable to read but I kept hoping something would change? I don’t know why but I was hoping for something that would change for Misha (or better, some breakthrough for all Sylphs), like meeting his mate and forming a bond somehow helping to smother the Sylph burn, so that it’s not a constant. Something that would take the burn and the pheromones of the sylphs out of the equation, so that consent could be clearly and emphatically given between Misha and Geo.
I’m 3 books into this series and I don’t know why I keep hoping for the HEAs to include the Omegas/Sylphs’s situations.
Previous books had me wanting these alphas to see the light and want to fight for rights for ALL omegas but I guess they got their omega, so it’s all good..? This book, I hate that we finally get more information on the Sylphs, from a sylph and caretakers of Sylphs (not just rumours and ‘textbook knowledge’ from characters who’d never actually met a sylph before) and it’s honestly even worse than I’d thought.. A caged life of mental and physical anguish—Misha’s neighbours are almost always described to be screaming or harming themselves—that’s IF they even live to puberty. And even then Misha is an exception, being in good health. Sylphs who make it to puberty are expected to die not long after because of things like their hearts giving out. This is awful.
I really, really (naively) wanted the HEA to include some hope for a better life for Sylphs. With none, this book was quite depressing, on top of the lack of feels for the couple themselves and their unclear ability to genuinely consent.
Anyway, I know a lot of people did enjoy this book and to each their own. As I say, it just was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
3.5 stars
Misha is a Sylph, an abnormality in a world divided in Alphas and Omegas. But Misha is neither, and those like him are kept in institutions, normally too unstable to be able to function in society. They are insane and die young. But Misha is also an abnormality there, because he’s sane and is twenty, an age very few Sylphs are able to reach. Misha is happy in the institution he lives. But it all changes the day he meets the new Manager of the institution. That day, Misha learns the real meaning of want...
This is an interesting twist of the Omegaverse topic. We find a world where alphas rule and omegas serve, but we are not given any formal explanation about this. Misha is not alpha or omega, he is a Sylph, a deviation of the genres who shares some characteristics with each, but cannot fit in either. Their main characteristic is their perpetual state of arousal, which makes their short spasms of life a real torture. Misha’s intelligence and imagination helps him remain sane, he sees the world around as his realm, and the nurses and doctors as his guardians. Everything changes when Geo, the new Head of staff arrives. Geo is an Alpha unmated, and their attraction is immediate. But it is a forbidden match, so there seems to be no chance at a HEA for these two.
The approach in intriguing but what makes it a great story is Misha. His intelligence, sweetness and ingenuity, turns him into a memorable character. I really enjoyed the chapters told from his point of view (there is a bouncing point of view, which moves from Misha to Geo). Geo is not a bad character, but it certainly fades in the face of Misha’s shining personality
Very entertaining.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Misha is a Sylph, an abnormality in a world divided in Alphas and Omegas. But Misha is neither, and those like him are kept in institutions, normally too unstable to be able to function in society. They are insane and die young. But Misha is also an abnormality there, because he’s sane and is twenty, an age very few Sylphs are able to reach. Misha is happy in the institution he lives. But it all changes the day he meets the new Manager of the institution. That day, Misha learns the real meaning of want...
This is an interesting twist of the Omegaverse topic. We find a world where alphas rule and omegas serve, but we are not given any formal explanation about this. Misha is not alpha or omega, he is a Sylph, a deviation of the genres who shares some characteristics with each, but cannot fit in either. Their main characteristic is their perpetual state of arousal, which makes their short spasms of life a real torture. Misha’s intelligence and imagination helps him remain sane, he sees the world around as his realm, and the nurses and doctors as his guardians. Everything changes when Geo, the new Head of staff arrives. Geo is an Alpha unmated, and their attraction is immediate. But it is a forbidden match, so there seems to be no chance at a HEA for these two.
The approach in intriguing but what makes it a great story is Misha. His intelligence, sweetness and ingenuity, turns him into a memorable character. I really enjoyed the chapters told from his point of view (there is a bouncing point of view, which moves from Misha to Geo). Geo is not a bad character, but it certainly fades in the face of Misha’s shining personality
Very entertaining.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 28, 2021
Not for everyone, but I liked it pretty well. Misha likes to dress up a world where he's institutionalized by pretending that he's a prince in a castle, but he knows it's just a little room, and that he can go out to a fenced yard for an hour a day.
Like some other reviewers commented, I found the twist of another class of people in an alpha-omega universe to be interesting. When two omegas have a child, the child is a Sylph. The situation reminded me of some sort of genetic disorder in which most of the children don't live long. Then if Sylphs reach puberty, they are tormented by being in a state of constant rut. Misha has learned to control himself to an unheard-of extent.
Geo is hired as Chief of Staff of the facility after there have been years of minimal administrative attention. He tries to learn about what might be enriching for the patients, though most of the children have severe mental handicaps. Misha seems to be the only Sylph who is articulate, and he's lived to the age of twenty, which is apparently a record age for a Sylph. Geo feels that Misha should have more freedom. The idea is a shock to Misha.
Like Misha tries to control himself as best he can, Geo also tries to control himself. No one has any idea that a Sylph can form a emotional mate-bond with another person, but Misha is an anomaly among anomalies, and things go in directions that the protagonists don't expect.
Like some other reviewers commented, I found the twist of another class of people in an alpha-omega universe to be interesting. When two omegas have a child, the child is a Sylph. The situation reminded me of some sort of genetic disorder in which most of the children don't live long. Then if Sylphs reach puberty, they are tormented by being in a state of constant rut. Misha has learned to control himself to an unheard-of extent.
Geo is hired as Chief of Staff of the facility after there have been years of minimal administrative attention. He tries to learn about what might be enriching for the patients, though most of the children have severe mental handicaps. Misha seems to be the only Sylph who is articulate, and he's lived to the age of twenty, which is apparently a record age for a Sylph. Geo feels that Misha should have more freedom. The idea is a shock to Misha.
Like Misha tries to control himself as best he can, Geo also tries to control himself. No one has any idea that a Sylph can form a emotional mate-bond with another person, but Misha is an anomaly among anomalies, and things go in directions that the protagonists don't expect.
June 28, 2025
I read a lot of omegaverse and this one of the freshest I've ever read. I really didn't know how things were going to play out until they started happening. Misha is a delightful and innocent sylph (a product of two omega parents), who lives in a fantasy world to cope with his highly restrictive, institutionalized life. While most sylph die at a young age and/or go insane, Misha is the rare exception. He lives in constant Burns, which he controls, and does his best to study and learn in a world where he is kept apart from everyone else and no one ever touches him without gloves.
Geo, an alpha, is the new chief in charge of the institution. Despite being unmated, which is a usual requirement to work there, he takes over and decides to make changes. When he meets Misha, he is instantly drawn to him and wants to help him have a freer, more stimulating life. Neither realizes that, despite no intimacy, the two are beginning to develop a bond.
It seems impossible that the two of them could ever be together. Bonding between an alpha and a sylph is illegal, it is questionable if Misha can even consent, and sylphs must be kept apart from the general population due to their strong hormones and allure. This book really kept my interest. The storyline was tight, the emotions seemed authentic, and the character development was sublime. Very enjoyable!
Geo, an alpha, is the new chief in charge of the institution. Despite being unmated, which is a usual requirement to work there, he takes over and decides to make changes. When he meets Misha, he is instantly drawn to him and wants to help him have a freer, more stimulating life. Neither realizes that, despite no intimacy, the two are beginning to develop a bond.
It seems impossible that the two of them could ever be together. Bonding between an alpha and a sylph is illegal, it is questionable if Misha can even consent, and sylphs must be kept apart from the general population due to their strong hormones and allure. This book really kept my interest. The storyline was tight, the emotions seemed authentic, and the character development was sublime. Very enjoyable!
May 5, 2020
Sweet, taboo and steamy PNR M/M romance between two unlikely guys
I love this world that Ms. Rathbone has conjured. I don’t love what happens to the Sylphs in it however. Misha is a 20yo Sylph, which is a person in this land who usually dies young, has hyper-sexual appetites and may be violent. Misha was not young by Sylph standards and not violent, but unfortunately, he did suffer from hyper-sexual arousal all-the-time. He taught himself to cope under these severe circumstances and was well above average in intelligence among the others locked away in this ward of Sylphs. They are kept separate from the general population for their own safety…yeah, keep telling them that!
One day he is introduced to the new Chief of Staff, Geo, who is 30yo, good looking and wants to make changes for the benefit of the Sylphs in his care. What Geo doesn’t expect is to have everything he wants fall apart.
I loved this unique story. I was so sad for Misha’s upbringing and for Geo’s past romantic experience. If you like PNR and M/M romance, read this book. You will love it too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it gets a resounding 5 stars.
I love this world that Ms. Rathbone has conjured. I don’t love what happens to the Sylphs in it however. Misha is a 20yo Sylph, which is a person in this land who usually dies young, has hyper-sexual appetites and may be violent. Misha was not young by Sylph standards and not violent, but unfortunately, he did suffer from hyper-sexual arousal all-the-time. He taught himself to cope under these severe circumstances and was well above average in intelligence among the others locked away in this ward of Sylphs. They are kept separate from the general population for their own safety…yeah, keep telling them that!
One day he is introduced to the new Chief of Staff, Geo, who is 30yo, good looking and wants to make changes for the benefit of the Sylphs in his care. What Geo doesn’t expect is to have everything he wants fall apart.
I loved this unique story. I was so sad for Misha’s upbringing and for Geo’s past romantic experience. If you like PNR and M/M romance, read this book. You will love it too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it gets a resounding 5 stars.
June 2, 2020
The Alpha dominated society writes the rules, using money, power, and superior strength to reinforce them. Unsurprisingly to the victor goes the spoils. The rigid rules benefit the Alphas and often punish Omegas, especially their offspring, be they Omega children or the despised Sylphs from the unsanctioned Omega to Omega pairings. Dangerous young men rarely reaching legal age of maturity because their bodies betray them with a continuous BURN beginning unfortunately at puberty.
Raised to be self-soothing with minimal contact and attention Institutionalization is all they have to look forward to until an early death finally brings them release. Not full Omegas they can't bond or bear children. So will never have a mate. Luckily their miserable lives are painfully short for they are shunned & treated like a sailor Sirens that crush boats onto the rocks with their seductive songs.
But what if there existed Sylphs that didn't conform to this preconceived mode? What would be done with them? Would any allowances be made for their differences?
This is another page turner. I was delighted to learn a fourth book is being written released in May.
Raised to be self-soothing with minimal contact and attention Institutionalization is all they have to look forward to until an early death finally brings them release. Not full Omegas they can't bond or bear children. So will never have a mate. Luckily their miserable lives are painfully short for they are shunned & treated like a sailor Sirens that crush boats onto the rocks with their seductive songs.
But what if there existed Sylphs that didn't conform to this preconceived mode? What would be done with them? Would any allowances be made for their differences?
This is another page turner. I was delighted to learn a fourth book is being written released in May.
July 16, 2023
Misha is a Sylph (the product of an illegal Omega-to-Omega mating and is in a ten-by-ten room a bit like a prison cell. 99.9% of sylphs are born insane and Misha is rare because he is past puberty and is able to control his hypersexuality. The man in the next-door cell is called Cedric and has problems but can be calmed if Misha reads to him. Then one day a handsome Alpha called Geo who is the new Chief of Staff comes to interview and study him. Misha tries flirting with him but he is careful to avoid touching him because a mating between an Alpha and a Sylph is forbidden. Misha dreams of bonding Geo to him and making him his forever.
I enjoyed this story of a Sylph which is missing from many books and series that are set in the Omegaverse. I loved the pull between Geo and Misha and the extent he went to in order to say him and give them a future together. Certainly, Misha was proof that not all sylphs are mad and need to be kept away from everyone else. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and was set in the Omegaverse.
I enjoyed this story of a Sylph which is missing from many books and series that are set in the Omegaverse. I loved the pull between Geo and Misha and the extent he went to in order to say him and give them a future together. Certainly, Misha was proof that not all sylphs are mad and need to be kept away from everyone else. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and was set in the Omegaverse.
July 28, 2020
2.5 Stars
I guess I expected something more from this one. I mean, we just got a tiny glimpse in the world of Sylphs and I don't think it was enough. I would have liked for someone to have more knowledge of things. And in a way, the epilogue kind of annoyed me, when Mischa said, of course there would be nothing about a situation like his, because even if someone escaped, they'd be in hiding. Talk about (what felt to me like) an excuse.
And since I am nitpicking, where did the women dissappear?!? I mean, why even mention ot if you're not gonna explain?
Am I still gonna keep reading the series because I hope we'll get more explanations? Sure. Will the explanations come? Hmm... Wouldn't that be nice...
I guess I expected something more from this one. I mean, we just got a tiny glimpse in the world of Sylphs and I don't think it was enough. I would have liked for someone to have more knowledge of things. And in a way, the epilogue kind of annoyed me, when Mischa said, of course there would be nothing about a situation like his, because even if someone escaped, they'd be in hiding. Talk about (what felt to me like) an excuse.
And since I am nitpicking, where did the women dissappear?!? I mean, why even mention ot if you're not gonna explain?
Am I still gonna keep reading the series because I hope we'll get more explanations? Sure. Will the explanations come? Hmm... Wouldn't that be nice...
April 30, 2020
This is a very interesting story, especially the character of Misha. He is an abnormality among abnormalities. Most sylphs (omega-omega offspring) are insane and die young. Misha, however, is sane and alive. The slow-burn romance between he and Geo is fraught with forbidden sexual tension. It was hard not to feel for Misha, institutionalized at birth and branded a reject. I enjoyed his spirit and perseverance, even in light of his circumstances. I enjoyed the twists on the A/o genre, and this emotional book had me hooked till the end.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
May 11, 2020
God help me I can’t anymore.
DNF @80%
Since around 20% this has been boring to no end. Hell, I think even from the beginning this has been internal thoughts galore with little to no action. Absolutely nothing to keep me on my toes and entertained.
So far, in my opinion, the 2nd book has been the best and that’s saying something since it wasn’t even that great.
I am giving it 2 stars because I kinda liked the main characters even if, thanks to how they were written, they were as fun as watching paint dry.
I think I am giving up on this author. I gave her 3 opportunities and she failed to impress me on all of them.
DNF @80%
Since around 20% this has been boring to no end. Hell, I think even from the beginning this has been internal thoughts galore with little to no action. Absolutely nothing to keep me on my toes and entertained.
So far, in my opinion, the 2nd book has been the best and that’s saying something since it wasn’t even that great.
I am giving it 2 stars because I kinda liked the main characters even if, thanks to how they were written, they were as fun as watching paint dry.
I think I am giving up on this author. I gave her 3 opportunities and she failed to impress me on all of them.
August 8, 2022
Caged Prince and the King who rescues him
Sylphs are the product of omega/omega matings and are almost always insane or ill.
They also have an incredible allure to tempt most men and are constantly aroused from puberty.
Geo thinks he's safe to take the CEO job at a sylph prison because he had a bond ripped from him in his teens.
But he doesn't expect Misha, who is intelligent, sweet, sexy and stable plus surviving into his twenties.
This alpha/sylph relationship is full of love, injustices, attraction and sexy times.
It's another good book in the series and I liked seeing a cameo by one of the characters from the first book, in unexpected ways, that I hope develops.
Sylphs are the product of omega/omega matings and are almost always insane or ill.
They also have an incredible allure to tempt most men and are constantly aroused from puberty.
Geo thinks he's safe to take the CEO job at a sylph prison because he had a bond ripped from him in his teens.
But he doesn't expect Misha, who is intelligent, sweet, sexy and stable plus surviving into his twenties.
This alpha/sylph relationship is full of love, injustices, attraction and sexy times.
It's another good book in the series and I liked seeing a cameo by one of the characters from the first book, in unexpected ways, that I hope develops.
July 14, 2026
This was insane but in the best way. My heart absolutely BROKE for sweet baby Misha and everything he went through because of something he couldn't control. He was just the kindest most loving being and he deserved all the happiness in the world...which he thankfully got with Geo!! I admit I had no idea where the story was going for most of it - I just couldn't see a way for them to be together, and the ending felt a bit rushed. But you know what...I was just so glad to see Misha get his happy ending that I didn't even care that Geo's plan was a bit crazy and very unrealistic. As long as Misha's happy, I'm happy.
April 22, 2020
This was by far my favorite of the series. I adored Misha and how he defied all that was known about Syphs. He had such a pure way about him, and I loved how he created a fantasy world to keep himself sane. Geo was amazing too. He took everything he knew about the world and turned it on it’s head. With omegaverse, so often the stories seem almost cookie cutter, but here Rathbone has done an amazing job at creating an entire new world. My one complaint is that it seemed to end abruptly and I would’ve liked to get more about their lives after everything.
May 18, 2020
Very different and a beautiful romance
I felt like this volume in the series was very different from the others. Misha is an unusual character with very different ways of seeing the world. The author’s Sylphs are a really interesting addition to the ABO verse, though a sad one. Their stories are grim and limited, but Misha transcends them. Geo certainly makes some sacrifices to gain his bondmate, and their romance is beautiful. Great chemistry and a really unusual story make this one of the more interesting stories I’ve read lately.
I felt like this volume in the series was very different from the others. Misha is an unusual character with very different ways of seeing the world. The author’s Sylphs are a really interesting addition to the ABO verse, though a sad one. Their stories are grim and limited, but Misha transcends them. Geo certainly makes some sacrifices to gain his bondmate, and their romance is beautiful. Great chemistry and a really unusual story make this one of the more interesting stories I’ve read lately.
February 10, 2022
An interesting pov in that the main character in a sylph, the progeny of omega and omega parents which in this universe is akin to what inbreeding causes irl... an unstable genetic condition usually causing death or cognitive or physical disabilities
The main character is however only mildly affected, a point not lost on the new Alpha warden who accidentally falls in love with our Sylph.
The overall book had an original pov, good tension of little action... I was however disappointed with the cut short ending
The main character is however only mildly affected, a point not lost on the new Alpha warden who accidentally falls in love with our Sylph.
The overall book had an original pov, good tension of little action... I was however disappointed with the cut short ending
February 19, 2022
Misha a sylph is in love. how sweet, right? But no, relationships between sylphs and alphas are forbidden. Misha falls in love with Geo an alpha who does everything to fight the connection he feels to the Sylph.
Misha was soo sweet and innocent and his love knew no bounds. I teared up when he was forced to promise not to act on his attraction to Geo, so as to protect Geo from harm. I loved his character and his wit. However, the ending was quite unexpected. It felt rushed and am not really sure the two lovebirds get a HEA living in hiding.
Misha was soo sweet and innocent and his love knew no bounds. I teared up when he was forced to promise not to act on his attraction to Geo, so as to protect Geo from harm. I loved his character and his wit. However, the ending was quite unexpected. It felt rushed and am not really sure the two lovebirds get a HEA living in hiding.
June 24, 2025
Joy and sadness
What a joy Misha is. I was so heartbroken for him initially. He had made an imaginary fairytale world for himself to shut out the sad life he had as a Sylph. Shut away from the world with no contact with anyone. Then he meets his King Geo who (possibly) is his fated mate even though Sylphs are supposedly unable to have such a bond.
It was such a joy to see Geo bring colour and happiness into his quiet life.
It was also wonderful to see into the world of the Sylphs since they had been mentioned in the previous two books
What a joy Misha is. I was so heartbroken for him initially. He had made an imaginary fairytale world for himself to shut out the sad life he had as a Sylph. Shut away from the world with no contact with anyone. Then he meets his King Geo who (possibly) is his fated mate even though Sylphs are supposedly unable to have such a bond.
It was such a joy to see Geo bring colour and happiness into his quiet life.
It was also wonderful to see into the world of the Sylphs since they had been mentioned in the previous two books
June 27, 2025
This might be my favorite so far 🥰 Misha's fantasy world was both endearing and so well portrayed in terms of how he chose to deal with his captivity. I always appreciate it when an author is able to give us a series where each couple feels so distinct from the others, and IMHO, this one has knocked that out of the park so far! I'm also loving this unique take on an omegaverse world, and I can't wait for more! (...even though I've got to admit, it remains to be seen whether or not she can pull off a redemption arc for Mathius in the next one. 😬)
April 20, 2020
I loved it!
This is the first book that I've read in the Omega Misfits series. I loved Gio and Misha. I loved how Misha puts a unique spin on his existence, believing himself a slyth prince in a castle and that his guards are his knights and are there to protect him. I loved that Gio got to be a king. I would love a follow-up story about how they are doing in their new life. I read this book using the Kindle Unlimited program.
This is the first book that I've read in the Omega Misfits series. I loved Gio and Misha. I loved how Misha puts a unique spin on his existence, believing himself a slyth prince in a castle and that his guards are his knights and are there to protect him. I loved that Gio got to be a king. I would love a follow-up story about how they are doing in their new life. I read this book using the Kindle Unlimited program.
August 18, 2020
DIFFERENT
These are absolutely REMARKABLE characters. Not the normal Alpha/Omega romance. Geo and Misha are characters I've never read about before. What a different and unique love story. I adored Misha. What a beautiful man. This is a MAGNIFICENT Series but these books can be read as stand alones. I messed up and read some of these out of order but it didn't matter. I really enjoy this Author's writing and imagination. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS UNIQUE SERIES!!!
These are absolutely REMARKABLE characters. Not the normal Alpha/Omega romance. Geo and Misha are characters I've never read about before. What a different and unique love story. I adored Misha. What a beautiful man. This is a MAGNIFICENT Series but these books can be read as stand alones. I messed up and read some of these out of order but it didn't matter. I really enjoy this Author's writing and imagination. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS UNIQUE SERIES!!!
September 21, 2020
I read and voluntarily reviewed an arc of this story. I strongly suggest starting with book one and lead up to this one. It’s an individual tale but due to world building and the uniqueness of the omegaverse spin, I suggest it. Misha has lived his entirety in a facility sheltered from the world and society. He’s a rare, anomaly. Geo comes in to interview him and Misha decides to make him his. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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