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Population #2
Saltlands
An Alien Invasion SciFi Romance
He's an idiot and he's going to get us killed.
Irritating, annoying and alien, if Mikey weren't Kane's brother, I'd slit his throat myself. We're supposed to be on the same team, but when we aren't trading blows and insults, he's knee-deep in a bottle of booze or obsessing over the smell of my blood.
I expect to be killed by scavengers or gangs or cannibals. I expect to be killed by Elise, a thousand years old, among the strongest of their kind and the one I'm hunting.
I don't expect to be killed by Mikey's addictions. But as I hunt, it becomes clear to me that I'm on my own, and that bigger, badder predators are hunting us too.
And they're gaining on us.
Continue Abel's journey across the post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest in Saltlands, an action-packed, alien invasion SciFi romance with heat and feel. At 95k words, this is a full-length romance with a happily ever after. Future books continue the series from other characters' perspectives.
Readers should be warned that Population is a scary, dangerous place and Saltlands is even more gruesome. This is a bloody read!
He's an idiot and he's going to get us killed.
Irritating, annoying and alien, if Mikey weren't Kane's brother, I'd slit his throat myself. We're supposed to be on the same team, but when we aren't trading blows and insults, he's knee-deep in a bottle of booze or obsessing over the smell of my blood.
I expect to be killed by scavengers or gangs or cannibals. I expect to be killed by Elise, a thousand years old, among the strongest of their kind and the one I'm hunting.
I don't expect to be killed by Mikey's addictions. But as I hunt, it becomes clear to me that I'm on my own, and that bigger, badder predators are hunting us too.
And they're gaining on us.
Continue Abel's journey across the post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest in Saltlands, an action-packed, alien invasion SciFi romance with heat and feel. At 95k words, this is a full-length romance with a happily ever after. Future books continue the series from other characters' perspectives.
Readers should be warned that Population is a scary, dangerous place and Saltlands is even more gruesome. This is a bloody read!
289 pages, ebook
First published November 19, 2016
119 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
76 books1,398 followersTop 10 USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Stephens writes books where beastly men—or sometimes just beasts—always get the girl.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 6, 2022
I enjoyed this but not as much as the first book. There was a lot of violence which I don’t necessarily mind but I felt this actually overwhelmed the entire story. It was just one bloody encounter after another and it did start to get a bit monotonous. There was also a scene in here regarding the brother that I didn’t think added anything to the tale. It just wasn’t needed all the other stuff he did was enough to add the necessary conflict without this particular incident it just came completely out of left field and shocked me a bit.
I wanted more Kane and Abel here and less of what we got. There were also times here that the narrative did lose me slightly and I had to reread bits as it wasn’t always very comprehensive. Still, this story was definitely interesting with the post-apocalyptic setting and for that, I would recommend I also will be reading the next in the series.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
August 27, 2016
I hate to be the one jerk who didn't like this book. I really liked Population (which I read immediately before Saltlands—I started Population two days ago, and finished Saltlands yesterday), despite a few flaws. I did not like Saltlands. (Sorry.)
In Population, there were a few problems (Stephens needs a better copy editor, or to have a copy editor at all, maybe; it's almost feminist at first, but then at times Kane totally takes away Abel's agency, making her more like a thing that he owns, or a child who can't make decisions for herself, rather than an adult human being; the ending is a jerk move. It's not a real ending, it's a cheap trick, like a TV show cliffhanger), but I had a hard time putting it down. The writing was good enough to keep me immersed, the main characters had some depth, the emotions were generally believable, and the plot moved along well. I enjoyed that story (up until the point that I was cheated out of a legitimate ending, anyway).
In Saltlands, there were mostly just problems for me. The need for a copy editor was even more stark (in Population, it was just things like "then" instead of "than"—minor distractions, really; in Saltlands, sentences wouldn't make sense, words would be missing, nouns would be used as verbs—like "rebuttal"—and there were a ton of more minor distractions—"dessert" being consistently spelled as "desert," for instance. It was to such a great extent that it detracted significantly from the story). Especially in the first chapter, much of the vocabulary felt forced, like the author got out a list of SAT words (effulgent, agonal, porcine, dissident, antediluvian, blitzkrieg), and substituted them in for normal words. It read unnaturally. (A lot of the first chapter, in fact, felt like the author was straining toward literary prose, but didn't really manage it successfully. The rest of the book didn't feel this way to me, though—just that first chapter.) A lot of times, scenes wouldn't make sense because they were poorly described, or pieces were missing (I went back and re-read several scenes to make sure I hadn't missed something—no, the author just wrote those scenes poorly). I felt that the characters all became rather flat. I didn't believe the emotions, and had a hard time caring about the new characters. And don't even get me started on that ridiculous ending.
I saw a few people calling Population "Twilight fanfic," but I didn't agree. Population was good enough, interesting enough, and different enough to be beyond the realm of fanfic, but Saltlands just wasn't—it really did read like fan fiction (which is to say, poorly).
Population was a promising addition to the dystopian genre. I almost don't believe Saltlands was written by the same author—that's how short it falls for me.
In Population, there were a few problems (Stephens needs a better copy editor, or to have a copy editor at all, maybe; it's almost feminist at first, but then at times Kane totally takes away Abel's agency, making her more like a thing that he owns, or a child who can't make decisions for herself, rather than an adult human being; the ending is a jerk move. It's not a real ending, it's a cheap trick, like a TV show cliffhanger), but I had a hard time putting it down. The writing was good enough to keep me immersed, the main characters had some depth, the emotions were generally believable, and the plot moved along well. I enjoyed that story (up until the point that I was cheated out of a legitimate ending, anyway).
In Saltlands, there were mostly just problems for me. The need for a copy editor was even more stark (in Population, it was just things like "then" instead of "than"—minor distractions, really; in Saltlands, sentences wouldn't make sense, words would be missing, nouns would be used as verbs—like "rebuttal"—and there were a ton of more minor distractions—"dessert" being consistently spelled as "desert," for instance. It was to such a great extent that it detracted significantly from the story). Especially in the first chapter, much of the vocabulary felt forced, like the author got out a list of SAT words (effulgent, agonal, porcine, dissident, antediluvian, blitzkrieg), and substituted them in for normal words. It read unnaturally. (A lot of the first chapter, in fact, felt like the author was straining toward literary prose, but didn't really manage it successfully. The rest of the book didn't feel this way to me, though—just that first chapter.) A lot of times, scenes wouldn't make sense because they were poorly described, or pieces were missing (I went back and re-read several scenes to make sure I hadn't missed something—no, the author just wrote those scenes poorly). I felt that the characters all became rather flat. I didn't believe the emotions, and had a hard time caring about the new characters. And don't even get me started on that ridiculous ending.
I saw a few people calling Population "Twilight fanfic," but I didn't agree. Population was good enough, interesting enough, and different enough to be beyond the realm of fanfic, but Saltlands just wasn't—it really did read like fan fiction (which is to say, poorly).
Population was a promising addition to the dystopian genre. I almost don't believe Saltlands was written by the same author—that's how short it falls for me.
May 25, 2016
I was given an ARC to review honestly.
Can I start off by asking Stephens: Why the fuck do you hate Able?! I mean… Jesus… the shit Able was put through in this book…
That being said, I did not have the same problem with the horror in this book as I did with Populations. The abundance of violence in the first book lost its impact after a few disembowellings. This time around, everything was a bit more polished, and the horror had its place.
At times, I couldn’t help thinking of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. Able took punch after punch (literally), kept going, and I believed it! As with Dresden, I felt like the attacks Able was put through weren’t there for shock or were in any way artificial. It was real because that’s the world Able lives in. It’s cruel, stark, and generally unforgiving. I’m also a big fan of seeing this strength of will in a female character! Patricia Briggs has come close to being as hard on her female leads, but Stephens really upped the ante in Saltlands. Like… she was not afraid it put Able through some ruff shit…
As much I love a strong female lead, I do wish that there had been a bit more attention paid to Kane and Mickey’s relationship. There was already a ton in this book so maybe that’s why this particular element was cut, but I felt like these guys were reduced to romantic rivals a little. It’s a complaint I have with most (if not all) love triangles, so I don’t hold it against this book too harshly. Just be warned that if love triangles aren’t your thing, you’ll have to push through a few parts in this one.
I was happy to see the book’s overall editing improve from the last book. I think more care was put into making this the best it could be, and it really shows. I’m giving this a 4.5/5. The .5 point loss is for the love triangle, sorry (⊙﹏⊙✿)
Can I start off by asking Stephens: Why the fuck do you hate Able?! I mean… Jesus… the shit Able was put through in this book…
That being said, I did not have the same problem with the horror in this book as I did with Populations. The abundance of violence in the first book lost its impact after a few disembowellings. This time around, everything was a bit more polished, and the horror had its place.
At times, I couldn’t help thinking of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. Able took punch after punch (literally), kept going, and I believed it! As with Dresden, I felt like the attacks Able was put through weren’t there for shock or were in any way artificial. It was real because that’s the world Able lives in. It’s cruel, stark, and generally unforgiving. I’m also a big fan of seeing this strength of will in a female character! Patricia Briggs has come close to being as hard on her female leads, but Stephens really upped the ante in Saltlands. Like… she was not afraid it put Able through some ruff shit…
As much I love a strong female lead, I do wish that there had been a bit more attention paid to Kane and Mickey’s relationship. There was already a ton in this book so maybe that’s why this particular element was cut, but I felt like these guys were reduced to romantic rivals a little. It’s a complaint I have with most (if not all) love triangles, so I don’t hold it against this book too harshly. Just be warned that if love triangles aren’t your thing, you’ll have to push through a few parts in this one.
I was happy to see the book’s overall editing improve from the last book. I think more care was put into making this the best it could be, and it really shows. I’m giving this a 4.5/5. The .5 point loss is for the love triangle, sorry (⊙﹏⊙✿)
October 5, 2021
2.5 Because I liked the ideas around this story but didn’t enjoy reading it AT ALL. While I loved the first in the series Population, and highly recommend it, this second book felt very different.
I struggled to finished it. There were so many confusing plots, and a sloppy, disjointed feeling throughout. It was non-stop OTT violence until mid-way. I was lost in the verbiage and again with some of the characters. Who was that again?
The ending, what happens with Able? I just can’t wrap my mind around it.
I struggled to finished it. There were so many confusing plots, and a sloppy, disjointed feeling throughout. It was non-stop OTT violence until mid-way. I was lost in the verbiage and again with some of the characters. Who was that again?
The ending, what happens with Able? I just can’t wrap my mind around it.
January 19, 2022
Less Mad Max and instead another vampire book
I found most of the vampire politics boring, but that's also the case for most vampire books I've tried. I figured since these vampires are technically aliens, there would be less vampire tropes, but alas, heroine still becomes a vampire in the end just like any other vampire book.
Heroine spends more time with OM than she spent with the hero in the first book. That and the cheating scene really muddles things and I don't know why the author even felt like going there?
Excessive amount of torture and near deaths. I guess it's supposed to redeem or excuse her choices, but nah girl, those are two separate things.
Man this story really nosedived, I recommend skipping.
I found most of the vampire politics boring, but that's also the case for most vampire books I've tried. I figured since these vampires are technically aliens, there would be less vampire tropes, but alas, heroine still becomes a vampire in the end just like any other vampire book.
Heroine spends more time with OM than she spent with the hero in the first book. That and the cheating scene really muddles things and I don't know why the author even felt like going there?
Excessive amount of torture and near deaths. I guess it's supposed to redeem or excuse her choices, but nah girl, those are two separate things.
Man this story really nosedived, I recommend skipping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
This book follows Abel and her journey through the Population following the events after the first book. This book is amazing! Action packed!! Leaves you wanting to know what's going to happen next. Can't wait to continue to the next books in this series
May 20, 2016
Abel and Mikey are trapped and Kane is taken. The struggle for survival has never been more strained as Mikey and Abel fight to escape their submerged prison cell, cross the apocalyptic landscape known as Population, and find Kane. Tensions between the two keep their odds of survival bleak as they face off against the obstacles that Population places before them. Rogue Others, starvation, savage scavengers, gangs.
This blurb, taken from the back cover of Elizabeth Stephen’s latest book, Saltlands, the sequel to Population, won’t make much sense unless you’ve read the earlier novel. While that is possibly a criticism of the blurb writer, it’s most likely a side effect of the wretched way Population, an otherwise excellent novel, ended. Which is to say, it didn’t. It just stopped in mid-scene. Do not read this book unless you have first read Population. Saltlands has merit, but it is not a stand-alone novel.
More than half of Saltlands, the first 149 pages to be precise, is really the end of Population. Population “ended” with the protagonists, the human woman Abel, and the love of her life, Kane, a ferocious, passionate alien, being ripped apart by their evil nemesis, Elise. The first part of Saltlands comprises Abel’s attempt to reunite with Kane for the happy ending all good romantic novels promise, and Population failed to deliver. The journey is arduous and well-written, but it is, to be frank, sordid. Much of it comes across as an exercise in sadism. This is definitely not a (half) book for the younger reader.
The second part of the book is, in effect, a stand-alone novella. It is a tautly written sci-fi thriller chronicling the attempt to bring down the evil Elise once and for all. The denouement is exciting, with a wonderful twist in Abel’s expectations and fortunes.
As with Ms. Stephens’ previous novel, the book is excellently written and well plotted, with crisp dialog and tremendous characterizations. Like its predecessor, however, there is a weakness at the heart of its basic premise. Kane’s race invaded Earth, slaughtered billions of people, and left the rest of humanity to struggle for survival in the ashes. Kane’s race takes whatever it wants for itself, and Kane himself, sitting as he does at the very top of the alien food chain, is directly responsible. He is, in every sense, a genocidal monster. In being asked to root for Abel, the reader is being asked to support her very deliberate choice to sell out the human race and sleep with its murderer. It is a testimony to the quality of Ms. Stephens’ writing that I am prepared to put up with this in order to find out what happened next. But make no mistake, think about it for more than thirty seconds, and you will find Abel’s behavior very hard to overlook.
There are hints that the author will attempt to walk some of this back in her next novel in the Population universe (apparently featuring different protagonists). I doubt she'll succeed, but I'm looking forward to watching her try.
Many thanks to the author, who provided me with an advance copy in return for an honest review.
This blurb, taken from the back cover of Elizabeth Stephen’s latest book, Saltlands, the sequel to Population, won’t make much sense unless you’ve read the earlier novel. While that is possibly a criticism of the blurb writer, it’s most likely a side effect of the wretched way Population, an otherwise excellent novel, ended. Which is to say, it didn’t. It just stopped in mid-scene. Do not read this book unless you have first read Population. Saltlands has merit, but it is not a stand-alone novel.
More than half of Saltlands, the first 149 pages to be precise, is really the end of Population. Population “ended” with the protagonists, the human woman Abel, and the love of her life, Kane, a ferocious, passionate alien, being ripped apart by their evil nemesis, Elise. The first part of Saltlands comprises Abel’s attempt to reunite with Kane for the happy ending all good romantic novels promise, and Population failed to deliver. The journey is arduous and well-written, but it is, to be frank, sordid. Much of it comes across as an exercise in sadism. This is definitely not a (half) book for the younger reader.
The second part of the book is, in effect, a stand-alone novella. It is a tautly written sci-fi thriller chronicling the attempt to bring down the evil Elise once and for all. The denouement is exciting, with a wonderful twist in Abel’s expectations and fortunes.
As with Ms. Stephens’ previous novel, the book is excellently written and well plotted, with crisp dialog and tremendous characterizations. Like its predecessor, however, there is a weakness at the heart of its basic premise. Kane’s race invaded Earth, slaughtered billions of people, and left the rest of humanity to struggle for survival in the ashes. Kane’s race takes whatever it wants for itself, and Kane himself, sitting as he does at the very top of the alien food chain, is directly responsible. He is, in every sense, a genocidal monster. In being asked to root for Abel, the reader is being asked to support her very deliberate choice to sell out the human race and sleep with its murderer. It is a testimony to the quality of Ms. Stephens’ writing that I am prepared to put up with this in order to find out what happened next. But make no mistake, think about it for more than thirty seconds, and you will find Abel’s behavior very hard to overlook.
There are hints that the author will attempt to walk some of this back in her next novel in the Population universe (apparently featuring different protagonists). I doubt she'll succeed, but I'm looking forward to watching her try.
Many thanks to the author, who provided me with an advance copy in return for an honest review.
May 19, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the previous book in this series, I was glad to see that this one picked straight up where the previous one left off.
I liked learning a bit more about how the blood bond worked between Abel and Kane, but I was less than thrilled with the potential love triangle between her, Mikey and Kane. There were some things that made me cringe a bit while reading this book... in particular those scenes that seemed, to me, to be assault at the very least.
It was interesting to see more of Kane's kind and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the members Crestor had taken. I really didn't like him at all and he gave me the creeps all through his scenes with Abel and Mikey.
I also liked learning more about the culture generally and even though I didn't like the love triangle, it was good to learn more about Mikey's character. I especially liked being able to see that he had a lot of depth to him... and that the problems with addiction were handled and dealt with quite well, even though I wasn't sure exactly what drove him to drink alcohol.
I did find some of the scenes in this book hard to read and it definitely came across well that Abel was a survivor. I felt that she had as much depth in this book as the first one, even though I didn't necessarily feel that she should have survived everything she was able to.
I would have liked to be able to see more of the relationship between Kane and Mikey, as all I saw was them being rivals for the same girl. I did also like seeing Ashlynn towards the end of the book and it was nice to see how she was coming more into her own.
Kane was a little scary at certain points in this book, but I did feel a lot of sympathy for him. I really didn't like Elise... but I thought it was interesting to see how one of their kind was treated and there was a lot of tension at the beginning and towards the end of the book, even though the middle did drag a little.
I definitely intend to read the next book/s in this series at some point in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the previous book in this series, I was glad to see that this one picked straight up where the previous one left off.
I liked learning a bit more about how the blood bond worked between Abel and Kane, but I was less than thrilled with the potential love triangle between her, Mikey and Kane. There were some things that made me cringe a bit while reading this book... in particular those scenes that seemed, to me, to be assault at the very least.
It was interesting to see more of Kane's kind and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the members Crestor had taken. I really didn't like him at all and he gave me the creeps all through his scenes with Abel and Mikey.
I also liked learning more about the culture generally and even though I didn't like the love triangle, it was good to learn more about Mikey's character. I especially liked being able to see that he had a lot of depth to him... and that the problems with addiction were handled and dealt with quite well, even though I wasn't sure exactly what drove him to drink alcohol.
I did find some of the scenes in this book hard to read and it definitely came across well that Abel was a survivor. I felt that she had as much depth in this book as the first one, even though I didn't necessarily feel that she should have survived everything she was able to.
I would have liked to be able to see more of the relationship between Kane and Mikey, as all I saw was them being rivals for the same girl. I did also like seeing Ashlynn towards the end of the book and it was nice to see how she was coming more into her own.
Kane was a little scary at certain points in this book, but I did feel a lot of sympathy for him. I really didn't like Elise... but I thought it was interesting to see how one of their kind was treated and there was a lot of tension at the beginning and towards the end of the book, even though the middle did drag a little.
I definitely intend to read the next book/s in this series at some point in the future.
April 23, 2018
Just when I thought it couldn't get better, I read the second book and was flabergasted. This one is a lot more grittier than the first, full of adventure and heart stopping danger. A lot is at stake for Able, as she and Kane's assumed to be dead brother Mikael (who we learned is not so dead), must work together to save Kane from the clutches of Elise. But these two get along like oil and water, as Mikey carries with him an almost tangible regret, anger issues and a serious drinking problem. There is little they see eye to eye on but they must make the best of it in order to save Kane from Elise's experiments. But on their journey Able learns that all she may have to count on is herself, as the savage nature of Population looms along with a persistent enemy.This was a toe curling frightening but delightful read, I couldn't get enough.The characters, storyline and world building really round this out to be one of my favorite series.
March 21, 2022
Give a Queen Her Crown
Listen I want to fight Mikey, because the AUDACITY!! All Mikey had was audacity and alcohol.
& my poor babe Abel just gave him chance after chance & would still be happy to see him after he let her down?!? What drake say? “I don't even treat you that good, girl, why you smilin'?” I was loving every word of Lahve’s read because the dirt needed to be publicized.
Kane would never, he would literally rather die than leave Abel & I don’t even think death would keep him from her.
& Abel deserves her crown because she is always going to fight for hers & if it’s to the death, so be it. She suffered so much, there was one scene that was so bad I thought she was in the underworld .🙆🏾😨
Kane’s protectiveness was so warranted because she doesn’t back down, ever (gotta protect her from herself). In love with series.
Listen I want to fight Mikey, because the AUDACITY!! All Mikey had was audacity and alcohol.
& my poor babe Abel just gave him chance after chance & would still be happy to see him after he let her down?!? What drake say? “I don't even treat you that good, girl, why you smilin'?” I was loving every word of Lahve’s read because the dirt needed to be publicized.
Kane would never, he would literally rather die than leave Abel & I don’t even think death would keep him from her.
& Abel deserves her crown because she is always going to fight for hers & if it’s to the death, so be it. She suffered so much, there was one scene that was so bad I thought she was in the underworld .🙆🏾😨
Kane’s protectiveness was so warranted because she doesn’t back down, ever (gotta protect her from herself). In love with series.
February 17, 2019
3.5 stars
I little weaker than the last book but still enjoyable. Spoiler - There is some love triangle drama that goes on for a bit. Not my favorite romance move but I can kind of understand the point. The ending for these two characters and a possible opening for a third book with new characters in a different setting. It looks like it's been awhile since this book has been published though. Would I continue in this series? Maybe.
I little weaker than the last book but still enjoyable. Spoiler - There is some love triangle drama that goes on for a bit. Not my favorite romance move but I can kind of understand the point. The ending for these two characters and a possible opening for a third book with new characters in a different setting. It looks like it's been awhile since this book has been published though. Would I continue in this series? Maybe.
April 11, 2019
This book is everything the first was... but in a more intense way. there is far more blood, for more death threatening fights, far less times to enjoy life and far more weirder, rougher sex.
November 16, 2020
Saltlands An Alien Invasion Sci-Fi Romance (Book Two)
By Elizabeth Stephens
In “Saltlands” we continue to follow the adventures of Abel, a strong survivor of a dystopian America following the invasion of “Others”. Following her rule of survival of “Not getting personal” when she met Kane in Population, she picks the name Abel. By the end of "Population", Abel demonstrated her humanity and empathy along with her stubborn strength as she learned that not all “Others” are bad. Saltlands starts with Abel searching for Kane who was kidnapped by a powerful "Notare". Abels only help was Kane’s broken brother Mikey, a very human-like “Other”. Selfish, jealous and addicted, Mikey needs Abel more than she needs him at times in order to survive. The unlikely pair do eventually find and rescue Kane, but only after many dangerous betrayals have occurred. After rescuing and returning Kane they join forces with a “presence” Lavhe, a 3000 year old alien that is not like any of the “Others”. "Saltlands" tied up loose ends from the first book related to the “Others” who were criminally insane that needed to pay for their diabolical behavior. It also reinforced Abel’s position in this new society of Human and “other”.
I love the simple, raw, unladylike phrases that capture the confusion, fear, pain, relief, and humor throughout Abel’s journey. After sitting on the edge of my seat literally through some fantastic battle and adrenaline-filled scenes I was chuckling at what Abel would come up with as she was making sense of her reality.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my free and honest opinion.
Love, expressed verbally, physically, and often can be scary in Saltlands.
By Elizabeth Stephens
In “Saltlands” we continue to follow the adventures of Abel, a strong survivor of a dystopian America following the invasion of “Others”. Following her rule of survival of “Not getting personal” when she met Kane in Population, she picks the name Abel. By the end of "Population", Abel demonstrated her humanity and empathy along with her stubborn strength as she learned that not all “Others” are bad. Saltlands starts with Abel searching for Kane who was kidnapped by a powerful "Notare". Abels only help was Kane’s broken brother Mikey, a very human-like “Other”. Selfish, jealous and addicted, Mikey needs Abel more than she needs him at times in order to survive. The unlikely pair do eventually find and rescue Kane, but only after many dangerous betrayals have occurred. After rescuing and returning Kane they join forces with a “presence” Lavhe, a 3000 year old alien that is not like any of the “Others”. "Saltlands" tied up loose ends from the first book related to the “Others” who were criminally insane that needed to pay for their diabolical behavior. It also reinforced Abel’s position in this new society of Human and “other”.
I love the simple, raw, unladylike phrases that capture the confusion, fear, pain, relief, and humor throughout Abel’s journey. After sitting on the edge of my seat literally through some fantastic battle and adrenaline-filled scenes I was chuckling at what Abel would come up with as she was making sense of her reality.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my free and honest opinion.
Love, expressed verbally, physically, and often can be scary in Saltlands.
March 8, 2021
Oh I am exhausted! What a Rush!!
This book was powerful read! Starting as everyone who has read the previous book knows, this continues the story of Kane and Abel. But this time Abel is on her own , yes she ghosts as Kane 's brother with her but he is so full of so many bitter emotions,Mikey cannot function. Added to that he has a drinking problem which causes him to make very bad decisions when Abel needs him to focus. Their aim is to rescue Kane from the evil clutches of Notare Elise, no mean feat. Their journey will prove treacherous and highly dangerous. If you are of a sensitive disposition,think carefully before you read this book. We are in a dystopian world with Aliens who think very little of humans and see them as a tasty morsel. Abel goes through hell to save Kane but at a dreadful cost to herself. But the story does not end there - if you have the stomach for violence and brutality with touches of humour and romantic sexy scenes. You will enjoy this book. the character of Abel is wonderful:she is humorous, brave, romantic and unapologetically loyal. No wonder Kane loves her. Let's not shy away from the worthy and heroic Kane with a heart of gold. His love for Abel is absolute and no one could ever question his feelings on that matter. Except Abel. This is a story worth reading but you must, to get the full understanding of their relationship and the events that unfold, read the first book Population!! Both books are wonderful. The world Ms. Stephens has created is dark - very dark but there is hints of a light in the tunnel. So the story starts in the dark but ends with a feeling of hope!! Wonderful!!
This book was powerful read! Starting as everyone who has read the previous book knows, this continues the story of Kane and Abel. But this time Abel is on her own , yes she ghosts as Kane 's brother with her but he is so full of so many bitter emotions,Mikey cannot function. Added to that he has a drinking problem which causes him to make very bad decisions when Abel needs him to focus. Their aim is to rescue Kane from the evil clutches of Notare Elise, no mean feat. Their journey will prove treacherous and highly dangerous. If you are of a sensitive disposition,think carefully before you read this book. We are in a dystopian world with Aliens who think very little of humans and see them as a tasty morsel. Abel goes through hell to save Kane but at a dreadful cost to herself. But the story does not end there - if you have the stomach for violence and brutality with touches of humour and romantic sexy scenes. You will enjoy this book. the character of Abel is wonderful:she is humorous, brave, romantic and unapologetically loyal. No wonder Kane loves her. Let's not shy away from the worthy and heroic Kane with a heart of gold. His love for Abel is absolute and no one could ever question his feelings on that matter. Except Abel. This is a story worth reading but you must, to get the full understanding of their relationship and the events that unfold, read the first book Population!! Both books are wonderful. The world Ms. Stephens has created is dark - very dark but there is hints of a light in the tunnel. So the story starts in the dark but ends with a feeling of hope!! Wonderful!!
December 18, 2020
After reading book one I was so excited to dive into Saltlands! I adored Kane and Abel, they were both such great characters! The world was gripping, the character development flawless!
And then, along came Mikey...
😐🤨😑
Really?! You're telling me that Abel, the person who is selfless and loving and puts others lives and emotions before her own - cheated on her husband -with that?! It was so against the character Stephens had painstakingly carved into this self-sacrificing, unbreakable, ironclad heroine that I had to read that nauseating (period blood?! Really?!) scene twice just to make sure I hadn't gotten confused somewhere along the line.
I already hate love triangles, I can't stand them really, but I was willing to sit through her momentary weakness of enjoying someone just being nice, because hey, who doesn't like someone being nice? And then the period blood thing happened, which, yeah, was pretty gross, because there's not even showers out there and they were sweaty and nasty and stinky to begin with and she had just gotten done saying she had to poop and what?!
*shudder*
There's not many things in books that get to me... bravo Stephens, you found my kryptonite. 😬 Possible poop and period blood... 🤢
So uh, yeah. Kane may forgive Abel and his brother for their messed up third wheel relationship, but I don't. I loved the characters too much to watch them continue to deteriorate so I decided to stop while I was ahead.
And mourn the loss of what I thought was gonna be an epic series.
🤧😫😭
And then, along came Mikey...
😐🤨😑
Really?! You're telling me that Abel, the person who is selfless and loving and puts others lives and emotions before her own - cheated on her husband -with that?! It was so against the character Stephens had painstakingly carved into this self-sacrificing, unbreakable, ironclad heroine that I had to read that nauseating (period blood?! Really?!) scene twice just to make sure I hadn't gotten confused somewhere along the line.
I already hate love triangles, I can't stand them really, but I was willing to sit through her momentary weakness of enjoying someone just being nice, because hey, who doesn't like someone being nice? And then the period blood thing happened, which, yeah, was pretty gross, because there's not even showers out there and they were sweaty and nasty and stinky to begin with and she had just gotten done saying she had to poop and what?!
*shudder*
There's not many things in books that get to me... bravo Stephens, you found my kryptonite. 😬 Possible poop and period blood... 🤢
So uh, yeah. Kane may forgive Abel and his brother for their messed up third wheel relationship, but I don't. I loved the characters too much to watch them continue to deteriorate so I decided to stop while I was ahead.
And mourn the loss of what I thought was gonna be an epic series.
🤧😫😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2021
Great read. Fantastic characters, they all had depth and were never boring.
Initially, book one reminded me too much of Angelfall (one of my favorite books) but somewhere along the read I stopped feeling that way and was able to settle in and enjoy both books. I did struggle a bit with the end, it really didn't make any sense and no explanation was given to help the reader. In fact, Even the characters found it unbelievable.
The world building was OK, the author spent more time on character development (which was very good) and neglected this or at least didn't think it was as important. Descriptions were more like info dumping than learning/seeing this post-apocalypse world. We never got a good accounting of the alien planet except that all the animals are different and some are more intelligent than the aliens.
I still like this a lot but have zero interest in continuing the series, the rest of the series follows a different couple each new book. I bought book 3 thinking we would stay with Kane & Able and THAT I would have been excited to read. I hate spin-offs.
Initially, book one reminded me too much of Angelfall (one of my favorite books) but somewhere along the read I stopped feeling that way and was able to settle in and enjoy both books. I did struggle a bit with the end, it really didn't make any sense and no explanation was given to help the reader. In fact, Even the characters found it unbelievable.
The world building was OK, the author spent more time on character development (which was very good) and neglected this or at least didn't think it was as important. Descriptions were more like info dumping than learning/seeing this post-apocalypse world. We never got a good accounting of the alien planet except that all the animals are different and some are more intelligent than the aliens.
I still like this a lot but have zero interest in continuing the series, the rest of the series follows a different couple each new book. I bought book 3 thinking we would stay with Kane & Able and THAT I would have been excited to read. I hate spin-offs.
January 9, 2022
The whole period being the sweetest blood and driving aliens crazy with lust was very weird and gross. I was shocked when Abel pretty much let Mikey go down on her when she got her period.. She and Mikey both betrayed Kane while he was being tortured. Not to mention Mikey was an alcoholic who physically assaulted Abel and spoke cruelly to her on more than one occasion. I get Mikey held her down but she didn't fight back as much as she could and came twice. Wth?!? I understand she had sexual inexperience and trauma but I was still disappointed in her.
Yet, I still liked really her. She was a selfless tough cookie with a lot of grit. Kane was soooo sweet, understanding, and forgiving of her.
The plot was soooo good and different. I really like this author. I need more books from her asap. There were some errors missed in editing but I liked the story so much, I easily overlooked it. On to the next book
Yet, I still liked really her. She was a selfless tough cookie with a lot of grit. Kane was soooo sweet, understanding, and forgiving of her.
The plot was soooo good and different. I really like this author. I need more books from her asap. There were some errors missed in editing but I liked the story so much, I easily overlooked it. On to the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2020
I have to admit that I choose to read this book because I thought it was be a train wreck. Only because the blurb throws words like alpha male alien around. I cannot being to tell you how good this book. I highly recommed it to anyone that is a fan of strong female centered dystopian novels or twlight fans. This story is what you would get if Hunger Games catching fire had a baby Twilight breaking dawn. Don’t get me wrong there are definitely some alpha male drama happening but its an after thought to the overall story. The main character is independent, damaged and amazing. I love no matter where the story leads she leading the charge like the queen that she is. Everything about the story is perfection. The backstory, the subtle details, the supporting characters all added to the story in a mazing way. I received this story in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2022
This was an excellent conclusion to Kane and Abel’s story.
I will say that this one wasn’t to the same caliber of Population. For one, there was just not enough Kane. If you read the first book, you’ll know why he wasn’t in this one as much. But, it just felt a little lacking because of his absence.
The thing is, though, I absolutely love Abel. She is one of those tough, kick-ass heroines who you just wish you could be as cool as! But, Abel’s problem, was that she was dragged down by Mikey–who is, arguably, one of the worst characters ever.
But, all that aside, this story was wrapped up nicely. There was some romance–even if not quite enough–and the conclusion that I was hoping for!
This series does continue–and I think Kane and Abel are featured, but not the main characters. I haven’t really decided yet, if I want to read it.
I will say that this one wasn’t to the same caliber of Population. For one, there was just not enough Kane. If you read the first book, you’ll know why he wasn’t in this one as much. But, it just felt a little lacking because of his absence.
The thing is, though, I absolutely love Abel. She is one of those tough, kick-ass heroines who you just wish you could be as cool as! But, Abel’s problem, was that she was dragged down by Mikey–who is, arguably, one of the worst characters ever.
But, all that aside, this story was wrapped up nicely. There was some romance–even if not quite enough–and the conclusion that I was hoping for!
This series does continue–and I think Kane and Abel are featured, but not the main characters. I haven’t really decided yet, if I want to read it.
October 11, 2020
This one just wasn’t it for me. Some stuff felt strained while others were dragging, IMO. Not a fan of what happened between Mikey and Abel and honestly if I didn’t like Population so much I would’ve marked this as a DNF right then. I kept reading, thinking that after that scene, everything might’ve gotten better but it didn’t. Around the 45% mark I’d just about given up all hope and was ready to quit again but it turned around and I was excited. Then it died down again and then Abel said Mikey and Kane were “the most important men in her life”. Kane, I could see...but Mikey? At that point he’d done almost nothing for her to find him important. If anything she should’ve hated him. I was annoyed and the annoyance held me until the end.
March 26, 2021
Girl doesn't quit
Almost dead and she still rescues her man. Can't beat a crazy human woman..not even his brother could keep her from doing what she needed to do. This was a great conclusion to these two peoples troubles. The extra characters make me want stories for them so they can learn the human emotion called love,loyalty,bravery and pure survival. I'm ready to see what happens in the next book for the two new people that are in this crazy new world and I hope that we are going to see some fair treatment for humans that had nothing to do with the original treatment of these aliens.
Almost dead and she still rescues her man. Can't beat a crazy human woman..not even his brother could keep her from doing what she needed to do. This was a great conclusion to these two peoples troubles. The extra characters make me want stories for them so they can learn the human emotion called love,loyalty,bravery and pure survival. I'm ready to see what happens in the next book for the two new people that are in this crazy new world and I hope that we are going to see some fair treatment for humans that had nothing to do with the original treatment of these aliens.
February 16, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. A perfect carry on from book 1.
It starts where book 1 finishes and is just action from page one. I read it in one go. Couldnt put it down. Its not predictable, its fast paced, different, got tons of interesting story, fabulous characters and the two mcs are sublime. Seriously abel is perfection.
This is perfect post apocalyptic fantasy. Just addictive.
The writing is brilliant. A few grammar and editing issues but not many, a half dozen.
But the writing is just so good you dont care.
I love this new to me author now to continue with this series then go back to her back catalogue.
It starts where book 1 finishes and is just action from page one. I read it in one go. Couldnt put it down. Its not predictable, its fast paced, different, got tons of interesting story, fabulous characters and the two mcs are sublime. Seriously abel is perfection.
This is perfect post apocalyptic fantasy. Just addictive.
The writing is brilliant. A few grammar and editing issues but not many, a half dozen.
But the writing is just so good you dont care.
I love this new to me author now to continue with this series then go back to her back catalogue.
November 26, 2020
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Received as a gift from an ARC program that I belong to, it was the book I was supposed to review but had to read book ONE first. Loved that one, too. Literature NOT for everyone, it was a great premise with wonderful characters. I will be checking out more by this author, which is the point of the ARC program ;-) I'm a day late on the review because I had to read two books back to back ;-) Could hardly put them down, though. Highly recommended.
December 3, 2020
Wow.. That finale !
Uff.. What a roller coaster this book was, Elizabeth Stephens hit a homerun with this one. I love it so much I bought the series though I have KU and will look forward to more books in this series. I love how she set this as the first two books were the foundation to what I hope its the continuation to an amazing world, its already great and absolutely love all the characters she introduced, each with its own dept. *sighs*
Just fabulous..
Uff.. What a roller coaster this book was, Elizabeth Stephens hit a homerun with this one. I love it so much I bought the series though I have KU and will look forward to more books in this series. I love how she set this as the first two books were the foundation to what I hope its the continuation to an amazing world, its already great and absolutely love all the characters she introduced, each with its own dept. *sighs*
Just fabulous..
September 2, 2020
Amazing!!!
I absolutely loved this. Saltlands is book 2 that continues the story of Abel and Kane. I loved this book more than the first. Just like the first book, it is written from the perspective of Abel. Kane is there but we get a lot of Abel! We got to meet a lot of new people in this one and the H/h get their conclusion.
I absolutely loved this. Saltlands is book 2 that continues the story of Abel and Kane. I loved this book more than the first. Just like the first book, it is written from the perspective of Abel. Kane is there but we get a lot of Abel! We got to meet a lot of new people in this one and the H/h get their conclusion.
March 27, 2022
WHAT THE FAWK!😃 Was I supposed to forget and move on? Absolutely not. The only thing that made this bearable was all the bad shit that happened after and it didn’t even happen equally. Things were just uncomfortable. Her thoughts of him were not as platonic or hateful as it should’ve been after the shit he kept pulling. These stars are for Kane and the badassery that occurred in the story. Bye.
September 9, 2020
Can't wait for book 3
I read this book after reading the first one in the series and I loved it. I can't wait for the third book in the series to come out. I did hope that Abel and Mikey would get together too, but who know what will happen in the future.
I read this book after reading the first one in the series and I loved it. I can't wait for the third book in the series to come out. I did hope that Abel and Mikey would get together too, but who know what will happen in the future.
November 21, 2020
Book 2 - must read Population first
This was the perfect follow up to Population. Talk about action packed emotional roller coaster!! I cried more than once in this one. Abel is one of my fave heroines ever. I can’t wait to read more books set in this world.
This was the perfect follow up to Population. Talk about action packed emotional roller coaster!! I cried more than once in this one. Abel is one of my fave heroines ever. I can’t wait to read more books set in this world.
November 26, 2020
It was a surprise good book, nothing for faint hearts but really great. She was a great heroin. Lot of actions, love and friendship. Will watch out for her books in the future, because not only the story was pretty good, even the kind of humor was great.
December 1, 2020
As with Population book 1, I loved everything about Saltlands. I enjoyed the love triangle (this would be the perfect RH set up... just sayin) as well as the disturbingly dark fight scenes. Perfect ending. I have no critique.
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