Absorbing Inevitability

Artemis University #13

by Erin R. Flynn

My name is Tamsin Vale… And I don’t know who I am anymore. I only have the labels and titles. There are only the masks I wear to make it through the day and try to survive the pressure.

And it’s killing me.

Nothing is changing for the better, at least not for me. I’m doing so much to change the lives of millions, but there’s no improvement for me.

So many people hate me, want to see me fail or dead that it’s all I see. I can’t get a grip living like this anymore, and no one’s hearing me that I’m serious.

I couldn’t work things out with one mate, and now one is doing everything he can to make me hate him. My guilt that Darby and Hudson have to deal with that is eating me alive.

We fix one problem and five more come up. I could handle that if people worked with me as a team. They don’t see me as one of them, simply a tool for what they want.

They push me much more, and they will have a former heir to Faerie.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic, Fae, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal Romance

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2021

About the author

also writes under Joyee Flynn and Flynn Eire.

Erin is a born Chicagoan who decided to state hop a bit, given she works from home. She currently resides in Georgia with her pup, Lord Vader Flynn. With an eclectic and addictive personality, there isn’t much that doesn’t interest her or she won’t pour herself into if it catches her fancy. She has always been interested in the darker aspects of life and mythologies—especially vampires, shifters, the occult, and anything paranormal.

To date, she has published more paranormal books than she can keep up with the characters for, in different genres with dedicated readers who await each release to her numerous series under any of the three Flynn names she writes.

Reviews

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear God...

I'm in bits. In actual floods of tears. My heart hurts for Tamsin so much.
Did I stay up to read this book the minute it came out? Absolutely. Will I be able to not cry myself to sleep? Absolutely not.
Please just keep creating this fantastic story and world that's honestly the most gripping, heart wrenching, amazing thing I've read

[stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot wait for the next one

Honestly I didn’t see that going with Doc and I’m glad tams is finally getting a voice. She deserves so much more than what the faeries and basically everyone is giving her. I’m glad we finally get confirmation that **** is her other mate! I’ve been loving how he’s grown through the series since his first appearance. Now to see how tams does after that cliffy!!

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I still like this series, now after Mel, Izzy gets less and less page time. Don't like that. Also her relationships are not stable. Two are set. Two others are ups and downs...

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

REDEMPTION

I was on the fence about buying this one, cause 12 left me with so many mixed feelings... But you rocked 13 out like the genius you have proven to be!!! I hope Tams keeps giving Doc the bird, and I am totally here for her and Neldor... The ending broke my heart I'm glad fairie worked that darkness out of him!! Good Job, I am glad I got my but off the fence and went ahead and bought this latest installment☺☺

[Megan Giddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't

I'm so pissed and sad and frustrated and just all the feels. I know it's because Erin is such an amazing author but I'm lowkey pissed at her for that cliffhanger and for the wait for the next book. Yes I know it's not logical but right now I don't care.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have kept my smartwatch on to track my blood pressure for this one, because OH BOY DO I NEVER WANT TO FEEL THIS FRUSTRATED EVER AGAIN.
An insanely OP girl walks into a fantasy world and keeps cutting her ankles so she can't run at the advisement of her elders, then gets frustrated when she can't run. For 13 books in a row. Not once has she fully tested out her abilities or tried to extend her capabilities. Instead, she just... settled. Into being a doormat. A self aware doormat.
My jaw hurts from clenching my teeth. If the next book doesn't include a time skip of her self discovery and instead is a slow, jumpy garbage lump of the men bursting her private bubble with their bullshit, I'm going to start leaving 1 star reviews.
The only reason this one gets a 3 is because the frustration was MOSTLY intentional.

[Galina Sulaiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artemis 14

I'm having to think how to word my review, my feelings are complex. I absolutely love how Tamsin handled Mel, that cow had the adasity to think they'd be cool, uh no heifer be gone with your thankless self! Darby is growing on me, I don't know why I had issues with him, but he sometimes I just didn't vibe him. Hudson I like but am always cautious about. Lucas was an actual mate that miraculously can be unmated, still doesn't mesh with the feral thing but since I had no real feeling one way or another. Naylor, the bad boy prince I want to shag! I LOVE his characters growth! Now we get to my favorite guy Craftsman who I adore, but want to thrash him at the same time, kinda hard to know what let alone how to be in a thriving relationship considering his role models. I absolutely NEED him and Tamsin to stay mates and together! I KNEW he was infected with something, no way he would have done or said what he did otherwise. I'm just wanting them together and the author find another to throw under the bus, this characters had more then his share.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy S**t blown away doesnt cover it

Wow. Just.....wow.
By book 13 i am not gonna bother with explaining why the series is great. You wouldnt b at book 13 without knowing how AMAZING this series is.
While it is going to KILL ME to wait for the next one i will try to patiently do that and i live karma bakery anyway.
SOO SOO SOOOOOO much happened in this. And as a person who is dealing with way too much crap right now I FEEL Tamsin down to my soul and having this connection to feel like maybe just maybe someone else has felt this..... Drowning feeling ..... Gives me the slightest bit of hope that if tans can find a way to try to heal herself and find a plan to make things better.... Maybe just maybe i can too.
So i say this: of youre this far and still on the fence about reading this book.... Read it. While its sad and heartbreaking there ARE some good times too and they help make it worth it and give us something to look forward to. And the bad parts.... Well at least this series is real in the way that LIFE is NOT all rainbows and kittens and hot RH sex .
And in saying that I SINCERELY APPRECIATE Erin R Flynn and her books but especially Artemis.
And to my FAVE author.......Erin Flynn i hope you know ill wait forever for the next book and fu*k anyone who complains or wants to give suggestions u dont want cause i love YOUR writing.
And today u may have just saved a life cause.while my favorite fairy might b down i know that even if its only in fiction....im not alone. And that is worth everything. This book came.out on a day i really needed it. Thank you. Keep writing and ill keep reading!!!
Also, i hope Vader is doing well and you both are in my thoughts and heart.

[Silvia Andrito · Rating 1 out of 5]

More of the same.

Honestly I just feel like I am being held captive by the fact I invested so much time into this series (I am 13 books in) so I keep picking them up when they come out, but the story has completely stalled. We are going in circles. Repeating the issues with the harem. Repeating all the same societal issues. Continuing to be extremely preachy and having no results.

Same old, same old.

[Jeanny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of plot got recycled in this book. Also wondering how the bear is fine if it was previously established they’d go 🥜 with a broken mate bond. That plot 🕳 is huge.

[Tehani Soh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just…wow.

I’ve followed this series from the very beginning. I read the newest released book the day it comes out and then I reread them for a week at the least..But this book? It was everything I’ve been waiting for.

I love how strong Tamsin is, and that in every other book she showed her strength. But it takes a certain kind of strength to admit to yourself that enough is enough. She finally did that. I have been WAITING for her to finally just say no.

Did this book frustrate me because it’s the same old sh*t of people not listening and Julian again making it about Julian? Yes. It did and I’m not gonna lie I’m over that. But I get it, there is a reason it is constantly reiterated.


So many things happened in this book that I’ve been waiting for. SO MANY. I can’t even list names because I don’t want to spoil it. But it was so satisfying to read after wondering through so many books.

I can’t wait for the next one. Please don’t make us wait an eternity ❤️

Erin, you again bring magic and wonder to my life with your words and imagination.

Much thanks,
An appreciative & avid fan

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

No One Is Listening

This is the 13th book in an continuing series, which means you won’t understand the story unless you’ve read the preceding books first. The book ends at a natural break in the narrative but it’s still one heck of a cliffhanger!

Tamsin is now 21 years old and for the last two years she has spent practically every day working towards doing things for other people. As she’s freed more fairies life hasn’t got easier, in some ways it’s more pressure. In other ways things have got more simple because she doesn’t have to hide who she is, and has support for taking care of some of the problematic supernaturals.

The ordinary fairies are supportive, on the whole, but they are not who she is around all the time. She’s around The Elite, The Ancients and The Guardians and they are not listening to her when she says that she needs an element of freedom. They aren’t listening when she asks for help, no matter how hard she cries.

This is a difficult book to read because Tamsin is basically being triggered and traumatised all the way through the book. She’s emotional and struggling and she is only getting the support she needs from a few limited places. It’s more support than she has had before, but she’s having to deal with more than she ever though possible. She’s overwhelmed and can’t see things changing.

It also seems like she can’t catch a break with her mates. She never has all the people who claim to love her in a good place with her. They nearly always hurt her and it seems like she’s the one who always has to forgive.

I really enjoyed this book but I felt like I’d been put through the wringer afterwards. No wonder Tamsin needs a break because I certainly do! I just wish the book hadn’t ended on such a cliffhanger. It’s going to drive me nuts having to wait for the next book in the series.

[Bianca Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to this series! Can't wait for the next one.

[✨ Lauren ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and second read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Third read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read five: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reading time: 5 hours and 4 minutes
Cried so much at the start

[Tori Kleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note the following review encompasses books 13 through 19 of the SERIES. As each book depends on the prior books, I am not reviewing each individually to cut down on repetition. Following this review, I will be reviewing the final six books of the series with one final review of the series as a whole.

As always, I will endeavor to minimize spoilers, but please read at your own risk.

If you've read my earlier reviews, you know that I have been raving about this series since I picked up Upended Life. I have honestly been quite surprised by how much I have enjoyed what I've read so far, and the emotional investment has been staggering. So it is with a heavy heart that I say I have found some issues in this set of books that have slightly turned me off.

I do not enjoy game playing in relationships, real or fictional. I do not enjoy recurring relationship problems. Unfortunately, that is a reality of this fictional world. Don't get me wrong, it's all very well written and handled rather admirably by the individual characters, but I personally find it tiresome. I am VERY pleased to be able to note that these situations have, for the most part, been resolved.

I do appreciate that the characters do not always, or even frequently, choose the easy path, and one bonus to a 26 book series is that as a reader, I am able to watch the character development. Even though it is written from a single PoV, I feel invested in more of the characters than I am probably meant to. I relish being able to dig deep into their psyches and trying to guess what comes next.

As I start Layering Resentment, I am more than a little sad to realize that I'm starting that final stretch towards the conclusion. I have only taken about half an hour since I finished book 19, and I am already jonesing for my next fix. Artemis University may have ruined me, but in the best possible manner.

However, before I dive into the next book, I do want to add a content warning of sorts because mental health matters. Contained in the story so far, you will find racism, classism, prejudice and past trauma (physically, emotionally, and smexually.) There are also forced abductions, bullying outside of the harem, references to ongoing trafficking, violence, attempted forced mating and SA, intimate partner abuse, family disconnect and related trauma from both sides, and discussion of forced breeding. Characters have ongoing mental health issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, fear of abandonment, grief & loss, self-worth issues, and suicidal ideation. Please know your limits and read responsibly.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry for the lower rating, BUT???

Ok. First off, the 3 star rating is because of the editing, the disjointed writing and the scattered flow of the story telling. Not the storyline itself. I do and probably will always love Tamsin Vale. Her character is someone I can admire when she's not on a bandwagon. She is kind, loyal, caring, trustworthy and various other traits a good person strives to be. So please, let her continue to have those traits. I like how she continues to get stronger (without limitations). I like how she's caring about the people she loves and also those she rules over. She's fair, honest and would do anything for everyone, not just her loves, or the people who she's responsible for, but for anyone and everyone. She even gives the bad guys second chances. I keep forgetting she's only 21 years old. Also, she is learning to be an adult and was thrown in this situation unprepared. I do get why she acts like a brat at times. But, this books (to me) seems so disjointed and all over the place. I really couldn't follow it enough to get a good grasp or a good plot. Although it did a few things I expected and am glad it happened. (Tamsin going away to find out who she is and wants to be. Also I'm glad Neldor is one of her Men. I think he'd be good for her. I only hope he and Hudson can get along). All in all, if this was just a filler, I'm all for it, but PLEASE, have someone proof and edit the next books. As always love to you for writing and sharing Tamsin with us.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts
This book felt different - not bad or good, just different. Tamsin has a new hobby and a new hideout. People are coming at her from all sides about various things, except Darby and Hudson.

About the Characters
Tamsin just seems a little sad and overwhelmed in this book - not that I blame her. Darby and Hudson are sweet and supportive. Lucca is mentioned, but is otherwise out of the picture. Poor Craftsman just gets screwed over royally. Neldor - I'm actually falling for him a bit.

Things I Liked
There was a really hot love scene involving a fun new rune and a spectator. I appreciate how things settle with Mel. I adore how close Tamsin and Calloway become. I get the warm fuzzies as reconstruction begins in Faerie.

Thing I Didn't Like
I have trouble wrapping my head around the Craftsman situation. I understand it, and I'm glad *mild spoiler alert* he wasn't himself, but it was still so hard to read and now I don't know where they go from here, but I don't want to let him go. Plus, he has a piece of her soul, so how does that work?

More Thoughts
We get an unexpected, but not too surprising revelation in the end. Tamsin also makes several important points to people who are supposed to be on her side and ultimately proves she makes no empty threats.

Does it standalone?
No.

Bottom Line
This book feels very much like a transition and I look forward to seeing what's in store for a new era of sorts - especially after that ending!

[Carolina Malfettano · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning I didn’t want to read this book. I knew that we were going to be subjected to a “from bad to worst” rollercoaster of emotion from Tamsin, and I was waiting to have another book to at least read two together, but I couldn’t wait any longer to keep going with this story so I decided to pick it up. And it was my breaking point and that is why I couldn’t give it a 5 stars rating. I love Tamsin and I love her story but this time I was screaming at her to stop complaining and do something instead of lamenting all the time to herself about how she is drowning and nobody helps. She grew up alone, why she is suddenly dependant of so many people and of what they want? This book really made me feel like the story was repeating itself without end or solution. And it was really obvious that there was something weird with craftman, I even thought that this was another person and he was kidnapped or something. So the black magic part solved something but not everything, when I would have preferred for a quick solution to that particular problem. AND THE CLIFFHANGER!!!! WHAT THE HECK!!!! Now I want more but with less internal drama ( to dense) less business decisions ( that is getting a little boring) and more kick ass against demons and the underground.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again

Once again I'm left a blubbering mess and needing more, like a serious addict requiring another fix.
Some may complain about the constant upheavals that Erin R Flynn writes into her plots, but I enjoy it because that's life. Sometimes things don't work out with a significant other, sometimes the great opportunity you get isn't actually all it's cracked up to be.
ERF manages to make the paranormal almost as gritty and as real as reality, and I'm constantly drawn to all her series because of the depth and emotional maturity her heroines have.
We finally addressed the Mel factor, and I'm sure it's just one part of any future interactions but I appreciated the way it was written.
Darby and Hudson were a little bit background characters, but I think that was good for this book because things needed to be addressed in other aspects of Tamsins life.

Neldor is fast becoming a favourite and that's all ill say on that matter.

As always I can't wait for the next instalment.

[Heather ANN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book threw me. I felt all her emotions as she went through every situation. As hard as Tams tried to be strong I felt like she broke over and over through this book. You could just feel the burden over her like a cloak, weighing her down, getting heavier each day. I am not surprised by the outcome at all. The only part for me that is surprising, is how awful almost all the people she surrounds herself with. I feel like the next book NEEDS to be after Tams has spent time away from everyone. Maybe saving humans again and no contact with anyone who could cause her pain. Beating up bad guys is what makes her feel like she can get through it. But I also hope she secludes herself on a mountain top somewhere and just tries to learn to fly. I would read the heck out of that book. Seeing her build her strengthen and magic on her on time. Definitely an emotional ride and a great installment.

[Annelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Finally, finally some drastic changes and a very new and original storyline! It was a long time I hadn't been so excited reading a book in this serie!
Just let me say, you absolutely shouldn't miss the next book! It will be EPIC! ✨✨✨
Tamsine took a decision she should have taken months before!!! Go ahead girl!💪🏼💪🏼
Things became more serious between she and Darby and Hudson and it felt good! I hope it will stay the same because all her drama with her boyfriends were totally nerve-wracking.
What about Craftmann? 😱Well...how to say🤔 It's more than complicated and as Tamsine has realised it, black magic didn't excuse everything. He's just too immature and get easy influenced for being in a relationship in my opinion🤷🏻‍♀️ His loss but don't take me wrong, all what happened was heartbreacking😣😢
But maybe she lost one mate for gaining another one...? 😉
This book was a page turner and I was beyond ecstatic finding again what I liked so much about this serie at the beginning!

[Ta’Naya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many things came to ahead! I can’t wait for the next one! This just keeps getting better and better! And I totally called it with our resident prince and princess! I’m so excited! This is going to be a little scary, I wonder what the next installment is going to have in store for our lovely fairy? What is the next twister that comes our way?! This is so exhilarating! Erin R. Flynn you have done it again! You totally rock! And this torment over Julian is so heartbreaking and all of those barbs that were thrown towards Tams and definitely had me pausing so I wouldn’t throw my phone. And please let Mel get her act together, because my girl is being ridiculous! Like babe, we get it, we totally understand you and she totally has every right, but she does not have the right to make Tams feel awful. Or treat her the way she did. I hope there’s some sort of closure or some thing for this, if not a happy ending.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading this series! So sad it’s not finished yet because I totally can’t wait for Tamsin’s full happily ever after. Most of the time when a series is longer than 4 or 5 books I lose interest because I feel like it’s too much of the same stuff dragging the series out. That feeling didn’t hit me at all until about book 10 and then it was short lived. I love Tamsin and the journey we get to take with her throughout this. Her growth and friendships, and her clarity in viewing the world around her make this story amazing.
I felt the intro to book 18 was really confusing. I had to go back and double check that I hadn’t skipped a book. There’s a bit of minor editing that would really make the reading so much better. Missing words and improper (or no) use of commas were the biggest culprits, but it was still worth reading.
As much as I loved it this book isn’t for everyone. There’s plenty of language, sex, and some violence that would be disturbing to some.

[Kelly Cotie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow! ;)

I've now INHALED the whole series in a few days!!!! I could NOT put the books down... I've come to love Tamsin and her world. The authorz Erin, has done a beautiful job making sure the stories flow evenly from book to book. I cannot WAIT for the next book to come. Whenever that may be... Thank you , Ms Erin for writing a book like this. It was my escape when I needed it. I wish I could magic up the rest of the book from the swirling in your brain, as I'm that excited to see where you take Tamsin and her crew.

I do hope Izzy finds a love of her own, maybe a fairy too?... and maybe officially take the last name suggested to her, as protection.

Again, read these awesome stories.... but beware you'll get sucked into Tamsin's world just like I did, and not be able to put books down.

[Shannon Seafish Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wanted to give this a 4 star review instead of a 5, but it is for PURELY for selfish reasons.
*Spoilers*
I love this series. I love Tamsin the FMC. I love her RH. And although I know it is to add interest to the storyline it is KILLING me that some in her RH fail her time and again. Totally selfish of me.
But the story continue to completely capture my attention.
My only regret is that the entire series isn't complete because now I am positively despondent that I have to wait for more. Yes, I started this series with 13 books available just a few days ago. Yes, I've digested more in this series than Tamsin's daily calorie count. Yes, I'm an addict and proud of it.
I continue to state in each review that this series is empowering for women, but have to stress that it is empowering for all the underdogs out there.

[Steph King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What just happened?!

I love this series. So much. Tamsin is badass yet so compassionate, she takes too much on herself, even knowing it'll hurt her, if it'll save just one living being. That ending though! It's 4am and I'm both unsurprised and deeply sad. I really can't wait for the next one. I'm both dreading and impatient for the final book (whichever number it ends up being) because I want more of that world but I want Tamsin to have her well deserved happy ending. As well as all the sh*tstains and a**holes getting what they deserve, a one way trip to the fiery pits of hell, where there is no cosy sleep, no power, and every possible inconvenience and torture is inflicted on them. Can you tell I'm mad on Tamsin behalf?

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazyyyyy series

I read through the whole series so far before leaving a review.
This is the first book in the series with a proper ending, one that makes sense. The others all ended as if they were just ends to a chapter, not the story. While this ending still leaves it on a cliffhanger, I feel satisfied as a reader.
I really enjoy this series so far, but I really struggle with the writing style. A lot of sentences are disorganized and require multiple read-throughs. Also, some of these books have a lot of obvious spelling and grammatical errors that any Spellcheck could fix.
Otherwise,this story is very dynamic and well thought out. I am very excited for the next book and the author's other work.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

I loved this book. I am ready for Tamsin to find her footing and really do some flexing of her power. I miss when she was boss and confident in herself. I understand she needs the journey and I love her but I want that for her.

I really really hope she doesn't take craftsman back ever again. I didn't forgive him the first time and completely want nothing between him and Tamsin.

Continue to love ❤ Darby and Hudson. Plus, Izzy. I'm excited for Neldor and maybe some other mates. (Just flush craftsman and lucca)

Love this series and I'm constantly doing a reread!
Thank you Erin Flynn for writing this series. And all your others, which I also constantly reread.

Reverse harem, triggers, language

[Karin Dirksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were warned it was going to be an emotional ride and end on a cliffhanger. Yes, to the first, but the latter wasn't a bad cliffy. It fits very well with the story and I'm actually quite okay with it!
In this book we see a number of predictions pertaining Julian and Neldor coming true. School is a mere background setting to all the drama. That annoying teacher is finally dealt with and we see some closure on the whole Mel drama. Things get worse before they get better and finally Tams has reached her limit. It was really well done and I think exactly what is needed for tams to grow further and let everyone finally know that they should back the f off :)

[Rebecca Norvitz Norvitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book to this series

Book 13 and so much is happening but there are still so many questions. Poor Tamsin just can’t catch a break and it’s heartbreaking to feel what she’s going through. The fairy’s are trying so hard but there’s still such a huge disconnect. Julian once again screwed up, I’m not sure Tamsin will be able to forgive him again and to be honest, she probably shouldn’t. Hudson and Darby love Tamsin so unconditionally and that makes my heart so happy. Neldor, I kind of knew that was going to end up being a plot twist but I wasn’t 100% sure about it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.