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Rise of Kronos (The Babylon Project #1)

Kate Fry,

Elise Fry (Goodreads Author)

4.53 · Rating details · 141 ratings · 66 reviews

The darkest deeds often happen in plain sight; the harshest truths sound like lies.

Kailai Reed has drowned beneath the weight of other people’s emotions her entire life. She protects herself by hiding away from everyone, except for her close friend, associate (and forbidden crush) Hideo Tanaka. He’s her handler at the Seattle Police Department, where she works as a consult ...more

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Kindle Edition, First Edition, 641 pages

Published December 1st 2021

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Nov 09, 2021 Laci rated it it was amazing

I’m going to be honest, this is the first time I’ve read a RH where there are two harems being formed at the same time in the same book. I wasn’t sure how I would like it because I like the focus to be in one place. I’m so happy that I received an ARC of this book. It was amazing! Kai is a strong, independent woman who is so real and I just really appreciated her story here. Maela is fun and lovable and brings a touch of humor to the story that I appreciate. I adore every single one of the guys ...more

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Dec 02, 2021 RLbooks rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reverse-harem, pnr-rh-menage, waiting-on-next-in-series

4.5 stars

I had never read a RH with two FMCs and 2 groups of guys so when this series was announced and knowing it was going to be slow burn with some paranormal elements and a shadowy criminal organization, it intrigued me. The authors absolutely, phenomenally balanced Rise of Kronos between what was happening with each group and still having the two separate groups have a shared purpose feel once they realized there were connections in their cases. Readers were promised distinct main characte 4.5 stars

I had never read a RH with two FMCs and 2 groups of guys so when this series was announced and knowing it was going to be slow burn with some paranormal elements and a shadowy criminal organization, it intrigued me. The authors absolutely, phenomenally balanced Rise of Kronos between what was happening with each group and still having the two separate groups have a shared purpose feel once they realized there were connections in their cases. Readers were promised distinct main characters and harems and I felt they delivered. I also equally related to and liked both FMCs. Add in the complex, but fast-paced plot, and Rise of Kronos was a gripping read for hours (this is a beast of a book). The book is told in dual POV between the two FMCs with an epilogue from a mysterious villain.

Kailani is the FMC in Seattle and she was this superb blend of capable, badass, vulnerable, and sometimes silly. She has a hard backstory and a challenging life as an empath, but she also has true support from a handful of people around her. She gets unwillingly dragged on to a task force and embroiled in a widely spread plot. There are several men that Kailani works with (mostly new, but one long-standing) and then a close friend who may all be part of her eventual group. There's lots of tension, which is excellent, but at times the tension was repetitive with a sense of longing or almost-moments over and over. One of the possible guys is a huge jerk at the beginning too, but give him some time, like I did. There's some kissing and I think once some of this tension (esp some long-built up) boils over, Kailani will be swimming in heat. I felt like her character and group of guys was more emotional to read about. There's also more conflict within their group, as they adjust to working together, and with outside forces for their group.

Maela is in London, but she's American, and gets unwillingly dragged into local crime activity after developing psychic abilities. One aspect of the writing that took me out of the stories sometimes with her was the amount of British word choices in Maela's thoughts since she is American and hasn't been in London long. She's a different character than Kailani, with a lot of humor, shyness and insecurities, but feistiness too. Maela's group of guys are also a mix because only one is initially involved in the investigation and the others, she meets more naturally. There's also no history with any of Maela's guys so the tension between them is all new attraction and wondering if the other one feels it too or if they should be interested. There was also more of an immediate sense of danger with Maela's psychic abilities and how they present. She's also new to the abilities and doesn't know how to handle them.

The pacing and action of the book was well-done and even though it's a big book, there wasn't lagging for me in my reading. There were some times where information was a bit overwhelming or in too big of a block for that moment, but those were rare. At times, law enforcement procedures seemed to be followed and then other times, information was shared a bit freely with outside parties, so there was some inconsistencies with the writing of the task forces. There is a well-built sense that the bad guys are very bad with nicely woven suspense and danger. The stakes are high in what's happening and that's clear throughout, even with the lighter moments of fun and humor.

Book 1 doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but many plot points are unresolved since this is only book 1 in what I think is going to be a trilogy. No mm/ff and no hints of any to come and no ow/om drama. By the end of the book, both FMCs have established the foundations with their individual groups and finding better footing in what's happening, so I expect book 2 will be building more on the personal sides with relationship development and the professional side with the interconnectedness of the criminal world. ...more

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Nov 30, 2021 Janne rated it it was amazing

Alright so I received an early copy of this book but my post is in no way influenced by this.

That said, this book is a MUST read!

First of: if you’re looking for quick and dirty ( nothing wrong with that, we all need this sometimes) this story is not for you (at least not right now, but give it a go if you’re looking for slow but smoldering).

This book is definitely a slow-burn (RH) romance but written is such a way that it keeps you on the edge of your seat! Really, the (sexual) tension is pal Alright so I received an early copy of this book but my post is in no way influenced by this.

That said, this book is a MUST read!

First of: if you’re looking for quick and dirty ( nothing wrong with that, we all need this sometimes) this story is not for you (at least not right now, but give it a go if you’re looking for slow but smoldering).

This book is definitely a slow-burn (RH) romance but written is such a way that it keeps you on the edge of your seat! Really, the (sexual) tension is palpable. I, personally, love me a good slow-burn romance if done well and this book hits all the marks.

The book gives you a chance as a reader to get to know ALL the characters and in RH-romance this is a big plus and often rare. You really get to know all the players and the dynamics between the lead characters and to me this just enhanced the romance storyline so much. I fell in love with all of ‘em before they even fell in love with each other.

The story in itself is so intriguing and wonderfully executed. These authors have put so much work and research into this book and, my, does it show!

The storylines are complex and intricate but due to great writing easy to follow and, honestly, I got so dragged into the story that I forgot I am an adult with responsibilities and just ignored the rest of the world pretty much. This book is that good!

I was a bit doubtful in the beginning about the double reverse-harem aspect of the book, but once I started reading, it felt so organic to ‘switch’ between the stories that it actually made the experience even better! If asked, no I cannot pick a favorite group. I was just as into Kai’s story as Maela’s story ( And I was definitely into all the boys 😁).

The FMs are so strong yet fragile ( and stronger because of it if you ask me) in such a human way that you cannot help but love them and identify with them and also, secretly, want to be them.

If you are looking for good (great) world building, genuine characters, a hell of a plot, sexy men and mouthwatering tension wrapped up in a wonderfully written package: look no more! This is it you guys!

I said it before and I’ll keep saying it: this book is a must read and it blew me away.
...more

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Dec 02, 2021 Deirdre rated it it was amazing

I was lucky enough to read this book as part of the authors ARC team and am struggling right now to actually put into words how much I love this story so far.
My house didn't get cleaned, laundry wasn't done, dinner? Umm there cereal.
I got sucked in right from the beginning and the rest of the world faded away.
This story! Oh man this story hit a ton of different emotions. One minute I'm laughing, next I want to reach through the screen and throat punch someone and then back to laughing.
2 differen ...more

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Dec 01, 2021 Mandy Hann rated it it was amazing

It’s a slow burn PNR I love the two MFC Kailani she works as a consultant to the Seattle Police Department she is an empath she can feel everyone’s emotions, the CIA, FBI need her help to work on a case for drugs, sex trafficking, gun.

Maela she is an American doing a postgrad in London, she takes a psychoactive drug trial to get paid. Her side affects from taking the drug is she sees a brutal murder in live action. Then she is hired by MI5 to help solve it, turns out that the case in Seattle and ...more

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Nov 30, 2021 Sophie rated it it was amazing

I was an ARC reader for this book and let me tell you, it was amazing!! There is something for everyone, two strong and hilarious female leads, two reverse harems, crime, Greek mythology and paranormal science. It is so well written and interesting that I couldn't put it down and have reread it twice. All of the characters are so well developed that you can't help but fall in love with them, and the story flows and builds. There is lots of suspense and action but the best parts for me were the c ...more

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Nov 23, 2021 Colleen Kidder rated it it was amazing

This book is amazing. The double FMCs is such a unique concept and I am here for it. For me, Kai and Maela bring different things to the table and their storylines balance each other out wonderfully. The world building and character development are stellar.

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Nov 30, 2021 Abbigail Townsend rated it it was amazing

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We start off by following two different girls Kai, who’s in the US on the west coast, and Maela who’s in London England. As the story progress they work, sometimes very reluctantly, with their teams trying to solve an international crime ring.
I usually stay away from books with multiple POVs mostly because I find it distracting and half way through the chapter I forget who’s POV I’m on, but this book made it so natural to switc ...more

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Dec 07, 2021 Meg Elle rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this debut novel from the co-authors the fry sisters. It includes two stories in the same world that start linking up a bit especially towards the end. Working on the same case from two different countries. So there's two fmc's and two harems.

I really enjoyed this and you get two stories in one book and it's a long book so each story is properly told and satisfying. And it's perfect because you get a little bit of both when it comes to the type of FMC you like and the type of Ha I really enjoyed this debut novel from the co-authors the fry sisters. It includes two stories in the same world that start linking up a bit especially towards the end. Working on the same case from two different countries. So there's two fmc's and two harems.

I really enjoyed this and you get two stories in one book and it's a long book so each story is properly told and satisfying. And it's perfect because you get a little bit of both when it comes to the type of FMC you like and the type of Harem formation you may like etc.

I personally prefer the way one Harem is formed and one of the storylines a little bit more than the other its more my type but I also like the other one so it was really nice to have both at Play in one story.

And then you add that to the fact thats it's a really cool premise for the story. I like the background information you get it really makes sense for the type of magic realism in the story which is my favorite type of pnr.

There's also a lot of diversity in the story which I thought was fantastic. And I feel was well done and just felt natural.

It is a slow burn slow build which I again I'm a fan of I like how natural it feels when it comes to building a harem and when it comes to pacing. There was a little bit of action but not full on anything yet. It will be really interesting to see how they form and I like that it's not insta. Although one of the fmc's definitely had a mind that always went to that place LOL while the other one is a little more reluctant because she's been burnt when it comes to love before and there is a really interesting storyline there that i thought was really artfully done with the abilities that the characters. I thought it was a great element to the story to show how these abilities can be used negatively as well as positively . It added a lot of depth to the character and made a lot of sense for her apprehension.

And I'm a sucker for characters who are in law enforcement both harms had some and both storylines dealt with government agencies/law enforcement and I find that kind of storyline and investigation very interesting. Towards the end you're really starting to get even more crossover with this. I'm really excited for the next book definitely recommend the series. I think there's something special about it & it's only going to get better and they're writing is only going to get better & better considering this is just their debut. I also like to say that this book holds a special place in my heart as I read it during a really rough time and it helped to get me through and it was one of the last books I got to read with someone important to me so this book really helped through that time and means a lot. I'm really grateful for it. ...more

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Dec 04, 2021 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Rise of Kronos is a force to be reckoned with!

This book utterly drew me in and captured my mind and soul with its range of diversity—in both characters as well as genres. From mystery, thriller, suspense all the way to a classic RH romance with a twist that you know and love, this book has it ALL—Kate and Elise Fry truly outdid themselves on this one! The storyline and plot were so intricately thought out that this book quickly became one of my all time favorite reads! The complexity and suspen Rise of Kronos is a force to be reckoned with!

This book utterly drew me in and captured my mind and soul with its range of diversity—in both characters as well as genres. From mystery, thriller, suspense all the way to a classic RH romance with a twist that you know and love, this book has it ALL—Kate and Elise Fry truly outdid themselves on this one! The storyline and plot were so intricately thought out that this book quickly became one of my all time favorite reads! The complexity and suspenseful of the plot, as well as the fast paced but easy to read layout, made this story an amazing read as the story literally unfolded right before your eyes as a reader. One of my favorite parts of this story is how these authors wove literary references throughout their story as they were like pure gold nuggets of joy when you came across them.

The authors also worked pure magic in character development as they truly created some of the best characters I’ve read in a long time. They are all unbelievably diverse, extremely relatable, and so well developed its like they all fight to be number one in your mind while you read. The pure talent of describing Kailani and her many talents alone is mind blowing and Maela’s story is just as intense. How they were able to articulate all these ladies were capable of makes for a very interesting and utterly captivating read—I could not put this book down! The story flowed so beautifully, and even with the two different story lines you were never lost or confused as a reader switching between the two FMCS and their respective harems.

I loved reading the build up of relationships and connections between the FMCs and their men and how they each varied. While Kai almost had instant connections and was confident in her feelings, Maela’s was sweeter and slower to build. And watching her confidence in herself slowly bloom over the course of the story was magical. I love how the authors cleverly maintained a balance between the two separate groups of characters and how the stories were woven together perfectly.

Overall this is a definite must read story full of intrigue, suspense, danger and of course love. If you’re a fan of slow burn mystery, paranormal, criminal suspense stories that deal with top secret military projects and mysterious criminal organizations, that just happens to have not one but two RH story lines hidden amongst its pages, then this book is for you! This book seriously has the makings of a perfect made for television series as it’s so well outlined and written with a diverse range of characters that would leave viewers tuning in every week just to catch a glimpse of them. Grab it now to see for yourself!
...more

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Dec 03, 2021 Chey3995 rated it really liked it

Kailani is unwillingly dragged into task force that is investigating the murder of someone under suspicious circumstances. Maela finds herself being drug into the world of crime. Both find themselves with multiple love interests and not wanting to choose.

This is a slow-burn, reverse harem romance that as a thrilling plotline. Between the two main female leads, we have a lot of strong, badassery going on and I am here for it. Kaiani and Maela are both strong, but also have their weak points, maki ...more

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Jan 11, 2022 Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) rated it it was amazing

This book is now a top favorite, it is so incredibly interesting. It’s written so well and had me hooked within the first chapter. The concept and set up is perfect and there’s never a dull moment.

This is a double reverse harem, yes you read that right, a double reverse harem. I didn’t even know that existed but I’m here for it. I loved both narrators, they’re both likable but very different from one another. The men are pretty great too, every time someone would do something nice or make me smi ...more

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Dec 07, 2021 Niki rated it it was amazing

This was one of the most unique stories I’ve read in a LONG time and I mean that 100%! Between the two female characters, with two separate harems, in two different parts of the world, it is essentially two stories blended together. I had really no idea what to expect but, it was pretty amazing! Right off the bat, I was into this book and I felt like the pace and writing just kept me fascinated with how this was going to go!
It felt like a bit of a slow start which, is not always something I lik ...more

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Dec 04, 2021 Krista Carver rated it it was amazing

This is absolutely one of my favorite books - not just RH - that I’ve read all year. It’s a really intelligent, thoughtful, and well-developed book, which is even more impressive considering that it was written by two authors.

RH lovers will likely be drawn in by the double harem - with good reason - and will most definitely not be disappointed. We’re presented with two interesting women as the FMCs, and the authors do an incredible job of making them clearly distinct characters through dialogue, ...more

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Jun 28, 2022 Sabrina rated it did not like it

Shelves: cop-military-bodyguard-merc, paranormal

I think I just didn't understand this book and the constant back and forth between two "main" characters made me not even want to focus enough that I could start to understand. The storyline was interesting but the info dumps that happened where we just got ALL of this information on being psychic and the government programs was just too much for my brain. ...more

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Dec 05, 2021 kjbooknerd rated it it was amazing

The Rise of Kronos is an amazing first book in the new series The Babylon Project by Kate and Elise Fry. A slow burn Reverse Harem Romance with two distinctly different Female Main characters. In the story you follow Kailani who is based in the US and Maela who is based in London. Kailani likes to kick butt and take names and Maela is just getting throw into the world (don’t worry she eventually seems to get the hang of it). Two different harems with not your average men! If you love teddy bears ...more

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Dec 16, 2021 Janet rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved

This was a great start to the series. Loved how the two stories wove around each other. Excited to see how each of the teams grow. No cliffhanger here, but I am super excited for the next book to come out.

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Nov 30, 2021 Brittany rated it really liked it

**I did receive a ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

Okay now that is out of the way let me start to gush about this book! I have never read a book containing two female leads , each with their own harem. The authors did a great job with each female lead as well. I am not usually a fan of the slow burn but wow these ladies did it right! Please give Rise of Kronos a chance , I can’t wait for book two.

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Dec 02, 2021 Pixie.reads rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I had never read a double RH book before so when I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book I was instantly intrigued by the concept and jumped at the chance.

Rise of Kronos is told in the dual POVs of the FMCs Maela and Kailani.

Maela lives in London and gets dragged into an MI5 operation after participating in a clinical trial thatvgives her psychic abilities.

Kailani lives in Seattle. She also has psychic abilities and uses them in her work as a consultant for the police. This gets her d ...more

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Dec 01, 2021 Laurilyn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Two amazing books in one

I was given a copy of the book as an arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book is basically two books combined in one and though it took me a moment to make my brain catch up, I love this set up since I really struggle getting into spin offs no matter how much I love them. This solves that.
The “magic” system in the book is also not typical run of the mill and was super fun to read about. Very sneaky government feelings to it. It’s very “this could happen in real l ...more

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Dec 02, 2021 Jennifer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Fantastic Start to a new series.

I’d been going through a bit of a book slump where what I was reading was okay but nothing that grabbed ahold of me to the point I didn’t want to stop reading.

This book broke this slump. The world building around the various talents and organizations was incredible. I really enjoyed the plot of various organizations trying to uncover the criminal organizations using these unique talents. I was actively rooting for all the characters, both mush and supporting. I ...more

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Dec 07, 2021 Nora rated it it was amazing

What makes this book unique? Two harems in the book being formed is one, second I was silent when I finished reading in awe and after I processed I had to call and talk about how amazing this book is. I love both Kai and Maela. Both unique personalities and can totally see this happening irl. I cannot express how excellent the book is written and how intricate it is so I just urge you to read and be amazed and keep it at that.

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Dec 03, 2021 Breen rated it it was amazing

“Sweet Lord of all the epic things WHAT IN THE WORLD DID I JUST READ!? RoK blew my mind in such a magnificent way that put it in words isn’t as easy as it seems. First of all, it’s not hard to figure out that when it comes to RH saying no to them is impossible lol BUT two harem in the same book? That’s insane! Of course I had to read it. Wow, just wow!! I’m amazed by this incredible story. Slow burn RH aren’t my fav ones, all the tension and angst it’s well annoying but not with this one. Each o ...more

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Dec 05, 2021 Colbie C rated it it was amazing

I went into this ARC knowing very little about the storyline and I am so glad I did. The two concurrent plot lines kept it interesting and the story progressed at a good pace. The romance is building but definitely slower. Our FMCs are finding their footing with a lot riding on their shoulders. I did have a favorite (sorry) but I'd gladly read this book from either of the girl's perspectives and having it both made it more than twice as good.

Now, how do I move to an island off the Pacific Northw ...more

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Dec 05, 2021 Kristin Lindes rated it it was amazing

Oh wow! What a unique book. 2 leading ladies with 2 separate harems that start out a world apart but slowly start intertwining as we go along. This slow build is definitely worth it. The characters are all unique and so well-written that you forget you're reading and can imagine yourself there. If you're looking for a different, unique read then this book is for you. It's unputdownable and you'll regret not reading it.

*ARC Review* ...more

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Nov 30, 2021 cnxl rated it it was amazing

⭐️ 5/5 🔥0.5/5

I will be fairly honest, I downloaded this ARC by mistake so I had to read it but I am glad my mistake led me to read this incredible book.
As you can see from the 🔥, it's extremely low because this is a big slow burn book. I was really surprised to see little to no mention of sexy time.
The authors focused purely on introducing to us the characters (there are so many because it's following 2 RH) as well as the protagonists of the story. I am grateful they made it a slow burn because ...more

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Nov 29, 2021 Dena rated it it was amazing

If you are looking for a book that has TWO RH and TWO FMC with separate but blended storylines, this is your book! Kate and Elise knocked it out of the park. I received this book as an ARC and couldn't wait to dig my teeth into it and it was hefty! Once I was in the book, I was torn about wanting to finish it and wanting to let it drag out because I didn't want it to end! Kai and Maela both have differing levels of some psychic capabilities that are being used to help take down an intercontinent ...more

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Dec 01, 2021 Jennifer Bishop rated it it was amazing

This is such an amazing and unique read! I mean seriously, it has two FMC’s and two harems! Who could ask for more!

I adored both Maela and Kailani, and their respective men!
I loved getting to know all the characters and the dynamics of the different relationships.

The storyline is incredible! There is plenty of intrigue, mystery, and sexual tension and chemistry! The character development and world building are fantastic!

If you love a great RH with a slow build story, you gotta check out this ...more

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Dec 01, 2021 Saucy Sierra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I entered this book not really aware of the science fiction part of the story. It was pleasant to read something that combines the scifi and the romance in an incredible reverse harem. These tropes are not especially common in this depth of military experiments and the erotica factors. Very technical at points in a strong romance

I enjoy both immensely so it worked out well for me. The beginning is really into the science and realistic stats. The stage was set. The romance came along and blended ...more

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Nov 23, 2021 Fortysomethingsci rated it it was amazing

Where do I start? I signed up to be an ARC reader for this book, purely from the description, for I thought it sounded like something a bit new a different. Following 2 harems? Cool! Something exciting. Let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. We follow two gals on two sides of the pond- West coast USA and London England. They work within their respective teams (with significant twists), sometimes reluctantly, to help solve an intercontinental crime ring.

Super slow burn, and low on the spice leve ...more

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