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Secretly Born
"I couldn't get enough of these characters. Slowly getting to know the new world and powers Audra is faced with. Knowing how much Luc cared for her even before she found out the truth about her new life. And wow, roller-coaster of emotions Audra had to face by finding the truth us [is] heartbreaking! Also, the cliffhanger at the end! I need to know more!" - Miranda, @Commamirandabooknerd
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one! 🖤" - Courtnee, @_dirtylittlesmut
Audra had always felt alone, unwanted, discarded.
She’s used to working hard and barely scraping by, but her day gets a little better when she sees her two neighbors; Luc and Eric. They usually took time to ensure she was fed, her power was on, and she was resting between shifts and schoolwork. They had become her best friends in the three years they lived across the hall from her.
When her apartment is attacked, Audra learns the truth of her life very quickly. She learns her story is similar to that of a fractured fairytale, and her life isn't as black-and-white as she thought. When it's discovered that she has a rare type of magic that hasn’t been seen in centuries, and that some people will stop at nothing in order to obtain her power, by any means necessary, Audra must decide how she wants her story to go.
With a dark phantom in her dreams to guide her, to comfort her, to support her from the sidelines, Audra has to discover who is truly after her and how she can protect the family she’s found.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one! 🖤" - Courtnee, @_dirtylittlesmut
Audra had always felt alone, unwanted, discarded.
She’s used to working hard and barely scraping by, but her day gets a little better when she sees her two neighbors; Luc and Eric. They usually took time to ensure she was fed, her power was on, and she was resting between shifts and schoolwork. They had become her best friends in the three years they lived across the hall from her.
When her apartment is attacked, Audra learns the truth of her life very quickly. She learns her story is similar to that of a fractured fairytale, and her life isn't as black-and-white as she thought. When it's discovered that she has a rare type of magic that hasn’t been seen in centuries, and that some people will stop at nothing in order to obtain her power, by any means necessary, Audra must decide how she wants her story to go.
With a dark phantom in her dreams to guide her, to comfort her, to support her from the sidelines, Audra has to discover who is truly after her and how she can protect the family she’s found.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2021
53 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 3, 2022
January Reading & Review
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Secretly Born: The Heliander Chronicles Book 1
Authour: @alina.martyn1
"You’ve always been beautiful. You’ve always been sweet. Becoming Fae…it doesn’t change how I felt for you before. I don’t care about your power. If you want to skip town and forget about this, I’ll go with you. If you want to train to become a warrior, I’ll do it with you. I never want to make you feel like you are stuck."
“Because I’ve always been there for you. I’ve always watched over you. There was a reason you always feel safe in the dark, why the shadows are comforting. Sweetheart, I am the shadows.”
Audra, an orphan so is a struggling student, works way too hard and is too stubborn to ask for help. Call she ever needed in her life is to be wanted and loved by someone. LIfe is drastically going to change for Audra, Can she handle what is about to happen to her? because it will change her life forever.
Luc, protective, strong and devoted to Audra. The way Luc protects his princess! Damn 🥵 the lingering looks of lust and longing. This man has a huge heart. He is my favourite character.
Seb, Man in the darkness who she can't see only hears and is always there for her, can she trust him? Even before they met Seb would do anything to protect Audra can she look past all his secrets and let him in?
I couldn't get enough of these characters. Slowly getting to know the new world and powers Audra is faced with. Know how much Luc cared for her even before she found out the truth about her new life. And wow the roller-coaster of emotions Audra had to face by finding out the truth us heartbreaking. Also the cliffhanger at the end! I need to know more!
#bookinstagrammer #spicyreads #bookaddiction #booklover #romance #booknerdo #bookish #bookreview #steamybook #bookstagram #ilovereading #fae #changing #luc #guardian #seb #shadows #audra #aud #princess #sweetheart #royalty #secretlyborn #AlinaMartyn #Vesperitus #TotalElemental
Edit: Canva
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Secretly Born: The Heliander Chronicles Book 1
Authour: @alina.martyn1
"You’ve always been beautiful. You’ve always been sweet. Becoming Fae…it doesn’t change how I felt for you before. I don’t care about your power. If you want to skip town and forget about this, I’ll go with you. If you want to train to become a warrior, I’ll do it with you. I never want to make you feel like you are stuck."
“Because I’ve always been there for you. I’ve always watched over you. There was a reason you always feel safe in the dark, why the shadows are comforting. Sweetheart, I am the shadows.”
Audra, an orphan so is a struggling student, works way too hard and is too stubborn to ask for help. Call she ever needed in her life is to be wanted and loved by someone. LIfe is drastically going to change for Audra, Can she handle what is about to happen to her? because it will change her life forever.
Luc, protective, strong and devoted to Audra. The way Luc protects his princess! Damn 🥵 the lingering looks of lust and longing. This man has a huge heart. He is my favourite character.
Seb, Man in the darkness who she can't see only hears and is always there for her, can she trust him? Even before they met Seb would do anything to protect Audra can she look past all his secrets and let him in?
I couldn't get enough of these characters. Slowly getting to know the new world and powers Audra is faced with. Know how much Luc cared for her even before she found out the truth about her new life. And wow the roller-coaster of emotions Audra had to face by finding out the truth us heartbreaking. Also the cliffhanger at the end! I need to know more!
#bookinstagrammer #spicyreads #bookaddiction #booklover #romance #booknerdo #bookish #bookreview #steamybook #bookstagram #ilovereading #fae #changing #luc #guardian #seb #shadows #audra #aud #princess #sweetheart #royalty #secretlyborn #AlinaMartyn #Vesperitus #TotalElemental
Edit: Canva
May 29, 2022
Total power. Its something that goes beyond the realm of human and humane abilities. Yet, its something that man has been chasing since eternity. But what happens when one really achieves all the elemental powers? Can one differentiate between friend and foe? And do you think, such a person should be introduced to the world, or kept hidden like an abomination?
If magical realism and fantastic reality are your go-to genres, then Alina Martyn's Secretly Born is your next recommend read.
The book revolves around the protagonist, Audra Jackson, who can barely make her ends neet in the city of dreams- New York City. But dreams do come true in this city. Audra soon picks up a fever and she is faced with the true reality of herself, her parentage and her stance in the world. She isn't some ordinary girl, she's the first Total Elemental in centuries- the owner of eminence power, responsibility and enemies.
The book takes you down the trail of a magical reality wherein you'll know the streets and the setting, but the plot will grip and indulge you at every page. It's a book you can't keep down. There are creatures with hooded faces that nurture Audra, while there are smiling faces that stab her at the back. Maybe that's how the author tries to portray reality. There are some who'd protect you even from the shadows, while the ones out there could be your greatest enemies.
Through the chapterisation of the book, you'll notice a gradual development of characters, especially Audra as she learns to use and control her powers and become a fearless woman from a timid worker. The language is lucid and the text is completely coherent. There are instances such as " Mama! Look I made the dirt dance!" that make your heart shiver with joy. It's full if adorable moments that will keep you hooked to its pages.
Key Takeaways from the book:
1. Relationships test your patience, gratitude and the power to forgive, heal and destruct.
2. Power comes with responsibilities and only your wit can decipher among foes and friends.
3. Its family that one should fight and provide for. None other relations really matter.
If magical realism and fantastic reality are your go-to genres, then Alina Martyn's Secretly Born is your next recommend read.
The book revolves around the protagonist, Audra Jackson, who can barely make her ends neet in the city of dreams- New York City. But dreams do come true in this city. Audra soon picks up a fever and she is faced with the true reality of herself, her parentage and her stance in the world. She isn't some ordinary girl, she's the first Total Elemental in centuries- the owner of eminence power, responsibility and enemies.
The book takes you down the trail of a magical reality wherein you'll know the streets and the setting, but the plot will grip and indulge you at every page. It's a book you can't keep down. There are creatures with hooded faces that nurture Audra, while there are smiling faces that stab her at the back. Maybe that's how the author tries to portray reality. There are some who'd protect you even from the shadows, while the ones out there could be your greatest enemies.
Through the chapterisation of the book, you'll notice a gradual development of characters, especially Audra as she learns to use and control her powers and become a fearless woman from a timid worker. The language is lucid and the text is completely coherent. There are instances such as " Mama! Look I made the dirt dance!" that make your heart shiver with joy. It's full if adorable moments that will keep you hooked to its pages.
Key Takeaways from the book:
1. Relationships test your patience, gratitude and the power to forgive, heal and destruct.
2. Power comes with responsibilities and only your wit can decipher among foes and friends.
3. Its family that one should fight and provide for. None other relations really matter.
June 13, 2022
✨ REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS ✨
Secretly Born is the first book in the Heliander Chronicles by Alina Martyn.
It tells the story of Audra, a stunning 21-year-old orphan just trying to get by living in New York.
One night while at home, Audra’s apartment is attacked by an unknown person, and life as she knew it, changed forever.
Audra is taken to a safe house by her incredibly stunning neighbours turned body guards, Luc & Eric. Aud discovers that not only is she a total elemental from a fae realm, but she is a Princess from Vesperitus.
As Aud transitions, she is met in her dreams by Seb, a mysterious yet familiar man from the shadows.
Not only is Audra trying to navigate being Fae, she is also trying to navigate her feelings for the two men she loves and trusts the most, Luc & Seb.
Both Luc & Seb love Audra unconditionally and will do anything to keep her now that they have her, even if it means risking everything for themselves.
Now I must say, this book really surprised me. I don’t often read a lot of fantasy books but I honestly LOVED IT! It took me a little bit to get into, but once I hit about 50%, I was absolutely hooked.
It’s a quick and easy read, which I prefer over super long books, so that’s a bonus. The storyline was great, the character development was steady and the smutty scenes were full of need & passion, which I always love.
That cliffhanger too… like excuse me WHAT! My mind was officially blown and my jaw actually hit the floor 🤯 I just didn't expect it but, boy oh boy, I am living for it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one! 🖤
Secretly Born is the first book in the Heliander Chronicles by Alina Martyn.
It tells the story of Audra, a stunning 21-year-old orphan just trying to get by living in New York.
One night while at home, Audra’s apartment is attacked by an unknown person, and life as she knew it, changed forever.
Audra is taken to a safe house by her incredibly stunning neighbours turned body guards, Luc & Eric. Aud discovers that not only is she a total elemental from a fae realm, but she is a Princess from Vesperitus.
As Aud transitions, she is met in her dreams by Seb, a mysterious yet familiar man from the shadows.
Not only is Audra trying to navigate being Fae, she is also trying to navigate her feelings for the two men she loves and trusts the most, Luc & Seb.
Both Luc & Seb love Audra unconditionally and will do anything to keep her now that they have her, even if it means risking everything for themselves.
Now I must say, this book really surprised me. I don’t often read a lot of fantasy books but I honestly LOVED IT! It took me a little bit to get into, but once I hit about 50%, I was absolutely hooked.
It’s a quick and easy read, which I prefer over super long books, so that’s a bonus. The storyline was great, the character development was steady and the smutty scenes were full of need & passion, which I always love.
That cliffhanger too… like excuse me WHAT! My mind was officially blown and my jaw actually hit the floor 🤯 I just didn't expect it but, boy oh boy, I am living for it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one! 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
“The lust flared at the sound she made, and Audra wanted nothing more than to keep pushing him to see what would finally make his careful control snap.”
This was a fantasy romance that kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Audra has not had the best upbringing in the foster system and now that she in an adult on her own she struggles. She has two great neighbor’s though that always seem to be there when she needs them. After weeks of headaches and not feeling well her neighbor’s drop a huge bomb on her. A whirlwind adventure starts after that night. I liked Audra and her strong work ethic and moral compass. She is super stubborn which ends up hurting her in a few situations. I would say the first half of the book is a bit slow and we are not quite sure who the love interest is and if there is more than one. Once that becomes more clear things progress and there are a few twists and turns. It was a bit more plot and fantasy heavy for me but I did really enjoy reading it. The spicy scenes were very sweet with a bit of spice so I enjoyed that. I think this book would be great for someone who really enjoys fantasy book with a side of romance.
This was a fantasy romance that kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Audra has not had the best upbringing in the foster system and now that she in an adult on her own she struggles. She has two great neighbor’s though that always seem to be there when she needs them. After weeks of headaches and not feeling well her neighbor’s drop a huge bomb on her. A whirlwind adventure starts after that night. I liked Audra and her strong work ethic and moral compass. She is super stubborn which ends up hurting her in a few situations. I would say the first half of the book is a bit slow and we are not quite sure who the love interest is and if there is more than one. Once that becomes more clear things progress and there are a few twists and turns. It was a bit more plot and fantasy heavy for me but I did really enjoy reading it. The spicy scenes were very sweet with a bit of spice so I enjoyed that. I think this book would be great for someone who really enjoys fantasy book with a side of romance.
November 27, 2022
This was such a great story. Got lost into the world of Audra and her journey. The author tells Audras story beautifully.Absolutely recommend
July 8, 2023
I’m so invested in this series!!! I had to immediately get the next book delivered to my Kindle.
June 20, 2023
First time I heard of this author. But wow did I really enjoy this book. I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the story line. I found my self reading for hours and had to read the next one immediately
I loved the story line. I found my self reading for hours and had to read the next one immediately
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews