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Population #3
Immortal with Scars
He's the oldest of his kind. Terrifying. I'm human, insignificant, scared and scarred. It shouldn’t be too hard to escape his notice. But wait…why is he walking over here? He…wants to dine with me. No. He must want more…
Justice dealer of the seven regions, Lahve is tasked with maintaining order. His focus should be on that, not on a female who is too young for him by several hundred lifetimes.
She has been scarred by this world and Lahve cannot undo her past. She wants to be left alone, but he cannot do that, either. Because when enemy gangs move to overtake their community, he needs her help to track them into Population and cut them off.
She fears recapture, but how can he make her understand that he is the most powerful creature in this world and he will slaughter any who venture too close? Because she is the only human who has ever made him feel what he’s never felt:
Human.
And, if she does not agree to help him hunt down their shared enemies, humanity itself may be lost.
He looks at me like I'm crazy when I show up to dinner with...expectations, because he has expectations, too...like helping him save the world.
* * * * * * * * * *
Immortal with Scars is book three in the Population series and features a scarred human heroine and a 3000 year old inhuman hero with fangs. This book can be read as a stand alone. Expect a dark romance with medium-high heat levels that will not be suitable for young or sensitive readers. Additional TWs and CWs are visible in the opening pages visible in the preview.
Justice dealer of the seven regions, Lahve is tasked with maintaining order. His focus should be on that, not on a female who is too young for him by several hundred lifetimes.
She has been scarred by this world and Lahve cannot undo her past. She wants to be left alone, but he cannot do that, either. Because when enemy gangs move to overtake their community, he needs her help to track them into Population and cut them off.
She fears recapture, but how can he make her understand that he is the most powerful creature in this world and he will slaughter any who venture too close? Because she is the only human who has ever made him feel what he’s never felt:
Human.
And, if she does not agree to help him hunt down their shared enemies, humanity itself may be lost.
He looks at me like I'm crazy when I show up to dinner with...expectations, because he has expectations, too...like helping him save the world.
* * * * * * * * * *
Immortal with Scars is book three in the Population series and features a scarred human heroine and a 3000 year old inhuman hero with fangs. This book can be read as a stand alone. Expect a dark romance with medium-high heat levels that will not be suitable for young or sensitive readers. Additional TWs and CWs are visible in the opening pages visible in the preview.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2022
175 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
76 books1,421 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 78 reviews
July 17, 2025
The Justice Dealer’s Undoing!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚🩶
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 🙃🙁😀😋🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
🏙️ Setting: Brianna and Beyond
Set in a fractured, post-apocalyptic Earth, this novel explores a dystopia where a vampiric alien race—the Hetztoichen—coexists with humans in the walled city of Brianna. Alongside them lives Lahve, the last of the Tretaro: immortal justice keepers whose historical legacy spans millennia. Each region is governed by Notare leaders, with Brianna ruled by Kane (a Hetztoichen male) and Abel (a human female). Outside the walls, brutal, all-male Hetztoichen led gangs perpetuate chaos, painting a vivid contrast between tenuous civility and unchecked violence.
⚖️ The Hero: Lahve
Lahve (pronounced La-vey) isn’t merely a protagonist—he’s an ancient observer, simultaneously detached and inquisitive. Over 3,000 years old, his power eclipses all others, yet his restraint defines him. As a dealer of justice across the seven regions, Lahve operates from a philosophy of impartiality, resisting entanglement in mortal politics. His gift, rheach, allows him to mentally infiltrate others’ memories—except, inexplicably, Candy’s. This anomaly propels his curiosity beyond duty, unlocking both vulnerability and desire that challenge his self-imposed emotional distance.
🪷 The Heroine: Candy
Candy’s character is perhaps the most thematically complex. A survivor of prolonged exploitation by nine violent gangs, she lives with deep trauma and hypervigilance, manifesting symptoms akin to severe PTSD. Yet her survival tactics—prostitution as a means of control over vampiric advances—reflect a dissonance between self-preservation and past trauma. She is unreadable to Lahve’s psychic abilities, possibly suggesting that her pain is either too fragmented or too guarded to access, which reinforces her role as both emotional and narrative enigma.
🧠 Story Dynamics & Themes
The story begins with mystery: gang symbols discovered beyond Brianna’s walls spark political intervention and lead Lahve to Candy. Their unlikely connection hinges on psychic silence—her mind is blank to his rheach, a first in his existence. His initial frustration gives way to fascination, and eventually protectiveness. Lahve’s internal monologue oscillates between stoic detachment and comedic, deadpan threats—making him both terrifying and endearing. His dark musings about destroying those who displease him are sharply contrasted with ironic self-corrections, underscoring his moral restraint.
Meanwhile, Candy’s paradox—her fear of men versus her transactional survival tactics—invites deeper commentary on trauma, autonomy, and conditioning. While the narrative avoids glamorizing her choices, it subtly critiques societal structures that leave her with few.
Lahve’s eventual attempts to impress Candy—ditch the suits, wear jeans and a white tee, and file his fangs—add emotional sweetness without sacrificing the intensity of his character. It’s a gesture loaded with symbolic vulnerability and transformation.
🎧 Audiobook Performance
Narrated by James Cavenaugh, the audiobook opts for a solo delivery which matches the fact that the book is told from Lahve’s point of view. While Cavanaugh’s slower tempo may not suit all listeners, it complements Lahve’s deliberate, enigmatic presence. Cavenaugh’s performance leans into Lahve’s gravitas, effectively mirroring the tone of introspection and restraint.
---
Final thoughts: While the world-building may feel dense initially, the layered character work more than compensates. Lahve’s dry wit, Candy’s quiet resilience, and the novel’s commitment to exploring justice through emotional truth make this a compelling listen. It’s a narrative where redemption isn’t easy, and power must answer to pain.
BTW - I did not read the first two books in this series and though the events in those books were referred to more than once, this book explained things well enough that I didn’t feel like it was necessary. Though this story was so good, I may just go back and read the first two.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚🩶
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 🙃🙁😀😋🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
🏙️ Setting: Brianna and Beyond
Set in a fractured, post-apocalyptic Earth, this novel explores a dystopia where a vampiric alien race—the Hetztoichen—coexists with humans in the walled city of Brianna. Alongside them lives Lahve, the last of the Tretaro: immortal justice keepers whose historical legacy spans millennia. Each region is governed by Notare leaders, with Brianna ruled by Kane (a Hetztoichen male) and Abel (a human female). Outside the walls, brutal, all-male Hetztoichen led gangs perpetuate chaos, painting a vivid contrast between tenuous civility and unchecked violence.
⚖️ The Hero: Lahve
Lahve (pronounced La-vey) isn’t merely a protagonist—he’s an ancient observer, simultaneously detached and inquisitive. Over 3,000 years old, his power eclipses all others, yet his restraint defines him. As a dealer of justice across the seven regions, Lahve operates from a philosophy of impartiality, resisting entanglement in mortal politics. His gift, rheach, allows him to mentally infiltrate others’ memories—except, inexplicably, Candy’s. This anomaly propels his curiosity beyond duty, unlocking both vulnerability and desire that challenge his self-imposed emotional distance.
🪷 The Heroine: Candy
Candy’s character is perhaps the most thematically complex. A survivor of prolonged exploitation by nine violent gangs, she lives with deep trauma and hypervigilance, manifesting symptoms akin to severe PTSD. Yet her survival tactics—prostitution as a means of control over vampiric advances—reflect a dissonance between self-preservation and past trauma. She is unreadable to Lahve’s psychic abilities, possibly suggesting that her pain is either too fragmented or too guarded to access, which reinforces her role as both emotional and narrative enigma.
🧠 Story Dynamics & Themes
The story begins with mystery: gang symbols discovered beyond Brianna’s walls spark political intervention and lead Lahve to Candy. Their unlikely connection hinges on psychic silence—her mind is blank to his rheach, a first in his existence. His initial frustration gives way to fascination, and eventually protectiveness. Lahve’s internal monologue oscillates between stoic detachment and comedic, deadpan threats—making him both terrifying and endearing. His dark musings about destroying those who displease him are sharply contrasted with ironic self-corrections, underscoring his moral restraint.
Meanwhile, Candy’s paradox—her fear of men versus her transactional survival tactics—invites deeper commentary on trauma, autonomy, and conditioning. While the narrative avoids glamorizing her choices, it subtly critiques societal structures that leave her with few.
Lahve’s eventual attempts to impress Candy—ditch the suits, wear jeans and a white tee, and file his fangs—add emotional sweetness without sacrificing the intensity of his character. It’s a gesture loaded with symbolic vulnerability and transformation.
🎧 Audiobook Performance
Narrated by James Cavenaugh, the audiobook opts for a solo delivery which matches the fact that the book is told from Lahve’s point of view. While Cavanaugh’s slower tempo may not suit all listeners, it complements Lahve’s deliberate, enigmatic presence. Cavenaugh’s performance leans into Lahve’s gravitas, effectively mirroring the tone of introspection and restraint.
---
Final thoughts: While the world-building may feel dense initially, the layered character work more than compensates. Lahve’s dry wit, Candy’s quiet resilience, and the novel’s commitment to exploring justice through emotional truth make this a compelling listen. It’s a narrative where redemption isn’t easy, and power must answer to pain.
“Her gaze meets mine and I see ferocity and defiance and I feel…like crushing her.
I reel from the thought and frown. In three thousand years, never have I ever let myself stray to baser whims, fantasies of murder are for the weak who lack the tools to seize their own power and honor themselves through more civilized means.”
“This red-haired human with a name that is nonsensical may be the weakest creature on this planet and I am the strongest one. I cannot be aroused by her, least of all by her dirty hand that makes me hallucinate madness.
Her. In the jungle. Naked. Reaching for my hand.
Me. Following in a silence that is spellbinding.
Her. Smiling.
Me. Lost.”
“I become suddenly very aware of my swordstick in my coat and desire very, very much to free it. How easy it would be to slaughter every soul in this room and just be done with it.
Irritation plagues me.
Hmm…
That is…unusual.”
“Purpose and history are the only things that keep him from kneeling at my feet. Temptation tickles me in ways it never has. I could rule all of them. Tear the Tare down. Create a new world order —
No.
No…”
“I open the door a little wider and step away from it, moving closer to…my girl. Yes. My girl. She kissed me, so she is mine. Is that not how this works? I haven’t anyone to ask and, even if I did, wouldn’t care to hear a contrary answer.”
“I don’t suppose I’ve considered these humans much beyond their ineptitudes, but I’m looking harder now. “
“Her gaze knowingly snags on Candy, but I…don’t like the way she looks at her. Why should she be so surprised that I might have an interest in her? She is magnetic, resilient and beautiful especially when she falls asleep with her hand on my bare chest, her fingertips curling into my skin, wanting to be close, wanting me…”
BTW - I did not read the first two books in this series and though the events in those books were referred to more than once, this book explained things well enough that I didn’t feel like it was necessary. Though this story was so good, I may just go back and read the first two.
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November 14, 2024
Still loved. Still not in a reviewing mood, but this is a great series and I can't wait for the next book. Hope it is coming soon. Happy reading!
4 1/2 "Awakening" Stars!
Loved it! Rtc
4 1/2 "Awakening" Stars!
Loved it! Rtc
September 8, 2022
I am obsessed with Lahve aka Nithril, and I do mean totally and completely obsessed. He is definitely one of my all time favorite guys…..OBSESSED. He is a 3000 year old virgin (I know, right…hot), and the last of his kind. He is controlled, proper, highly intelligent, and a total badass. He can beat you physically, and mentally, and I do mean those literally. He can move faster than anyone can see, he can shred your mind if he wants, or he can kill you before you know what’s happening. And the most important thing…he is a good guy, he has all this power, and instead of using it for bad…he uses it for good….OBSESSED. I also laugh because he is obsessed with time, we definitely have that in common, I like to think of us as time obsessed soulmates. So basically, I’m obsessed with him, he’s obsessed with Candy, it’s a vicious circle. I can’t say enough about him, this review will be all about him. I liked Candy too, but again OBSESSED with Lahve. And this cover, seriously I could go on, and on, and on about my Lahve obsession. Lahve this, Lahve that, Lahve can do this, Lahve can do that, Lahve is the best at this, Lahve is the best at that…on, and on, and on….OBSESSED.
This was my first book in this series, so I am going to go back and read the first ones too. I am a super fan of this author, and knew I would love this book, and I did. Fantastic storyline, it’s fast paced from the beginning to the end. Battle lines have been drawn previously, and one comes to a head here. So much heat with these two, a sweet epilogue, and hea. Just in case you didn’t get it in the first paragraph…Lahve is mine…but you can read him…you are welcome.
This was my first book in this series, so I am going to go back and read the first ones too. I am a super fan of this author, and knew I would love this book, and I did. Fantastic storyline, it’s fast paced from the beginning to the end. Battle lines have been drawn previously, and one comes to a head here. So much heat with these two, a sweet epilogue, and hea. Just in case you didn’t get it in the first paragraph…Lahve is mine…but you can read him…you are welcome.
March 4, 2022
Immortal with Scars is the 3rd in the Population series by Elisabeth Stephens. Now it was listed as able to read as stand alone. So I wanted to approach this as a stand alone, which is something I rarely do. Now can it be read as a stand alone …yes. Did I enjoy it as a stand alone..no. Let me explain because I genuinely enjoyed this book. But I feel like you are going to get so much more out of this story if you read as part of the series. All of the books so far are centered around a new main couple but they are all connected. The series it’s self is based on Earth and what happens when humans & aliens have to co exist. With Immortal with Scars you get the POV of the MMC for this book which I loved because not only is he an alien but he’s different amongst the aliens. The way he thinks, how he sees things, how not only the humans but aliens interact with him it’s all different and that all comes out in he’s POV. You do get some spice , definitely a slow burn. But worth the wait. I loved that the spice didn’t overshadowed the story, it felt like a nice enhancement. You do get action and it can be gritty. And as always check the triggers!! You are definitely getting some dark, gritty situations so make sure you know what you’re getting into!!! But as soon as you get straight with the TW dive into this book. I definitely recommend you start at the beginning and read as a series. Your cheating yourself otherwise. As always getting reading and enjoy the ride💙
May 7, 2022
I love the transition/growth that we get to see from both characters, but particularly from him. He’s this uber powerful alien who stands apart from all others, suppresses his emotions, and looks down on everyone else. But, the more he gets to know her, the more she changes his perception of the world, of humans, and even of the aliens he associates with. I adore how kind he was to her and how insanely protective he was of her. If you like the “who hurt you? I’ll destroy them” trope, then this is your book. She’s been through a lot. So much so that I don’t think he could truly comprehend it initially. His original judgements of her were really off base. He knew she was wounded, but never imagined the depth of her wounds, or her strength for surviving it all. His heartbreak as he learned about her past abuses was so gut wrenching. I literally felt my heart sinking each time his did.
March 3, 2022
5⭐️
ELIZABETH DID IT AGAIN!! i am seriously obsessed with this series & this book was such a great addition to it. lahve & candy are such a great couple - i loved how he learned so much about himself & his emotions through loving her. again, i was nervous since it is told strictly through his POV, but his perspective added so much to the overall series and filled on gaps i was missing. i 1000% recommend this series; it’s definitely one of my top series ever, and of course, elizabeth is one of my favorite authors 🖤
PLEASE CHECK CW!!! this is a DARK sci-fi romance, and some of these topics can be very triggering for some audiences. stay safe, loves <3
*i received an ARC of this book.*
ELIZABETH DID IT AGAIN!! i am seriously obsessed with this series & this book was such a great addition to it. lahve & candy are such a great couple - i loved how he learned so much about himself & his emotions through loving her. again, i was nervous since it is told strictly through his POV, but his perspective added so much to the overall series and filled on gaps i was missing. i 1000% recommend this series; it’s definitely one of my top series ever, and of course, elizabeth is one of my favorite authors 🖤
PLEASE CHECK CW!!! this is a DARK sci-fi romance, and some of these topics can be very triggering for some audiences. stay safe, loves <3
*i received an ARC of this book.*
May 14, 2024
DNF @ 57%
The writing in this was atrocious.
The writing in this was atrocious.
May 20, 2022
Rating: 3 ⭐
This was the story I've been looking forward to the most since I picked up the first book in the series. Lahve has been this cool, beautiful, mysterious, powerful alien that we've had little glimpses of in the series, and I was counting down the days until I was able to read his book.
I think I really overhyped myself, because this book felt like a letdown of all my expectations.
I found Lahve to be a very unlikable character, which was probably the most shocking part of this book for me. He was nothing like what I was expecting.
The number of times he imagined brutalizing and/or violently murdering the people around him—including the very pregnant FMC from the first book—just for questioning him or 'talking back' to him was appalling. His arrogance was just... so extreme that it made up the majority of his personality, and he came off like a tyrant that resentfully held back only because his job demanded it. His thoughts were often about how weak and worthless he found humans, how superior he was to them, and how they should just listen and obey. He viewed himself as a god, and expected to be treated as such.
As for the FMC, Candy, at the time I'm writing this review I can barely remember anything about her aside from the fact she had red hair and severe trauma from past abuse.
Since the entire book is from Lahve's perspective, we never really get to know or connect with Candy as a character outside of Lahve's view of her. A view which is often very unflattering and unkind. She often just blended into the background, except for when she needed to work as a plot device for Lahve's character.
Which brings me to the relationship, and how much I didn't like these two as a couple.
Lahve spends so much of the book chasing after Candy because she stirs up his lust, but it takes him most of the book to really see her as a person with worth, deserving of respect. It took until probably the last third of the story before he actually became more loving towards her—a change which seemed to happen all at once, like a sudden shot of insta-love—and by that point I was unable to get past how many times he had deliberately hurt her emotionally, all the times he both thought to himself and told her verbally that she was a whore, and worst of all the multiple times that he thought about how below him she was and how ashamed he was that of all the people that would turn out to be his mate, he was stuck with someone so unworthy of his great self. At the end of the book, I just felt sorry that Candy got stuck with such an asshole and wished she had found someone better for her HEA.
May 19, 2022
I was given an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Trigger warnings brutality, historical rape and bloody battles are featured in this book.
Lahve is the justice keeper for the town of Brianna. Mystified by the relationship between Notare’s Kane and Able, and longing for a connection that he can never have. Lahve’s rheach makes touch unbearable that is until he tries to rheach Candy.
3000 years and Lahve is baffled by his inability to rheach Candy. Candy only being 19 and having a past filled with horrific things, she finds it difficult to be around the Lahve.
Over time, meetings and deciphering of markings around the town bonds and friendships are built
This is a well told story and as I had not read the first 2 it read well as a stand alone and was easy to follow the storyline and was thoroughly enjoyable.
Trigger warnings brutality, historical rape and bloody battles are featured in this book.
Lahve is the justice keeper for the town of Brianna. Mystified by the relationship between Notare’s Kane and Able, and longing for a connection that he can never have. Lahve’s rheach makes touch unbearable that is until he tries to rheach Candy.
3000 years and Lahve is baffled by his inability to rheach Candy. Candy only being 19 and having a past filled with horrific things, she finds it difficult to be around the Lahve.
Over time, meetings and deciphering of markings around the town bonds and friendships are built
This is a well told story and as I had not read the first 2 it read well as a stand alone and was easy to follow the storyline and was thoroughly enjoyable.
May 12, 2022
Epic!!
First ofd the Navy Seal Sisters are the best!! I love everything about them and they are conceptual gold. I thought this was going to be a fighting fate story but it wasn’t. Lahve was head over hills and hilarious. The humor in this series is one of my favorite things about it. Just as I suspected the plot was epic and it just keeps getting thicker. It’s amazing and so is Elizabeth’s beautiful brain. I don’t even know how I’m going to survive the wait for book 4. I war constantly with myself about wishing I was getting dual POV in book 1 and thinking no this is perfect for 2&3. Having entire books from the MMC POV is extraordinary and I LOVED it. Again I really enjoy the writing style and how each book is more amazing than the one before when it seems impossible to top it. These are amazing characters and an incredible plot! And the preview for book 4 ahhhhh I’m dying!! E.S. is about to have us in love with a warlord. This has the potential to be a huge series and I love that for me!
First ofd the Navy Seal Sisters are the best!! I love everything about them and they are conceptual gold. I thought this was going to be a fighting fate story but it wasn’t. Lahve was head over hills and hilarious. The humor in this series is one of my favorite things about it. Just as I suspected the plot was epic and it just keeps getting thicker. It’s amazing and so is Elizabeth’s beautiful brain. I don’t even know how I’m going to survive the wait for book 4. I war constantly with myself about wishing I was getting dual POV in book 1 and thinking no this is perfect for 2&3. Having entire books from the MMC POV is extraordinary and I LOVED it. Again I really enjoy the writing style and how each book is more amazing than the one before when it seems impossible to top it. These are amazing characters and an incredible plot! And the preview for book 4 ahhhhh I’m dying!! E.S. is about to have us in love with a warlord. This has the potential to be a huge series and I love that for me!
May 7, 2022
This had some great character development and in a way I certainly didn’t expect from the male hero in this one. It was also pretty darn hot in the second half of the book. I have been enjoying this series and sorry book 4 is not yet out. Each book is a stand-alone but with an underlying story with characters who continue to be present in each, which is one of the things I like about series like this; you know more of the backstory of characters. Of course there is a HEA ending so I finished it with a smile.
March 4, 2022
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read from the Population Series. I've read and fallen in love with Elizabeth's Xiveri Mates series and I absolutely love her writing. But, I was not ready for the chokehold this book was going to have on me.
Lahve is a 3000 year old alien vampire and he takes his title and role seriously. He's a neutral being in a vicious world. Lahve is methodical in how he operates and does not feel emotions. He does what is necessary and what he believes his right. He lives in the way he believes he should as to honor his planet. And then he meets his mate and everything changes.
One of the things I appreciated about this story is it is not an immediate change. Lahve does not recognize his mate right of the bat nor does he pursue her immediately. Her presence opens a brand new world for him and he suddenly has to learn how to operate with emotions he hasn't had in millennia. If that's not enough, his mate wants nothing to do with him and has her own scars to heal, and life she's trying to live in the best way she knows how.
I loved watching them learn how to communicate. Lahve is so politically correct, assuming people know what he means and the suggestions he makes, where Candy needs a direct approach. Lahve also takes care of her (swoon), not because he believes her to be weak or unworthy just because she's a human, but because he actually sees her strength and wants her to feel supported in it. While Lahve can be possessive and domineering, he ALWAYS supports his mate and that was incredibly beautiful to see.
They're not without their faults, apart, nor together, but they work on those with one another. Their relationship and the pacing of this book make sense, it's believable, realistic, and absolutely perfect.
I couldn't put this book down and did not want to sleep without finishing this story. I went through so many emotions from aweing when he played the piano for her and bought her clothes, to hollering in the middle of the night when Lahve has his "small meltdown" and while I had absolutely no issue reading the series from the start of book 3, I'm going to go back and read books 1 and 2 because it was THAT good.
This book is a must for those who like:
- A possessive, supportive, protective, jealous virgin male who gets vengeance for his mate.
- Alien vampires
- A heroine seeing her strength
- Strong, diverse, characters.
- Excellent worldbuilding
- Breeding behaviors ;)
This is the first book I've read from the Population Series. I've read and fallen in love with Elizabeth's Xiveri Mates series and I absolutely love her writing. But, I was not ready for the chokehold this book was going to have on me.
Lahve is a 3000 year old alien vampire and he takes his title and role seriously. He's a neutral being in a vicious world. Lahve is methodical in how he operates and does not feel emotions. He does what is necessary and what he believes his right. He lives in the way he believes he should as to honor his planet. And then he meets his mate and everything changes.
One of the things I appreciated about this story is it is not an immediate change. Lahve does not recognize his mate right of the bat nor does he pursue her immediately. Her presence opens a brand new world for him and he suddenly has to learn how to operate with emotions he hasn't had in millennia. If that's not enough, his mate wants nothing to do with him and has her own scars to heal, and life she's trying to live in the best way she knows how.
I loved watching them learn how to communicate. Lahve is so politically correct, assuming people know what he means and the suggestions he makes, where Candy needs a direct approach. Lahve also takes care of her (swoon), not because he believes her to be weak or unworthy just because she's a human, but because he actually sees her strength and wants her to feel supported in it. While Lahve can be possessive and domineering, he ALWAYS supports his mate and that was incredibly beautiful to see.
They're not without their faults, apart, nor together, but they work on those with one another. Their relationship and the pacing of this book make sense, it's believable, realistic, and absolutely perfect.
I couldn't put this book down and did not want to sleep without finishing this story. I went through so many emotions from aweing when he played the piano for her and bought her clothes, to hollering in the middle of the night when Lahve has his "small meltdown" and while I had absolutely no issue reading the series from the start of book 3, I'm going to go back and read books 1 and 2 because it was THAT good.
This book is a must for those who like:
- A possessive, supportive, protective, jealous virgin male who gets vengeance for his mate.
- Alien vampires
- A heroine seeing her strength
- Strong, diverse, characters.
- Excellent worldbuilding
- Breeding behaviors ;)
March 5, 2022
Immortal with scars formally Brianna
I really enjoyed this book. I did notice that it was said you could read this novel as a standalone but I highly suggest you read it as a series. There’s a lot of backstory and people that are main characters in the story that would make this book even better if you read the previous two books or even just the previous book… but why deny yourself of Kane and Abel’s beautiful relationship so go ahead and read Lord of Population !!
Now back to Immortal With Scars
What a fun ride this book was. It did take a different turn from the other books which I found to be really interesting. You meet the Lahve who is 3000 years old, Who has no experience with humans,… well quite frankly he hates humans well not hate more dislike humans. And dealing with the opposite sex or how to handle his sexual feelings is not a fun ride for him. And Yet Lahve find himself completely enamored with Candy….. a human.
You may wonder would not 3000 years of living teach him all he needs to know about life and how to handle any situation he finds himself in..……. NOPE
Will you find this unique take on a man Who is unraveling as he tries to figure out about human beings and the meaning of love. The meaning of finding a true mate and what life would be like his he made decisions that were based on what he really wanted.
It was really funny to read this book because you’re literally watching a man fumble his way through life. Completely changing who he was and who he wants to be. We get to see how he acts with human’s,and we get to see how cute and nerdy he is! Plus we get to see how dating it would be like in a post apocalyptic world.
But as the story goes on you cannot help but fall in love with the characters and the people in this book. Even more so I have fallen in love with Kane and Diego. The women keep getting stronger and stronger and the story just keeps developing even better.
Make no mistake this book is dark, and has strong violence in it and not for the faint of heart. But if you keep going you will find that flower that blooms in the shadow in this book
I truly enjoy these series and can’t wait to read Constanza story.
Thank you to the author for giving me the Arc for my honest review.
TW: violence, sexual abuse etc..
I really enjoyed this book. I did notice that it was said you could read this novel as a standalone but I highly suggest you read it as a series. There’s a lot of backstory and people that are main characters in the story that would make this book even better if you read the previous two books or even just the previous book… but why deny yourself of Kane and Abel’s beautiful relationship so go ahead and read Lord of Population !!
Now back to Immortal With Scars
What a fun ride this book was. It did take a different turn from the other books which I found to be really interesting. You meet the Lahve who is 3000 years old, Who has no experience with humans,… well quite frankly he hates humans well not hate more dislike humans. And dealing with the opposite sex or how to handle his sexual feelings is not a fun ride for him. And Yet Lahve find himself completely enamored with Candy….. a human.
You may wonder would not 3000 years of living teach him all he needs to know about life and how to handle any situation he finds himself in..……. NOPE
Will you find this unique take on a man Who is unraveling as he tries to figure out about human beings and the meaning of love. The meaning of finding a true mate and what life would be like his he made decisions that were based on what he really wanted.
It was really funny to read this book because you’re literally watching a man fumble his way through life. Completely changing who he was and who he wants to be. We get to see how he acts with human’s,and we get to see how cute and nerdy he is! Plus we get to see how dating it would be like in a post apocalyptic world.
But as the story goes on you cannot help but fall in love with the characters and the people in this book. Even more so I have fallen in love with Kane and Diego. The women keep getting stronger and stronger and the story just keeps developing even better.
Make no mistake this book is dark, and has strong violence in it and not for the faint of heart. But if you keep going you will find that flower that blooms in the shadow in this book
I truly enjoy these series and can’t wait to read Constanza story.
Thank you to the author for giving me the Arc for my honest review.
TW: violence, sexual abuse etc..
October 9, 2022
Alien April 2022
4.5
WTF... people are sleeping on this series. It is dark, and gritty with solid character and plot threads wrapped up in strong and heat filled romances. It is the written version of The Walking Dead TV show, but with a twist, and is a series that I think could work just as easily for non romance readers as for us romance readers.
The worldbuilding is pretty solid for the most part, the characters show various different types of strength and a ton of growth throughout. I love that the characters we meet in the first book/s don't go away, but are very much still present in each book after, even though they are relegated to secondaries rather than the mains. Also, it was fascinating to me that looks 2 & 3 were entirely from the MMC's point of view (first person), something we are seeing more of in contemporary romance, but the first time I've seen it in any other sub-genre where it's not an MM story.
Yes, there are things that I didn't like in each of the three books, things that stretch the limits of my boundaries within romance, but TBH, not enough to sway me away from loving them. And I think that I may finally have been swayed to the side of the 'he will burn the world to save her' trope, even when she is perfectly capable of saving herself!!!
In this last book in the series, so far as I really hope we are getting more in this world, the MMC is the most alien we've seen up til now. I think that the presentation of his character is one of the highlights of this book in particular, and paired with the FMC who seems to be the most 'delicate' was both a challenging and compelling choice for me. She does have a hidden backbone of steel however and has had her own battles to fight even if those were not with weapons. She has been used, abused and scarred beyond belief, but has enough resilience in her to carry on and take back some of the control she lost at the hands of both alien and human men, even whilst still being afraid. The journey to how she overcomes her trauma was perhaps a tad swept aside, but the strength of her bond with her 3000+ year old (VIRGIN
4.5
WTF... people are sleeping on this series. It is dark, and gritty with solid character and plot threads wrapped up in strong and heat filled romances. It is the written version of The Walking Dead TV show, but with a twist, and is a series that I think could work just as easily for non romance readers as for us romance readers.
The worldbuilding is pretty solid for the most part, the characters show various different types of strength and a ton of growth throughout. I love that the characters we meet in the first book/s don't go away, but are very much still present in each book after, even though they are relegated to secondaries rather than the mains. Also, it was fascinating to me that looks 2 & 3 were entirely from the MMC's point of view (first person), something we are seeing more of in contemporary romance, but the first time I've seen it in any other sub-genre where it's not an MM story.
Yes, there are things that I didn't like in each of the three books, things that stretch the limits of my boundaries within romance, but TBH, not enough to sway me away from loving them. And I think that I may finally have been swayed to the side of the 'he will burn the world to save her' trope, even when she is perfectly capable of saving herself!!!
In this last book in the series, so far as I really hope we are getting more in this world, the MMC is the most alien we've seen up til now. I think that the presentation of his character is one of the highlights of this book in particular, and paired with the FMC who seems to be the most 'delicate' was both a challenging and compelling choice for me. She does have a hidden backbone of steel however and has had her own battles to fight even if those were not with weapons. She has been used, abused and scarred beyond belief, but has enough resilience in her to carry on and take back some of the control she lost at the hands of both alien and human men, even whilst still being afraid. The journey to how she overcomes her trauma was perhaps a tad swept aside, but the strength of her bond with her 3000+ year old (VIRGIN
March 27, 2022
Elizabeth has done it again. I love her attention to details from the language and cultures of this world. She always makes its seem natural when the characters learn about each other and learn the language. I do not know ow how she comes up with these names😍
Lahave & Candy love story is tragic and beautiful at the same time. I love that they have some things in come especially with their names...no spoilers. What broke my heart is that both never cared for anything until that one touch started their story with curiosity, strength and learning what each other go through to live. Their bound is PERFECTLY paced and going from friends to lovers. Straight away you can sense they are made for each other.
I enjoyed learning about Lahave world and his people which is...no spoilers And we learn about Candy past with the gang and all I wanted to do was hugger and I see why Abel & Diego are so protective over. With the links to the gang and the life she lived that she had no idea was actually not the correct way to live...no spoilers
That what i mean by they are both learning to live. Because Lahave and Candy may have different past but they are learning the safe and happy way to live I'm Population. They have FANTASTIC friends that are like a family supporting them and working togther to protect their world
Ipalora is a bird from Hom Lahve's home planet. He calls Candy that bird because she is a survivor and no one can stop her from flying. When he calls her Ipalora I can see that bird she described❤️
I have not read the previous and I don't need to because we get recaps. AND the evil "The Five Point Gang" is still trying to destroying everything that people & aliens matter in Population
☆MUST READ☆
I hope this gets made into a audiobooks series 🙏 I have some ideas of narrators that can bring this world to life and the complex relationships
~•~○~•~○•~
I have not read the previous and I don't need to because we get recaps. AND the evil "The Five Point Gang" is still trying to destroying everything that people & aliens matter in Brianna.
Lahave & Candy love story is tragic and beautiful at the same time. I love that they have some things in come especially with their names...no spoilers. What broke my heart is that both never cared for anything until that one touch started their story with curiosity, strength and learning what each other go through to live. Their bound is PERFECTLY paced and going from friends to lovers. Straight away you can sense they are made for each other.
I enjoyed learning about Lahave world and his people which is...no spoilers And we learn about Candy past with the gang and all I wanted to do was hugger and I see why Abel & Diego are so protective over. With the links to the gang and the life she lived that she had no idea was actually not the correct way to live...no spoilers
That what i mean by they are both learning to live. Because Lahave and Candy may have different past but they are learning the safe and happy way to live I'm Population. They have FANTASTIC friends that are like a family supporting them and working togther to protect their world
Ipalora is a bird from Hom Lahve's home planet. He calls Candy that bird because she is a survivor and no one can stop her from flying. When he calls her Ipalora I can see that bird she described❤️
I have not read the previous and I don't need to because we get recaps. AND the evil "The Five Point Gang" is still trying to destroying everything that people & aliens matter in Population
☆MUST READ☆
I hope this gets made into a audiobooks series 🙏 I have some ideas of narrators that can bring this world to life and the complex relationships
~•~○~•~○•~
I have not read the previous and I don't need to because we get recaps. AND the evil "The Five Point Gang" is still trying to destroying everything that people & aliens matter in Brianna.
February 22, 2022
I feel like I have been waiting for this book to be finished for a long time and I wasn't disappointed. If anything I was sad when I finished it, but not without the author teasing about the next book, that I will be impatiently waiting for.
It was truly enjoyable reading this story through the eyes of the Lahve, which gives you a better understanding of who and what he is. I loved the interactions he had with the humans and how he tried to decipher everything they said and did. It was even more entertaining when those interactions got misconstrued and he took things said and done quite literally. On the same note, his internal monologue also gives you insight on his life before encountering humans and why he may be confused at times. Over the course of the book you can start seeing the change in the Lahve as he starts to understand humans more and accept this new world as it is and his new role in it.
Before, his entire life depended on him being impartial and neutral, until he met Candy. It's like there's suddenly something he can gain from his life besides his duty as Lahve. And as his interest in Candy grows, he begins blurring the lines between his duty as Lahve and his own desires.
Because of Candy's past, their story seems to take the route of a slow burn, but once sparks started flying, things burned HOT and it was defintely worth the wait. Like, definitely worth the wait....especially for the Lahve...about 3000 years of waiting to be exact. You'll see what I mean. Lol.
Needless to say I highly recommend this book and the entire series. If you enjoy romance, action, aliens, dystopian future with a little bit of blood and trauma along the way, then this is definitely a awesome choice.
This was a fantastic read and once again I will be impatiently awaiting the next book.
It was truly enjoyable reading this story through the eyes of the Lahve, which gives you a better understanding of who and what he is. I loved the interactions he had with the humans and how he tried to decipher everything they said and did. It was even more entertaining when those interactions got misconstrued and he took things said and done quite literally. On the same note, his internal monologue also gives you insight on his life before encountering humans and why he may be confused at times. Over the course of the book you can start seeing the change in the Lahve as he starts to understand humans more and accept this new world as it is and his new role in it.
Before, his entire life depended on him being impartial and neutral, until he met Candy. It's like there's suddenly something he can gain from his life besides his duty as Lahve. And as his interest in Candy grows, he begins blurring the lines between his duty as Lahve and his own desires.
Because of Candy's past, their story seems to take the route of a slow burn, but once sparks started flying, things burned HOT and it was defintely worth the wait. Like, definitely worth the wait....especially for the Lahve...about 3000 years of waiting to be exact. You'll see what I mean. Lol.
Needless to say I highly recommend this book and the entire series. If you enjoy romance, action, aliens, dystopian future with a little bit of blood and trauma along the way, then this is definitely a awesome choice.
This was a fantastic read and once again I will be impatiently awaiting the next book.
February 22, 2022
There are good writers and talented writers. Then there are writers like Ms. Stephens, who is an exceptionally gifted wordsmith. She posseses the raw talent of spinning words into a divinely woven tapestry of dialog and emotion that immerses you in the story.
With the POPULATION series, she's beautifully crafted three-dimensional characters within and vivid and fascinating post-apocalyptic/dystopian world. POPULATION is about destruction and evil, survival and goodness, love and devotion.
"I had never understood the human concept of a heart-break. A heart can be cut and burned, sliced and stitched together but it cannot be broken. But I understand now." ~Lahave
Needless to say, I'm a huge POPULATION fan. I love Abel and Kane in LORD OF POPULATION. I love the backstory on why the Heztoichen call earth "Population." I love Diego and Pia in MONSTERS IN THE OASIS.
Lahve and Candy in IMMORTAL WITH SCARS are no exception, I love them too. Told in first person perspective by Lahve, I enjoyed watching him - a sophisticated and powerful being - muddle through his evolving "human" emotions as he falls in love with Candy.
And daaaamn Ms. Stephens' male characters know how to love their mates: "Candy, my mate would wear the eyes of my kills around her neck as a necklace…"
Candy's character and emotional growth was satisfying, and it was pleasing to see her become the strong woman she's meant to be.
IMMORTAL WITH SCARS is well paced and a well developed addition to the POPULATION storyline/series. It's advertised that it can be read as a stand alone but I'm not so sure. If you're reading it solely as a romance, then yeah, stand alone is okay. But if you care to understand the significance of the other characters, the politics and background, and the reason for war, then you should read it's predecessors.
With the POPULATION series, she's beautifully crafted three-dimensional characters within and vivid and fascinating post-apocalyptic/dystopian world. POPULATION is about destruction and evil, survival and goodness, love and devotion.
"I had never understood the human concept of a heart-break. A heart can be cut and burned, sliced and stitched together but it cannot be broken. But I understand now." ~Lahave
Needless to say, I'm a huge POPULATION fan. I love Abel and Kane in LORD OF POPULATION. I love the backstory on why the Heztoichen call earth "Population." I love Diego and Pia in MONSTERS IN THE OASIS.
Lahve and Candy in IMMORTAL WITH SCARS are no exception, I love them too. Told in first person perspective by Lahve, I enjoyed watching him - a sophisticated and powerful being - muddle through his evolving "human" emotions as he falls in love with Candy.
And daaaamn Ms. Stephens' male characters know how to love their mates: "Candy, my mate would wear the eyes of my kills around her neck as a necklace…"
Candy's character and emotional growth was satisfying, and it was pleasing to see her become the strong woman she's meant to be.
IMMORTAL WITH SCARS is well paced and a well developed addition to the POPULATION storyline/series. It's advertised that it can be read as a stand alone but I'm not so sure. If you're reading it solely as a romance, then yeah, stand alone is okay. But if you care to understand the significance of the other characters, the politics and background, and the reason for war, then you should read it's predecessors.
February 22, 2022
Trigger warnings of past rape, brutality and bloody battles.
Imagine, never being able to enjoy the touch of another. That's what Nithril, The Lahve or Justice Dealer, has experienced for hundreds of years. He is curious, no, intrigued with his Notare Kane and Abel's relationship. After trying and failing to "rheach" the tiny frail human Candy for information, he finds himself experiencing things he has never felt. Arousal?! Emotions?!
He must ask her to, , have dinner with him, strictly for research purposes only.
Candy's past has left her scared both inside and outside. Because of her past, she has vital information that can help prepare for a coming invasion. When the Lahve ask her to dinner, she thinks he wants what all the others want from her. When she wakes in his home, she's afraid then relieved. She now knows he's, , different and she's, ,intrigued. Plus, he "purrs" for her. What's that about?
Realizing Candy was a victim and not a willing gang member, he then sees her as strong. Candy sees that he may be big and scary but, he isn't like the others. He makes her feel unafraid and strong.
What started out as a mystery sweeps them both into just what each other needs inside and to prepare for the battle to come!
Candy, what she went through, it broke my heart!!
She didn't even realize she was, , To give up is easy, to survive, that takes strength!
Nithril may be hundreds of years older but she makes him feel like he's the teen. So cute.
There's SO much more I could say, like, when he compares her to the Ipalora. Or the way he defends her, oh my heart!
This story is action-packed, steamy and heartbreaking. I had my hand on my heart, I cried and cheered. I sincerely recommend this book.
Imagine, never being able to enjoy the touch of another. That's what Nithril, The Lahve or Justice Dealer, has experienced for hundreds of years. He is curious, no, intrigued with his Notare Kane and Abel's relationship. After trying and failing to "rheach" the tiny frail human Candy for information, he finds himself experiencing things he has never felt. Arousal?! Emotions?!
He must ask her to, , have dinner with him, strictly for research purposes only.
Candy's past has left her scared both inside and outside. Because of her past, she has vital information that can help prepare for a coming invasion. When the Lahve ask her to dinner, she thinks he wants what all the others want from her. When she wakes in his home, she's afraid then relieved. She now knows he's, , different and she's, ,intrigued. Plus, he "purrs" for her. What's that about?
Realizing Candy was a victim and not a willing gang member, he then sees her as strong. Candy sees that he may be big and scary but, he isn't like the others. He makes her feel unafraid and strong.
What started out as a mystery sweeps them both into just what each other needs inside and to prepare for the battle to come!
Candy, what she went through, it broke my heart!!
She didn't even realize she was, , To give up is easy, to survive, that takes strength!
Nithril may be hundreds of years older but she makes him feel like he's the teen. So cute.
There's SO much more I could say, like, when he compares her to the Ipalora. Or the way he defends her, oh my heart!
This story is action-packed, steamy and heartbreaking. I had my hand on my heart, I cried and cheered. I sincerely recommend this book.
September 1, 2025
Great series though Dark
This has been a great series. Not only keeping me interested and engaged but it is well edited on several levels. The author has definitely put great effort into all areas of her literary endeavors. I really DO hope that this series continues and that the teaser preview for Book 4 is more than just that…a teaser. It would really be a shame just to drop this series off a cliff. But that being said Book 3 could be used as a series ender if need be. It was quite masterful how Ms. Stephens handled the concept of a near immortal being’s transition to becoming a being that meshes into a new world and a new reality for him and finally begin to understand beings, even from his own world, whose emotions have been cutoff from him. The Lahve’s tale is riveting and the reveal of his thoughts, feelings and background was beautify done. Anyway, this was a very good read as was the entire series. While dark that darkness only showcased the dystopia that the earth had devolved into and how so very easy it was to drop into barbarism when taken for granted societal structures fail even when those structures not only include human but alien society as well. Critical mistakes and assumptions were made by both sides leading to chaos and pain for everyone, human and alien alike. The unfolding of their survival and reconstruction is a must read. Again, hope the series continues sometime in the near future.
This has been a great series. Not only keeping me interested and engaged but it is well edited on several levels. The author has definitely put great effort into all areas of her literary endeavors. I really DO hope that this series continues and that the teaser preview for Book 4 is more than just that…a teaser. It would really be a shame just to drop this series off a cliff. But that being said Book 3 could be used as a series ender if need be. It was quite masterful how Ms. Stephens handled the concept of a near immortal being’s transition to becoming a being that meshes into a new world and a new reality for him and finally begin to understand beings, even from his own world, whose emotions have been cutoff from him. The Lahve’s tale is riveting and the reveal of his thoughts, feelings and background was beautify done. Anyway, this was a very good read as was the entire series. While dark that darkness only showcased the dystopia that the earth had devolved into and how so very easy it was to drop into barbarism when taken for granted societal structures fail even when those structures not only include human but alien society as well. Critical mistakes and assumptions were made by both sides leading to chaos and pain for everyone, human and alien alike. The unfolding of their survival and reconstruction is a must read. Again, hope the series continues sometime in the near future.
March 3, 2022
Wow! I inhaled this book. Once I started I could not put it down. The plot is complex and moves at a perfect pace for a 350 page novel – definitely has more substance to it than a lot of other books in similar genres. If you are looking for a book slightly darker / more intense than your standard alien invasion romance but not so gritty that you are stressed the whole book, this is a perfect medium.
Lahve is an “I’ve never felt anything before until I encounter this one special person” which is one of my favorite kinds of romantic leads. His naiveté about relationships made me laugh out loud and his cinnamon-roll moments made me tear up. The side characters heavily featured also were very well rounded.
It is a true to form medium burn. Once the spice came into play it was HOT. I’d give the book as a whole a 3.5/5 on the spicy scale.
This was the first book of the Population Series that I read, and it definitely can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the series in order. Eventually I was able to pick up the nuances of the Tare hierarchy so it was fine, though it would be easier to start at the beginning.
I will absolutely be going back to read the first few novels immediately and will be continuing the series!
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lahve is an “I’ve never felt anything before until I encounter this one special person” which is one of my favorite kinds of romantic leads. His naiveté about relationships made me laugh out loud and his cinnamon-roll moments made me tear up. The side characters heavily featured also were very well rounded.
It is a true to form medium burn. Once the spice came into play it was HOT. I’d give the book as a whole a 3.5/5 on the spicy scale.
This was the first book of the Population Series that I read, and it definitely can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the series in order. Eventually I was able to pick up the nuances of the Tare hierarchy so it was fine, though it would be easier to start at the beginning.
I will absolutely be going back to read the first few novels immediately and will be continuing the series!
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2022
What I loved most about Immortal With Scars was how alien the Lahve’s presence was. The book is told entirely from his POV, and he had such a different way of thinking about things and judging what was happening around him. As an immortal, the Lahve simply processes time differently than us, and Stephens does a fantastic job setting that up for the reader.
I also loved that what made his heroine Candy work for him was that she is unique in his experience. In our world, Candy is scorned by many humans, treated as lower than the low for becoming a feeder (or blood bag) for the vampiric race that has conquered Earth. But just as the Lahve confronts all sorts of new feelings through Candy, so the reader has to assess her talents and abilities as Immortal With Scars moves along.
I loved the action and tension in this story, and the protagonists were two truly fascinating characters. I will say that if you haven’t read the previous books in this series, you should before trying this one. Stephens assumes that readers remember a great deal about this world. A brief preface or glossary would have been very helpful to remind readers of how this world is structured, as well as to cover some of the terminology.
But Immortal With Scars is a great addition to the Population series. If you’re a fan of dystopian romance, this is a wonderful series to check out.
I also loved that what made his heroine Candy work for him was that she is unique in his experience. In our world, Candy is scorned by many humans, treated as lower than the low for becoming a feeder (or blood bag) for the vampiric race that has conquered Earth. But just as the Lahve confronts all sorts of new feelings through Candy, so the reader has to assess her talents and abilities as Immortal With Scars moves along.
I loved the action and tension in this story, and the protagonists were two truly fascinating characters. I will say that if you haven’t read the previous books in this series, you should before trying this one. Stephens assumes that readers remember a great deal about this world. A brief preface or glossary would have been very helpful to remind readers of how this world is structured, as well as to cover some of the terminology.
But Immortal With Scars is a great addition to the Population series. If you’re a fan of dystopian romance, this is a wonderful series to check out.
June 16, 2022
Normally, I read series in sequence and I think that approach would have helped me a lot here. I could see strengths with the writing, but I found walking in at Book 3 too confusing for me to have a good experience. This novel was positioned as a standalone, but it is not easy to read that way.
For example, I enjoyed the alien outlook of Lahve and his differences from humans, but I didn't understand half the references he made. For example, words like Notare (a human title bestowed by aliens or an alien title?) or Sistylea (a planet or a god?) weren't sufficiently explained for me to follow the world building.
Likewise, there were many characters who had clearly met before. I assumed halfway through that Candy has appeared in earlier novels and while I followed enough of her story and connections to characters like Abel, Kane and Diego, I could tell there were nuances I was missing. That might not bother some readers, but it wasn't enjoyable for me. Normally I’m a quick reader, but knowing I had gaps to fill in made me slower to move through this story and reluctant to pick it up again after a break.
This is clearly an intricate world with powerful connections between the characters. I would likely have rated it higher if I'd read this book after experiencing Books 1 and 2.
For example, I enjoyed the alien outlook of Lahve and his differences from humans, but I didn't understand half the references he made. For example, words like Notare (a human title bestowed by aliens or an alien title?) or Sistylea (a planet or a god?) weren't sufficiently explained for me to follow the world building.
Likewise, there were many characters who had clearly met before. I assumed halfway through that Candy has appeared in earlier novels and while I followed enough of her story and connections to characters like Abel, Kane and Diego, I could tell there were nuances I was missing. That might not bother some readers, but it wasn't enjoyable for me. Normally I’m a quick reader, but knowing I had gaps to fill in made me slower to move through this story and reluctant to pick it up again after a break.
This is clearly an intricate world with powerful connections between the characters. I would likely have rated it higher if I'd read this book after experiencing Books 1 and 2.
April 9, 2022
DNF 50%
Hm. count in this book: 50
Gross age gap (19 y/o and 3k y/o). Abused FMC, no substance due to her entire existence being a victim. Good at pottery. The “sex work is honest work” tone she had at one point is not it, even though the statement is correct, we need to consider she has been a victim of abuse her whole life. Its all sad and tragic, especially when she’s supposed to have been so “taken care of” by her people now.
I would stick around to see her develop if it weren’t for the MMC. An impartial alien, the last of his kind, who is supposed to be humanizing more due to love. However, for someone who is ancient, has been on Earth for a decade, and can read memories he knows nothing of humans and still sees them as inferior. He’s an immature, violent, possessive male. You know the drill if you read dark romances but this is not the good kind. Him going from old impartial being to more human has been nothing but cringe.
The plot is barely there and due to my DNF I’m not sticking around to find out. You can write dark and tragic things but if it’s done wrong then it’s just bad. I tried.
Hm. count in this book: 50
Gross age gap (19 y/o and 3k y/o). Abused FMC, no substance due to her entire existence being a victim. Good at pottery. The “sex work is honest work” tone she had at one point is not it, even though the statement is correct, we need to consider she has been a victim of abuse her whole life. Its all sad and tragic, especially when she’s supposed to have been so “taken care of” by her people now.
I would stick around to see her develop if it weren’t for the MMC. An impartial alien, the last of his kind, who is supposed to be humanizing more due to love. However, for someone who is ancient, has been on Earth for a decade, and can read memories he knows nothing of humans and still sees them as inferior. He’s an immature, violent, possessive male. You know the drill if you read dark romances but this is not the good kind. Him going from old impartial being to more human has been nothing but cringe.
The plot is barely there and due to my DNF I’m not sticking around to find out. You can write dark and tragic things but if it’s done wrong then it’s just bad. I tried.
July 26, 2022
A Carefully Crafted Description of Inner Turmoil
This book epitomized the turmoil of an inner-self struggle among two diametrically opposite beings, from the perspective of the male. The male, Nithril, was the last if his kind, the purest of pure in body and the most exalted among the diverse population. The female, Edith, had been abused in many ways, both physically and mentally and continued to be abused, as she could not stand up to her abusers. I loved the war that Nithril wages against himself not to fall for such a battered soul as Edith. The way in which his walls fell to his feelings was described in such a manner as to embroil the reader in the book, rich for its descriptions. He was alone in his efforts to master his surrender.
Not to give too much away, but the scene in the Not are chamber between Nithril, Edith, Pia, Diego and Notare Kane made it so that I was evermore unable to extricate myself from the book and had to follow it through to its fruition. Kudos the the author for making me experience the chaos of Nithril's thoughts and actions in his pursuit of Edith.
This book epitomized the turmoil of an inner-self struggle among two diametrically opposite beings, from the perspective of the male. The male, Nithril, was the last if his kind, the purest of pure in body and the most exalted among the diverse population. The female, Edith, had been abused in many ways, both physically and mentally and continued to be abused, as she could not stand up to her abusers. I loved the war that Nithril wages against himself not to fall for such a battered soul as Edith. The way in which his walls fell to his feelings was described in such a manner as to embroil the reader in the book, rich for its descriptions. He was alone in his efforts to master his surrender.
Not to give too much away, but the scene in the Not are chamber between Nithril, Edith, Pia, Diego and Notare Kane made it so that I was evermore unable to extricate myself from the book and had to follow it through to its fruition. Kudos the the author for making me experience the chaos of Nithril's thoughts and actions in his pursuit of Edith.
March 3, 2022
Amazing Story with So Much Heart
Yes, this takes place in a dark violent world with people who have been harden by their life experiences. But…this is truly so beautifully written. I think it is one of the most romantic “romance books” I’ve ever read. The relationship between the two main characters was just so gorgeous and heartfelt. I didn’t just fall in love with them, they tore my heart out. Many times I paused while I was reading because they just made me feel so much (you know, when you have to hug your tablet because your heart is bursting). Lahve, the main male character, could be completely ruthless and then pure love, and both made total sense. Being written only from his pov was a brilliant choice by the author. Absolutely best story ever! I know Elizabeth Stephens from the Xiveri Mates series. I love those books. But this one, wow, blew me away! Read it!! It’s amazing!!
FYI: there is some dark subject matter such as prostitution and abuse. But those themes are not the focus of the story and are handled with care.
Yes, this takes place in a dark violent world with people who have been harden by their life experiences. But…this is truly so beautifully written. I think it is one of the most romantic “romance books” I’ve ever read. The relationship between the two main characters was just so gorgeous and heartfelt. I didn’t just fall in love with them, they tore my heart out. Many times I paused while I was reading because they just made me feel so much (you know, when you have to hug your tablet because your heart is bursting). Lahve, the main male character, could be completely ruthless and then pure love, and both made total sense. Being written only from his pov was a brilliant choice by the author. Absolutely best story ever! I know Elizabeth Stephens from the Xiveri Mates series. I love those books. But this one, wow, blew me away! Read it!! It’s amazing!!
FYI: there is some dark subject matter such as prostitution and abuse. But those themes are not the focus of the story and are handled with care.
March 15, 2022
I read Immortal with Scars as an Beta Reader. I had already purchased the first 2 books in the Population series after reading other books by Elizabeth Stephens and so was looking forward to getting to read this 3rd book in the Population series.
I am not going to tell you about the story, (there is enough of that out there), I will say that this alien romance genre is outside of my normal reading however I really enjoy the way this authors characters are realistic and the settings are so believable, she keeps you wanting to turn the pages and then waiting impatiently for the next book in the series so I highly recommend that you read any and all of her books as you cannot help but get deeply involved with the characters.
Although this is listed as able to be read as a stand alone I really feel that it reads better if you have the back story from the first 2 books one would understand the environment and other characters in the book better if you have read the others, however it is still strong enough to be a stand alone.
I am not going to tell you about the story, (there is enough of that out there), I will say that this alien romance genre is outside of my normal reading however I really enjoy the way this authors characters are realistic and the settings are so believable, she keeps you wanting to turn the pages and then waiting impatiently for the next book in the series so I highly recommend that you read any and all of her books as you cannot help but get deeply involved with the characters.
Although this is listed as able to be read as a stand alone I really feel that it reads better if you have the back story from the first 2 books one would understand the environment and other characters in the book better if you have read the others, however it is still strong enough to be a stand alone.
March 3, 2022
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review*
Another phenomenally written book by Elizabeth Stephens!
The story is mainly from the hero's perspective which was interesting and quite refreshing. I loved his internal monologue because we could see how deeply he felt about Candy. Lahve struggles between his duty and slowly caring about her.
Candy has a traumatic past and I liked the way the author explored her trauma and how it affected her. It felt realistic and was sensitively portrayed.
As always, the writing was amazing. The worldbuilding was lush, descriptive and imaginative. I enjoyed the action and felt that there was a perfect blend of interesting plot and character development. The relationship between Lahve and Candy was beautifully portrayed; it made me tear up at parts. I loved the angst and tension. Also, the spice was very well done 😏
Overall, a solid book and I can't wait to continue the series!
Another phenomenally written book by Elizabeth Stephens!
The story is mainly from the hero's perspective which was interesting and quite refreshing. I loved his internal monologue because we could see how deeply he felt about Candy. Lahve struggles between his duty and slowly caring about her.
Candy has a traumatic past and I liked the way the author explored her trauma and how it affected her. It felt realistic and was sensitively portrayed.
As always, the writing was amazing. The worldbuilding was lush, descriptive and imaginative. I enjoyed the action and felt that there was a perfect blend of interesting plot and character development. The relationship between Lahve and Candy was beautifully portrayed; it made me tear up at parts. I loved the angst and tension. Also, the spice was very well done 😏
Overall, a solid book and I can't wait to continue the series!
March 4, 2022
I really liked this book. This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I definitely can't wait to go back for more, especially in this series. This was plenty of action, swoon-worthy romance, and mystery. I loved how Lahve treated Candy (Edith), how he made sure to let her know she was worthy and safe at all times. And I liked seeing Edith grow stronger and more confident throughout the story.
Their romance came with moments that had me screaming, First kiss, certain words. AHHHH. It was s slow burn, but given Candy's past, it was necessary. Then there was everything going on within their city, and outside of their walls. Them trying to piece together who the enemy was and how they would attack. It was all so, so good. Even though this was the third book in the series, I was able to follow along without reading the other two. But I definitely want to go back and read their stories.
Their romance came with moments that had me screaming, First kiss, certain words. AHHHH. It was s slow burn, but given Candy's past, it was necessary. Then there was everything going on within their city, and outside of their walls. Them trying to piece together who the enemy was and how they would attack. It was all so, so good. Even though this was the third book in the series, I was able to follow along without reading the other two. But I definitely want to go back and read their stories.
March 15, 2022
Worth stepping outside my comfort zone
Bravo Elizabeth Stephen's! This book was outside of my normal genre of reading but I am so glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I loved how the story of Lahve and Candy came about organically only to twist and turn in a tale of protection, love, destruction, and eternal beings.
She also did an awesome job at verbally creating an image of a city/town with familiar descriptions and names but with enough of a scenery change that it makes you think that it is taking place somewhere different.
I would've given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that I didn't understand what some of the terms like Notare meant. It might be beneficial to have a list of a few of the less common terms and their meanings in either the front or the back of the.
Otherwise it was a perfect read
Bravo Elizabeth Stephen's! This book was outside of my normal genre of reading but I am so glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I loved how the story of Lahve and Candy came about organically only to twist and turn in a tale of protection, love, destruction, and eternal beings.
She also did an awesome job at verbally creating an image of a city/town with familiar descriptions and names but with enough of a scenery change that it makes you think that it is taking place somewhere different.
I would've given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that I didn't understand what some of the terms like Notare meant. It might be beneficial to have a list of a few of the less common terms and their meanings in either the front or the back of the.
Otherwise it was a perfect read
June 15, 2023
 I really, really enjoyed this book especially compared to the first two books. The writing has improved so much, and maybe it's because there is not much world-building anymore and/or with the perspective that we are following. It felt much more solid, as if the story has found it's footing. I loved both of the MCs. They felt more rich and real, and I of course loved them together. There is much push and pull on both sides in different ways that made their relationship that much more meaningful. I also loved learning more about the hero as he is different from the aliens that I came to know from the first two books.
Overall, this book was my favorite from the series so far and hopefully the future books (if there will be) will be as good or continue to get better.
Overall, this book was my favorite from the series so far and hopefully the future books (if there will be) will be as good or continue to get better.
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