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Luna #3
Luna and the Balaru
It’s been three months since Luna Meadows accepted the dual role of Red Princess and Kyun Arbiter. For a girl who spent her life hiking the world over with her dad and living in tents, living in an enormous palace on another planet, walking around with a crown on her head, learning not to look over her shoulder to see who everyone keeps bowing to, and wearing skirts nearly every day, well, it all takes some getting used to. While she was doing her best to at least appear to be taking it all in stride, she was also working hard to learn everything she could from the Royal Council of Elders, performing her many new responsibilities, and repelling an increasing number of wanna-be assassins.
It was all worth it though because she got to spend virtually every minute of every day with Raj, her Mate Eternal, her heart, the touchstone of her life, and the center of her world. (Wherever that world might be) He was also tall, broad shouldered, had more muscles than she could concentrate long enough to count, gorgeous, loving, romantic, and drop-dead sexy both in bed, and in the middle of a battle with his teeth bared, a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other.
She also has a baby on the way, a best friend who stands by her side (on all four paws) no matter what, and for the first time in her life, a family. With perks like that, she had little to complain about. Sure, it was a little overwhelming at times, but it beat having nothing more to think about each day than how many miles she needed to run to make herself tired enough to sleep.
Then one night she had a dream that wasn’t a dream, and her plate got a whole lot fuller.
It seemed that she was destined to be the conduit through which a race of beings called the Balaru, who were once the Balajaru (Balaja-who?) until the Burning (that doesn’t sound good) after which the Aja (what’s an ah-jah?) no longer existed (nope, not good at all), so now they were just the Balaru.
She was a little confused, as one might imagine, and getting ready to ask Cloud Leaper, (the Balaru who’d hijacked her dream) a number of questions when he spilled the startling news that they (the Balaru), had waited ten thousand years for her to save them from the Velli-Machs. All other questions fell away as she wondered how in the hell she was supposed to manage that one. The Kyun had been trying to stop the Velli-Machs, the most despised criminals in the Five Galaxies, for over twelve thousand years. They also lived in the middle of a star cluster that no one could enter without exploding into flaming atoms.
She was still trying to wrap her mind around that when Cloud told her they had a bunch of information they wanted to pass directly into her mind. Luna thought about that for about two seconds, then decided it was time to wake up. Unfortunately, her favorite goddess, Artemia, didn’t like that idea one tiny bit. So Luna closed her eyes and let the Balaru stuff her head with whatever she was supposed to know. Of course, she couldn’t actually access that information. She had to wait for it to settle in her mind and rise on its own. Great.
By the time Luna woke up in her own bed she knew a couple of things. First, whatever the Velli-Machs had done to the Balaru was very bad. Second, she had to do something to help them since, apparently, no one else could. And third, helping the Balaru just might rid the universe of the plague called Velli-Mach once and for all.
“Luna and the Balaru” is the 219,000 word third installment of LUNA, the newest romance-fantasy-adventure from Laura Jo Phillips. It has the passion, the mystery, the excitement, the consuming emotion, and the romance that her fans know they are going to find in Laura Jo’s writing, but with the added depth that comes from a focus on a single couple.
It was all worth it though because she got to spend virtually every minute of every day with Raj, her Mate Eternal, her heart, the touchstone of her life, and the center of her world. (Wherever that world might be) He was also tall, broad shouldered, had more muscles than she could concentrate long enough to count, gorgeous, loving, romantic, and drop-dead sexy both in bed, and in the middle of a battle with his teeth bared, a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other.
She also has a baby on the way, a best friend who stands by her side (on all four paws) no matter what, and for the first time in her life, a family. With perks like that, she had little to complain about. Sure, it was a little overwhelming at times, but it beat having nothing more to think about each day than how many miles she needed to run to make herself tired enough to sleep.
Then one night she had a dream that wasn’t a dream, and her plate got a whole lot fuller.
It seemed that she was destined to be the conduit through which a race of beings called the Balaru, who were once the Balajaru (Balaja-who?) until the Burning (that doesn’t sound good) after which the Aja (what’s an ah-jah?) no longer existed (nope, not good at all), so now they were just the Balaru.
She was a little confused, as one might imagine, and getting ready to ask Cloud Leaper, (the Balaru who’d hijacked her dream) a number of questions when he spilled the startling news that they (the Balaru), had waited ten thousand years for her to save them from the Velli-Machs. All other questions fell away as she wondered how in the hell she was supposed to manage that one. The Kyun had been trying to stop the Velli-Machs, the most despised criminals in the Five Galaxies, for over twelve thousand years. They also lived in the middle of a star cluster that no one could enter without exploding into flaming atoms.
She was still trying to wrap her mind around that when Cloud told her they had a bunch of information they wanted to pass directly into her mind. Luna thought about that for about two seconds, then decided it was time to wake up. Unfortunately, her favorite goddess, Artemia, didn’t like that idea one tiny bit. So Luna closed her eyes and let the Balaru stuff her head with whatever she was supposed to know. Of course, she couldn’t actually access that information. She had to wait for it to settle in her mind and rise on its own. Great.
By the time Luna woke up in her own bed she knew a couple of things. First, whatever the Velli-Machs had done to the Balaru was very bad. Second, she had to do something to help them since, apparently, no one else could. And third, helping the Balaru just might rid the universe of the plague called Velli-Mach once and for all.
“Luna and the Balaru” is the 219,000 word third installment of LUNA, the newest romance-fantasy-adventure from Laura Jo Phillips. It has the passion, the mystery, the excitement, the consuming emotion, and the romance that her fans know they are going to find in Laura Jo’s writing, but with the added depth that comes from a focus on a single couple.
726 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2022
64 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Laura Jo Phillips
31 books147 followersLaura Jo Phillips is the Amazon best selling author of the genre-busting "Soul-Linked Saga" series of Fantasy/Romance/Adult/Science Fiction novels, and of the "Orbs of Rathira" trilogy, the the first volume of which was released in August 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 10, 2022
First of all, I was thrilled when Laura jo Philips, the author came back on Facebook announcing a new release after almost 1 year 1/2 of understandingly silence.
Luna is not a trilogy but an ongoing saga. The author explained it due to some misunderstandings with some reviews she read. So after this one, we shall read about Luna, princess and arbiter, again. Great news!
Laura Jo Philipps always write very long book which I am over the moon happy about. It is, forme, the only way to connect and fall with the characters. If I don’t know them, I feel disconnected.
However, I gave only 4 stars for this story. Main reason is that I noticed few inconsistencies such why did they had to go back on earth to download some translation applications when few chapters later the hero says that they can catch internet with one of their satellite…
The ghuri scene was not needed. The main story is about the Balaru. At times it felt as if the author added a chapter here and there to make the heroine look good but it wasn’t necessary at all with the plot. At times it was all about Balaru and then chapters of curent palace life such the very very long chapters about the home designer.
Few others I won’t list. It is not overwhelming but enough to make me pause and not read the book with fluidity.
Overall, it still remains a treat to read this author. She brings us in space opera romance with ease. All the characters and sentients are lovable. The villains are not talking the main place. Actions and soft moments. Every ingredients are there to make this story a great one we want to reread and follow again.
Not a trilogy as per the author hearself on Facebook. It is an ongoing saga.
You will not read sex scenes. Maybe one with no real details like we can read in soft harlequin. It is indeed mainstream in my mind. Nothing wrong with that, just if you wonder.
This book is more about establishing her role as a princess and arbiter role with extraordinary powers along incorporating family love and support.
It is a space opera saga with goodies, baddies, nicely written and yes, we can forgive the inconsistencies here and there
I recommend to read book 1 and 2. I cannot wait to read book 4 now!
Luna is not a trilogy but an ongoing saga. The author explained it due to some misunderstandings with some reviews she read. So after this one, we shall read about Luna, princess and arbiter, again. Great news!
Laura Jo Philipps always write very long book which I am over the moon happy about. It is, forme, the only way to connect and fall with the characters. If I don’t know them, I feel disconnected.
However, I gave only 4 stars for this story. Main reason is that I noticed few inconsistencies such why did they had to go back on earth to download some translation applications when few chapters later the hero says that they can catch internet with one of their satellite…
The ghuri scene was not needed. The main story is about the Balaru. At times it felt as if the author added a chapter here and there to make the heroine look good but it wasn’t necessary at all with the plot. At times it was all about Balaru and then chapters of curent palace life such the very very long chapters about the home designer.
Few others I won’t list. It is not overwhelming but enough to make me pause and not read the book with fluidity.
Overall, it still remains a treat to read this author. She brings us in space opera romance with ease. All the characters and sentients are lovable. The villains are not talking the main place. Actions and soft moments. Every ingredients are there to make this story a great one we want to reread and follow again.
Not a trilogy as per the author hearself on Facebook. It is an ongoing saga.
You will not read sex scenes. Maybe one with no real details like we can read in soft harlequin. It is indeed mainstream in my mind. Nothing wrong with that, just if you wonder.
This book is more about establishing her role as a princess and arbiter role with extraordinary powers along incorporating family love and support.
It is a space opera saga with goodies, baddies, nicely written and yes, we can forgive the inconsistencies here and there
I recommend to read book 1 and 2. I cannot wait to read book 4 now!
June 16, 2022
Luna is learning
Luna is progressing in her pregnancy. She's also learning more about the Kyun and being the Arbiter. New people are brought into her orbit. Whether they're friends, enemies, or something else remains to be seen.
Spoilers ahead.
Part of me loves the story arc, especially the way the wrap up goes. Part of me drifted a bit while reading. There was a lot of dialogue, which isn't usually a complaint of mine lol. But I miss the little bonding moments with Ran and Luna. Not the intimacy, but the cuddles, the sparring, the jumping. We see a few scenes, but they get cut away quickly, or there's a time lapse. The story mostly focuses on the mystery, history and cause of the Balaru. Their history is tied with the Velli-Machs and a warning should be made for how the family line continues. The females are not there willingly, mind wiping is done, and false memories of happiness are implanted to keep them compliant. There's also mention of genocide. Sensitive readers should be aware of the topics. The story took some interesting turns, and we see a new species with a very different culture. We also meet new characters and a side of a friend previously mentioned that I'm not exactly sure about. It was an interesting, and well timed, continuation. I needed something to focus on while in the hospital.
Luna is progressing in her pregnancy. She's also learning more about the Kyun and being the Arbiter. New people are brought into her orbit. Whether they're friends, enemies, or something else remains to be seen.
Spoilers ahead.
Part of me loves the story arc, especially the way the wrap up goes. Part of me drifted a bit while reading. There was a lot of dialogue, which isn't usually a complaint of mine lol. But I miss the little bonding moments with Ran and Luna. Not the intimacy, but the cuddles, the sparring, the jumping. We see a few scenes, but they get cut away quickly, or there's a time lapse. The story mostly focuses on the mystery, history and cause of the Balaru. Their history is tied with the Velli-Machs and a warning should be made for how the family line continues. The females are not there willingly, mind wiping is done, and false memories of happiness are implanted to keep them compliant. There's also mention of genocide. Sensitive readers should be aware of the topics. The story took some interesting turns, and we see a new species with a very different culture. We also meet new characters and a side of a friend previously mentioned that I'm not exactly sure about. It was an interesting, and well timed, continuation. I needed something to focus on while in the hospital.
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February 27, 2024Luna's adventure continues..
I first read this book as soon as it was released, and of course I loved it. But I am sure as usual it was a case of reading fast to find out what happens next. This time around I reread the whole series, and took my time to thoroughly enjoy ALL the little details that make up a Laura Jo Phillips novel. And I loved it even more. You have mystery, adventure, developing relationships beyond the romantic variety (although those are always a joy to watch as they blossom), marvelous world building, all the emotions, some supernatural and some science fiction aspects, and of course some sweetly vicious, sentient animals. Luna is really coming into her own, becoming more confident in her abilities and her roles on Kyun Prime; and her fabulous support system/family continues to grow and become stronger. I can't recommend this series enough to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories that are full of all the things.
I first read this book as soon as it was released, and of course I loved it. But I am sure as usual it was a case of reading fast to find out what happens next. This time around I reread the whole series, and took my time to thoroughly enjoy ALL the little details that make up a Laura Jo Phillips novel. And I loved it even more. You have mystery, adventure, developing relationships beyond the romantic variety (although those are always a joy to watch as they blossom), marvelous world building, all the emotions, some supernatural and some science fiction aspects, and of course some sweetly vicious, sentient animals. Luna is really coming into her own, becoming more confident in her abilities and her roles on Kyun Prime; and her fabulous support system/family continues to grow and become stronger. I can't recommend this series enough to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories that are full of all the things.
August 15, 2022
Saving an entire species while being pregnant. For Luna, no sweat.
The third book in the Luna series did not disappoint. Actually, it may be the author's best work thus far. The love story between Luna and Raj expands through a multitude of adventures, trials and achievements. Danger lurks throughout the slowly evolving plot line that dates back ten thousand years. All I can say, is if I am reincarnated, I want to come back as Sitka.
The third book in the Luna series did not disappoint. Actually, it may be the author's best work thus far. The love story between Luna and Raj expands through a multitude of adventures, trials and achievements. Danger lurks throughout the slowly evolving plot line that dates back ten thousand years. All I can say, is if I am reincarnated, I want to come back as Sitka.
November 14, 2022
Loved it! But?
I love this series. But I fill like I'm missing something. Like Luna being kidnapped buy the twins. Or her and her mate fighting a heard of monsters before the priestess marked her. Or a torture Sean wear Luna and her unborn child are at risk. Am I crazy or is there another book that disappeared? Someone save my sanity and let me know. But other than that This series is awesome!
I love this series. But I fill like I'm missing something. Like Luna being kidnapped buy the twins. Or her and her mate fighting a heard of monsters before the priestess marked her. Or a torture Sean wear Luna and her unborn child are at risk. Am I crazy or is there another book that disappeared? Someone save my sanity and let me know. But other than that This series is awesome!
May 29, 2022
Fantastic book…
I was so happy to see this book come out!!! Laura Jo Phillips u have done it again!!! Absolutely great continuation of this story… thank you for continuing this story even with all of the heartache u have gone through!!! U rock and I hope u never forget that!! Thank you 😊
I was so happy to see this book come out!!! Laura Jo Phillips u have done it again!!! Absolutely great continuation of this story… thank you for continuing this story even with all of the heartache u have gone through!!! U rock and I hope u never forget that!! Thank you 😊
June 11, 2022
Excellent story
This was an exceptional completion to Luna’s story! Laura Jo Phillips has written a well thought out entertaining story with fun characters. I was sorry to read the final chapter of this exciting story as I wanted to read more about Luna and Ray’s story. I look forward to reading more stories from Laura Jo.
This was an exceptional completion to Luna’s story! Laura Jo Phillips has written a well thought out entertaining story with fun characters. I was sorry to read the final chapter of this exciting story as I wanted to read more about Luna and Ray’s story. I look forward to reading more stories from Laura Jo.
May 28, 2022
A great ending to the Luna series
The third book in the Luna series does not disappoint. Continues with Luna's struggle to find her place and the love of the family she now has. 3 great books,
The third book in the Luna series does not disappoint. Continues with Luna's struggle to find her place and the love of the family she now has. 3 great books,
May 29, 2022
Luna Rocks!!
Again Laura Jo has come through! The woman has so much talent that it flows from within her like a river. The book wrapped up some unanswered questions but brought up a couple more. Can't wait for the next book! You rock Laura Jo!
Again Laura Jo has come through! The woman has so much talent that it flows from within her like a river. The book wrapped up some unanswered questions but brought up a couple more. Can't wait for the next book! You rock Laura Jo!
July 9, 2022
Another Heart warming story!!!
Love this story along with the whole series! There is so much love, friendship, action, suspense and also sadness, but all this makes the story!!! The characters are so very believable. Please keep writing!!!
Love this story along with the whole series! There is so much love, friendship, action, suspense and also sadness, but all this makes the story!!! The characters are so very believable. Please keep writing!!!
April 13, 2023
Luna and The Balaru
This whole series has been fabulous.
Muders, knapping, imprisonment, tourture, just to name a few hints in the series.
A beautiful love story, with trials and separation.
Laura Jo Phillips, thank you for the hours of engrossing entertainment.
10+
This whole series has been fabulous.
Muders, knapping, imprisonment, tourture, just to name a few hints in the series.
A beautiful love story, with trials and separation.
Laura Jo Phillips, thank you for the hours of engrossing entertainment.
10+
July 16, 2023
very good series
I enjoyed this series very much! I am sad it is over. Would like to read more about the S’atni family. Raj, Luna, jo’seph, Sitka, Thune, matriarch and so on . I will miss you all. Thank you for filling my many days and nights.
I enjoyed this series very much! I am sad it is over. Would like to read more about the S’atni family. Raj, Luna, jo’seph, Sitka, Thune, matriarch and so on . I will miss you all. Thank you for filling my many days and nights.
May 28, 2022
Captivating
Another amazing book. This book grabbed a hold of my attention and never let it go. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Another amazing book. This book grabbed a hold of my attention and never let it go. I can't wait to see what comes next.
May 29, 2022
wonderful book
Laura Jo Phillips rounded out this incredible series with the best book in it. Laura- your book was worth the wait!
Laura Jo Phillips rounded out this incredible series with the best book in it. Laura- your book was worth the wait!
May 29, 2022
Still love Luna
I really enjoyed Luna's 3rd book. We met Quart's mystery lady in this one. I hope we get another story that clears up the other Kyun mysteries.
I really enjoyed Luna's 3rd book. We met Quart's mystery lady in this one. I hope we get another story that clears up the other Kyun mysteries.
June 8, 2022
Beautifully written!
The story telling in this series is amazing! I could read 4 or 5 more books about thus family and individuals in this universe without ever getting bored!
The story telling in this series is amazing! I could read 4 or 5 more books about thus family and individuals in this universe without ever getting bored!
June 20, 2022
Moving..
Such a lovely, touching story. Really enjoyed the good, the bad and all the outcomes. Great characters with fantastic creatures.
Such a lovely, touching story. Really enjoyed the good, the bad and all the outcomes. Great characters with fantastic creatures.
June 20, 2022
good book
I loved this book. It gave us some closure on all the issues Luna has been having. I hope we get another book about Luna’s & Raj’s child or children. Great writer
I loved this book. It gave us some closure on all the issues Luna has been having. I hope we get another book about Luna’s & Raj’s child or children. Great writer
June 22, 2022
The best one yet!
Wow! She did it again. I love this author so much! Such a good ending to a wonderful series. The best out of all I think.
Wow! She did it again. I love this author so much! Such a good ending to a wonderful series. The best out of all I think.
June 29, 2022
The planets were interesting and full of promises. I had a great time reading and imagining the possibilities.
February 4, 2024
a wonderful story
I read all three books back to back and what a wonderful story it is. I truly hope that Laura Jo will visit this story line again. Now I need to wait and hope.
I read all three books back to back and what a wonderful story it is. I truly hope that Laura Jo will visit this story line again. Now I need to wait and hope.
May 28, 2022
Wonderful ending to the trilogy
Loved the story ending. Filled in a lot of questions. The writing was again quick, funny and enjoyable. The main characters were great but I missed Koli and Jeriha and wished a little more depth and ending to Qirt and Neoma. Thanks for a great story.
Loved the story ending. Filled in a lot of questions. The writing was again quick, funny and enjoyable. The main characters were great but I missed Koli and Jeriha and wished a little more depth and ending to Qirt and Neoma. Thanks for a great story.
December 31, 2024
Amazing
This book was absolutely worth the wait. I love how the story lines were all closed. This can certainly be the final book, but I would not object to another if Luna decides to speak again.
This book was absolutely worth the wait. I love how the story lines were all closed. This can certainly be the final book, but I would not object to another if Luna decides to speak again.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews