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Xian Warriors #3

Raven (Los Guerreros Xian nº 3)

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Her beautiful mind was her own prison.

After betrayal and abuse destroyed Liena’s dreams of becoming a Psychic Operator, she warily accepts a temporary position on Khepri, the homeworld of the bioengineered Xian Warriors. With entire Warrior units getting mysteriously wiped out, she must help devise a critical antidote. But when a buck naked, sexy as sin, Xian Warrior walks into her lab, Liena's bone-deep fear of psychic contact, of touching another’s soul, doesn’t trigger with him!

The minute Raven sees Liena’s aura, he knows he has found the one. She’s broken, but he vows to fix her, and then claim her as his bonded mate. When she inadvertently sets them on the path to discovering, at long last, the human's elusive third psychic ability, the need to mend her becomes urgent. As the strongest of her kind, she may be their only hope of saving an entire species on the verge of annihilation!

With time ticking and so many lives in the balance, will Liena overcome her trauma, or will her mind and the rescue mission descend into madness?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2019

400 people are currently reading
420 people want to read

About the author

Regine Abel

71 books2,650 followers
USA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.

​Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.

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5 stars
575 (45%)
4 stars
429 (34%)
3 stars
219 (17%)
2 stars
30 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
61 reviews
February 2, 2022
Better but still not there yet. Also, can we stop referring to trauma as being "broken" ?  Thx and kindly fuck off. 🙄🙄
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,379 reviews329 followers
July 16, 2021
Quick(ish) Review - Xian Warrior series (spoilery, you've been warned)


Overview of series: I have mixed feelings on this series, but it's the worldbuilding that keeps me coming back. It's an interesting concept, a race of warrior hybrids, made up of Kryptid(giant bug)/dragon/human whose souls can be transferred to Shells, so they can face incredibly dangerous battles, die and still come back in a new Shell. So much of the way the heroines interact with them is due to their psychic powers, which manifest differently depending on their ethnic backgrounds (Caucasian women are Vessels, Black/Brown women are Portals and Asian women are Shields). It's a touchy subject, to break down their powers based on race, but by the same token, I'm not upset at exploring a world where differences are acknowledged and celebrated rather than trying to homogenize everyone's experience. If nothing else, I find it a unique way to look at this 'verse and to build this big conflict of good vs evil with Kryptid General Khutu, the Big Bad of the series, who's hell bent on galaxy domination, of course.

When it comes to the romance, that's where the biggest issues I have with the series comes into play. One of the foundations of this 'verse is the heroes know immediately if the heroine is their soulmate. Now, I can get down with insta-love on occasion, but I want that to be the beginning, not the end all-be all of their stories. Too many go straight to forever love, and I'd rather watch them work for it. But I'll go more into that below.

This is a very hetero-specific series, which I find limiting, and there's moments when the sex scenes happen that aren't as sexy as intended (feeling any kind of fire/burning during sex isn't my bag, but hey YMMV).

Book-specific
Raven: Raven came off a bit too sexist for my tastes and not a fan of "I can fix her!" mentality, no matter how well intentioned.

So in closing, I'm kind of middle of the road on this series because of the romance aspect, even if I am fascinated with the world it inhabits.
Profile Image for Ira.
1,155 reviews129 followers
June 5, 2021
3.75 stars.

The story quite sweet, everyone babying Raven! 😳😂🤣.
Well, he was a first trueborn from these warriors, he have a mum and dad.
While others created in labs, he gave other Warriors a hope ☺️🥰.

The villain is getting worse and the series storyline picking up nicely! 😘
Liena, despite her tortured experience come up bravely and she is a genius like Victoria.
Oh, Victoria is Raven’s mum:)
Profile Image for ~My Book Obsession~.
688 reviews66 followers
July 30, 2020
Even the small need to be counted

Ok wow so much to unload. Let’s see Liena is great and just what Raven needs. The plot has thicken again and I know the next book is going to be just as good as this one. Be ready to meet some new and old friends. Also this series can not be read out of order.
#MyBookObsessionApproved!
Profile Image for Bubbles The Book Pimp.
955 reviews
April 24, 2019
In true sci fi superstar fashion Regine Abel offers up another thrilling instalment in this wonderful series.
If you have not read Legion: Xian Warriors Book 1.. STOP what you are doing, to enjoy this book to its fullest capacity you need to read book 1. Otherwise you are missing out on masses of world developing, back story and the pure unadulterated sci fi romance rollercoaster ride that is the Xian Warriors world.
So back to Raven... now you know me... I am a spoiler free book blogger... there is now way I'm gonna take away or diminish anyone's reading pleasure by blabbing the book away...
BUT I will say this...it is so much more than you 'average' sci fi rom read... it's cultural and relevant and believable...all attributes that make for excellent reading. I'm loving the diversity and the overarching story featuring our leading ladies. If your looking for cookie cutter TSTL damsels in distress books then look away peeps because these ladies mean business! 💪🏻💯♥️
If you are searching for a sci fi romance to read that truly shows how 'humans' as a species can overcome adversity, pain and hurt whilst aiding the vulnerable ( AND kicking ass and taking names with the aid of genetically modified super solders ) theN this my friend...is the book, the series and the world for you! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
With brave, self sacrificing humans and Xian Warriors... a meaty brilliantly constructed story and a wonderful, sweet and oh so spicy love story this was a veritable sci fi romance banquet.
There are many reasons why Regine Abel is one of my all time favourite authors...the main one being she continues to write kickass books that truly check all of my 'happy' reader book buttons.
Raven was an absolute pleasure to read and I cannot wait to see who is next up in the series.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,665 reviews227 followers
April 14, 2019
MAN, I like these warriors. They're dedicated to stopping the hive-like aliens from conquering other worlds. When they find their special someone, they're ALL IN. And they can shapeshift into some pretty badass creatures.

Considering the mental and psychic abuse Liena was put through, the fact she is the match for an alien who can touch her mind and soul seems like a pretty big hurdle. Raven is careful with her, though, and they make strides in helping her overcome her trauma. But alien invaders wait for no woman and Liena's gift makes her the only choice to head out and help a planet full of people who have no defenses against the oncoming horde.

Yeah, it's touch and go for a while, but Liena is strong and her connection to Raven makes her even stronger.

Did I mention Liena also unlocks the next ability the humans and Xian need to (hopefully) stop the horde altogether. You know, eventually. Once they get strong enough and tap enough psychics.

(And can we talk about Bane for a minute? I am SO curious about him. I want more. MOAR. So much more!)

Mind traps, a terribly vindictive species who does terribly vindictive things, auras, sexy times, and ...babies? Heh. I like alien babies. Especially ones that make big, intimidating men go all gooey.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Author 1 book12 followers
April 14, 2019
This world, I never could have imagined it. I mean I read a lot of scifi, shifter books and the like but this was different and exceptionally good!
Raven got my attention in book one, so was excited he was getting his own story. As the First Natural Born of the Xian warriors he's been kind of well, not babied but everyone thinks of him as kind of a kid, a younger person they need to protect.
Liena, she was so strong......after her trauma in the past who knew she'd be falling for a sexy warrior?
Can they find their way to each other in time or will the threats they face keep them apart? Will she be able to get over her past? Sigh, all I know is I was hooked til the end.
Loved this story, the emotions, the action everything gave me the feels......my only complaint is I waited so long to read book one!! Now I'm like everyone one else, already stalking Amazon for signs of book three! Lol
Profile Image for EYLEEN.
407 reviews45 followers
May 10, 2023
Me hizo recordar con cariño cosas del primer libro y lo mucho que lo disfruté. Éste también me hizo quedar satisfecha por los momentos de tensión, discusiones y misiones. Está demás decir que la aparición o mera mención de Bane me hizo fangirlear como nunca. I'm here for him!! El hecho de que el siguiente libro es sobre él me tiene imperventilando 🖤
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,155 reviews36 followers
April 19, 2019
Liena is working a temporary position on the homeworld of the Xian Warriors. She is a psychic but is afraid of another's touch due to abuse. Raven meets Liena when he walks in stark naked to the room she's inside. He immediately knows she's his mate. Liena realizes that the fear she has with others doesn't happen when she's in contact with Raven. This is a beautiful story of love, past abuse and the hunky Xian warriors.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
April 25, 2019
*WARNING* contains explicit adult/alien situations
This was very different. I like the psychic part of it, but this author takes psychic to past the norm. Raven is all sci-fi with fierce aliens (well described), and mind speaking across distances, not really anything in this story could be reality as we know it. I very much enjoyed the creative beings or the story. I think one is pretty unique.
Profile Image for dreamerinexile.
736 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2019
Protecting the mate 5 stars

Wowza! Regine Abel does it once again. Her imagination and writing ability leaves me speechless. Her mind is a wonderful place to be in. I love how she created a whole new planet with humans on it, including alien species. Reading her description of the Xian warriors and Kryptid horrors, I could clearly visualize what she wanted her readers to see.

Raven and Liena's story is chock full of swoony moments as well as heartbreaking ones. Though both are very different, inherently they have similarities. Raven is the first born of his kind and Li's legacy of being the granddaughter of the doctor that created the Xian warriors, making them both famous in their own rights. When they meet, its fireworks. Alas things are not easy.

Li's past has shaped her into a very cautious psychic, who despises any mind bonding with others. Her ability to trust another to enter her consciousness was brutally abused at a young age. The thought of letting someone enter her mind leaves her paralyzed with fear. Raven feels the pull from Li but he knows to proceed with caution.

It was hard to watch both struggle with their own fears as they drew closer together and fought the ruthless Kryptids. Raven had to fight his instincts every step of way because watching his mate put her life at risk is not an easy feat for a warrior like him. But he knew he had to be strong for both of them and let her skills flourish to save the day.

When they land on the planet Janaur and finds out what the Kryptids have in store for them, my heart stuttered. What transpires left me glaring at Ms. Abel cos it was heartbreaking but I have to give a shout out to my Queen for the sheer genius. Raven will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will keep you wondering about what plot twist Ms. Abel was going to throw your way.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series, this is by far one of the bestest sci-fi series that I have read so far. Please, please 1-click Raven to dive into the world of Xians and Kryptids.
Profile Image for Mary S..
935 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2019
What a read I love reading Raven and Liena story. Although it's the second story to the Xian Warriors and it can be read as a standalone but I will recommend reading Legion first so you can get the experience and enjoy more of the story. Liena had difficulties sharing her abilities for what she went through but she's still is this strong wonderful woman that gave her all of what she had and wanted in her life. And Raven that man he was the soulmate I definitely would have love to have as real as he can be love his personality his protection he has of Liena and his understanding he was just perfection. I just love this series and the world this author has created with Xian warriors I'm so looking forward for more of them.
149 reviews
May 2, 2019
Awesome! Awesome!

It's getting harder and harder to find good believable science fiction romance. This book was SO good. You really need to read the first book to understand what's going on here. But please read past the first few chapters. It's not about race, it's about DNA and genetics. Racism is about hate and there's no hate in either of these books. I just love how imaginative this author was in realizing that an anomaly introduced to humans to change them to create psychics would manifest differently among our different races. It doesn't mean one race is better than another. It just means we're different. And I love how it ended up complementing each other. Together we are stronger than our individual parts. What a wonderful story. Please don't stop writing Ms. Abel. I want more in this series. Highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews175 followers
April 18, 2019
Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 3.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5

Raven is the second book in the Xian Warriors series written by author Regine Abel. It can be read as a standalone romance although I do recommend that you read Legion, the first book in the series, before beginning this one. I believe it will help you gain a better foundation to fully understand and appreciate the backstories.  Just know that it’s just a suggestion.

In this story, Liena has accepted a position on Khepri helping the Xian Warriors. She is one of the few ranked five psychics who are of Asian descent. After arriving, Liena is taken on a tour and she meets Raven, one of the Xian warriors. Not only is he sexy as sin, but Raven is also very naked. Their connection is immediate and pretty dang hot!  

I just love the storyline! It was unique, well-developed, and smoking hot! I devoured Raven in one sitting and loved every minute of it!  I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!

Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
Profile Image for Raina.
4,193 reviews34 followers
December 13, 2019
An alien romance that will sweep you away. I love the dynamic the human women have with the Xians. The males are protective as if any female is their sister. But when they meet that one female that is meant to be their soulmate they become way more protective. But they keep things slow and always ask or allow the woman to make the first move. They will give her their hearts (yes two) and soul to her. The story gets very interesting as they talk about psychic abilities and how each race of humans seem to have something extra. Definitely want to read more of the series.
Profile Image for Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog.
1,040 reviews13 followers
April 21, 2019
Wow! So nice to revisit this cool world. Liena and Raven had sparks flying right from their first glance. Really nice that Raven found his one. Poor Liena was having PTSD from some prior trauma in her past. They had such a huge challenge with her aversion to mindspeak. This Xian world is fascinatingly built by this author. There is something shady going on in the Rings of Januar. They have to protect their people from the evil Kryptid General. I spent two days engrossed in this book. I highly recommend this book. Just be warned tell your family to leave you alone so you can enjoy this exciting adventure. I can’t wait to see what else she does in the next installment.
Profile Image for Kaarla Amaya.
1,122 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2024
Fue entretenido. No se que esperaba de esta historia pero pues estuvo bien. No me super encantó pero sigue siendo bueno. Sigo teniendo conflicto con las parejas, siento que no les creo que haya romance o atracón entre ellos, no se si tal vez solo me deja esa impresión a mi pero batallo mucho en ver eso.
Tengo curiosidad por saber como continuará la historia y cual es el futuro para Bane.
Profile Image for Jutta.
445 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2019
I felt so sorry for Raven and his unrequited love in the first book so I'm so glad he got a book of his own. I love the way this story builds on the one before and carries on from the slightly different angle of Raven's perspective. Again this world and these characters pulled me in and didn't let me go right till the end...I need to know what happens next...
12.6k reviews189 followers
May 4, 2019
Definitely intrigued with this story. Followed perfectly after the first one. The characters are superb and strong. Loved it.
Profile Image for Malissa.
725 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2022
Love wrapped up in a battle

Always an exciting tale. Danger, live, trouble, and epic to the end. Finding love is never easy, even url. Reading about it is always exciting.
Profile Image for Pirra Smith.
Author 14 books82 followers
December 31, 2022
Después de leerme la saga de la agencia primaria he seguido con esta en la que hay más sexo con aliens, me encanta la forma en la que la autora mete romántica en esta cifi soft.
Profile Image for Alice.
1,899 reviews103 followers
July 20, 2023
Still wasn't a fan of the Asian segregation of abilities, especially with the description of "slanted eyes," but I enjoyed the rest of the story.

Romance:
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,080 reviews29 followers
April 19, 2019
An amazing book!
I love this series! “Raven” reveals even more extraordinary abilities than we saw before. The battles with the Kryptids and those they’ve enslaved had me glued to my seat. Nothing is as they anticipated; they had to innovate in the fly to reach their goals.
Although this can be read as a stand alone, the reader’s enjoyment will be enhanced by reading “Legion” (book one in the series) first.
If you haven’t started the series yet, please do. You’re in for a real treat!
133 reviews
April 28, 2019
My aura is deep pink

I love this series. The Warriors are fiercely loyal and good. The female humans are caring and loving.

This book could be read as a standalone but you would enjoy connecting moments / people to the first one.

We get to meet the friendemies once again and help them in return.

I wonder what couple will be next. I can't wait!
Profile Image for LuDena .
2,413 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2019
Raven

I finished the book to quickly . I wasn't ready to leave the universe and characters that Regine Abel had woven .
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
659 reviews11 followers
June 22, 2019
*SIGH * This is a GREAT READ !!!!

I LOVED this story !!! I loved the seeing old friends , and meeting new ones . I loved how the story moves forward. I loved how this story delves deeper into the characters and how they love ! Why they love 💘💘
I loved the action ( more of that please ! ) , and the sexy times !!!
I WANT one !! ( a Warrior )
In this story the great grand daughter of Dr Xi , the "Father " of the Xian Warriors so to speak , has been sent.to Khepri the seat of the Xian Warriors planet . Knowing that just about everyone there has psychic abilities gives her the heebie geebies. Having been abused by her.mentor, makes her more then wary. When she meets Raven --- well , let's just say that it is quite memorable !
Raven , of course , knows that this is His female. He also knows that she has some issues to work through. And he is going to help her heal . He knows this in an instant.
And deep down , so does she !!
What happens, almost by accident is that Liena , can see something that other women CAN'T!!! And this sets off the possible Ability that the Asians can do !!!!
I didn't see that book as much of a cliff hanger, although I am looking forward to the next books .
REGINE ABEL , has Plenty of little mysteries and hints of what may be coming !!!!
I love that too 😁😁😁
Profile Image for Gabriella.
464 reviews30 followers
December 14, 2025
Raven's book was a gripping mix of dealing with past trauma and getting a handle on it. Liena his mate had a horrible psychic experience as a young woman - but needed to learn to handle psychic contact again.

She came to Kephri - the planet of the Vanguard and Xian Warriors not as an Aspirant, but by invitation of Victoria (Doom's mate from the first book), to help with the medical research. Liena is an expert researcher and bio engineer, as well as the great-granddaughter of the man who 'created' the Xian Warriors.

Raven and Liena had to deal with not only getting her ready to follow him into a battle, they also had to deal with her past trauma and their new found relationship. It was well done and I liked the story.

Especially how the overall story arc developed and who were the good and the bad players and who were the maybe not so bad players and possible allies.
Profile Image for Tina.
724 reviews6 followers
May 28, 2019
Raven

Wonderful second story in this series. Raven and Liena were a great couple. So loving and understanding with each other. The world building was very well constructed and fascinating. I highly recommend this book and this series. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Blue Rose.
1,530 reviews5 followers
November 4, 2019
Hard but good.

There were some difficult issues that the heroine had to deal with and this might be a trigger for some people with abuse trauma, But she worked through it and overcame her past with the help and love of her mate. A wonderful story with a happy ending and just enough left to make you want the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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