True Believers

by Maria Zannini

Something is killing off the immortals, one by one.

Taelen Jessit, an alien emissary on a mission sanctioned by the U.S. government is searching for his peoples' ancient gods. His hunt leads him to a dig headed by archeologist Rachel Cruz. When his military entourage forces Rachel’s team out of the cave they were exploring, a flash flood hits the riverbed and Rachel is swept into the deluge.

Taelen rescues Rachel and they wash up on a forbidding alcove where he witnesses the miraculous healing of Rachel’s broken ankle. Now he is certain the gods are here. He is inexplicably drawn to her, and she to him.

Rachel is not a god, but a Nephilim, and she needs more than a miracle. She needs the technology Taelen can provide to help her find and destroy the god-killer, a weapon so precise and powerful, it will mean the genocide of an entire species. She’s given Taelen her heart, but can she trust him with her secret?

Genres: Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

http://mariazannini.blogspot.com/

I homestead on six acres in the middle of nowhere.

My writing runs the gamut from science fiction to time travel to angel romance.

Blogging is my favorite way to connect with friends and followers. On my blog, I talk about dogs, country living, absent husbands, and ghosts. Yeah, I said ghosts.

I hope you'll visit me soon. You can see a complete list of my back list on the blog.

Reviews

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Writing! Excellent Read!

On the edge of your seat action packed story with a sweep you off your feet sweet sexy Alien “Alturian” and Nephilim romance.

I applaud Maria Zannini, she has captured a world where not only humans but extraterrestrial creatures such as the aliens called Alturian’s co-exist.

The Alturian’s come to earth to search for their gods Anu (Nephilim) or any of their children. The humans seem to be searching for the same extraterrestrial creatures but for different reasons than their peace making friends the Alturian’s. The Alturian’s want to find the gods to worship them and honor them but the humans want to destroy them or any other extraterrestrial that may be a threat to their planet.

The Nephilim’s have existed upon earth without the humans knowing and have kept it a secret for many a decade.

For those of you who don’t know what Nephilim’s are, they are a race of extraterrestrials who came to be worshipped by men as gods due to their immortality and extraordinary powers and they are also known as the sons of god whom we call Fallen Angels who slept with the daughters of men that are known in the Christian bible as Giants.

Rachel (Archeologist/Nephilim) and her father Gilgamesh strive to keep their secret from being exposed and find out why many of their kind are falling ill from the Earth's magnetosphere. However Gilgamesh enjoys the fact that the Alturians are still true believers and enjoys the fact that they think his kind are gods and with this thinking, Gilgamesh recognizes that the only way to accomplish his goal is by joining forces with Taelen Jessit (Alien Alturian).

Rachel and Taelen’s romance is so sweet and sexy. The sex scenes are very tasteful, not your hard core erotica but leaves you with one hell of an image to think about especially with Taelen’s extra tentacles he has around his large staff. The one scene in the bath pool about drove me crazy. Absolutely loved it!

I loved the action between the new Artificial Intelligence Bubba (computer program technology come to life) and his sister FAIA (newer model computer technology with updated programs). To weave the web based world and its advanced military programming within this story was pure brilliance.

All the characters were wonderfully developed and the book flowed beautifully. I was so entranced and felt like I was there living it all in color.

[Parajunkee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review Featured on Parajunkee.com

True Believers is a far reaching and rather engrossing tale that had me captivated from the start. The premise is very original and quite titillating to those handy brain cells. I was quite impressed with the authors expansion on a belief system, a mythical race, science fiction technology and military and political maneuvering all in one novel. This novel was nothing more than epic with it’s base core, simply love. Romance lovers, science fiction fans and fantasy fans can be united as one in this fancy tale about a reluctant god that falls in love with an alien. Read More...

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for an honest review... The book will release on October 18th and can be bought at Amazon.com

At heart "True Believers" is a love story... The kind of love story that we all like to read that has action, intrigue, drama and a hero and heroine that everyone roots for as the story unfolds..
This book is being billed as a ScFi Paranormal Romance and it is that and much more! We are drawn into a world that the author created that combines an ages old quest by the Alien Alturian's for their gods known as Anu (the Nephilim), whom they revere and wholeheartedly worship, and man kind's quest to find any extraterrestrial being to destroy them before even trying to ascertain if they are a threat to Earth....

The character of Rachel Cruz, who is an archeologist on an expidition in search of her father who is Gilgamesh (son of Anu and therefore makes her Nephilim herself), is well drawn and also very easy to cheer on as she finds herself in danger again and again...

Taelen Jessit is an alien emissary sent to earth by his Alturian council and when he meets Rachel there is an instant attraction between the two...

Secrets abound though as neither Rachel or Taelen are up front with each other and the fact that the Alturians are True Believers in the ancient mythological gods only makes things more complicated..

This book is just full of twists and turns and some of the most interesting and sensually erotic scenes between Rachel and Taelen that I have read that were also tastefully done without being over the top... (when I say that the scenes written by LKH come to mind as a measure of what these scenes are not like)

I fell in love with this book with all its use of alien and human technology, the blending of religious belief versus human greed, romance, action, drama, intrigue and the fact that the story flew by in a way that made the reader feel like you were right there in the middle of it all living it as it happened... If this book were ever made into a TV or Movie it would be viscerally as well as visually appealing and I would watch it over and over with no hesitation...

If you would like to know if Rachel manages to avert worldwide destruction of the Human and Alturian race you will just have to get your hands on a copy to find out.....

This is one that needs to be sat down and read for it's own sake... The book releases on October 18th and is one that I think will stand the test of time and be a re-read for years to come!

[♫♥✿LovLivLife Reviews✿♥♫ (Chasity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well ladies and gents I believe I am a sci-fi romance fan. This is my first *thinking*thinking* full length sci-fi romance I've read besides a short story a year ago. I am hooked.

Hands down True Believers is captivating. The story will grab you and the pace will keep you quenched.


True Believers has a motley crew of characters: humans, Nephilims, aliens and artificial intelligents.
Rachel's character is unlike her father. Rachel knows she is no God and she knows that claiming to be will only repeat a cruel history when the truth surfaces. Gilgamesh, her father, loves the lime light. He basks is the Godliness attributed to the Nephilims. With an etheral form that can separate from the body as if it a mere vessel and their undeniable power Jessit, a True Believer, is not convinced easily that Rachel is no God.
Bubba is my absolute favorite character. Bubba is a computer but not just any computer he has Artificial Intelligence. Bubba is capable of thought, reasoning, and emotion. Is it possible to think an AI as adorable and brave? But really all the characters were well developed and played their own distinct role. Maria Zannini has given me characters that I wanted to gear up and fight for.

The blend of mythology and technology is well written. The balance of the two is perfect for new sci-fi readers like me. The American gov't has created another AI that has shown remarkable abilities. FAIA, Focused Access Intra-Viral Arsenal, started out as a communication device to connect the world but the AI exhibited the means to be a weapon. Now classified FAIA is put through tests after tests. She can generate an electromagnetic shield around Earth acting as a defense but what they are unaware of is it also effect the Nephilims. Since the Nephilims are Gods to the Alturians Earth has just made two enemies.
Alturians are from a planet far away from Earth with advance technology to rival the strong Faith in their Gods. I find it fascinating that as advanced as Alturians are their belief in the divine is just as great, equal rather.
Personally, I enjoyed reading about Na'hala and Nephilims in their ethereal form. Before I give anything away I will leave it here.

All in all, True Believer is an gratifying read. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys using their imagination. Imo, True Believers is especially wonderful as an introduction into the Science Fiction Romance genre. I followed the storyline effortlessly. The technology content is delivered with ease and comprehension so fear not with this sci-fi novel.


This review can also be found on my blog.

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strange review to write. As a whole I liked this book, the romance was meh for me (& I explain that in the following paragraph). I LOVE complex worlds, numerous plots and a large diverse group of characters. True Believers has that in spades. The twists and turns in this book could almost give the reader whip lash. Zannini kept me guessing right until the very end. Even at the end I was still sitting on the edge of my seat with an oh no you can’t do that expression on my face. The majority of this book takes place on modern day planet Earth. For the past three years a group of Alturian’s has been on Earth looking for the ancient gods their people still worship as true believers. Jessit and his team are hoping to find them and take them home. They are not so trustingly working with the US government. The US government is working alongside the Alturian’s with a completely different agenda. I have to admit there is more double crossing going on in this book than any other book I have ever read. The amazing thing is it is written so well that it never gets confusing or too heavy. The computers are even out to sabotage each other. Rachel is a Nephilim posing as an archeologist. The Nephilim are descendants of the gods the Alturian’s are looking for.

I had some issues with the romance. I’m big on the romantic pursuit. The chase was there for Jessit and Rachel initially. He was sweet in his wanting desire for her. He had even planned to toy with his “gift” some. Then his feeling towards her immediately changed when he found out she was different than he initially thought. At that point I saw the lustful chase change. Don’t get me wrong he still wanted her, but the fire smoldered. There was also two other characters present that ratcheted up the jealousy factor. Romance where a character is there for the purpose of jealousy aggravates me. One of the characters that caused much jealousy has a large supporting role, the other just added unneeded tension. I did like the extra connection that they had due to each possessing a na’hala.

Over all I liked the book. I will read more by this author. In fact Zannini has an apocalyptic series that I am dying to sink my teeth into!

***Alien penis has “penile tendrils” they are functioning tentacles. It is written tastefully and it’s hot.***

[Wenj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

'True Believers' by Maria Zannini is an unexpectedly engrossing novel focusing on the currently popular Nephilim sub genre. That alone was a huge part of my reading this book, but the science fiction elements sounded interesting as well. With non-stop action and a steamy romance, this novel truly delivers on every front.

I admit that in the beginning though I was a little leery. It was hard for me to get into the novel due to the fact that we are abruptly introduced to Rachel and her Nephilim heritage. Quite a bit of lore is immediately dumped onto the reader before they can even decide if they like the character, and this was a bit off putting. However, Zannini developed a highly complicated belief structure surrounding the Nephilim lore. From their history as god-like beings, revered and worshiped until finally being hunted by humans to the Altruian belief structure which still worships them and is actively seeking them out. The Alturian society and belief structure itself is likewise well developed, creating an interesting backdrop for the alien visitors and the ensuing war that comes.

The action of the novel sort of takes over initially, propelling us towards a point where we finally come to understand the characters. The action continues throughout the novel, however, and we are catapulted from one situation into the next allowing for a quick pace driving the reader on. The point of view shifts help to keep the pace and the action flowing taking us from one character's situation into anothers. It also helps us to get into the characters' minds, a helpful little tool for Zannini's exquisite world building within the novel. With two different cultures to learn about, this ability to peek into the characters' history and psyche is priceless and helps us to relate to the them more deeply. But, not only are we given insight into the humanoid races, we are catapulted into the AI of a computer known as Bubba, a computer who holds to the key to the all characters salvation. Truly this was an interesting twist, yet the author did a wonderful job creating a digital world that the reader could understand and enjoy. Not to mention bringing life to a somewhat inanimate object.

While Bubba may be interesting on his own, it is the main character Rachel that we come to focus on. As an immortal she initially comes off distant and a little cold towards those around her. Though she surrounds herself with humans she seems to cut herself off from them preferring to keep at a distance, and yet she does the same with her Nephilim father Gilgamesh. This makes her somewhat of a lonely character, however, we later come to find that she cares quite deeply about those around her and that there is a reason she keeps herself at a distance. She seems to really thaw after meeting Jessit however, and it wasn't until then that I truly opened to her as her emotions and thoughts deepened, fleshing her out. She struggles at this point to keep her secret concealed, but the task is too great. It was interesting to see her back away from the idea of being considered a god by the Alturians, something Gilgamesh relishes, but especially hurtful is being seen as a god by Jessit, someone she wishes to see her as an equal for her worth not because of what she is. However, from this her individuality becomes more present as does her inner strength. As her secret becomes common knowledge, her protection of those around her grows until a point is reached where she willingly sacrifices herself for those she loves. Not the easiest thing to do, giving up ones mortality, when she have never before had to fear dying.

However, it was Jessit that really stole the show for me. At first introduction, he is heroic, jumping into a flash flood to save Rachel with no thought of himself. He saves her multiple times through the beginning of the novel at great physical cost to himself. He is charismatic and charming with the right amount of arrogance, giving him a wonderful sex appeal to both the reader and to Rachel. The romance between the two is simmering and delicious throughout the novel with touching intimate interludes and well built drama. But, the suspense about his future is what drew me in. As children Alturians are tested to see if they can see 'glory', the essence surround Nephilim. It seems to be a trait carried by descendants of Anu, one of the gods they worship. Jessit, not wanting to be inducted into the Priesthood and castrated, lies and instead becomes a soldier, a profession he excels at. But, it comes to attention of the priest Kalya, a vile and sadistic incarnation of a religious zealot, and he petitions to have Jessit removed from the military and given into the priesthood's care. He is subsequently relieved of command, making him impotent through the final battle and to add insult to injury his manhood is threatened. I can honestly say that I have never been concerned about the well being of a characters bits and pieces before! This was quite an interesting twist and the suspense was masterfully provoked.

This novel is definitely a must read for anyone who is interested in a new take on the Nephilim lore, as well as anyone who loves a wonderfully developed chemistry between characters. With action galore, as well as well timed suspense, this novel with have you hooked and gasping for more. I can only hope that Zannini will revisit these characters as there is so much potential left for them- a closer look the Alturian world and society, as well as the fate of Earth and it's inhabitants and more of Jeesit and Rachel. So much there is left to explore and I will definitely be waiting and hoping for their encore performance! Truly this is an up and coming author not to be missed.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting......

[#ReadAllTheBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis of this book I was pretty enthused- after all, I love stories that involve the Nephilim. Then I started reading the book & got a little confused when aliens started getting brought into the mix early on in the book. Don't worry readers- it doesn't get as muddled up as you'd think & there's a method behind Zannini's writing. I'm not going to spill the details, but trust me- she puts an intriguing spin on things. Since the Carina Press synopsis is so good & my synopsis would probably include spoilers, I'm going to leave it out for this review.

I have to admit that I was a bit curious as to how such a book would work out once I realized what it was going to be about. Part of me wondered if I would like it or if this would just end up getting bogged down under its own weight & I'm glad to say that I did enjoy it a great deal. Zannini manages to take two different genres & make them work together quite well. Readers will love the interaction of the two main characters & the instant heat that rises between them is pretty believable & tangible.

The only drawback I had was with the ending- I wanted more & I really felt like this was left open for possible sequels. Not a bad thing, but towards the end I was wondering how everything was going to be wrapped up & felt a little disappointed when some things didn't happen. I'm still glad I read it & I'll be watching for more works by her, so it isn't like the ending is a deal breaker by any means.

This really is a perfect book for October since reading it reminded me of candy: incredibly fun & hard to put down. Like I said earlier- I can't wait to see if Zannini will revisit this world.

(ARC provided by NetGalley)

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I shouldn't have been surprised that I loved this book, because I read this author's blog and really enjoy her voice, but still, it surprised me that I traded precious sleep to finish this. Why? I'm not a huge fan of technical language and alien-type stories, I'll be honest. Usually, I'm skimming pages to get to the 'good stuff' which, for me, is the stuff without the strange languages and such. I did not skim even a sentence in True Believers. Everything flows naturally and the reader isn't guessing at what this word or that means. I don't know how she did it, but I'm impressed.

The love triangle in this is not your typical cliche, which is awesome and refreshing. I loved both characters vying for Rachel's attention and while I was ecstatic she chose who she did, I was still sad for the 'loser'. I was actually wishing she could have both.

In True Believers, Maria Zannini created a fast paced plot with many twists and turns, and yet it is never confusing. There are a few parts where I had to read the scene a couple of times, just because I enjoyed the music of the words so much.

And alien sex? Hot. Just saying. Wish I had a Jessit of my own. ;)

Do I recommend? Yes. I'm ordering her other novel Touch of Fire today.

[Mystique Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taelen Jessit is an alien emissary on a mission to Earth in search of his peoples lost gods.

Rachel Cruz is an archeologist hiding from her true heritage as an immortal Nephilim, one of the Gods Taelen is looking for.

When Taelen tries to help Rachel and her team after they are caught in a violent flash flood the two of them are thrust together in a massive alien hunt.

Filled with twist and turns, this was a wonderful, exciting read and impossible to put down. The chemistry between Taelen and Rachel was rich and beautifully written. This was a wonderful pairing and the reader falls for both the hero and herine and will be cheering for them to overcome and get their happily ever after.

TRUE BELIEVERS is full of villains that through obstacle after obstacle in the lovers pathway.This is handled well by the author as she keeps on adding to the danger Taelen and Rachel have to overcome.

I would highly recommend this page turner to fans of Science Fiction and Romance alike.TRUE BELIEVERS blends the two genres with expert skill and is afast paced, fun read.

Four Mystique Moons. (Excellent)
Class Three sensuality. (Standard Romance)

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

With complex world-building, multiple plots, inventive descriptions and twists and turns to cause whiplash, True Believers was unlike anything I have read. All of the plots and twists don’t come close to confusing, due to the author’s talent for developing characters with unique and distinct voices. The romance in the book was incredibly sensual and steamy as well, although I did feel that the passion lessened as the characters became more acquainted with each other, and often it felt as if jealousy was the motivation in the romance. While that bothered me somewhat, the story was so engaging and the end so surprising that it had little to no impact on my final impression: I really liked this book.

I received an eBook copy from BTS eMagazine for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Francine \ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fast-paced, sci-fi romance: high technology is used to inspect and explain mythology and faith, and meld to create a beautiful story that is touching and full of revelations. Seeking the basis of religious thought, and the existence of deities, the technology is used to aid characters in this search, highlighting the different perspectives the characters bring to the story and their religious beliefs. There are miscommunications and misinterpretations between characters because of these perspectives yet they must realize that love will transcend all.
Erotic scenes that involve out-of-this-world settings and alien parts add to the uniqueness of the story.

Flames: 4

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for the purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review—all conclusions are my own responsibility

[Eniko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria Zannini is a new author to me and her book "True Believers" totally captivated me from the first page.
Fast-paced and intriguing, the story kept me reading well into the night. I liked that I could not guess what comes next. The twists and turns in the story, kept me turning the page to find out what happens next.
This book was unlike anything I have read before. A great mix of real, sci-fi, hi-tech and myth, with a little romance thrown in makes this book a must-read.
I will definitely add more of Maria Zannini's books to my TBR list.

Rating: 4 stars, 3 flames

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Cate Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a fast-paced thrilling ride through space via Texas. True Believers will keep you flipping virtual pages to see what happens next. If you're looking for a hero to love, you'll find several unique ones in True Believers, including a delightful computer system named Bubba. Maria Zannini meshed myth with tech in an exciting read. Pick up True Believers to find out for yourself.

[Colette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review to come-I just couldn't get into this one.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome story, packed full of action and suspense. Definitely makes me want to read more of her books!

[Witzi]

Parajunkie rec

[Cathy Pegau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appendages...Interesting : )