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What is dead is never truly gone.

When she embarks on a rescue mission in an abandoned lab, the last thing Kate Lewis expects is for a long dead Xian Warrior to rise from his ashes. Then he claims she’s his soulmate. Although she doesn’t doubt his sincerity, Kate cannot help but question the truth of his words. The mysterious and tortured man awakens an irresistible passion in her, but as the team’s Chief Medical Officer, she must keep her wits about her and remain professional. Who even knows what he is now?

Xenon has risen from the endless nightmare of having a fractured soul. Now he realizes that six years have gone by and that the world has moved on without him. Worse still, he barely recognizes the man in the mirror, the experiments having desecrated his body with countless traits of the hated Kryptids. Kate’s fierceness and tender support keep him from giving in to madness. She doesn’t see him as a monster, but a man.

Surrounded by danger, abominations, and traitors, the team must contend with the betrayal of former allies. Did Xenon return only to lose the one female who gave him a reason to live?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2021

89 people are currently reading
249 people want to read

About the author

Regine Abel

73 books2,595 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
330 (53%)
4 stars
199 (32%)
3 stars
71 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for EYLEEN.
396 reviews45 followers
April 16, 2024
Está buenísimo. A cada rato andan pasando cosas y se viene otra posible guerra 🤯 no voy a decir que me toma por sorpresa porque la verdad es razonable los argumentos y se podría ver venir muy bien, pero igual me encanta el enfoque de todo porque te hace preguntarte cómo va a terminar ¡y estoy a nada de acabar con esta saga! Ha sido un camino satisfactorio y el crecimiento de este mundo es de lo más maravilloso, nunca me hubiera imaginado con solo haber leído el primer libro que esto revolucionaria así. Me alegra enormemente haberme quedado 🥰🙌🏻♡
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
653 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2022
Kickass with Romance !!! Love it 😊😊

What an adventure !!!!!!
As ALWAYS , I enjoy a trip with those sexy Xians, Dragons , Scelks and their mates !!!!
In this book ,Kate has been the soul catcher of one of the ," Faces" , of the Vanguard, Legion. Now , A few years after the war has ended, the teams are on missions to shut down all of the outposts where crazy general Khutu has made his infamous experiments in his bid to rule the galaxy.
On this particular mission , Kate and the team are horrified to find one of their fallen Xian warriors being experimented on !!!

Xenon !!!!

The warrior that Ayonna could not ," portal " , because his thread had weakened !!!!
How could this have happened ???

As Legion, Kate , and the team try to help Xenon, we find so many questions answered.
And so many questions to be asked !!!
This book picks up as Wrath's book is also going , and was brilliant in its complete complexity and all of the moving parts, well , Moving !!!
Some cogs turn this way , and some turn that way , and some cogs can't turn , unless the alignment is just right !!! And the fight scenes are raw and emotional and make my heart do the pitter patter thing and then I have to read it all over again !!!!! And the romantic scenes make me Want a Xian to take home !!!

Kate is a fighter and bad ass, as are all the women of the Vangurd, and I can't wait for the next epic book !!!! I hope that this series never ends, but I know the writer has other stories to tell........
And I will read them..... ALL !!!!! 😄😄😄😄
If you like some kickass with your romance, then these books are for you !!!!
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,184 reviews10 followers
January 16, 2022
This book rocks!

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was good. It’s a slow build into the interesting story of Xenon’s return. I was beyond thrilled to have Xenon back. I read the book where Legion’s team was ambushed and Ayanna was devastated because she had successfully transferred Chaos and another warrior. Plus, Xenon discovers his mate, the medical and soul catcher Kate. Yes, it’s good stuff indeed. The whole crew shows up for the mission where they shockingly find Xenon. Surprise, Xenon is not himself and not the same. I will not give any more details away but there are some tense moments throughout this book. I am glad it’s a full book not just a quickie story. It’s interesting with reveals that will no doubt end up in future book in this series. Let me just say this again. I am so happy to have Xenon back. Also Kate, Tremack, Viber, Lienna, and Ayanna are fantastic in this book too adding to the storyline. Read On!
Profile Image for Pet.
3,689 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2022
These baddies are even worse than the last ones, scarier, more organized, and worse they are dividing Allie’s. I love how our little Vanguard army is getting stronger in stranger ways though.
Profile Image for Jess.
749 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2021
The book I didn’t know I needed ….
Wow…. I have been enjoying this serie do much, but it was a while … and then I checked if there were any new Regina books … and I saw this one …. Wow…

The story is wonderful, a lot of things happened and will happen. I m not so much of politics and I don’t see a HEA, but I do see it for the couples, the characters we know. I m curious as how the main story will evolve and who will be h/H in next books …

Kate is a strong woman and Xenon is a changed but still awesome male.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,520 reviews223 followers
August 4, 2022
The next mission to close down the now-defunct (in theory) Kryptid experiments is underway and BOY did Legion and his team get a surprise when they found one of their fallen warriors. Xenon is alive, but not necessarily well and he has a little adjusting to do once the Vanguard team swoops in to rescue him. I mean, it's been six years since his "death", the Vanguard have made allies of those who were once enemies, and the body he's currently in has gone through some significant changes.

Oh, yeah. And he's possibly met his soulmate.

Considering all that Xenon's been through, Kate wants to take things slow. Which is understandable, really. The experiments Xenon was subjected to have changed him on a fundamental level and he needs to come to terms with that mentally and they need to make sure nothing that was done to him will endanger her. So they go slow. Ish. Slow-ish. Slow enough that they get to know one another before going all in, but not so slow that they miss out on this special something that's been gifted to them. Life is short and all and one should grab onto the good things before they slip away.

(That sounds very doom and gloom, but it's not! I swear!)

A little danger, a few booby-traps, betrayal that continues to send shock-waves through the Vanguard, a metamorphosis, and two people finding each other despite the staggering odds against it. You know, considering one of them was thought dead for a while. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Shauna.
356 reviews6 followers
January 21, 2022
I LOOOOVED the mc's and story.  Good pace, romance, and action.  I laughed, cried, and finished in one sitting.

Spoilers ahead

Xenon and Kate were intelligent, reasonable, and loveable.  There was a lot of humor.  Their banter and chemistry was believable. Kate was very understanding to Xenon's situation and Xenon handled his circumstances extremely well.  It was nice to see him accept and enjoy his new form. I loved how there wasn't any miscommunication.   They were upfront and honest with each other.

 “I believe in openly discussing issues before they fester and get out of hand."           

Amen Kate.  The miscommunication trope gets old and is overused in romance novels.  Xenon also was upfront.           

The side characters were also great. I hope Tremak and Viper's books are next.  I don't care that they are bug-like.  I'd mate them.  Lol.  Moira and Kazumi were bad ass.  I have a feeling they will be getting books too.  Can't wait. Now I will suffer until the next book comes out. Am already going through withdrawals. Maybe I will go back and reread prior books
Profile Image for Natasha Books.
1,560 reviews96 followers
March 11, 2023
Me gustó.
Me gustó la historia.
Me gustó la pareja.
Me gustó que al fin tenemos datos concretos sobre los rebeldes.
Estoy ansiosa (y un poco miedosa) de leer el próximo libro: ¡el último de la saga!
Profile Image for Veronica.
460 reviews
May 1, 2024
Un'altro viaggio spaziale ed ecco riapparire come per magia uno dei guerrieri che la guerra contro i kryptidi aveva portato via: Xenon. Questo guerriero è stato tremendamente modificato rispetto alla sua origine, oltre alle modifiche del Generale malvagio aggiungeteci anche quelle fattegli dai ribelli che oltre a renderlo immortale gli permettono una rigenerazione autonoma. I guerrieri xian raggiungono il suo laboratorio e si riapproriano del guerriero perduto innescando così anche l'imprinting tra Xenon e il medico di bordo Kate. La guerra contro i ribelli è alle porte, specie perché questi hanno tutte le chiavi per sconfiggere la razza kryptide e nuove armi formidabili.

In generale ho dato tre stelle a questa nuova love story. Mi dispiace solo che con questa storia dei ribelli spuntati così che ovviamente vogliono giustizia per tutte le morti causate dai kryptidi l'interesse in generale sia diminuito. E pare solo che l'autrice voglia allungare un brodo già troppo allungato. La storia è sempre la stessa, non cambia nessuno degli elementi e non aggiunge nulla di nuovo se non facilitazioni per xian e compagni per tirarsi fuori dai guai. Senza contare che più morti mi riportano in vita, più tutta la storia della guerra galattica sembra una pagliacciata. Certo grazie che i personaggi che preferiamo siano ancora vivi ma anche meno dai. Decisamente sempre più deludenti.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vania Nunes.
2,322 reviews51 followers
March 14, 2023
The war is over.
At least that's what all Xian Warriors - Vanguard and Dragons - thought with General Khutu's death. But a new problem arises when rebels unite to finish the job the warriors refuse to do.
The Kriptid people had been tricked by the General, and they didn't know the scope of his war across the planets.
With his dead, and power returning to the Queen, there was no reason for the Warriors to kill civilians.
But the rebels didn't think so, and now, the Warriors are once again the only barrier between the human rebels and the Kryptids.

And in this search for new enemies, an old ally - actually, a Warrior - who 6 years ago had been presumed dead, was back.
Xenon spent 6 years with his fragmented soul trapped in a shell that wasn't his.
With the approach of Ayana - the Portal who had tried to save his soul - he manages to be whole again. However, something was terribly different about him, just as he soon recognizes his soulmate.

Kate never imagined that one day she would bond with one of the Warriors, especially one that came back from the dead and had a new characteristic that could help them in this new war: the power of the Phoenix.
No, the war is not over. It's just a new chapter.
5 stars
Profile Image for Jessica.
57 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed

..... everything about this series. Even some of the cheesy elements! I'm also not one for psychic powers for the most part but the heartwarming action and romance really won me over.

I also have to say, while I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series, I think Xenon and Kate are 10/10 my fav pairing now!!! Their dynamic chemistry, banter, and vibe are everything I love in a couple.

Also one thing I adored about this series is that the author included illustrations of the warriors, wives, and some fauna at the very very end. I love this, it's fun to see how close my interpretation of what I imagined vs what the author had in mind.

I would love to see that in more books.

Hope this wasn't the last in the series. Phew what a cliffhanger!!!
Profile Image for Jessica.
54 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2022
5/5 ⭐️

This was a book I didn’t even know I needed! I was surprised to see a book for Xenon in this series since I thought he died in book two. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Abel’s creativity kept me hooked from the first page.

The complexity, pace, and action between the characters– and the story in general– have me completely obsessed. The back-and-forth tension and wonderfully spicy scenes within this book were amazing, and I loved Xenon and Kate’s relationship. They were mature, intelligent, and adorable, matching each other’s personalities in the best ways. I loved how Abel revisited an old character and plugged his story into the new storyline. Absolute genius.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
Profile Image for Malia.
364 reviews
July 11, 2023
I skipped Wrath story to read Xenon because I read review saying it was more emotional. They weren’t wrong. However, the book wasn’t without flaws. The ending felt way too rushed and there was little resolution regarding the rebels. But Xenon. . . He felt more real to me than all the other warriors, especially the hygiene room scene. If you know you know.
I didn’t connect with Kate. She felt kind of bland. Maybe the fact she was a medical officer made her seem distant and cold. I’m glad Trelak helped Xenon deal with some of these issues but there wasn’t as much PTSD as there should’ve been but these books are all short and sweet. I will read the conclusion to this series. I just like being immersed in the world even though some of the couples feel flat and forced.
762 reviews11 followers
December 29, 2021
This series continues? Awesome! Regine Able has written another five star read! I was crushed when I thought this series was at an end but it looks like I was wrong. Yeah! I am biased, I love everything Regine Able writes. She has a gift for spinning a story that just grabs your heart. Xenon has been tortured and wakes up no longer himself. His body has changed but not his certainty at finding his mate. This slow burn romance is steaming off the pages and the unknown villains lurk in the shadows waiting. I loved this book and hope the series continues. Download and enjoy.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,056 reviews29 followers
December 27, 2021
Fantastic adventure!
Xenon is a fascinating fellow. Lost, feared dead for six years, he’s discovered by a Vanguard team led by his old friend and Xian Warrior, Legion. This awesome story is nonstop action, death-defying feats, and a slow blooming romance. His mate, Kate, is very accepting of his modified looks. I can’t wait for you to read this fascinating, thrill-packed romance - so many surprises! I love it!
Profile Image for LoveRomance.
129 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2022
I just love the Xian Warriors. The story that connects all the books in this series just gets better an better. Can't wait for the next one to know how they will stop the rebells. I love Regine Abel's writing and worldbuilding. The chemistry between the H and h was hot as always and I loved her changes after the mating.

Conclusion:

Regine Abel never dissapoints. Another great read in this amazing series.
Profile Image for Cristy.
Author 10 books32 followers
August 3, 2024
En cuanto vi de quien era la historia fui a por ella. Tenía curiosidad por saber qué había ocurrido con Xenon.
Me ha encantado ver como la autora ha creado un personaje lleno de sentimientos y como reacciona al ver en lo que lo han convertido. Es el personaje más real por ahora.
Me ha gustado mucho como Kate y Tremark lo ayudan a adaptarse a su nuevo yo.
Una historia que me ha atrapado desde la primera página hasta el final.
Profile Image for Deborah.
134 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2021
Fantastic

This new book was excellent. I loved the new plot of the story. Regine sure knows how to keep you entertained. tear jerker an so much fun to read. The intimate scene after the change was intense 😉flaming hot😁. Can't wait for the continuation of the story. And thank you Regine for those beautiful drawings, I love seen them.
Profile Image for TIERN.
521 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2022
Badass plus two💁‍♀️🧚‍♂️

👏🤩Well… I got so caught up I’ve forgot this is the final book. After guzzling down three series of Warriors, I’m still not satisfied. Want more…
Spectacular plot, storyline and further more the sexy bits are hot, seeing everyone interacting with each other in previous books is a major plus .🤩🤩
Profile Image for Leyns.
3,042 reviews
January 18, 2022
3.5 stars

I usually really enjoy books from this author but I got about half way through this one and nearly didn’t finish it. When I made myself read it again weeks later, I finished it and it was a pretty good read. I’m not sure why it wasn’t sustaining my interest. Looks like there’s another book or two left to go in the series.
Profile Image for Claire.
1,270 reviews21 followers
April 20, 2022
Moving into a new phase if this series now that the first big bad has been defeated and it could be interesting - more species involved this time, on both sides. Kate and Xenon were a fun pair, but I admit I'm already a little over the transformation aspect of bonding. And I'm still annoyed that the Vanguard women have to wear a little dress as their uniform - so impractical!
130 reviews
August 9, 2023
Embrace the Change

Nothing or no one remains the same. We evolve whether we initiate it or not. It is uncomfortable and/or painful. Sometimes, not of our own choosing. More often than not, it makes us better. Recommending this read is easy. You may find perks in your transformation!
Profile Image for Jacquelyn.
50 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2022
I'm ashamed for liking this. I'd like to publicize Toni read this in one day and throughly enjoyed it more. So, uh at least I'm not her.
Pro tip: Read the first 8 books before this one, we were very confused trying to piece together all of the alien smut lore.
305 reviews2 followers
Read
January 19, 2022
Great read!

This was a very fulfilling read. The storyline is very intriguing and the future is still in limbo. Will there be a war or will it be comp!ete ruin. Hivhly recommend this series. One of the best i have read.
14 reviews
February 10, 2022
Ended with a cliffhanger for the series, but not for the couple. The original war has ended with many unsatisfied with the outcome, leading to rebellion between the coalition and the vanguard. If there isn't any more added to this series I would expect an offshoot series to add to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Blue Rose.
1,493 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2022
He's alive!

It's so exciting to discover a friend we thought dead! And we get to learn a lot about the threat looming on the horizon. I enjoyed Kate and Xenon interacting; they were cute and fun. The only other thing I would have liked to see was Xenon meet Kate's cats.
1,840 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2022
rush

The main human female character is what I call a Rush (adrenaline) lover. She loves the feeling. Her mate is perfect for her.
On another note the backstory is a little off. Do not see it unfolding as it seems to be heading. But I will wait to see it evolve.
217 reviews
October 10, 2023
great series

Great sci-fi romance series. Definitely worth the read. The world and characters in it are completely fleshed out and the plot has taken on a life of its own. Lots of steamy bits and HEAs.
Profile Image for Pao Rod.
284 reviews
November 14, 2023
Todo un nuevo mundo de alteraciones, abomminaciones y conspiraciones. Estoy dentro. Amé que xenón volvió y reformado y reformando a kate. Espero que nevrik me guste porque los scelks son mis menos favoritos.
Profile Image for Sofía G.
79 reviews
August 7, 2024
COMO EXTRAÑE A XENON, se sintió bastante ligero de leer y creo que lo preferí al libro anterior, además de que me parece que a partir de este libro la trama principal de la rebelión será bastante interesante.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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