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Apocalypto #4
Firebird
The King of Garrick wants to kill her.
The King of Allel wants to love her.
And shapeshifters stole her baby's soul!
In a world where natural-born offspring are essential to the ruling dynasties, Mallory of Settlement 20 was blessed with fertility by the goddess Asherah and destined to become a pampered and protected chalice..
Born to poverty and hunger, Mal now lives in Red City. She's trained to detach from the world so she can serve humanity, but her firebird totem lands her in a power struggle between the city-states of Allel and Garrick. Soon Mal's feelings for one king threaten everything she's worked for, shatter her fundamental beliefs, and reveal her true destiny.
The King of Allel wants to love her.
And shapeshifters stole her baby's soul!
In a world where natural-born offspring are essential to the ruling dynasties, Mallory of Settlement 20 was blessed with fertility by the goddess Asherah and destined to become a pampered and protected chalice..
Born to poverty and hunger, Mal now lives in Red City. She's trained to detach from the world so she can serve humanity, but her firebird totem lands her in a power struggle between the city-states of Allel and Garrick. Soon Mal's feelings for one king threaten everything she's worked for, shatter her fundamental beliefs, and reveal her true destiny.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2011
5 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
L.K. Rigel
36 books179 followersLK Rigel is the author of the Apocalypto series:
Space Junque, Spiderwork, and Firebird; and the Wyrd and Fae series: Give Me, Bride of Fae, Fever Mist, and A Glimmering Girl.
Her My Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre Retold) a retelling of the Gothic novel set in a future utopia.
Her short story Slurp is included in Deadly Treats, an anthology edited by Anne Frasier from Nodin Press. Rigel's writing has also appeared in Literary Mama and Tattoo Highway.
She lives in California.
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Space Junque, Spiderwork, and Firebird; and the Wyrd and Fae series: Give Me, Bride of Fae, Fever Mist, and A Glimmering Girl.
Her My Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre Retold) a retelling of the Gothic novel set in a future utopia.
Her short story Slurp is included in Deadly Treats, an anthology edited by Anne Frasier from Nodin Press. Rigel's writing has also appeared in Literary Mama and Tattoo Highway.
She lives in California.
sign up for notice of new releases
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 4, 2011
Unlike the first two novellas in this series, which leaned much more towards SF/F than Romance, Bleeder is unapologetically a Happily Ever After (or Happy For Now) romantic fiction. Still, I think it would be a mistake to classify it completely as either Paranormal Romance, or Urban Fantasy, and in truth, I probably never would have read this except for the strong science fiction and fantasy influences that were present in Space Junque and Spiderwork.
All of this makes Bleeder both wonderfully and frustratingly unexpected.
Wonderfully: I am not a particular fan of the romance genre, for many reasons, primarily because beyond my teens (when I read mostly gentle classics,) I've read so few romances that were worth my time, being jammed full of brainless twits making bad decisions, having clichéd misunderstandings, in ridiculous situations, and still getting the guy (or girl) in the end. Bleeder had no brainless twits, although it did sport the requisite underdeveloped villain-as-catalyst. In fact, the story relied on very few of the typical romance ploys to move the story along, instead it developed an actual story – the remaking and recovery of a destroyed and nearly barren world – told from a limited viewpoint. As such, it works very well to drive a satisfying romance.
Frustratingly: There are such Big Ideas in this story. You have the concept of womb slavery, an idea that Margaret Atwood treated with such disrespect in The Handmaid's Tale. You have caste systems, and environmentalism. Oh gods! you have emergent religions! progressive and regressive politics! Eugenics! But each of these ideas are seen as if through the window of a speeding train. It was these ideas that really got me excited about the story, and ultimately so, so frustrated at the tease.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the story. In fact, I enjoyed the hell out of it. The writing is excellent, and the lack of clichéd expressions in a romance novel, refreshing. Storyline loose-ends from the previous novellas were definitely addressed, deftly woven into the story. Definitely recommended.
All of this makes Bleeder both wonderfully and frustratingly unexpected.
Wonderfully: I am not a particular fan of the romance genre, for many reasons, primarily because beyond my teens (when I read mostly gentle classics,) I've read so few romances that were worth my time, being jammed full of brainless twits making bad decisions, having clichéd misunderstandings, in ridiculous situations, and still getting the guy (or girl) in the end. Bleeder had no brainless twits, although it did sport the requisite underdeveloped villain-as-catalyst. In fact, the story relied on very few of the typical romance ploys to move the story along, instead it developed an actual story – the remaking and recovery of a destroyed and nearly barren world – told from a limited viewpoint. As such, it works very well to drive a satisfying romance.
Frustratingly: There are such Big Ideas in this story. You have the concept of womb slavery, an idea that Margaret Atwood treated with such disrespect in The Handmaid's Tale. You have caste systems, and environmentalism. Oh gods! you have emergent religions! progressive and regressive politics! Eugenics! But each of these ideas are seen as if through the window of a speeding train. It was these ideas that really got me excited about the story, and ultimately so, so frustrated at the tease.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the story. In fact, I enjoyed the hell out of it. The writing is excellent, and the lack of clichéd expressions in a romance novel, refreshing. Storyline loose-ends from the previous novellas were definitely addressed, deftly woven into the story. Definitely recommended.
April 29, 2011
I don't rate books very often, but I have to say, this was a wonderful read... very thought provoking while touching on tough subjects. 4.5 - 5 out of 5 stars. Expect my review May 9, 2011 on my blog: http://reenajacobs.com/blog/2011/05/n...
July 11, 2011
Bleeder is unlike any story I have ever read. It is a story of a post apocalyptic world where only a select few females have been given the gift of fertility. They are given the highest rank in the world and lavished with anything they desire. There is only one draw back. They are not allowed to fall in love. They must produce their offspring and move on to the next contract. This system works for a while but inevitably the roles of these women become more than at least one of them can bear.
I loved this story. I loved all the information we learn in this book. It answered some questions I had from the first two books but I hope there are more installments because I still have more!
This book makes you put aside your own belief system. It takes a look at the world from a completely different perspective.
I loved this story. I loved all the information we learn in this book. It answered some questions I had from the first two books but I hope there are more installments because I still have more!
This book makes you put aside your own belief system. It takes a look at the world from a completely different perspective.
May 16, 2011
Yes! After having my interest piqued with Space Junque and Spiderwork, this book finally delivers on the promises those two novellas make. I was almost immediately sucked into this book, and where I found the two prequel novellas enjoyable but lacking a bit of depth, this book was just right. Rigel made me care about what happened to Mallory and Edmund, and I found myself biting my nails and rushing through to the end to find out what would happen to them. Up until the very end I was worried about how it would all play out. The questions raised in this book aren't new, but Rigel handled them in a way that was interesting.
This book was both frustrating and wonderful. Frustrating in that certain topics central to the story are somewhat uncomfortable to think about, such as fertility as a commodity to be bought and sold. Mallory is a chalice, a fertile female who will essentially be "rented" to different countries to produce heirs. She doesn't really have a choice in the matter - if a girl turns out to be fertile, she is sent to the Red City to be prepared for the life of a chalice just as Mallory was. It was wonderful though because the world felt so real and was peopled with such interesting characters. I can't remember the last time I was so absorbed in something I was reading because I just didn't know what would happen next; this book constantly had me wondering what twist or turn was around the corner.
One small thing - at the beginning, I kept confusing Celia and Claire because their names look so similar and both are associated with Allel, so I had to go back and re-read sections to make sense of what was going on.
This book was both frustrating and wonderful. Frustrating in that certain topics central to the story are somewhat uncomfortable to think about, such as fertility as a commodity to be bought and sold. Mallory is a chalice, a fertile female who will essentially be "rented" to different countries to produce heirs. She doesn't really have a choice in the matter - if a girl turns out to be fertile, she is sent to the Red City to be prepared for the life of a chalice just as Mallory was. It was wonderful though because the world felt so real and was peopled with such interesting characters. I can't remember the last time I was so absorbed in something I was reading because I just didn't know what would happen next; this book constantly had me wondering what twist or turn was around the corner.
One small thing - at the beginning, I kept confusing Celia and Claire because their names look so similar and both are associated with Allel, so I had to go back and re-read sections to make sense of what was going on.
May 6, 2011
BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES!
July 24, 2011
My word! I loved this book. I had no idea what I was getting into when I "borrowed" Space Junque and Spiderwork. I certainly wasn't prepared for Bleeder, the third installment in LK Rigel's Postapocapunk (love that name!/Apocalypto series.
Ok, if you follow my reviews, you know I don't spend any time retelling the story, but try to get right to my likes and dislikes about a work.
Let me start with what I didn't like...
I didn't like that Bleeder did not immediately follow the action of Spiderwork (Apocalypto #2). But that's not saying much, because I was disappointed when Spiderwork didn't immediately follow the action of Space Junque. This is a petty quibble, I know. See, I'm very invested in apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic storytelling. In my dreams (and nightmares), I frequently find myself having to deal with The End-- and I feel stories of this sort are somehow preparing me to face those challenges when the times comes, by throwing every imaginable scenario at me so I can learn what to do (and not do). Yeah, I should probably lay off the burritos just before bedtime!
Ok, so my first dislike is rather petty. Are there other issues? Only other petty ones. There were many times in this story where I was a bit lost-- my olden brain can't always keep with so many characters and factions in such a (mostly) fast-moving tale. I can say, though, that by the end, I was able to keep up-- but a family tree and a glossary of terms in the end would have been most helpful.
Oh, there's just one more small thing. Ok, maybe it's really a big thing. For the longest time in this story, I was not pro-Mal(lory)! I couldn't be! I just couldn't. Mal could not help the circumstances of her birth nor her upbringing. But I still found myself judging her. Take her blithe acceptance of her role as a bleeder and a chalice, once she was in the Red City. Well, that's not a 21st Century feminist perspective (which is a really amusing objection from me since I don't really consider *myself* a 21st Century feminist...hehehe). But that Mal, and her journey, grew on me. And while I wistfully longed that she would have gotten a greater sense of agency earlier in the story, I am satisfied with how she, and her story turned out.
So, what did I like about this story?
Just about everything else! I particularly love that the research of Nikola Tesla prominently figures into the futuristic developments in Bleeder and the two previous novellas. I thought that the story of Char's sister, Skye would ever remain a mystery to us. We get an idea of what happened to Skye and the Tesla project-- though I still want to know more details about Skye's life underground and what that life might tell us about Tesla's work and the goddess Asherah's doings. Hopefully, we'll be filled in on those aspects in the future (sequels,????)
Ah, the romance! There was a sweet, sweet romance building in Bleeder, in spite of the prohibitions of the Chalice-life that Bleeders (menstruating, potential-childbearers) lead in this story. I love the world-building in terms of establishing the Chalice "hubs", as well as the princely class. The Chalices are highly sexualized, and have hardly any sentimental, romantic ideas (about men or babies... is that where our own age is leading us where sex, love and motherhood are concerned?). The commodification of female wombs and sexuality-- there's enough there to fuel book club debates for many weeks to come! So, with all that going on, how does this become a love story? You've got to read it to find out-- and it isn't as simple as you would think.
The stratification of the peoples. Now that's another topic that generates a lot of thought. At the beginning of Bleeder I was disappointed that the survivors of 21st century had reassembled under such medieval ideas. They left behind the warring environmental and religious terrorists of their apocalypse and settled for kingdoms and fiefdoms? *shaking my head* Huh? Even the most benevolent royals (Edmund and Harold, for instance) are paternalistic in their rule, and are as subject to the rules of the society as monarchs from ages past. I guess I had high hopes that if there was a World War III dustup that we'd come out more egalitarian in the process(though I think that having power over technology, as two of the cities do in this story, means POWER in a post-apocalyptic world). The author doesn't fill in all the dots from the apocalypse of Space Junque to Mal's age, so we don't know exactly why things have turned out this way-- but we know the meddling of goddess Asherah and the Chalice Sisters has a great deal to do with it.
Other delectable, debatable subjects in this story? How about the existence of the soul-- and spirit. What makes us "human," and what part does having a soul play in defining our humanity (or inhumanity, in some cases). What are angels? Who and/or what is god or God? Or even gods, as the case may be.
The villain. You have to have a villain, right? I'm always attracted to the bad boys-- even when they are most dastardly! Garrick did not disappoint (well, until the very end...). Up to a point, he seemed a bit more complex than most villains in the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre. I don't want to give too much away, but "crazy" isn't usually enough of an explanation for me.
Ok, this review is almost as long as the novella Space Junque, that got this all started. Quickly, the various characters really appealed to me-- the "hubbies," the Counselors and KP's, the Pala Clan, the Empani (how creepy are they, eh?) The settings were vivid and it was a little reassuring that some of the places of our time (perhaps in name or landmarks, only) have survived.
Enough already! I could rave rave rave on about this book. One caveat, though-- read Space Junque and Spiderwork before this one-- though those books throw a lot of world-building at you in a short time. You'll appreciate the brilliance of Bleeder all the more for having started from the beginning of... The End.
Ok, if you follow my reviews, you know I don't spend any time retelling the story, but try to get right to my likes and dislikes about a work.
Let me start with what I didn't like...
I didn't like that Bleeder did not immediately follow the action of Spiderwork (Apocalypto #2). But that's not saying much, because I was disappointed when Spiderwork didn't immediately follow the action of Space Junque. This is a petty quibble, I know. See, I'm very invested in apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic storytelling. In my dreams (and nightmares), I frequently find myself having to deal with The End-- and I feel stories of this sort are somehow preparing me to face those challenges when the times comes, by throwing every imaginable scenario at me so I can learn what to do (and not do). Yeah, I should probably lay off the burritos just before bedtime!
Ok, so my first dislike is rather petty. Are there other issues? Only other petty ones. There were many times in this story where I was a bit lost-- my olden brain can't always keep with so many characters and factions in such a (mostly) fast-moving tale. I can say, though, that by the end, I was able to keep up-- but a family tree and a glossary of terms in the end would have been most helpful.
Oh, there's just one more small thing. Ok, maybe it's really a big thing. For the longest time in this story, I was not pro-Mal(lory)! I couldn't be! I just couldn't. Mal could not help the circumstances of her birth nor her upbringing. But I still found myself judging her. Take her blithe acceptance of her role as a bleeder and a chalice, once she was in the Red City. Well, that's not a 21st Century feminist perspective (which is a really amusing objection from me since I don't really consider *myself* a 21st Century feminist...hehehe). But that Mal, and her journey, grew on me. And while I wistfully longed that she would have gotten a greater sense of agency earlier in the story, I am satisfied with how she, and her story turned out.
So, what did I like about this story?
Just about everything else! I particularly love that the research of Nikola Tesla prominently figures into the futuristic developments in Bleeder and the two previous novellas. I thought that the story of Char's sister, Skye would ever remain a mystery to us. We get an idea of what happened to Skye and the Tesla project-- though I still want to know more details about Skye's life underground and what that life might tell us about Tesla's work and the goddess Asherah's doings. Hopefully, we'll be filled in on those aspects in the future (sequels,????)
Ah, the romance! There was a sweet, sweet romance building in Bleeder, in spite of the prohibitions of the Chalice-life that Bleeders (menstruating, potential-childbearers) lead in this story. I love the world-building in terms of establishing the Chalice "hubs", as well as the princely class. The Chalices are highly sexualized, and have hardly any sentimental, romantic ideas (about men or babies... is that where our own age is leading us where sex, love and motherhood are concerned?). The commodification of female wombs and sexuality-- there's enough there to fuel book club debates for many weeks to come! So, with all that going on, how does this become a love story? You've got to read it to find out-- and it isn't as simple as you would think.
The stratification of the peoples. Now that's another topic that generates a lot of thought. At the beginning of Bleeder I was disappointed that the survivors of 21st century had reassembled under such medieval ideas. They left behind the warring environmental and religious terrorists of their apocalypse and settled for kingdoms and fiefdoms? *shaking my head* Huh? Even the most benevolent royals (Edmund and Harold, for instance) are paternalistic in their rule, and are as subject to the rules of the society as monarchs from ages past. I guess I had high hopes that if there was a World War III dustup that we'd come out more egalitarian in the process(though I think that having power over technology, as two of the cities do in this story, means POWER in a post-apocalyptic world). The author doesn't fill in all the dots from the apocalypse of Space Junque to Mal's age, so we don't know exactly why things have turned out this way-- but we know the meddling of goddess Asherah and the Chalice Sisters has a great deal to do with it.
Other delectable, debatable subjects in this story? How about the existence of the soul-- and spirit. What makes us "human," and what part does having a soul play in defining our humanity (or inhumanity, in some cases). What are angels? Who and/or what is god or God? Or even gods, as the case may be.
The villain. You have to have a villain, right? I'm always attracted to the bad boys-- even when they are most dastardly! Garrick did not disappoint (well, until the very end...). Up to a point, he seemed a bit more complex than most villains in the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre. I don't want to give too much away, but "crazy" isn't usually enough of an explanation for me.
Ok, this review is almost as long as the novella Space Junque, that got this all started. Quickly, the various characters really appealed to me-- the "hubbies," the Counselors and KP's, the Pala Clan, the Empani (how creepy are they, eh?) The settings were vivid and it was a little reassuring that some of the places of our time (perhaps in name or landmarks, only) have survived.
Enough already! I could rave rave rave on about this book. One caveat, though-- read Space Junque and Spiderwork before this one-- though those books throw a lot of world-building at you in a short time. You'll appreciate the brilliance of Bleeder all the more for having started from the beginning of... The End.
July 15, 2011
GENRE: Fantasy Romance
THEME: Magic
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I really enjoy a book that gets be riled up and in a good way. Bleeder is definitely a book that liked to kick my emotions in gear with hating characters and situation, but loving others in the process. I talked to a good friend of mine about this book and we had an hour discussion in what we would do in the situation that Mallory the main character is put in. This truly shows the impact that Rigels story had on me.
Mallory is a young girl who has been chosen for a rare and important position in her world. She is a Chalice, a female who is fertile and might one day provide an heir to a king in one of the main cities. But Mal’s life gets a bit more difficult when rumors of her past change her pampered life and is chosen for a whole new destiny.
Bleeder discusses a topic of women used as a way for high society men to get heirs. There were quite a few explicit scenes that I wasn’t prepared for, but it made me understand the life of a Chalice. Their life is challenging, competitive, and extremely heartbreaking if you fall in love. I really pulled for Mallory to be happy she’s the definition of survivor and really has so many obstacles that are preventing her from being who she is.
The King of Allel is a key character in Mals life, he’s someone who makes her stronger and knows how special she is. I really was fond of him as a character and as a male who really didn’t abuse with his power as some could in his position. Mal and the King had really great scenes together and some hot scenes that made me need to fan myself.
The King of Garrick, is what I would call s chauvinistic bully and a intriguing villainous character. He too is a key character for Mal and not in a friendly way. He was the main character who really made me dislike him and sometimes situations that Mal put herself in with him, made me angry with her.
Overall at times I was a little overwhelmed at times with how much information was giving and trying to keep track of what was going on. But I felt that Rigel created a unique world and characters that really made me pull for Mal to have a happy ending. I recommend this to science fiction fantasy fans and those who enjoy some romance mixed it.
THEME: Magic
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I really enjoy a book that gets be riled up and in a good way. Bleeder is definitely a book that liked to kick my emotions in gear with hating characters and situation, but loving others in the process. I talked to a good friend of mine about this book and we had an hour discussion in what we would do in the situation that Mallory the main character is put in. This truly shows the impact that Rigels story had on me.
Mallory is a young girl who has been chosen for a rare and important position in her world. She is a Chalice, a female who is fertile and might one day provide an heir to a king in one of the main cities. But Mal’s life gets a bit more difficult when rumors of her past change her pampered life and is chosen for a whole new destiny.
Bleeder discusses a topic of women used as a way for high society men to get heirs. There were quite a few explicit scenes that I wasn’t prepared for, but it made me understand the life of a Chalice. Their life is challenging, competitive, and extremely heartbreaking if you fall in love. I really pulled for Mallory to be happy she’s the definition of survivor and really has so many obstacles that are preventing her from being who she is.
The King of Allel is a key character in Mals life, he’s someone who makes her stronger and knows how special she is. I really was fond of him as a character and as a male who really didn’t abuse with his power as some could in his position. Mal and the King had really great scenes together and some hot scenes that made me need to fan myself.
The King of Garrick, is what I would call s chauvinistic bully and a intriguing villainous character. He too is a key character for Mal and not in a friendly way. He was the main character who really made me dislike him and sometimes situations that Mal put herself in with him, made me angry with her.
Overall at times I was a little overwhelmed at times with how much information was giving and trying to keep track of what was going on. But I felt that Rigel created a unique world and characters that really made me pull for Mal to have a happy ending. I recommend this to science fiction fantasy fans and those who enjoy some romance mixed it.
July 14, 2011
Bleeder is the 3rd book in the Apocalypto series. It's a deep, complex story about a girl named Mallory (Mal) who is a chalice. In this world, there are very few fertile women. If you are lucky enough to have your period, then you are considered a Bleeder and must live in Red City. Here, the girls are well cared for – these are the women that will keep the world population from dying out. Once they reach a certain age, the become a chalice and they are basically sold to the highest bidder to have sex with until they become pregnant. The men who bid on the chalices are princes who are wanting to produce heirs.
It is an honor to these women to become a chalice. It is their duty to keep the human race going. To them, having sex with a prince is just a business transaction. They are trained to not have emotions. They are not supposed to fall in love with a prince. Of course, a person can't fully turned off their feelings, no matter how hard they try.
I had to keep reminding myself that the world is completely different at this point in time. Their way of life is just bizarre to me. For example, these chalices don't have any contact with the children they have – and they don't want to. They are raised to believe it is wrong to have a relationship with the children they produce. They are like machines – they do the deed, produce a child, and move on to the next bidder.
I thought that the first 1/3 or so of the book was a bit slow. It starts off with Mal at age 13, the age where she starts getting her period. She lives on a settlement, and is very filthy and poor. Her whole world changes when she is taken to Red City. There, it is like living in luxury. A romance doesn't blossom until much later in the book. As I've said before, I'm a romance addict. When Mal meets Prince Edmund for the first time, she automatically feels a connection. Later, when she has sex with him, it lacks passion. Besides trying to conceive a baby, they rarely spend any time together. It really was a nice love story in this book, I just wanted more from them.
I found myself confused a lot during this book. There was just a lot of confusing phrases, rules, etc... I also thought there were too many characters to keep straight. The writing was wonderful though, and the author was very imaginative at building this world that is so unlike our own.
It is an honor to these women to become a chalice. It is their duty to keep the human race going. To them, having sex with a prince is just a business transaction. They are trained to not have emotions. They are not supposed to fall in love with a prince. Of course, a person can't fully turned off their feelings, no matter how hard they try.
I had to keep reminding myself that the world is completely different at this point in time. Their way of life is just bizarre to me. For example, these chalices don't have any contact with the children they have – and they don't want to. They are raised to believe it is wrong to have a relationship with the children they produce. They are like machines – they do the deed, produce a child, and move on to the next bidder.
I thought that the first 1/3 or so of the book was a bit slow. It starts off with Mal at age 13, the age where she starts getting her period. She lives on a settlement, and is very filthy and poor. Her whole world changes when she is taken to Red City. There, it is like living in luxury. A romance doesn't blossom until much later in the book. As I've said before, I'm a romance addict. When Mal meets Prince Edmund for the first time, she automatically feels a connection. Later, when she has sex with him, it lacks passion. Besides trying to conceive a baby, they rarely spend any time together. It really was a nice love story in this book, I just wanted more from them.
I found myself confused a lot during this book. There was just a lot of confusing phrases, rules, etc... I also thought there were too many characters to keep straight. The writing was wonderful though, and the author was very imaginative at building this world that is so unlike our own.
July 18, 2011
Creative, Imaginative, clever and well written! Well worth a read - be sure to check it out!!!
My thoughts:
What to say about this story...it's like nothing I have ever read before. Mallory starts her life as an orphan and becomes a bleeder, then a chalice. This is a whole new spin to surrogate mother. The chalices are trained in many things from history and religion to self defense and kama sutra. They are trained to control their emotions as well as their bodies, so in tune that they can change their body temperature to control fertilization as well as gender! I can't imagine it.
The characters are extraordinary. Their personalities are well planned and the descriptions are vivid and colorful. I found myself cringing when Durga or Jordana came around and smiling every time Edmund came on the scene. The tattoos that people all had - for various reasons - were a great addition. I found that I truly connected with the idea behind the meanings and their placement (laughed out loud at the talon tat that Mal got!).
The story is so well written that it was easy to get lost in the lives of the characters. The variations in the classes is interesting and well done. The are so many kinds of people in so many forms of service. The author is truly both creative and a talented writer.
The world building is fantastic. The author appears to have matched each place with the people who live there. Garrick - unkind, corrupt, and power hungry as a person. Garrick the country is polluted, unclean, and inhabited by people who never have enough (not even enough food). Allel is green and clean, accepting of all who live there regardless of social station and ruled by Edmund who is kind, generous, selfless, and dedicated. The Red City is home to the chalices, bleeders, and sisters. It has the best of everything, but expects everything in return and is power hungry in its own way.
The hinted at battle between the goddess Asherah and the god Samael was an intriguing element to the story, as was the whole Princess Mallory legend. There is betrayal and loyalty, evil and love, as well as mystery and romance. This story has a little bit of everything.
My favorite thing is that there is so much human nature in the story. You watch as the characters determine who to trust and what is right, as opposed to what is expected by law or duty.
My thoughts:
What to say about this story...it's like nothing I have ever read before. Mallory starts her life as an orphan and becomes a bleeder, then a chalice. This is a whole new spin to surrogate mother. The chalices are trained in many things from history and religion to self defense and kama sutra. They are trained to control their emotions as well as their bodies, so in tune that they can change their body temperature to control fertilization as well as gender! I can't imagine it.
The characters are extraordinary. Their personalities are well planned and the descriptions are vivid and colorful. I found myself cringing when Durga or Jordana came around and smiling every time Edmund came on the scene. The tattoos that people all had - for various reasons - were a great addition. I found that I truly connected with the idea behind the meanings and their placement (laughed out loud at the talon tat that Mal got!).
The story is so well written that it was easy to get lost in the lives of the characters. The variations in the classes is interesting and well done. The are so many kinds of people in so many forms of service. The author is truly both creative and a talented writer.
The world building is fantastic. The author appears to have matched each place with the people who live there. Garrick - unkind, corrupt, and power hungry as a person. Garrick the country is polluted, unclean, and inhabited by people who never have enough (not even enough food). Allel is green and clean, accepting of all who live there regardless of social station and ruled by Edmund who is kind, generous, selfless, and dedicated. The Red City is home to the chalices, bleeders, and sisters. It has the best of everything, but expects everything in return and is power hungry in its own way.
The hinted at battle between the goddess Asherah and the god Samael was an intriguing element to the story, as was the whole Princess Mallory legend. There is betrayal and loyalty, evil and love, as well as mystery and romance. This story has a little bit of everything.
My favorite thing is that there is so much human nature in the story. You watch as the characters determine who to trust and what is right, as opposed to what is expected by law or duty.
July 21, 2011
This "postapocopunk romance" is the last of the apocopunk trilogy. This was by far my favorite - after I got into it.
It actually starts about 100 years after the action in the first two books. It was a little disconcerting at first to have all new characters (a very few survived) to get to know.
We learned more about the Red City, city of the chalices (bleeders) who are tasked with helping to repopulate the world after environmental disaster. The politics of the Concord between city-states are heating up at the same time Red City may be losing its hold on the world.
Teams of Inquiry continue to be sent out from Red City to check on various cities. But it is apparent that they can be deceived. The "good" city, Allel, is deep into recovery of pre-disaster technology and hiding it from the world until the time is right for revelation.
But, most importantly, we meet Mallory, so-called settlement trash who is a bleeder. More bleeders are being discovered out in the world and the human race continues. But Mal is accepted into Red City where she will become the consort of kings until her contracted six births are accomplished.
Her first contract is disastrous. She gives birth to the first required female child but learns some things about herself. She may not be settlement trash after all. And her king/consort may be planning some horrible things.
No more since I don't want to include any spoilers but I will say that the story has a most satisfying conclusion. I quite enjoyed it.
Like book two there was a little too much emphasis on the acquisition of souls but not nearly as much as book two. In some ways it was a little essential to this story. Highly recommended but read books one and two first. They are fast reads.
It actually starts about 100 years after the action in the first two books. It was a little disconcerting at first to have all new characters (a very few survived) to get to know.
We learned more about the Red City, city of the chalices (bleeders) who are tasked with helping to repopulate the world after environmental disaster. The politics of the Concord between city-states are heating up at the same time Red City may be losing its hold on the world.
Teams of Inquiry continue to be sent out from Red City to check on various cities. But it is apparent that they can be deceived. The "good" city, Allel, is deep into recovery of pre-disaster technology and hiding it from the world until the time is right for revelation.
But, most importantly, we meet Mallory, so-called settlement trash who is a bleeder. More bleeders are being discovered out in the world and the human race continues. But Mal is accepted into Red City where she will become the consort of kings until her contracted six births are accomplished.
Her first contract is disastrous. She gives birth to the first required female child but learns some things about herself. She may not be settlement trash after all. And her king/consort may be planning some horrible things.
No more since I don't want to include any spoilers but I will say that the story has a most satisfying conclusion. I quite enjoyed it.
Like book two there was a little too much emphasis on the acquisition of souls but not nearly as much as book two. In some ways it was a little essential to this story. Highly recommended but read books one and two first. They are fast reads.
July 25, 2011
Set several generations after the other books in the series, it focuses on Mallory. She`s a chalice from a small settlement in Garrick who captures the attention of both Garrick, the King of Garrick and Edmund, the King of Allel. Her struggles are amplified when a rumour starts that she is the lost descendent of the last Imperial Emperor. Will Mal survive to discover the truth of her past?
After the short novellas comprising the series so far, this full length book is a surprise. It is a chance to delve into a complex, detailed story that really sticks with you.
Mal is a simple girl from a primitive settlement. When she is discovered to be a "bleeder", her whole world changes. Suddenly she is one of the treasured chalices, and must learn a whole new way of living. Her transformation is very realistic and believable. Her thoughts ring true as a simple girl caught in a new, unknown world.
I loved the references to parts of the previous books. Tesla technology (from book 1) is quite important in Allel, and to the plot. Durga and chalice world (from book 2) forms the core of this book. This makes reading the series in order very important.
Like the other books, there are a very steamy erotic scenes. Being a longer book with more detail, there are a few more of these scenes than in the previous books.
Overall, this was a great book in the series, one that signaled a change from novella to full-length novel with great success.
After the short novellas comprising the series so far, this full length book is a surprise. It is a chance to delve into a complex, detailed story that really sticks with you.
Mal is a simple girl from a primitive settlement. When she is discovered to be a "bleeder", her whole world changes. Suddenly she is one of the treasured chalices, and must learn a whole new way of living. Her transformation is very realistic and believable. Her thoughts ring true as a simple girl caught in a new, unknown world.
I loved the references to parts of the previous books. Tesla technology (from book 1) is quite important in Allel, and to the plot. Durga and chalice world (from book 2) forms the core of this book. This makes reading the series in order very important.
Like the other books, there are a very steamy erotic scenes. Being a longer book with more detail, there are a few more of these scenes than in the previous books.
Overall, this was a great book in the series, one that signaled a change from novella to full-length novel with great success.
July 9, 2011
Mal, who lives in a rather primitive and dangerous settlement of Garrick, knows long hours of work and endless hunger. When an emissary from Red City arrives and Mal is determined to be a Bleeder, Mal's life changes, for she is to be taken to Red City and trained to become a Chalice, a woman who will carry children for royalty. On the way to Red City, the emissary and her contingent stop at Allel, to determine if another girl is, also, a Breeder. While there, Mal meets Prince Emund of Allel and Prince Garrick of Garrick, both handsome and destined to play a role in her life.
Ms. Rigel creates a unique and vivid world filled with political intrigue,fantasy, and action, coupled with a great love story. Mal, who trades a life of poverty for one of luxury, is trapped in a gilded cage, although she doesn't realize it at first. Forced to bare children for the highest bidder, her life is one of ceremonies and duty, but she, slowly, discovers a need for something more than the duty to which she was brainwashed. Edmund is a truly great hero, for he is strong, sympathetic, protective, and loving. I became totally caught up in Edmund and Mal's plight and found myself on the edge of my seat awaiting the outcome.
All in all, Bleeder is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it, for its imaginative world-building and superb love story.
Ms. Rigel creates a unique and vivid world filled with political intrigue,fantasy, and action, coupled with a great love story. Mal, who trades a life of poverty for one of luxury, is trapped in a gilded cage, although she doesn't realize it at first. Forced to bare children for the highest bidder, her life is one of ceremonies and duty, but she, slowly, discovers a need for something more than the duty to which she was brainwashed. Edmund is a truly great hero, for he is strong, sympathetic, protective, and loving. I became totally caught up in Edmund and Mal's plight and found myself on the edge of my seat awaiting the outcome.
All in all, Bleeder is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it, for its imaginative world-building and superb love story.
June 2, 2011
Wow!
First I'm gonna say this . . I am very much a "judge a book by it cover" person. I know it's wrong, I know I should change it . . but I can't. When I see a beautiful cover it makes me think what the story behind will tell.
The cover to this book is just beautiful! In fact I am loving the "firebird" and thinking that would be an awesome next tattoo.
This story picks up a little later down the line from where Space Junque and Spiderwork left off. The pages turn to reveal new twists and turns. Leaving the reader sometimes wondering what the heck just happened. Never fear, everything seems to have a reason/purpose . . even if you don't see it right away. Mallory shows you in great detail her life events right up to the end. Step into her shoes and get to know her friends and family, and the story that tells their tale.
This series was a wonderful surprise for me, and one I'm so glad I picked up to read. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
First I'm gonna say this . . I am very much a "judge a book by it cover" person. I know it's wrong, I know I should change it . . but I can't. When I see a beautiful cover it makes me think what the story behind will tell.
The cover to this book is just beautiful! In fact I am loving the "firebird" and thinking that would be an awesome next tattoo.
This story picks up a little later down the line from where Space Junque and Spiderwork left off. The pages turn to reveal new twists and turns. Leaving the reader sometimes wondering what the heck just happened. Never fear, everything seems to have a reason/purpose . . even if you don't see it right away. Mallory shows you in great detail her life events right up to the end. Step into her shoes and get to know her friends and family, and the story that tells their tale.
This series was a wonderful surprise for me, and one I'm so glad I picked up to read. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
October 8, 2013
It's been a long time since I've read a book I literally couldn't put down. I read the first two Apocalypto stories by L.K. Rigel, and thought they were very inventive. I appreciated that I was finally reading something different, and good. The stories were short, and I remember thinking that there were places that could use some expansion, and maybe just a little more development.
Then Firebird came along. 800+ e-pages of pure, fantastical enjoyment. I was pulled into Mallory's story from the first pages of the book, and just couldn't let go until I read the very last sentence. The characters were intriguing and had depth. Rigel built on the history of the world she introduced in her first two books. The plot was enjoyable, and the subject matter riveting. I was very sad to see the end of the story.
I'm hoping that she is going to write another book in to continue the series. She hints at things for the future world in Firebird that I can't wait to read about!
Then Firebird came along. 800+ e-pages of pure, fantastical enjoyment. I was pulled into Mallory's story from the first pages of the book, and just couldn't let go until I read the very last sentence. The characters were intriguing and had depth. Rigel built on the history of the world she introduced in her first two books. The plot was enjoyable, and the subject matter riveting. I was very sad to see the end of the story.
I'm hoping that she is going to write another book in to continue the series. She hints at things for the future world in Firebird that I can't wait to read about!
July 31, 2011
L.K. Rigel has done it again! Bleeder, third in the Apocalypto series, is the best to date. So much action, sex, politics and intrigue to this one, with large helpings of rebellion. I loved this and could barely manage to put it down. While I struggled with Mal enjoying her position as a chalice so much, she did prove that she truly is only human after all. I thought the ending was well done, even if it leaves me wanting L.K. to turn out even more books in this series. I'm so glad that I picked up the first book in the series, Space Junque, on a whim because it was free for the Kindle. I would never have discovered this series and the writing of L.K. Rigel otherwise! Well done, L.K.!
May 8, 2011
After reading ‘Spiderwork’ I was actually really reluctant to continue with this series. However, where ‘Spiderwork’ was lacking “Bleeder” did not disappoint. It had better characters, a good story, and didn’t make me want to just skim the book instead of getting into it. I really liked Mal and her transformation through the story and realizing who she was and coming to terms with it and the world around her. I am very happy that I decided to stick with these series.
June 5, 2012
Bleeder/Firebird was simply amazing! It totally captivated me. There was so much going on yet Rigel pulled it off flawlessly. I couldn't put it down, but I wanted to read it slowly because I didn't want it to end. I'm definitely going to read Rigel's other titles!!!!
June 6, 2018
A great finale!
Pulling all together and leaving the reader satisfied, Rigel has done it again! There are still lines that could be followed but ending here is good, too. A story line with many good branches, and a new world with good inhabitants.
Pulling all together and leaving the reader satisfied, Rigel has done it again! There are still lines that could be followed but ending here is good, too. A story line with many good branches, and a new world with good inhabitants.
November 6, 2018
Best one of the series.
I recommend this series. The story is full of plot twists and a surprise ending. Well done Rigel and thank you.
I recommend this series. The story is full of plot twists and a surprise ending. Well done Rigel and thank you.
August 10, 2011
Bleeder is the 3rd Book in L.K. Rigel's Apocalypto series and the only full length novel, and I have to say this is the one I liked the least. In the previous books I was amazed by the unique and imaginative universe and hierarchy, societal customs L.K. Rigel had created and I was a bit disappointed because I felt that Bleeder took a step back. Don't misunderstand me, it was very engrossing and entertaining, it's just that Space Junque and Spiderwork really raised my expectations.
I am a sci-fi newbie, I think I only read about 5 sci-fi novels, I am a romance lover at heart, but I felt that Bleeder lost part of the series' charm and uniqueness due to toning down on the sci-fi part and becoming in 95% a romance story.
The other major detail which accounts for my feelings is the heroine herself. Somehow - and though I tried - I couldn't grow to like Mallory. I found her selfish, immature, shallow and lot of time acting stupid (there were really important things, sometimes even life or death situations where it was crucial that she warned someone and even though she met them, she just never broached the subject and didn't even try to find the occasion to mention it! and this happened several times, she even went to slack on doing a legal obligation of hers for 3 years! even though it could have severe repercussions). I wasn't satisfied as I didn't see much evolution of her character, she didn't mature or acquire more substance. So sadly as Bleeder was centred around Mallory I couldn't connect well to her story.
On the other hand a new array of supporting characters were introduced who were absolutely charming and made the novel a very memorable read! Some were evil, some were just mean, others were delightful but they were all entertaining and so very different the ones from the others.
At some moments the exciting sci-fi elements I got used to in the previous instalments shone through, for example when L.K. Rigel wrote in detail about the life of the chalices (it sounded like a futuristic sorority! Loved how the girls had their carefree moments, bonding between themselves), their rite of passage (which very interestingly sounded more like an exam with a written thesis, oral presentation and questions) and the objective, very dehumanizing way of speaking of the "transaction". It is scary at what length the bleeders/breeders have evolved reproduction and how unemotional they are towards one of the most moving and amazing experiences in life: giving birth and becoming a mother, for them it is merely a completion of a task:
You're trained to disconnect from all emotion. You can raise and lower your body temperature to control conception. You can manipulate your hormones after fertilization to select for gender.
This was why they said to never learn names, so you wouldn't care so much. Why they kept pressing you to get another dog, so you wouldn't make pets of people
Verdict: Bleeder is Book #3 in the Apocalypto series and though the plot is the most intricate one of all three and it had so much potential, I feel that due to a spoiled and shallow heroine it lost the depth it could have had. L.K. Rigel's writing is still wonderful and I wish we could have seen more of the amazing and original futuristic sci-fi world she has built instead of agonizing over Mallory's love life. The concluding part to a fantastic and imaginative series, you should definitely start Space Junque!
(I was surprised to see some reviews on Goodreads which were the exact opposite of my thoughts as in they felt that Bleeder was much better than the previous books. So I guess you'll have to see for yourself with who you'll agree at the end. :-)
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Cover: 7/10 - I much preferred the previous covers
I give Bleeder 3.5 stars!
I am a sci-fi newbie, I think I only read about 5 sci-fi novels, I am a romance lover at heart, but I felt that Bleeder lost part of the series' charm and uniqueness due to toning down on the sci-fi part and becoming in 95% a romance story.
The other major detail which accounts for my feelings is the heroine herself. Somehow - and though I tried - I couldn't grow to like Mallory. I found her selfish, immature, shallow and lot of time acting stupid (there were really important things, sometimes even life or death situations where it was crucial that she warned someone and even though she met them, she just never broached the subject and didn't even try to find the occasion to mention it! and this happened several times, she even went to slack on doing a legal obligation of hers for 3 years! even though it could have severe repercussions). I wasn't satisfied as I didn't see much evolution of her character, she didn't mature or acquire more substance. So sadly as Bleeder was centred around Mallory I couldn't connect well to her story.
On the other hand a new array of supporting characters were introduced who were absolutely charming and made the novel a very memorable read! Some were evil, some were just mean, others were delightful but they were all entertaining and so very different the ones from the others.
At some moments the exciting sci-fi elements I got used to in the previous instalments shone through, for example when L.K. Rigel wrote in detail about the life of the chalices (it sounded like a futuristic sorority! Loved how the girls had their carefree moments, bonding between themselves), their rite of passage (which very interestingly sounded more like an exam with a written thesis, oral presentation and questions) and the objective, very dehumanizing way of speaking of the "transaction". It is scary at what length the bleeders/breeders have evolved reproduction and how unemotional they are towards one of the most moving and amazing experiences in life: giving birth and becoming a mother, for them it is merely a completion of a task:
You're trained to disconnect from all emotion. You can raise and lower your body temperature to control conception. You can manipulate your hormones after fertilization to select for gender.
This was why they said to never learn names, so you wouldn't care so much. Why they kept pressing you to get another dog, so you wouldn't make pets of people
Verdict: Bleeder is Book #3 in the Apocalypto series and though the plot is the most intricate one of all three and it had so much potential, I feel that due to a spoiled and shallow heroine it lost the depth it could have had. L.K. Rigel's writing is still wonderful and I wish we could have seen more of the amazing and original futuristic sci-fi world she has built instead of agonizing over Mallory's love life. The concluding part to a fantastic and imaginative series, you should definitely start Space Junque!
(I was surprised to see some reviews on Goodreads which were the exact opposite of my thoughts as in they felt that Bleeder was much better than the previous books. So I guess you'll have to see for yourself with who you'll agree at the end. :-)
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Cover: 7/10 - I much preferred the previous covers
I give Bleeder 3.5 stars!
July 14, 2012
Find my review on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://reenajacobs.com/blog/2011/05/n...
I have to say, I’m so glad Ms. Rigel decided to make this into a full length novel. Whereas the first two novellas left me wanting more information, this one was full of depth. Wonderful world building!
Before I go deeper into the review, one thing you must know about me is I’m the type of person who LOVES to HATE. Many aspects of this book riled me, but in a way which was satisfying because of the realism. Think Darth Vadar: an absolutely wicked character but in such a way where you can’t help but say he’s a kick-ass villain.
So with that in mind, I went through Bleeder hating characters, attitudes, and situations, but absolutely loving the book because of it.
For me, this work delved a bit into women’s fiction with its clash of opposing ideas. On one hand, it celebrated womanhood by making fertile women the most valuable resource on the planet. On the other hand, they were just that… resources–either breed for the planet or face the consequences.
Then there was the idea of motherhood. In Spiderwork, the women seemed to want to be mothers, but responsibilities forced on them by society denied them that opportunity. They were breeders, nothing more. This time around, the breeds mocked and criticized any birth mother for holding any emotional attachment to a child. The Chosen were brainwashed into believing that motherhood was something to be scorned. It was a rather disheartening future to think something so natural would be frowned upon. All in all, it was like two giant leaps backward for women.
Bleeder had such a deep message which dealt with human rights and politics. In many ways the society lost its spirit. Lack of choices made them complacent with the way things were. Even those in charge of making the rules were complacent. Each new ordinate chipped away freewill leaving an entire society of slaves with varying privileges. I could see our society becoming like that.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. Bleeder came pretty close to a 5 star read. Like I said, it was full of issues I LOVED to HATE. I recommend this work to readers who enjoy exploring human rights.
By the way, romance lovers… this does have a happily ever after.
A few of my favorite lines:
“I kept the sun out of her eyes.”
Pleasure sure did look hilarious on other people.
She had that completion tat in addition to the traditional roses, but it was impossible to imagine any man brave enough to enter this woman.
Last minute comments
The question which continued to be on my mind throughout the novel was, “What are ghosts?” Great news all! Ms. Rigel has added a Lexicon to her website which answers that question and many more.
This story was well beyond the time of Char’s story, Space Junque. Though we get an idea of what happened to her sister Sky Meadowlark, we never get the entire story. I do hope to see Sky’s story in the future. If you didn’t catch my review of Spiderwork, you can read it here.
I have to say, I’m so glad Ms. Rigel decided to make this into a full length novel. Whereas the first two novellas left me wanting more information, this one was full of depth. Wonderful world building!
Before I go deeper into the review, one thing you must know about me is I’m the type of person who LOVES to HATE. Many aspects of this book riled me, but in a way which was satisfying because of the realism. Think Darth Vadar: an absolutely wicked character but in such a way where you can’t help but say he’s a kick-ass villain.
So with that in mind, I went through Bleeder hating characters, attitudes, and situations, but absolutely loving the book because of it.
For me, this work delved a bit into women’s fiction with its clash of opposing ideas. On one hand, it celebrated womanhood by making fertile women the most valuable resource on the planet. On the other hand, they were just that… resources–either breed for the planet or face the consequences.
Then there was the idea of motherhood. In Spiderwork, the women seemed to want to be mothers, but responsibilities forced on them by society denied them that opportunity. They were breeders, nothing more. This time around, the breeds mocked and criticized any birth mother for holding any emotional attachment to a child. The Chosen were brainwashed into believing that motherhood was something to be scorned. It was a rather disheartening future to think something so natural would be frowned upon. All in all, it was like two giant leaps backward for women.
Bleeder had such a deep message which dealt with human rights and politics. In many ways the society lost its spirit. Lack of choices made them complacent with the way things were. Even those in charge of making the rules were complacent. Each new ordinate chipped away freewill leaving an entire society of slaves with varying privileges. I could see our society becoming like that.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. Bleeder came pretty close to a 5 star read. Like I said, it was full of issues I LOVED to HATE. I recommend this work to readers who enjoy exploring human rights.
By the way, romance lovers… this does have a happily ever after.
A few of my favorite lines:
“I kept the sun out of her eyes.”
Pleasure sure did look hilarious on other people.
She had that completion tat in addition to the traditional roses, but it was impossible to imagine any man brave enough to enter this woman.
Last minute comments
The question which continued to be on my mind throughout the novel was, “What are ghosts?” Great news all! Ms. Rigel has added a Lexicon to her website which answers that question and many more.
This story was well beyond the time of Char’s story, Space Junque. Though we get an idea of what happened to her sister Sky Meadowlark, we never get the entire story. I do hope to see Sky’s story in the future. If you didn’t catch my review of Spiderwork, you can read it here.
December 24, 2011
Bleeder is beautiful. It’s my first time reading this kind of novel. Well I mean first time reading the kind of story. And I did not regret it.
It has two prequels, the Space Junque and Spiderwork. They were short and very fast-paced but it prepared me for Bleeder. I would not have understood the story if it wasn’t for the two prequels.
I think the story is great. Seriously, when I think about it in general, I couldn’t help but smile and kind of pity and wonder about the status of the Bleeders. Well if you didn’t get it, the Bleeders are the chosen maidens that the goddess Asherah blessed with fertility, thus “Bleeder” because they bleed. You see this book is of another time on earth, more specifically the future when humanity had succeeded in destroying the planet that gave/gives us life. The people in this book have been trying to continue to breed but the women lost their fertility because of the contaminated environment. It kind of affected their health. Now the great goddess Asherah has chosen women to be fertile [to bleed] but they had to like make contracts with the aristocrats, those who can pay them, to breed the aristocrats’ future generation. In shorter words, they’re kind of prostitutes. But I mean prostitutes who are trying to continue the human species right?
But somehow, I really could not get myself to be like them. I know they’re humans and stuff but these people, I might as well consider them from another planet. I pretty much understand that people adapt to their environment and it would make them the way they are. But I could not imagine breeding babies and not care for them.
Anyway, as much as I love the story, the writing seemed fast. I mean there are different authors out there, so of course there are plenty of ways of writing. I’m not even complaining. I just want to say it. Okay that’s it. It’s a little fast but nothing that could get me confused or lost.
Maybe you could read it too. And then you’ll like it. I don’t know but I feel like you would. And read the prequels first, I mean it wouldn’t take much of your time since they’re both short but it would give you like something to be looking forward to to Bleeder.
Check out my other reviews here: http://wefancybooks.blogspot.com/p/er...
It has two prequels, the Space Junque and Spiderwork. They were short and very fast-paced but it prepared me for Bleeder. I would not have understood the story if it wasn’t for the two prequels.
I think the story is great. Seriously, when I think about it in general, I couldn’t help but smile and kind of pity and wonder about the status of the Bleeders. Well if you didn’t get it, the Bleeders are the chosen maidens that the goddess Asherah blessed with fertility, thus “Bleeder” because they bleed. You see this book is of another time on earth, more specifically the future when humanity had succeeded in destroying the planet that gave/gives us life. The people in this book have been trying to continue to breed but the women lost their fertility because of the contaminated environment. It kind of affected their health. Now the great goddess Asherah has chosen women to be fertile [to bleed] but they had to like make contracts with the aristocrats, those who can pay them, to breed the aristocrats’ future generation. In shorter words, they’re kind of prostitutes. But I mean prostitutes who are trying to continue the human species right?
But somehow, I really could not get myself to be like them. I know they’re humans and stuff but these people, I might as well consider them from another planet. I pretty much understand that people adapt to their environment and it would make them the way they are. But I could not imagine breeding babies and not care for them.
Anyway, as much as I love the story, the writing seemed fast. I mean there are different authors out there, so of course there are plenty of ways of writing. I’m not even complaining. I just want to say it. Okay that’s it. It’s a little fast but nothing that could get me confused or lost.
Maybe you could read it too. And then you’ll like it. I don’t know but I feel like you would. And read the prequels first, I mean it wouldn’t take much of your time since they’re both short but it would give you like something to be looking forward to to Bleeder.
Check out my other reviews here: http://wefancybooks.blogspot.com/p/er...
April 7, 2013
Ugh. Well, might as well get this review over with.
I don't think I've ever dreaded writing a review like this before. I skipped the review of the second book because I just couldn't be bothered. I was so disappointed with this series. The idea was great. I didn't even mind the romance bits. What bothered me was the random acts of sex that come out of nowhere and the time jumps that occur in the oddest places. I think my biggest issue was their super special ritual involving all of the chalices. The 15 of them were up on stage in front of a big audience, then the 15 princes joined them and suddenly everyone was naked on stage, having sex. In front of everyone. Now, I understand that this is a different society where this is obviously acceptable, but really? I felt like I needed a shower after reading that. Then there was Mal up on the mountain enjoying the view and then suddenly Prince Edward comes along and they're all SEXY TIEMMSSSS~ and then she learns oh it wasn't really him, so it's all okay.
Don't even get me started on Garrick. I know that he's supposed to be the bad guy, even in the first book Garrick was the one everyone hated, but he's just a horrible character.
The ending was horrible. Incredibly anticlimactic.
This review doesn't even get any GIFs. It is not worthy.
I don't think I've ever dreaded writing a review like this before. I skipped the review of the second book because I just couldn't be bothered. I was so disappointed with this series. The idea was great. I didn't even mind the romance bits. What bothered me was the random acts of sex that come out of nowhere and the time jumps that occur in the oddest places. I think my biggest issue was their super special ritual involving all of the chalices. The 15 of them were up on stage in front of a big audience, then the 15 princes joined them and suddenly everyone was naked on stage, having sex. In front of everyone. Now, I understand that this is a different society where this is obviously acceptable, but really? I felt like I needed a shower after reading that. Then there was Mal up on the mountain enjoying the view and then suddenly Prince Edward comes along and they're all SEXY TIEMMSSSS~ and then she learns oh it wasn't really him, so it's all okay.
Don't even get me started on Garrick. I know that he's supposed to be the bad guy, even in the first book Garrick was the one everyone hated, but he's just a horrible character.
The ending was horrible. Incredibly anticlimactic.
This review doesn't even get any GIFs. It is not worthy.
April 19, 2012
Not the greatest of reads, but still enjoyable. Set some time after the first two books, Bleeder is almost a stand-alone novel. The love story at the heart of the book was great but I had some continuity issues.
The premise of the book is the Emperor's lost grandchild, whose mother disappeared at the time of the Cataclysm. However, this was NEVER mentioned in the prior two books - it was implied that aside from Jake, all of the Emperor's line had died out. Along the same lines, Edmund is of the Emperor's line, being descended from Jake - yet this is completely glossed over. This would be forgiven, except that Durga and Joanna both knew Jake and knew his lineage.
If you overlook those facts, the story's fun. The additional mythos surrounding Red City and chalices was fun. Still, I don't know the ultimate direction of the story. This book took a complete veering from the previous two and if there are more, I don't know what's going to happen.
The premise of the book is the Emperor's lost grandchild, whose mother disappeared at the time of the Cataclysm. However, this was NEVER mentioned in the prior two books - it was implied that aside from Jake, all of the Emperor's line had died out. Along the same lines, Edmund is of the Emperor's line, being descended from Jake - yet this is completely glossed over. This would be forgiven, except that Durga and Joanna both knew Jake and knew his lineage.
If you overlook those facts, the story's fun. The additional mythos surrounding Red City and chalices was fun. Still, I don't know the ultimate direction of the story. This book took a complete veering from the previous two and if there are more, I don't know what's going to happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2012
I probably wouldn't have read this if it hadn't been for Space Junque arriving in the free books for the Kindle. After that I was hooked!. With Bleeder it was hard to remember that this started the trilogy as a dystopian SF sequence. Now we're in to the Swords and Sorcery realm ... until the end.
A good story, with many twists and turns - and not all predictable, fortunately. However, I did find the ending a little of a let down - but I won't say why as that will ruin it. Also the content is more adult than the others in many places. Be careful if you are reading it on a crowded bus!
A good story, with many twists and turns - and not all predictable, fortunately. However, I did find the ending a little of a let down - but I won't say why as that will ruin it. Also the content is more adult than the others in many places. Be careful if you are reading it on a crowded bus!
October 20, 2011
The saga continues, from Space Junque and Spider Works. We find Mallory, a "Settlement trash" girl, taken to the Red City, to become a Chalice. She was chosen because Jordana thought she could be the Granddaughter of the Emperor of Earth. King Edmund falls in love with Mal, which is forbidden, and it really complicates things. The empani's play a big part in this book, and the explicit sex really takes off.
I really wanted to like these books, but I'm really not into the explicit sex, which gets worse with each book. The stories are good, otherwise.
I really wanted to like these books, but I'm really not into the explicit sex, which gets worse with each book. The stories are good, otherwise.
October 28, 2011
Bleeders by LK Rigel is the third book of the Apocalypto series. This entire series is outstanding! The author wove another fantastic story. This book takes place about 100 years after the first 2 books, so most of the characters are next generation. This story explores the life and rituals of the chalices. Bleeders is longer in length, but LK is so good at story telling that it flew by like a novella. I hope LK continues to write for this world. Apocalypto 4 please.
May 9, 2015
The first two books set the stage for this third book,introducing key characters, the background, conflicts, etc. They were great themselves, but I'd wished for something more developed. This third book was it. Definitely going on my "reread" list.
Note: All 3 books do have explicit sex scenes. Not recommended for teens or children.
Note: All 3 books do have explicit sex scenes. Not recommended for teens or children.
June 19, 2012
This book isn't the same action book as the first two books of the series. I liked the book, but would have liked the action of the first two. This book was more like a love story. I very interesting love story with a twist, but a love story.
March 7, 2014
This is actually the final book in the series. It was a little difficult to follow, but it wasn't a bad read. It was really interesting and creative story. It kept me reading until the end. Interesting book and it was an ebook bargain, which is super too.
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