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Reave Series #2
Elude
Escaping is hard. Surviving is harder.
Aster has lived a life of servitude for ten years, but now she is determined to be free. Countless Reapers stand between her and the gate to New Bethel, and more await just past the walls. She’s spent her life being invisible, but in a world full of assassins, becoming close to any of them only makes you a target for the rest. Every step she takes puts her in more danger, closer to Reapers with unknown intentions. Unexpected friendships develop, but can she really trust any Reaper when they’ve all been trained to deceive? Aster and Chase know what awaits them outside the city, but can they get past it?
In Aster’s journey for freedom, she learns there are some things in life you can’t ever truly escape from, and that some steps can’t ever be taken back.
Aster has lived a life of servitude for ten years, but now she is determined to be free. Countless Reapers stand between her and the gate to New Bethel, and more await just past the walls. She’s spent her life being invisible, but in a world full of assassins, becoming close to any of them only makes you a target for the rest. Every step she takes puts her in more danger, closer to Reapers with unknown intentions. Unexpected friendships develop, but can she really trust any Reaper when they’ve all been trained to deceive? Aster and Chase know what awaits them outside the city, but can they get past it?
In Aster’s journey for freedom, she learns there are some things in life you can’t ever truly escape from, and that some steps can’t ever be taken back.
- GenresFantasy
367 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2014
7 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
C. Miller
28 books47 followersC. Miller lives in Kentucky and has been writing books for more than a decade. She believes books are magical things, transporting readers to other worlds and allowing them to live, laugh, love, and learn with the characters. She loves dogs, beautiful days, and working hard. When not working, you can usually find her playing video games, crocheting, or enjoying those beautiful days that come.
Discover more by visiting her website!
www.cmillerauthor.com
For reviewers interested in ARCs/review copies, head to: www.cmillerauthor.com/for-reviewers
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Discover more by visiting her website!
www.cmillerauthor.com
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For exclusive discounts and to never miss out on a new release, sign up for her newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews
August 18, 2016
Aster is determined to be free after years of servitude but there are many obstacles standing in her way. With Aster upset at Chase and Ahren, she wants to stand up for what she wants and learn to protect herself. When their plans don’t go as expected, her life and freedom are in even more danger, will Aster be able to truly escape?
I got really annoyed at Elude and had to stop reading at 77%. It wasn’t the writing it was the characters and the way the story was going.
I really did not like Aster in this book.
(sorry rant over)
Reave had so much potential but I could not get into Elude as it really annoyed and infuriated me.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
I got really annoyed at Elude and had to stop reading at 77%. It wasn’t the writing it was the characters and the way the story was going.
I really did not like Aster in this book.
(sorry rant over)
Reave had so much potential but I could not get into Elude as it really annoyed and infuriated me.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2014
I was given the wonderful opportunity of doing an ARC reading of "Elude" so that I could leave an unbiased review when the book was revealed. Ecstatic to oblige a review of the second book in this wonderful series, I can once again tell you that C Miller does a wonderful job of captivating your attention and never letting it go.
Once again, C Miller shows amazing strength in character development. The characters are growing and changing in front of your eyes, and you cannot help but find yourself completely immersed in their lives and finding yourself attached to them as if they were your real life friends. Aster maintains her relate-ability and you will continue to find yourself rooting for her, her friends, and her story. Her struggles become your struggles, her victories become your victories. Not only does Aster grab your attention, but so do those around her. Each character comes with their own story and you will find yourself reaching for them as you continue to read.
C Miller's imagery is also exceptional. You never find yourself wondering what anything is; there is no lack of detail here. You will have no trouble imagining everything described to you; it all becomes an incredibly real world for you. You will lose yourself in Aster's world through C Miller's voice and you will find yourself pleased at the end of it.
If you have read "Reave", make sure you continue the story with "Elude". If you haven't read "Reave", go start the journey, and come back to this part of this story and you won't find yourself disappointed. I was left wanting more at the end of this book, and I wait in anticipation for the next chapter. 5 out of 5 stars for Millers strong story telling, vivid imagery, and relatable characters.
Once again, C Miller shows amazing strength in character development. The characters are growing and changing in front of your eyes, and you cannot help but find yourself completely immersed in their lives and finding yourself attached to them as if they were your real life friends. Aster maintains her relate-ability and you will continue to find yourself rooting for her, her friends, and her story. Her struggles become your struggles, her victories become your victories. Not only does Aster grab your attention, but so do those around her. Each character comes with their own story and you will find yourself reaching for them as you continue to read.
C Miller's imagery is also exceptional. You never find yourself wondering what anything is; there is no lack of detail here. You will have no trouble imagining everything described to you; it all becomes an incredibly real world for you. You will lose yourself in Aster's world through C Miller's voice and you will find yourself pleased at the end of it.
If you have read "Reave", make sure you continue the story with "Elude". If you haven't read "Reave", go start the journey, and come back to this part of this story and you won't find yourself disappointed. I was left wanting more at the end of this book, and I wait in anticipation for the next chapter. 5 out of 5 stars for Millers strong story telling, vivid imagery, and relatable characters.
September 25, 2014
what an amazing continue to the book Reave totally awesome for all fans a must this book blows your socks off. Did not expect the ending especially totally awesome great writing it flows with Reave
October 13, 2014
Elude is the fantasy sequel to Reave written by C. Miller. We start off where we left off in the first book and embark on a journey. Though Aster is finally free from the House in New Bethel, she isn't free by any means.
Like in Reave, Miller sets the reader up with the hard questions. As a reader, I found myself confused with much of Aster's actions until she decided to delve the information to a new character and love interest, Jastin. Her actions, though may seem petty in some way, show exactly what she intends to be. She wants to make it hard for her father and everyone else. She wants to be seen as strong, not the weakling they preceive her to be. Her frustration makes sense and the actions she took aren't much different than what I would in her place.
The new characters are dynamic and show a parallel to Aster's own life. There's also more about the Reaper lifestyle that her father developed as well as information about Aster's mother. The new characters: Anders, an ex-lover and friend to Aster's deceased mother, and Jastin, the partner and best friend of Ahren.
Anders is an awesome older man who treats Aster the way a father should treat his daughter. He is the one we get more information about her mother from. Jastin is the type of character you either hate or love. I love love/hate dynamics and his relationship with Aster does begin that way. Obviously, he's a new favorite of mine.
But, none of that matters, because in the world Miller created, trust is just a word. Aster and the readers are forced to decide who to trust and for how much. You find yourself disliking the very people you trusted in the first book. In the end, though I loved certain characters, I was forced to be like Aster: deciding not to trust anyone just yet.
There are a bunch of theories I have in my head, my favorite is that mother dearest is actually alive. After all, with a world that forces you to not even trust the people you trust, anything is possible. For now though, I am forced to wait for the next installment.
Like in Reave, Miller sets the reader up with the hard questions. As a reader, I found myself confused with much of Aster's actions until she decided to delve the information to a new character and love interest, Jastin. Her actions, though may seem petty in some way, show exactly what she intends to be. She wants to make it hard for her father and everyone else. She wants to be seen as strong, not the weakling they preceive her to be. Her frustration makes sense and the actions she took aren't much different than what I would in her place.
The new characters are dynamic and show a parallel to Aster's own life. There's also more about the Reaper lifestyle that her father developed as well as information about Aster's mother. The new characters: Anders, an ex-lover and friend to Aster's deceased mother, and Jastin, the partner and best friend of Ahren.
Anders is an awesome older man who treats Aster the way a father should treat his daughter. He is the one we get more information about her mother from. Jastin is the type of character you either hate or love. I love love/hate dynamics and his relationship with Aster does begin that way. Obviously, he's a new favorite of mine.
But, none of that matters, because in the world Miller created, trust is just a word. Aster and the readers are forced to decide who to trust and for how much. You find yourself disliking the very people you trusted in the first book. In the end, though I loved certain characters, I was forced to be like Aster: deciding not to trust anyone just yet.
There are a bunch of theories I have in my head, my favorite is that mother dearest is actually alive. After all, with a world that forces you to not even trust the people you trust, anything is possible. For now though, I am forced to wait for the next installment.
July 25, 2014
(Really 4.5*)
This book was a lot more action-packed than the first as this is about the 'adventure'that Aster goes on. It was really fast paced and so I was able to marathon it within a day. You discover and connect with loads of new characters throughout this book which I really enjoyed, and I especially liked learning about the character of Jastin.
I also never knew who to trust, even characters that I'd grown to love and had connected with in the first book, and so it always kept me on my toes about what was going to happen next.
I did however have a few problems with it in that, like the first one, some of the sentences didn't quite make sense to me, but there were a lot less of these than in Reave. I also thought that there was too much crying, especially from the men (of whom are assassins) which I couldn't find believable, but other than that I absolutely loved it and I can't wait for the next one!
This book was a lot more action-packed than the first as this is about the 'adventure'that Aster goes on. It was really fast paced and so I was able to marathon it within a day. You discover and connect with loads of new characters throughout this book which I really enjoyed, and I especially liked learning about the character of Jastin.
I also never knew who to trust, even characters that I'd grown to love and had connected with in the first book, and so it always kept me on my toes about what was going to happen next.
I did however have a few problems with it in that, like the first one, some of the sentences didn't quite make sense to me, but there were a lot less of these than in Reave. I also thought that there was too much crying, especially from the men (of whom are assassins) which I couldn't find believable, but other than that I absolutely loved it and I can't wait for the next one!
September 3, 2016
*key in star wars reference*
“NOOOOOOOO!!!!”
My reaction to finding out I had reached the ending of the book after a very struggling day of trying to tell myself I had to be productive, then I could read all I wanted when night came. Too bad for my responsibilities, I lost that battle most of the day. But my two most important organs (heart and mind of course o.~) are telling me, there was just no other way!
By the end of this book, my emotions were spent. My lungs were aching from being filled with excitement and held with anticipation. C. Miller did a marvelous job of making you feel one with the main character, and in the process, question your feelings and your loyalties to the previous book and characters that leads you on a roller coaster of emotional struggle.
We find ourselves opening where the last book left off. Aster is in the process of training in order for her to make her escape, while also making great progress in her stealth, fighting, and defensive abilities. But with their time up, everything becomes so much more real for the characters. With the arrival of an unexpected character, Aster and her companions are forced to go where she would never have wished had she the option. But along with this change, there is an introduction to a whole cast of new people (seriously, I mentally burst out in “its raining men” as I was reading), as well as a closer bond and understanding to those from the first book. Aster comes to realize many things about herself on her journey, some of which will leave you with a splinter in your heart, others that will have it racing in your chest with renewed excitement, love, and many other emotions (o.~). Elude has the ability to leave you questioning yourself over and over on how you feel, who you feel it for, and why, but mostly it makes you empathize (amazing job C, Master level reached!) . Asters character undergoes extreme changes in her understanding of new found emotions and relationships to the people she already knows, and those she is still trying to figure out. Many times you find yourself arguing with her character, others you wish you could reach into the book and throw your arms around her. I cant even tell you how many times my jaw dropped, or eyes popped at certain situations and conversations, but I was always left breathless. And when I turned the last page of the book, I kept feeling the name of one specific character rolling off my tongue (but that’s for me to know, and you to find out =D).
I truly cannot wait for the next book! I NEED to know what happens!
“NOOOOOOOO!!!!”
My reaction to finding out I had reached the ending of the book after a very struggling day of trying to tell myself I had to be productive, then I could read all I wanted when night came. Too bad for my responsibilities, I lost that battle most of the day. But my two most important organs (heart and mind of course o.~) are telling me, there was just no other way!
By the end of this book, my emotions were spent. My lungs were aching from being filled with excitement and held with anticipation. C. Miller did a marvelous job of making you feel one with the main character, and in the process, question your feelings and your loyalties to the previous book and characters that leads you on a roller coaster of emotional struggle.
We find ourselves opening where the last book left off. Aster is in the process of training in order for her to make her escape, while also making great progress in her stealth, fighting, and defensive abilities. But with their time up, everything becomes so much more real for the characters. With the arrival of an unexpected character, Aster and her companions are forced to go where she would never have wished had she the option. But along with this change, there is an introduction to a whole cast of new people (seriously, I mentally burst out in “its raining men” as I was reading), as well as a closer bond and understanding to those from the first book. Aster comes to realize many things about herself on her journey, some of which will leave you with a splinter in your heart, others that will have it racing in your chest with renewed excitement, love, and many other emotions (o.~). Elude has the ability to leave you questioning yourself over and over on how you feel, who you feel it for, and why, but mostly it makes you empathize (amazing job C, Master level reached!) . Asters character undergoes extreme changes in her understanding of new found emotions and relationships to the people she already knows, and those she is still trying to figure out. Many times you find yourself arguing with her character, others you wish you could reach into the book and throw your arms around her. I cant even tell you how many times my jaw dropped, or eyes popped at certain situations and conversations, but I was always left breathless. And when I turned the last page of the book, I kept feeling the name of one specific character rolling off my tongue (but that’s for me to know, and you to find out =D).
I truly cannot wait for the next book! I NEED to know what happens!
July 15, 2014
I was fortunate enough to be asked to do an ARC of "Elude" so that I could leave an unbiased review of the book when it became published. I am excited to say that this book exceeded my expectations by far.
This is the second installment in the "Reave" series. As with the first installment, C. Miller takes you on an emotional journey with our beloved Aster. She does an impeccable job with character development. You learn more about each character as the story unfolds. I felt connected to them whether it was love or hate. I don't want to spoil anything in the book, but must say that I was totally shocked several times throughout. Miller has a way with words that is like no other. She is descriptive and detailed. You can envision the scenes and characters plainly, as if you were there with them.
I found it difficult to put the book down once I started and didn't want it to end. This up and coming author is one to watch for. I give "Elude" 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good book. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. :)
This is the second installment in the "Reave" series. As with the first installment, C. Miller takes you on an emotional journey with our beloved Aster. She does an impeccable job with character development. You learn more about each character as the story unfolds. I felt connected to them whether it was love or hate. I don't want to spoil anything in the book, but must say that I was totally shocked several times throughout. Miller has a way with words that is like no other. She is descriptive and detailed. You can envision the scenes and characters plainly, as if you were there with them.
I found it difficult to put the book down once I started and didn't want it to end. This up and coming author is one to watch for. I give "Elude" 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good book. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. :)
March 18, 2023
Spoilers: Elude is the second book in this series and it’s even more captivating than the first. Reave bleeds perfectly into Elude which becomes more thrilling and captivating. You start to see the characters in new light. Aster is starting to learn what really matters in life. The beginning of Elude Aster is just starting to figure that out. She makes her second kill defending someone she has fallen for that isn’t Chase, and yes, it’s another Reaper. (Face palm moment). In the sequel, Aster is surrounded by them now. Some she considers friends. She starts to learn who she can truly trust. The Author has written this book beautifully. As you’re reading along and seeing Aster learn lessons and the way life is/could be, you are learning those lessons too or you may be seeing situations in a new light. Not sure if the author meant to do that or not but so far this series opens your eyes in ways I didn’t expect. It also has plenty of plot twists and makes you want to keep reading. The only problem I had was It was a little confusing at times. I’d get lost on weather Aster was actually saying something or was thinking it and would have to reread paragraphs a few times. That said I can not wait for the 3rd one which comes out tomorrow!
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. Honestly this series has me stuck and I will be sad when it ends.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. Honestly this series has me stuck and I will be sad when it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
I’m in tears ending this part of the story
I was in love with the first book. I loved how the plot moves through questions and how you can figure out everything if you pay close attention. You’ll still be surprised or realize you missed some small detail. The second book it’s the same but so much deeper in that you never truly understand Aster’s intentions and true abilities until you start to understand her parents*. 2 things I latched onto more than anything else was the unspoken war between heart and head that she truly does not address openly until those fateful lines at the end. Then the phrase “That was not the right word.” That might just be branded in my mind now.
I was in love with the first book. I loved how the plot moves through questions and how you can figure out everything if you pay close attention. You’ll still be surprised or realize you missed some small detail. The second book it’s the same but so much deeper in that you never truly understand Aster’s intentions and true abilities until you start to understand her parents*. 2 things I latched onto more than anything else was the unspoken war between heart and head that she truly does not address openly until those fateful lines at the end. Then the phrase “That was not the right word.” That might just be branded in my mind now.
March 23, 2023
I am a sucker for a budding romance between two characters who share an absolutely magnetic chemistry and effortless banter with one another, and Elude might be one of the best examples of it that I've ever read. After reading the first installment of the Reave series, you might be surprised by whom that chemistry surrounds... or you might not.
I laughed. I cried. I laughed and cried again. I couldn't put this book down and I fully intend to read it again in the future.
I immensely enjoyed getting to know the new characters, and learning more about the characters we met in Reave. The journey to Jarsil is long and incredibly eventful, but so worth it.
I laughed. I cried. I laughed and cried again. I couldn't put this book down and I fully intend to read it again in the future.
I immensely enjoyed getting to know the new characters, and learning more about the characters we met in Reave. The journey to Jarsil is long and incredibly eventful, but so worth it.
August 2, 2015
After her father shows up and ruins her plans of escape, Aster finally leaves the city in the company of Reapers and heads to New Bethel with her father. As she learns more and more about the Reapers and their histories, she forms new friends. But it is almost impossible to know who to trust among men she has known for so little. The one thing she does know is that she has to rely on herself and find the strength hidden deep within if she is going to survive in this new world.
OMG did this book make me angry! Why did the romance have to get messed up by her father when everything was going so well? I loved it and hated it at the same time. And there isn't another one out yet so I don't know how it ends.
I really loved how Aster had to discover her true self and rationalize her new father with the one she remembers. And I also loved how the one person she didn't trust was the only one she ended up trusting.
There was only one thing I didn't like about this book and that was how she just gave up on learning to defend herself. No one was teaching her anymore and she was just completely dependent on her protectors. I like the idea of the heroine being independent and this story lost that for the most part. It redeemed itself later on, but I would have preferred it earlier on.
I really can't wait for the third one because I want to see where this story goes. I loved it!!
OMG did this book make me angry! Why did the romance have to get messed up by her father when everything was going so well? I loved it and hated it at the same time. And there isn't another one out yet so I don't know how it ends.
I really loved how Aster had to discover her true self and rationalize her new father with the one she remembers. And I also loved how the one person she didn't trust was the only one she ended up trusting.
There was only one thing I didn't like about this book and that was how she just gave up on learning to defend herself. No one was teaching her anymore and she was just completely dependent on her protectors. I like the idea of the heroine being independent and this story lost that for the most part. It redeemed itself later on, but I would have preferred it earlier on.
I really can't wait for the third one because I want to see where this story goes. I loved it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2016
This book was super good! It also hurt my heart, but in a good way!
February 1, 2015
Wonderful book! I would highly recommend this series. I can't wait to see what comes next.
July 22, 2024
I have this book 5 stars for 2 reasons, and they’re not the normal reasons for which I usually give 5 stars. Let me explain….. The mind games and manipulation in this book had my head spinning. I can usually figure characters out, along with their base intentions. But in Elude? I was questioning everyone and everything. Secondly, I was so incredibly frustrated with how these characters were treating each other - the silent treatment, purposeful confusion, straight up lying - that I’m pretty sure my blood pressure literally went up. Now tell me that if a book - written words - can make you have physiological reactions, as well as emotional reactions, doesn’t deserve all the stars, I simply won’t agree. This was thought provoking, emotional, and I will definitely be moving on to book 3!!!
May 29, 2023
Elude picks up right where Reave left off...but I guarantee you it doesn't go in the direction you think it will! Be prepared to be surprised, as Aster's life, already changed so much, takes her down a path she never could have imagined. (Quite literally!)
As with Reave, Elude is a story that focuses on the characters and their interpersonal relationships rather than on action and adventure, but that doesn't mean there isn't adventure, and even a little death-defying escapades!
Basically put, if you enjoyed Reave, then you'll love Elude!
As with Reave, Elude is a story that focuses on the characters and their interpersonal relationships rather than on action and adventure, but that doesn't mean there isn't adventure, and even a little death-defying escapades!
Basically put, if you enjoyed Reave, then you'll love Elude!
June 12, 2024
This series has something extra compared to a lot of other fantasy books. C. Miller gives depth and insight into feelings and emotions that I found captivating. I constantly thought about the story and its characters when I wasn't reading. Book 2 excels as the first book did. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! Ok, I hated it a few times too, but in a good way 😛
The book was a bit slow reading, but only because there wasn't any fluff so I had to read to catch everything instead of skimming. Honestly, at times I got excited and started reading fast and had to go back and reread!
Thank you to C. Miller for the free copy, I'll definitely be reading the next books in the series! Can't wait to see how Aster's character continues to develop!
🌶️/5 for kisses only, one fade to black scene.
The book was a bit slow reading, but only because there wasn't any fluff so I had to read to catch everything instead of skimming. Honestly, at times I got excited and started reading fast and had to go back and reread!
Thank you to C. Miller for the free copy, I'll definitely be reading the next books in the series! Can't wait to see how Aster's character continues to develop!
🌶️/5 for kisses only, one fade to black scene.
October 2, 2024
I have ships, and then a whole bloody armada, of feelings with this book. I loved it so much I am reviewing it out of order. Aster was having a time of it through this book, and I understand that it can be a lot. But think of everything (non-spoiler review here) that she was going through. Everything you think you know, tugged out from under you. Unable to trust anyone. It's going to make anyone a little... much. But Aster's progression throughout the whole book is worth the wait. Other characters, holy crap. I wasn't prepared. Not one bit. But it was worth it. Please PLEASE give this book series its chance. The world is so well done. The characters, you want to root for them, or beat them with a frying pan. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far!
May 7, 2025
this was a strong sequel in the Reave series, it had that element that I enjoyed from the first book. It continued the storyline and had that character development that I was looking for. I was engaged with what was going on and was enjoying the overall feel. C. Miller has a strong writing style and left me wanting to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2024
Read why Elude got five stars from me at Nevy's Bookshelf
January 13, 2026
🏰❤️🔥💀Very good emotional sequel!
After weeks of hard physical training, young Aster's body was getting stronger.
Chandler had not spared her efforts. She had to be ready for the day of her escape...
*********
A very good sequel full of diverse and varied emotions, with unforeseen events, suspicions, betrayals which lead the main character of Aster towards numerous hesitations.
- What does she really feel?
- What does she really want?
A very emotionally gripping volume.
Looking forward to the sequel!
After weeks of hard physical training, young Aster's body was getting stronger.
Chandler had not spared her efforts. She had to be ready for the day of her escape...
*********
A very good sequel full of diverse and varied emotions, with unforeseen events, suspicions, betrayals which lead the main character of Aster towards numerous hesitations.
- What does she really feel?
- What does she really want?
A very emotionally gripping volume.
Looking forward to the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 22 reviews