The Iron Edge

by Lexa Luthor

** Releasing early on March 23, 2023 exclusively through the author's website. **

Spartan warrior, Halcyon, has always placed duty above all else – until one day her true nature as an Omega undoes everything.

Thora is a gorgeous female Alpha slave with foreign features, capturing the attention of Halcyon, who must have her. Like all Alphas, Thora is prideful and thinks an Omega owner will be manageable. She soon discovers that Halcyon is far more than a simple Omega, but rather a warrior, a legend, and the perfect mate to Thora’s Alpha.

For Halcyon, she has dedicated her life towards duty for Sparta, for the military, and for her mate. She has always dreamt of dying in battle with glory and honor for Sparta. That is until her Omega is stirred to life by Thora, triggering Halcyon’s first heat in over a decade. Unable to deny each other, their intense mating brings both life and changes, but at a price. Can Halcyon have both duty and love or will she be forced to choose only one?

The Iron Edge is a standalone novel set in Ancient Greece. It includes F/F Omegaverse*, Fantasy Romance, Historical Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Age Gap, G!P*, fempreg, and a HEA. 101,000

*See the author's blog for more details about Omegaverse and related terms.

Genres: Fantasy, Omegaverse, Lesbian, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Queer

415 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2023

About the author

Lexa Luthor is an avid writer and reader of the Omegaverse trope especially including F/F pairing. In her books, each main character(s) is a strong-willed female, who navigates difficult situations but always ends up finding love with their mate. Every tale has a twist and is gripping, sexy, and even a bit adventurous.

When not writing, Lexa enjoys binge watching television shows like Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack, or The L Word. Her other favorite hobbies are playing cornhole, rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, and laying around the pool in the summer. At times, Lexa finds time to read romances (both dark and fluffy) and great sci-fi books but nothing else can beat a steamy, downright erotic F/F romance with biting, knotting, and slightly possessive love.

To learn more about Lexa, please visit her website and be sure to join her newsletter!

Reviews

[T.J. Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story by the one and only Lexa Luthor. This historical Greek Omega/Alpha romance features a twist! Delicious Alpha, Thora, is a slave who is purchased by the badass Omega, Halcyon, who both already has a mate and is an esteemed guard for her Spartan King. When pheremones inevitably bring about Thora's first rut and Halcyon's first heat, they need to find a way to make it work. Two gorgeous MCs, a whole range of lovely side characters, excellent history about the life and duty of Greek warriors, and many of the amazing sex scenes I love so much! Loved it!

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexa Luthor continues to blow my mind with her ability to tell stories brimming with intense characters, dramatic highs and lows, and the hottest of hot love scenes.

The Iron Edge is a stand-alone book, and part of me didn’t want it to end, while the other part of me was glad for the happily ever after wrap-up because any follower of Luthor knows she is the absolute Queen of cliffhangers. I wasn’t sure I could handle anything keeping Halcyon and Thora from the happiness they both deserved.

Halcyon is a Spartan warrior, raised to give her life for her King, and she thrives on fulfilling her duties. Unlike other Omegas, she has maintained control over her home and fortune, living an independent life. When Halcyon glimpses Thora, a rare alpha slave, she is immediately captured by her presence and beauty. Unable to leave her behind, she barters with the slave trader and takes Thora home as one of her own.
Thora settles into her new home, intrigued by her owner, and language is a barrier only to conversation, as they begin to get to know each other through raw attraction and need. Thora is an alpha first and a slave second, even if society doesn’t agree. Her instinct to protect the people she cares about has her risking everything for Halcyon and her fellow slaves.
Halcyon and Thora share an intense bond, but loyalty to Sparta dictates Halcyon’s beliefs in what her happiness should entail. When the threat of losing Thora becomes a reality, she begins to see a future that she never thought possible.

Lexa Luthor’s writing takes the reader into the world of Spartan warriors and slaves. Her ability to set the scene of an ancient civilisation is extraordinary, and her details and wording are succinct and energetic. Her leads are strong, hard-working women who don’t yield to expectations and are brave enough to open their minds to new possibilities.

Expect to feel it all. The Iron Edge is an emotionally charged, character-driven Omegaverse romance that will take you on an adventure you won’t want to end. Don’t miss out on what could possibly be the best sapphic book of 2023!

[Patricia Foort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!! Thank you, Lexa. Can’t wait for the bonus scene.

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I could tell Lexa put a lot of effort into this one. The details surrounding the time period and the Ancient Greece setting really made this novel stand out, beyond just the omegaverse aspect—which was also handled beautifully. I loved how the two main leads took their time getting to know each other little by little, showing real respect for one another’s cultures and traditions. It felt like a genuine journey of self-discovery for both: one realizing that life is more than just duty, and the other discovering compassion and love beyond the limits that had always defined her. If you enjoy the omegaverse world and also love historical settings, this book is a perfect fit for you!

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexa Luthor is an instant read for me.

[Edelgard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I loved it ? Yes 100%

Does reading it feel ilegal? Yes 100%

While I love the book I swear this author is the same author that wrote Thora: A spartan Hoplite Slaves

[Unique Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.50

[Cece S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, and yes! So good!

[Mish Mash Succotash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soooo...I went into this with no idea what an omegaverse was. I guess this is one of those situations where I should have done more research before picking it up. No shade to those who enjoy it, but the outdated wolf pack hierarchy in human form was just not for me. It's hard for me to say if I would have enjoyed this more without the omegaverse aspect since it's truly integral to the plot, and there were a couple of other things that irritated me also.

I did quite like Thora, Victus, and Caesare, but Halcyon was truly the worst. She was so incredibly selfish and unlikable that I almost DNFed a couple of times. And the book could have benefitted from some more editing overall. There were times where Thora's sudden shifts in language abilities simply didn't make sense, times when Halcyon's internal monologue was confusing and contradictory, and just lots of general typos that kind of tripped me up and pulled me out of the story. The thing I probably enjoyed most was just reading about the day to day life aspects of Greek life.

Overall, this definitely was not for me. I didn't enjoy the main kink of the book (although that's no one's fault but mine), I didn't enjoy the relationship between the MC's, and ultimately the writing was just okay.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited when Lexa announced she was going to revamp her previously published book Thora, but with the omegaverse flare she excels at. I was not disappointed in the least. I couldn’t get enough of Halcyon and Thora story. It had me enthralled from beginning to end. It left my heart warm and happy by the end of the book. I can’t wait for what comes next from Lexa Luthor.

If you read and love the story don’t forget to read the short story Minn Ást. It’s a deliciously wonderful bonus scene that takes place right where the book ends.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are familiar with Lexa's writing you know what you are getting into. It's a well written adventure fantasy with great characters, hot sexy times and this one has Spartan history added in. But mostly with Lexa Luthor's books you get the very best fire, fire, fire, fire, fire, fire, fire, hot sexiness that keeps you reading way past your bedtime. I highly recommend this and all of Lexa Luthor's books.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for the Omegaverse elements, this book is very similar to Thora: A spartan hoplite’s slave by Cameron North.

[Kelli Glazebrook]

I won’t give stars for this because I take full responsibility for reading omegaverse even though it often disappoints me. I wanted to give a sapphic version a try but I was so gosh dang bored. And the slavery thing, idk it gives me the ick.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5⭐️

This was my first attempt at an omegaverse book and my oh my was it an experience 🙈 I’d be lying if I said the omegaverse language didn’t take me out of the story from time to time. I’m sure it’s something I could get used to with more exposure, but as a newbie it was a little cringe reading things like “pup” and “heat” etc. I think it was written well and did what it set out to do, I think it was just jarring for me the first time around.

I enjoyed the characters in this book, Halcyon and Thora were intriguing as individuals and watching them grow together was a rewarding journey. The side characters as well I found myself attached to, Lexa Luthor writes district and compelling voices well. That being said, I could have done with more of the external forces at play. Set in ancient Sparta during war time, I found myself wanting more on the political climate and intrigue happening during the Persian war. Especially with Halcyon’s role as a Hoplite and on the kings guard, I enjoyed the little glimpses we got to see of her in society and wish there was more of it.

[Blibli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one.

I think I read It at the perfect time, because I have been obsesing over ancient Greece / Rome settings, so this was perfect. And I always loved to wonder and think about how the omegaverse would have impacted the diferent eras of history we humans have, and I liked the worlbuilding. There where also complicated feelings about motherhood which is something that I adore to read for some reason.

I also liked the story and the character and I think It was well written. I do have to say some of the chapters where very long and It could be a Little tiring.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard that Lexa Luthor would be retelling her Spartan story in a new way I was so excited. The first story was good and this one is such an amazing version! Halycon, a Spartan warrior, is a fierce omega that defies traditional ideas of what an omega is. Thora is an alpha from far away lands forced into slavely. The two meet and their journey together is a battle of wills and love the defies speech and nationality. Truely an amazing story! I could hardly put it down.

[Grendaycita Segovia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2

[Lesbereading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lexa Luthor, how you pull me into these stories where I have to spend all day Saturday reading. Take a look at the content elements, but if you’re up for the ride, it’s a damn good one.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where can I get stories between Alpha and Omega with a lot of dynamic?

This is delicious! Couldn't love it more.

[Audrey S · Rating 5 out of 5]

actual rating: 4.5 stars

[Katie BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing, hot, and (historically) complex book from Lexa Luthor! Halcyon and Thora are very different in personality but also have a fun and rocky dynamic, very sweet individual character arcs, and a slow but steady relationship progression as the book goes on. The complex world and situations between the MCs grasp your attention quickly and the steamy scenes carry the rest of the story with you desperately hoping they find a way together. The ending is sweet and satisfying, and if you’re like me, it leaves you anxiously awaiting for the next one Luthor releases.

[Holly Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍

Although for most of this story I wanted to smack Halcyon around the head you have to agree this is a beautiful love story of the ages. Thora is a beautifully written character.with love and devotion in her heart but with a language barrier between them how cable they come together. Read it and find out, trust me it is worth every second.

[Rachel Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read!

I was so excited for this book! Anything by Lexa Luthor is a great read no doubt but this one.. this one was amazing and i cant wait to see what she writes about next!

[Katherine Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first dip into the omgeaverse so I didn't fully understand all the references/terms but I got enough not to feel lost. Good story, interesting concept, will probably read her again if I come across it or given a recommendation.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not fan of the characters in this story. The “manly” pregnant omega didn’t do it for me. There was no sweet moments other than the rut of the alpha. I read “From Iron and Gold” and I really loved that story. But not this one.

[Nyki Mancera · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I am new to the Omegaverse FF genre. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. What pleases me is that the women in this verse also keep/retain their female uniqueness, but I like the added complexity of the A/b/o hierarchy and how some defy the stereotypes by being “more” than meet hormones. It’s like stepping out of bonds.

I immediately bonded with Thora from the very beginning. Perhaps because shew as different. She was a slave. Of course taken from her homeland against her will. And was known as and called a barbarian. She found herself in a harsh hypocritical society that takes children at the age of 7 and gives them to the government to raise and train. Thora is noticed by Halcyon who is looking for a slave for her villa and one that cooks. She lays her eyes on something she has never seen before and it captivates her. She is taken with Thora so much that she pays more for her than any slave is “worth.” She also comes with serious issues…she is an Alpha and very willful. She can get other Alphas to submit to her. That’s pretty unheard of for a slave. They usually kill foreign alphas.

From this moment on, we read the story of Halcyon and Thora come to know one another. Halcyon is a boring, stoic, routine driven, wealthy, and well renowned warrior who stands beside and protects King Leonidas. She is the “Iron Edge” who happens to be an Omega. This is their story and it is wonderfully told. I did like Halcyon a lot until she started to take duty over the value of human beings, especially her own. There were times when I did not understand her and her feelings about slavery, Greek society, the government and etc. She did not understand why Thora would actually leave her nor why she would stay. I did not understand her relationship with Euclid nor Selene. It was quite weird.

It was just the read to be with Thora. She was worth it all. I understood her. She was a lot like me, except I would not be considered an Alpha in this world. I don’t even understand why betas exist at all. They have a role that is strange and not always very noteworthy. But all in all, this book is a good read. I promise you will fall for Thora.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very biased on anything written by Lexa Luthor so it won't be a surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed this reading and to think I was a bit reticent... I'm not a fan of historical, because it's always heavy on angst and well, I don't hate, but also don't love the feel that I usually feel reading them. BUT, this one, even though had it's fair share, wasn't told in a way that made the MC go through hell. They had plenty of happy moments, quite a lot actually, and got the HEA, I was never in doubt of it.


One MC is your typical heroine, wholesome and above reproach, the other one is a bit of a grey character, mostly honorable, I say mostly, because of the time and her upbringing so things that for some of us are wrong, for her is just the status quo and she isn't wrong to take advantage of it. Also, because of her status she can be a bit of an arse, but that's a rare thing and she comes around, so there's that. The supporting cast is good too and I'm curious to revisit them all with the short story we'll get soon.

Also, I loved the inversion, the alpha being strong, but the buff one being the omega and all that was involved in their characterisation.

p.s.: since at the moment I'm playing AC: Odyssey for the first time it wasn't hard for me to imagine the setting. My imagination isn't the best there is, so it was helpful and it made the experience reading richer.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Lexa Luthor books and these days it's getting hard to rank her books at all...so I better skip it.
This Alpha/Omega love story takes place in ancient Greece during the great times of Sparta and the great war with Xerxes and Persia.
Exceptional times and exceptionally strong people.
Halcyon is part of this.
She's an exception in the Army of Leonidas, but she's earned her position as a king's guard with the infamous title.
She is mistress of her own mansion, which is also a rather unusual occurrence for someone who already has a mate.
Slaves are a normal condition, but a slave with light blonde hair and sky blue eyes in the form of an Alpha can tease any Omega.
It's engaging, although the combat doesn't take place on the battlefield, or not only.
It is a great inner struggle between mistress and slave. There are worlds that need to be bridged and that is once again masterfully written and wonderfully exciting until the end, whether they can even make it with all the obstacles.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Lexa Luthor book without the Omegaverse setting. It's incredibly hot. Thora and Halcyon are a perfect Alpha / Omega pairing and it’s absolutely delicious!

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexa Luthor
The Iron Edge: An F/F Omegaverse Historical Romance



Although some of the scenes in this book felt familiar, I still found it to be an entertaining and unique read. The characters were similar to ones I had encountered in another book a year or two ago, but with different names and set in the same era. However, unlike the previous book, there were no humans categorized as alphas, omegas or betas. Despite this, the story had a different ending that I thoroughly enjoyed. One of the things I appreciated about the book was the author's attention to detail in describing Halcyon's villa, her pregnancy, and the daily lives of her and her slaves. It was so vivid that it felt like I was right there with them. Additionally, the fact that Halcyon was a Sparta female warrior was a fascinating aspect of the story. For those who enjoy age-gap romance, I highly recommend this book.

[Valtier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story as all the other stories she wrote! Can't wait for the extra short story to appear in the mailbox!

I adore history, so it's always a pleasure to read historical fiction.

I really enjoyed the main characters, and even the side characters were fleshed out nicely. I was happy to see Cesare went with them and that Glauce is done struggling.

I was expecting Euclid to give the couple more trouble and for him to come back and show his ugly self again, but that didn't happen, which surprised me a bit or that Selene would show up again causing a fuss.

However, it was more a story where the society traditions and the main characters themselves turned out to be their biggest enemies.