What do you think?
Rate this book
Eternal Guardians #5
Enslaved
GRYPHON — Honorable, loyal, dependable…tainted. He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld changed him in ways he can’t ignore.
She calls to him. Come to me. You can’t resist. But Gryphon will not allow himself to be ruled by the insidious whispers in his head. And there’s only one way to stop them: kill Atalanta, the goddess who enslaved him. But with so much darkness inside, he can’t be sure what’s real anymore. Even the Eternal Guardians, those who protect the human realm from threats of the Underworld, want to exile him. They’re not sure he can be trusted.
Finding Malea is like a miracle. Somehow he doesn’t feel the pull of the dark when she’s near. And he’s determined to keep her as near as possible, whether she wants him close or not. But proximity spurs temptation. A temptation that will test every last bit of control he has left. One that may ultimately have the power to send him back to the Underworld or free him from his chains for good.
She calls to him. Come to me. You can’t resist. But Gryphon will not allow himself to be ruled by the insidious whispers in his head. And there’s only one way to stop them: kill Atalanta, the goddess who enslaved him. But with so much darkness inside, he can’t be sure what’s real anymore. Even the Eternal Guardians, those who protect the human realm from threats of the Underworld, want to exile him. They’re not sure he can be trusted.
Finding Malea is like a miracle. Somehow he doesn’t feel the pull of the dark when she’s near. And he’s determined to keep her as near as possible, whether she wants him close or not. But proximity spurs temptation. A temptation that will test every last bit of control he has left. One that may ultimately have the power to send him back to the Underworld or free him from his chains for good.
374 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2012
159 people are currently reading
3120 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Naughton
75 books3,155 followersBefore topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time.
Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.
Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.
Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.
Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.
Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.
Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
May 7, 2015
Elisabeth Naughton’s Eternal Guardians Series has it all…… heady romance, sizzling sex, hot and sexy heroes, strong and sassy heroines, and never ending action and drama. It’s a total addictive mixture. I can’t get enough of the unique characters and the imaginative world she has created. I just love the whole Greek mythology theme and how well it’s interwoven with modern day times.
Enslaved is the 5th book in the series and so far one of my favorites.
I adored Gryphon and Maelae together.
Their journey to finding true happiness together was truly amazing.
Gryphon, had been tortured for months in the Underworld before being rescued by his brother, Orpheus, and has come back a changed man. No longer is he easy going playboy but now is quiet and a loner and seen as unstable by the other Guardian warrior. Driven to madness, hearing voices in his head, pulling him towards the darkness, he cannot see a way out of going back to the person he was before.
Maelea, daughter of Zeus and Persephone, has been alone for thousands of years, hiding from her father’s wrath and hatred. She is trying to find her way back to Olympus in the belief that someone will help her from the fears and dangers she has encountered in her life.
This is really a lovely story.
Gryphon, rejected, wounded, lonely and never lost his goodness and honor. He will do everything to protect Melea, who he knows is his true soul mate.
Maelea has always felt an outsider and never allows herself to feel anything for anyone or anything. Even though she feels a connection to Gryphon, she still is unsure about him.
But when they are both faced with forces of evil following their every step, she takes a chance on him. After all, there are a lot of similarities between them. Neither belongs anywhere.
There are some sexy and hot moments between the two but I loved the tenderness and sweetness as well, especially the time they spend together in Maelea’s beach cottage in Vancouver Island. That’s where they began getting to know each other and realize the deep feelings they felt for each other. Where nothing else mattered but being together.
The ending …..of course they get their HEA….did we ever doubt that????.....left me wondering about the unknown sexy redhead woman…who is she? And where is she going to fit in the next book???
I can’t help looking forward to more of the Argonauts and their lives.
February 12, 2019
Yaasssss otro que me gusta!
El principio es medio malito pero el final es arrollador.
Me encantaron los protagonistas
El principio es medio malito pero el final es arrollador.
Me encantaron los protagonistas
June 1, 2019
Tiene un comienzo medio lento y aburrido pero mientras avanza mejora considerablemente y el final OH MY GOSH!! Trepidante, creo que ha sido de los mejores en lo que va de la series.
Gryphon también es uno de los protagonistas más atormentados y torturados y me daba mucha penita como sufría.
Maelea igual que Skylar no me agradaba tanto al principio pero después uy no la amé, la pareja que hacía con Gryph es bien bonita.
Igual este libro tiene mucha acción y escenas románticas y también frases llegadoras.
El siguiente libro no me llama tanto la atención pero igual si lo voy a leer porque ya se está poniendo bueno el asunto con esta guerra declarada a los dioses.
Gryphon también es uno de los protagonistas más atormentados y torturados y me daba mucha penita como sufría.
Maelea igual que Skylar no me agradaba tanto al principio pero después uy no la amé, la pareja que hacía con Gryph es bien bonita.
Igual este libro tiene mucha acción y escenas románticas y también frases llegadoras.
El siguiente libro no me llama tanto la atención pero igual si lo voy a leer porque ya se está poniendo bueno el asunto con esta guerra declarada a los dioses.
April 15, 2018
This had a slow start, but once it picked up speed I really enjoyed all the happenings! Gryphon and Maelea’s odd beginnings morphed into a unexpectedly sweet, yet sexy romance. Then there’s Hades and his power plays...Persephone wasn’t much better...Zeus is still an arrogant jerk, and the Argonauts are just pretty cool dudes:)
And that final showdown..Yep..I love those types of endings! Justice served.
And that final showdown..Yep..I love those types of endings! Justice served.
October 30, 2021
This was definitely the best of this series. I loved how everything happened gradually and how darkness was looking toward light and all that jazz. And that end? It was awesome.
October 18, 2012
It's fun to see how each author writes a series. There are some who connect a series of stand alone books, with intriguing secondary characters who later have their own books. There are some who write about multiple characters their stories intertwining.. telling the same story from a different point of view. There are some who have an entire over all arc but write mini arcs inside (a series of smaller arcs with a few books that compliment the overall arc). Then there are those who write an ongoing story with the same characters. Then there are those who write one overall ARC, each book, each couple telling a part of the story, something similar to a jigsaw puzzle, slowly telling us the story of their world. In Elisabeth Naughton's Eternal Guardians, she works on the later. And does a brilliant job. The trick to writing in such a manner is for the book to be able to stand alone BUT offer enough information that will tell you the back story without driving you mad with the tedium of repetition. This can be very very difficult, a razor's edge in writing I am sure.
Enslaved is Book 5 of Ms Naughton's Eternal Guardians series and we take off running. Gryphon, having been held hostage for months forced into unspeakable acts (which are for the most part inferred we don't have to live this with him, just the assumption of horror is enough) is finally free. Sort of. He still feels the need to destroy Atalanta, to rip all hope from her and in the end finally remove her from his life. It's hard for him to do this as he is not trusted, his status as Guardian has been given, rightly so to Orpheous. But he is finally allowed out to hunt Atalanta's minions. To do more than hover around the edges.. trouble is, he can't seem to control himself.. Finally, he realizes that he needs to escape and find a way to secure his revenge on his own.
Malea, daughter of Zeus and Persephone.. poor girl, bad enough having those antecedents she also has had an entire life of suffering Hades wrath. Why? Because she exists. Hades has been forced to promise to never physically hurt her but he does make sure no one who helps her is safe. She is desperate to escape the half blood's care. They are in danger just by keeping her safe. Finally, she has discovered a way out.. she is on her way.. only to be stopped by Gryphon..
Together they focus on their joint goals, sort of. Gryphon forces her along with him and in doing so breaks so many rules that the entire Half Blood nation is after them, or so it seems. Danger lurks everywhere, Atalanta's minions are after them, Hades' Hellhounds are tracking them, The Guardians are chasing them down to help if possible and the Half Bloods are ready to make a judgement. And yet, the seem to find solace in each other. They learn to lean on the other, even to *gasp* trust. They build a relationship worth having.
I loved this book! Elisabeth started it strong and it never lost it's stride. We see in Gryphon a tortured hero and yet strong enough to fight without succumbing to evil. In Malea we see a woman who has been neglected at best, abused at worst her entire life. And yet, she chooses to live, to laugh and yes to demand her right to do so. These two did not lead picture perfect lives but they did live them as best they could. And Ms Naughton manages to share their histories with us without that need to go into graphic and in depth detail that seems to be so popular with the tortured hero set these days.
I recommend this book on so many levels. It represents, good triumphing over evil, that with perseverance anything can happen, that family love and loyalty is nothing to take for granted and finally that when you are with the right person, nothing can really destroy you.
My only suggestion to you all is READ IT!!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Enslaved provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on November 1, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Enslaved is Book 5 of Ms Naughton's Eternal Guardians series and we take off running. Gryphon, having been held hostage for months forced into unspeakable acts (which are for the most part inferred we don't have to live this with him, just the assumption of horror is enough) is finally free. Sort of. He still feels the need to destroy Atalanta, to rip all hope from her and in the end finally remove her from his life. It's hard for him to do this as he is not trusted, his status as Guardian has been given, rightly so to Orpheous. But he is finally allowed out to hunt Atalanta's minions. To do more than hover around the edges.. trouble is, he can't seem to control himself.. Finally, he realizes that he needs to escape and find a way to secure his revenge on his own.
Malea, daughter of Zeus and Persephone.. poor girl, bad enough having those antecedents she also has had an entire life of suffering Hades wrath. Why? Because she exists. Hades has been forced to promise to never physically hurt her but he does make sure no one who helps her is safe. She is desperate to escape the half blood's care. They are in danger just by keeping her safe. Finally, she has discovered a way out.. she is on her way.. only to be stopped by Gryphon..
Together they focus on their joint goals, sort of. Gryphon forces her along with him and in doing so breaks so many rules that the entire Half Blood nation is after them, or so it seems. Danger lurks everywhere, Atalanta's minions are after them, Hades' Hellhounds are tracking them, The Guardians are chasing them down to help if possible and the Half Bloods are ready to make a judgement. And yet, the seem to find solace in each other. They learn to lean on the other, even to *gasp* trust. They build a relationship worth having.
I loved this book! Elisabeth started it strong and it never lost it's stride. We see in Gryphon a tortured hero and yet strong enough to fight without succumbing to evil. In Malea we see a woman who has been neglected at best, abused at worst her entire life. And yet, she chooses to live, to laugh and yes to demand her right to do so. These two did not lead picture perfect lives but they did live them as best they could. And Ms Naughton manages to share their histories with us without that need to go into graphic and in depth detail that seems to be so popular with the tortured hero set these days.
I recommend this book on so many levels. It represents, good triumphing over evil, that with perseverance anything can happen, that family love and loyalty is nothing to take for granted and finally that when you are with the right person, nothing can really destroy you.
My only suggestion to you all is READ IT!!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Enslaved provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on November 1, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
September 25, 2012
*ARC provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/review-en...
Since paranormal became the “in” thing in romance I seem to run into the same problem over and over….. if the world building and characters aren’t very unique in some way they seem to either bore me to tears or blur into each other to the point where I can’t remember the whos, whats and wheres when I go to pick up the second book in a series. Elisabeth Naughton’s Eternal Gaurdians series is very different from other series in this genre. These stories revolve around a group of men called the Argonauts whose ancestors are all the original heroes we remember from history: Perseus, Heracles, Achilles. Each of these men have traits that they have inherited from their ancestors and they use them to protect mankind and their own society called Argolea. This is the fifth book in the series and I am just as engrossed in this world of greek mythology as I was four books ago.
Gryphon has been rescued from the Underworld by his brother, and fellow Argonaut, Orpheus. He is trying to heal from the brutal torture and rape he experienced at the hands of Kronos and Atalanta. He just can’t keep the darkness he feels at bay or stop the voices in his head. There is nowhere he belongs anymore, no one really feels safe with him around and he ultimately decides that the only way to free himself is to kill Atlanta. After attacking a fellow Argonaut while battling daemons the only choice left to him, before he is cast out and given no choice in his future, is to escape.
Maelea is the daughter of Zeus and Persephone. All of her life she has hidden out from Hades, because she knows if he finds her she will not only be dead, but she won’t have an afterlife either. In all of the 3,000 years of her life the only person she has had to rely on his herself. The only chance she has is to make a grand gesture to Zeus in the hopes that he will grant her entrance to Olympus. After helping Orpheus rescue Gryphon from the Underworld and steal the Orb of Kronos she is stranded out in a half-breed colony where she knows her presence will endanger all who reside within. What she didn’t figure into her escape attempt is being taken hostage by the very same half crazed Argonaut who she helped rescue.
I have to say that the story arc started in the first book has gotten more intense, once the action starts in the first chapter it just doesn’t stop. Gryphon and Maelea meet up when they are both trying to escape a half-breed Misos encampment. They don’t like each other and they don’t trust each other at all. Gryphon needs Maelea because she seems to keeps the darkness at bay and the voices in his head to a minimum. Maelea wants nothing more than to get free from Gryphon and find a way to earn herself a place in Olympus. Their journey with each other doesn’t start off well, but they eventually team up in order to fight off daemons, hellhounds and everything else that is chasing them. They soon realize that they aren’t very different from each other. Neither one really belongs anywhere, and during one particularly trying moment Maelea realizes that she feels a sort of kinship with Gryphon. Their journey to love and recognizing that they are each other’s soul mates is rough, there are lots of misunderstandings, but the sexy times are numerous and pretty darn hot. Since I like numerous sexy times that are pretty darn hot, this worked for me. There were also some very tender, sweet moments while they are getting to know each other and sharing their deepest fears and regrets.
The ending left me looking forward to the next book, which I am betting will be about Titus and a certain redhead introduced in the latter part of Enslaved. I would say that this is a book that needs to be read as part of the series, not as a stand alone. There is an ongoing story arc and background information that a reader may not understand if they haven’t read the previous four books. This is a series I think fans of paranormal romance will love, if they haven’t already discovered it for themselves. There are no vampires or werewolves, fairies or ghosts, but the world of the Argonauts and the Greek Gods will entertain you and keep you coming back for more.
Favorite Quote:
Review originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/review-en...
Since paranormal became the “in” thing in romance I seem to run into the same problem over and over….. if the world building and characters aren’t very unique in some way they seem to either bore me to tears or blur into each other to the point where I can’t remember the whos, whats and wheres when I go to pick up the second book in a series. Elisabeth Naughton’s Eternal Gaurdians series is very different from other series in this genre. These stories revolve around a group of men called the Argonauts whose ancestors are all the original heroes we remember from history: Perseus, Heracles, Achilles. Each of these men have traits that they have inherited from their ancestors and they use them to protect mankind and their own society called Argolea. This is the fifth book in the series and I am just as engrossed in this world of greek mythology as I was four books ago.
Gryphon has been rescued from the Underworld by his brother, and fellow Argonaut, Orpheus. He is trying to heal from the brutal torture and rape he experienced at the hands of Kronos and Atalanta. He just can’t keep the darkness he feels at bay or stop the voices in his head. There is nowhere he belongs anymore, no one really feels safe with him around and he ultimately decides that the only way to free himself is to kill Atlanta. After attacking a fellow Argonaut while battling daemons the only choice left to him, before he is cast out and given no choice in his future, is to escape.
Maelea is the daughter of Zeus and Persephone. All of her life she has hidden out from Hades, because she knows if he finds her she will not only be dead, but she won’t have an afterlife either. In all of the 3,000 years of her life the only person she has had to rely on his herself. The only chance she has is to make a grand gesture to Zeus in the hopes that he will grant her entrance to Olympus. After helping Orpheus rescue Gryphon from the Underworld and steal the Orb of Kronos she is stranded out in a half-breed colony where she knows her presence will endanger all who reside within. What she didn’t figure into her escape attempt is being taken hostage by the very same half crazed Argonaut who she helped rescue.
I have to say that the story arc started in the first book has gotten more intense, once the action starts in the first chapter it just doesn’t stop. Gryphon and Maelea meet up when they are both trying to escape a half-breed Misos encampment. They don’t like each other and they don’t trust each other at all. Gryphon needs Maelea because she seems to keeps the darkness at bay and the voices in his head to a minimum. Maelea wants nothing more than to get free from Gryphon and find a way to earn herself a place in Olympus. Their journey with each other doesn’t start off well, but they eventually team up in order to fight off daemons, hellhounds and everything else that is chasing them. They soon realize that they aren’t very different from each other. Neither one really belongs anywhere, and during one particularly trying moment Maelea realizes that she feels a sort of kinship with Gryphon. Their journey to love and recognizing that they are each other’s soul mates is rough, there are lots of misunderstandings, but the sexy times are numerous and pretty darn hot. Since I like numerous sexy times that are pretty darn hot, this worked for me. There were also some very tender, sweet moments while they are getting to know each other and sharing their deepest fears and regrets.
“Sotiria,” he whispered, framing her face with his hands, brushing his thumb over her own tear to wipe it away. “I used to dream of you. Of the one person who would touch my heart and make it whole. I just didn’t expect her to show up when I was half the man I used to be. Orpheus may have saved my soul from the Underworld, but you… you saved me from myself. I will always, always just want you.”
The ending left me looking forward to the next book, which I am betting will be about Titus and a certain redhead introduced in the latter part of Enslaved. I would say that this is a book that needs to be read as part of the series, not as a stand alone. There is an ongoing story arc and background information that a reader may not understand if they haven’t read the previous four books. This is a series I think fans of paranormal romance will love, if they haven’t already discovered it for themselves. There are no vampires or werewolves, fairies or ghosts, but the world of the Argonauts and the Greek Gods will entertain you and keep you coming back for more.
Favorite Quote:
“Gryphon, maybe we should rethink this.”
“Rethink what? This tunnel leads out into the mountains.”
She turned to face him. “Rethink leaving. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“I’m not. ”
“You are. You’re walking away form your kin, from your order. From your life. I don’t want to be responsible for that. I-”
“ Sotiria.” His hands framed her face, forced her to look up. Heat rushed over her spine when she saw the soft, needy look in his eyes. “Don’t you know that I would give up anything for you.”
October 7, 2012
5 enthusiastic stars
Gryphon
Maelea
Elisabeth Naughton's books have become a bit of addiction for me. I have read 9 of her books in 16 days. Enslaved is the fifth book in her Eternal Guardian series. I was first drawn to these books because of the connection to mythology. With that focus, clearly this was going to be a light, fun, romantic read, right? Yes, and more. Embedded in this fanciful mythology are serious themes - betrayal, loss, abandonment, self-esteem, and surviving trauma. The Guardian books are steeped in emotion.
This is the story of two wounded outcasts finding each other and trying to shed their demons (not to mention the demons dispatched from Hell). Their adventure solidifies their bond and the relationship is explosive.
What I love about Elisabeth Naughton is that she creates an excellent balance between action and emotion, thrill and suspense. Her characters are well-defined, each struggling with a complex emotional-issue all within the story of gods, furies, and guardians. The characters, despite the extraordinary powers, feel real.
See the complete review on my blog: http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
Gryphon
Maelea
Elisabeth Naughton's books have become a bit of addiction for me. I have read 9 of her books in 16 days. Enslaved is the fifth book in her Eternal Guardian series. I was first drawn to these books because of the connection to mythology. With that focus, clearly this was going to be a light, fun, romantic read, right? Yes, and more. Embedded in this fanciful mythology are serious themes - betrayal, loss, abandonment, self-esteem, and surviving trauma. The Guardian books are steeped in emotion.
This is the story of two wounded outcasts finding each other and trying to shed their demons (not to mention the demons dispatched from Hell). Their adventure solidifies their bond and the relationship is explosive.
What I love about Elisabeth Naughton is that she creates an excellent balance between action and emotion, thrill and suspense. Her characters are well-defined, each struggling with a complex emotional-issue all within the story of gods, furies, and guardians. The characters, despite the extraordinary powers, feel real.
See the complete review on my blog: http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
November 22, 2012
Enslaved was 3 stars, likable book for me. I really wanted to love it with a tortured, wounded hero and an outcast heroine but was not feeling a connection with them all the time. For me Enslaved started out good with Gryphon and Malea escaping, but while trying to escape, out of the blues her attitude changed and bang all of a sudden she is scared and has to escape from Gryphon. After that, the rest of the book was choppy and just did not flow right. I think they were perfect for each other but I felt more connected with them as an individual than a couple. I adored Gryphon’s protective, alpha male side and felt bad as Malea thought she was invisible to everyone. Love the action with lots of twist that I did not see coming but for me it was lacking in the romance department. The sexual tension just was not there, more of inner thoughts from Gryphon on what he would like to do sexually to Malea.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
September 30, 2024
3.5
This book is definitely a book of its time. If I were to read this book whenever I was first getting into reading adult fantasy romance books, I would have eaten this up. Even now, it was a fun read, and I think that someday I would want to read this series in order. However, that won't be anytime soon. I liked the world and the politics. It was very fascinating, but I think I need to prioritize other books on my TBR.
This book is definitely a book of its time. If I were to read this book whenever I was first getting into reading adult fantasy romance books, I would have eaten this up. Even now, it was a fun read, and I think that someday I would want to read this series in order. However, that won't be anytime soon. I liked the world and the politics. It was very fascinating, but I think I need to prioritize other books on my TBR.
April 26, 2019
Just was not feeling Gryphon's story....And was not really feeling Malea....
November 1, 2012
I’ve always wanted to read Elisabeth Naughton’s work, so glad I finally got to do so and should kick myself for waiting as long as I did. Elisabeth has created an original, imaginative and vivid world with a combination of known and unknown paranormal aspects and characters for us to truly engross ourselves in and enjoy. Even though this is book #5 of the series and the first I’ve read from it, I did not find myself to be lost or unable to understand any of the happenings within the story. All of the answers to questions you just might have are right there for you in such a way that’ll you just may think “wow, is she psychic or something?”
There are times when people, even paranormals base their worth by what has happened to them instead of WHO they are. Gryphon is one of those individuals. He has a very haunted and traumatized past that still lingers inside his head (literally). This warrior just wants it all gone. No more voices and no more madness! He’s a guardian and no guardian should be as weak and unstable as he has become and still remains. The voice just will not leave him alone. That’s until he get close to a female. I’m talking even just standing close to her silences all of the madness. What is so special about Maelea that just her mere presence brings him sanity and a sense of peace?
Maelea has lived for thousands of years. Always remaining hidden. She has learned throughout her years to remain alone and not allow love to enter her heart. Too much loss and too much sorrow for a person in one lifetime, even though it’s an ageless life and one would think to be content with that fact; she’s not gotten to know complete contentment and real love. She hides from an evil that only desires her death and is tired of it! Running once more to save some others she has grown to care for from the evil that hunts her. She happens to run straight into none other than Gryphon. The one male she’s decided without introduction to steer clear away from. What’s a woman to do when she experiences things with him completely opposite of what’s rumored of to be?
Together these two souls can conquer any obstacles that stand in their way. Actually there is just no stopping them! Just being beside one another brings them what nothing else ever could. An emotional roller coaster of a ride with some very unexpected turns that keep you turning the pages. Absolutely any paranormal lover will enjoy reading Enslaved :)
There are times when people, even paranormals base their worth by what has happened to them instead of WHO they are. Gryphon is one of those individuals. He has a very haunted and traumatized past that still lingers inside his head (literally). This warrior just wants it all gone. No more voices and no more madness! He’s a guardian and no guardian should be as weak and unstable as he has become and still remains. The voice just will not leave him alone. That’s until he get close to a female. I’m talking even just standing close to her silences all of the madness. What is so special about Maelea that just her mere presence brings him sanity and a sense of peace?
Maelea has lived for thousands of years. Always remaining hidden. She has learned throughout her years to remain alone and not allow love to enter her heart. Too much loss and too much sorrow for a person in one lifetime, even though it’s an ageless life and one would think to be content with that fact; she’s not gotten to know complete contentment and real love. She hides from an evil that only desires her death and is tired of it! Running once more to save some others she has grown to care for from the evil that hunts her. She happens to run straight into none other than Gryphon. The one male she’s decided without introduction to steer clear away from. What’s a woman to do when she experiences things with him completely opposite of what’s rumored of to be?
Together these two souls can conquer any obstacles that stand in their way. Actually there is just no stopping them! Just being beside one another brings them what nothing else ever could. An emotional roller coaster of a ride with some very unexpected turns that keep you turning the pages. Absolutely any paranormal lover will enjoy reading Enslaved :)
February 23, 2017
Enslaved
4 Stars
Struggling in the aftermath of his torturous ordeal in the Underworld, Gryphon is determined to get away from the pity and fear he sees in the eyes of those around him. Likewise, Maelea, the unwanted daughter of Persephone and Zeus, seeks only to escape the confines of the sanctuary concealing her from the vengeful wrath of her mother's husband, Hades. Encountering each other on their way out, this unlikely pair find themselves on the run from all factions: Argonauts, Misos, hellhounds and daemons. Their only chance of survival - each other.
Series note: This is book #5 in the series and as there is an ongoing story arc, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
Naughton's makes excellent use of elements from Greek Mythology in her world building by putting her own unique twists on the traditional themes and tropes. The rivalry between Atalanta and the Argonauts and the conflicts between the various gods are incorporated effectively into the storyline and add an extra layer of tension.
Gryphon and Maelea's romance is very entertaining. They have great chemistry to begin with, and this is only enhanced by the "on the run" trope as it highlights the development of their relationship from fear and mistrust to grudging respect and affection to love. This gradual progression makes their romance all the more believable.
Gryphon and Maelea are also dealing with deeper emotional scars arising from their individual traumas whether it is Gryphon's guilt at becoming Atalanta's pawn or Malea's brittle confidence stemming from the betrayals of her parents. These two lonely outcast are searching to belong and finally find love and acceptance with each other.
All in all, one of the sweeter romances in an enjoyable series. Looking forward to Titus's book next.
4 Stars
Struggling in the aftermath of his torturous ordeal in the Underworld, Gryphon is determined to get away from the pity and fear he sees in the eyes of those around him. Likewise, Maelea, the unwanted daughter of Persephone and Zeus, seeks only to escape the confines of the sanctuary concealing her from the vengeful wrath of her mother's husband, Hades. Encountering each other on their way out, this unlikely pair find themselves on the run from all factions: Argonauts, Misos, hellhounds and daemons. Their only chance of survival - each other.
Series note: This is book #5 in the series and as there is an ongoing story arc, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
Naughton's makes excellent use of elements from Greek Mythology in her world building by putting her own unique twists on the traditional themes and tropes. The rivalry between Atalanta and the Argonauts and the conflicts between the various gods are incorporated effectively into the storyline and add an extra layer of tension.
Gryphon and Maelea's romance is very entertaining. They have great chemistry to begin with, and this is only enhanced by the "on the run" trope as it highlights the development of their relationship from fear and mistrust to grudging respect and affection to love. This gradual progression makes their romance all the more believable.
Gryphon and Maelea are also dealing with deeper emotional scars arising from their individual traumas whether it is Gryphon's guilt at becoming Atalanta's pawn or Malea's brittle confidence stemming from the betrayals of her parents. These two lonely outcast are searching to belong and finally find love and acceptance with each other.
All in all, one of the sweeter romances in an enjoyable series. Looking forward to Titus's book next.
March 8, 2017
Well, this one took me a long time to finish but the ending was quite rewarding. This book was quite slow to start. It wasn't really boring, it just didn't suck me in like some of the other books in this series.
There is a scene where Gryphon shares what happened to him in the Underworld that was quite heart-breaking but Mealea's response was very sweet and loving. That was probably one of my favorite scenes in this book.
I really enjoy Naughton's writing. I'm certainly glad I fell into reading one of her stories. I'm quite eager for Titus's book which will be released soon.
Although this series isn't as good at Showalter's LOTU and Kresley Cole's IAD, it is still a great series and for anyone who is awaiting anxiously for a new release from either of the aforementioned authors will find this a delightful fill-in. :)
There is a scene where Gryphon shares what happened to him in the Underworld that was quite heart-breaking but Mealea's response was very sweet and loving. That was probably one of my favorite scenes in this book.
I really enjoy Naughton's writing. I'm certainly glad I fell into reading one of her stories. I'm quite eager for Titus's book which will be released soon.
Although this series isn't as good at Showalter's LOTU and Kresley Cole's IAD, it is still a great series and for anyone who is awaiting anxiously for a new release from either of the aforementioned authors will find this a delightful fill-in. :)
November 11, 2014
4 stars
Loved the plot.
Loved that she-devil finally dead.
Loved Gryphon.
Disliked the romance.
Disliked Maelea.
Disliked Max.
Anyway, Eternal Guardians' still an amazing series.
......
Off me to next book: Titus and Natasa's.
Loved the plot.
Loved that she-devil finally dead.
Loved Gryphon.
Disliked the romance.
Disliked Maelea.
Disliked Max.
Anyway, Eternal Guardians' still an amazing series.
......
Off me to next book: Titus and Natasa's.
October 31, 2015
I love the Argonauts! The huge, sexy, alpha males really know how to keep you entertained!
March 31, 2016
Rating: A-
If you like tortured heroes, Gryphon is the hero for you! In Elisabeth Naughton's fifth book in her highly addictive Eternal Guardians series readers find out what has happened to Gryphon, the guardian who became a slave to Atalanta. Gryphon was rescued but he's still suffering the effects of his enslavement and no one, least of all Gryphon, is sure if he will ever recover.
He escaped the hell he was living in but the torture continues, if only in his head. It's the voice of Atalanta Gryphon can't get away from that may just drive him insane. Gryphon is determined to kill Atalanta without putting the other Guardians at risk. So he's going it alone or so he thought until Malea tags along. I liked how dark Gryphon was. He didn't just miraculously turn away from the darkside but kept some of that with him. Malea brings light into Gryphon's life but he still must fight his way back from the hell that was Atalanta.
Malea is use to being alone and with Hades hunting her down, it's better for everyone if she doesn't get close to anyone. Malea strikes out on her own but runs into Gryphon and they reluctantly team up together. There is a definitely pull between them but Malea is afraid of what might happen if Hades' Hellhounds catch up to them. Malea isn't a kickass heroine but she does try and I have to give her credit for effort. I also respected her for trying to protect others while so desperately wanting to be part of the group instead of always alone. She was a good match for Gryphon because she could understand his need to protect those he cared about by trying to keep his distance from them.
The romance begins on the run with little in the way of actual romance. Gryphon and Malea are not exactly enemies but they are far from friends. That develops over their mad dash to freedom. Even with the attraction they have for each other, it didn't always feel genuine but having more to do with Malea's affect on Gryphon's darkness. Which made me wonder if there wasn't that connection of light/dark, would anything developed between them? The romance does take off but from the physical attraction with the respect and friendship coming later. I much prefer it the other way but this worked out okay in the end.
The Guardians and their mates are involved in trying to help Gryphon but they also have their concerns as to his ties with Atalanta and how much control she may still have over him. I really enjoy seeing this group of males and watching them interact. They're not all close, best friends but they do respect each other and will fight for each other. The women are not wallflowers who fade off into nothing but continue to make contributions to the fight against Atalanta and her evil horde of daemons.
This is a strong series that continues to deliver action, adventure, romance with kickass heroes and smart heroines. Definitely worth the read!
If you like tortured heroes, Gryphon is the hero for you! In Elisabeth Naughton's fifth book in her highly addictive Eternal Guardians series readers find out what has happened to Gryphon, the guardian who became a slave to Atalanta. Gryphon was rescued but he's still suffering the effects of his enslavement and no one, least of all Gryphon, is sure if he will ever recover.
He escaped the hell he was living in but the torture continues, if only in his head. It's the voice of Atalanta Gryphon can't get away from that may just drive him insane. Gryphon is determined to kill Atalanta without putting the other Guardians at risk. So he's going it alone or so he thought until Malea tags along. I liked how dark Gryphon was. He didn't just miraculously turn away from the darkside but kept some of that with him. Malea brings light into Gryphon's life but he still must fight his way back from the hell that was Atalanta.
Malea is use to being alone and with Hades hunting her down, it's better for everyone if she doesn't get close to anyone. Malea strikes out on her own but runs into Gryphon and they reluctantly team up together. There is a definitely pull between them but Malea is afraid of what might happen if Hades' Hellhounds catch up to them. Malea isn't a kickass heroine but she does try and I have to give her credit for effort. I also respected her for trying to protect others while so desperately wanting to be part of the group instead of always alone. She was a good match for Gryphon because she could understand his need to protect those he cared about by trying to keep his distance from them.
The romance begins on the run with little in the way of actual romance. Gryphon and Malea are not exactly enemies but they are far from friends. That develops over their mad dash to freedom. Even with the attraction they have for each other, it didn't always feel genuine but having more to do with Malea's affect on Gryphon's darkness. Which made me wonder if there wasn't that connection of light/dark, would anything developed between them? The romance does take off but from the physical attraction with the respect and friendship coming later. I much prefer it the other way but this worked out okay in the end.
The Guardians and their mates are involved in trying to help Gryphon but they also have their concerns as to his ties with Atalanta and how much control she may still have over him. I really enjoy seeing this group of males and watching them interact. They're not all close, best friends but they do respect each other and will fight for each other. The women are not wallflowers who fade off into nothing but continue to make contributions to the fight against Atalanta and her evil horde of daemons.
This is a strong series that continues to deliver action, adventure, romance with kickass heroes and smart heroines. Definitely worth the read!
October 28, 2012
Favorite Lines: “All her life she’d been alone. Even the few times she’d been in love, she’d still been alone, because she’d never opened herself all the way. She’d never admitted who she really was, never confessed her hopes and dreams, never shared her soul. This time, she would. This time, everything was different.” (p. 296, e-galley)
It’s hard to believe that Enslaved is book five in Elisabeth Naughton‘s Eternal Guardians series. I’m not a fan of Greek mythology, but I’ve really become addicted to this series which incorporates bits and pieces of the past with its modern word. I highly recommend starting this series with book one instead of jumping in with Enslaved. Every book is about a different couple, but we’re given information and introduced to a variety of characters prior to starting their story. For example, we read about Gryphon’s experience in Hades and learn all about Maelea’s existence in book four, Enraptured.
After reading all the damage done to Gryphon in Enraptured and learning of Maelea’s predicament I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Enslaved. I knew a story about two horrendously damaged people would be good reading and I was right. The emotional trauma paired with the feelings of loneliness made them a perfect match once they realized the attraction between them. Maelea has always been alone not out of a desire but because she was cursed by the gods. Her father, Zeus, didn’t acknowledge her and her mother, Persephone, didn’t have much to do with her either.
Her constant migration and inability to let others get close to her made me want more for her. Just imagine how she felt living forever with no family and no constant partner or friends. Then BAM! there’s Gryphon who was tortured and is now infected with the voice of a villainess. He is purposely separating himself from his friends and family. Sure it’s out of a need to protect them from him, but he feels dirty and dangerous. He used to be completely different. His transformation from light to dark is affecting everyone–but Maelea.
As the two find peace in the world and within themselves there are so many other things taking place. The villainess from book one is still around. Atalanta still wants the Orb of Kronos and is using Gryphon to get it. The gods are making a play for the Orb, as well. They are trying to get it through Maelea. One of the story lines that began in book one will finally be concluded in this book.
Enslaved is equal parts romance/relationship and action moving the book/series forward. It’s also a nice change from the average vampire or shifter paranormal romance. It’s a decent addition to a comfortable series that is on my auto buy list.
It’s hard to believe that Enslaved is book five in Elisabeth Naughton‘s Eternal Guardians series. I’m not a fan of Greek mythology, but I’ve really become addicted to this series which incorporates bits and pieces of the past with its modern word. I highly recommend starting this series with book one instead of jumping in with Enslaved. Every book is about a different couple, but we’re given information and introduced to a variety of characters prior to starting their story. For example, we read about Gryphon’s experience in Hades and learn all about Maelea’s existence in book four, Enraptured.
After reading all the damage done to Gryphon in Enraptured and learning of Maelea’s predicament I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Enslaved. I knew a story about two horrendously damaged people would be good reading and I was right. The emotional trauma paired with the feelings of loneliness made them a perfect match once they realized the attraction between them. Maelea has always been alone not out of a desire but because she was cursed by the gods. Her father, Zeus, didn’t acknowledge her and her mother, Persephone, didn’t have much to do with her either.
Her constant migration and inability to let others get close to her made me want more for her. Just imagine how she felt living forever with no family and no constant partner or friends. Then BAM! there’s Gryphon who was tortured and is now infected with the voice of a villainess. He is purposely separating himself from his friends and family. Sure it’s out of a need to protect them from him, but he feels dirty and dangerous. He used to be completely different. His transformation from light to dark is affecting everyone–but Maelea.
As the two find peace in the world and within themselves there are so many other things taking place. The villainess from book one is still around. Atalanta still wants the Orb of Kronos and is using Gryphon to get it. The gods are making a play for the Orb, as well. They are trying to get it through Maelea. One of the story lines that began in book one will finally be concluded in this book.
Enslaved is equal parts romance/relationship and action moving the book/series forward. It’s also a nice change from the average vampire or shifter paranormal romance. It’s a decent addition to a comfortable series that is on my auto buy list.
August 13, 2015
*** Spoilers ***
Gryphon & Maelea's story.
I didn't like Maelea as much as the other female leads in the previous books in this series.
She screamed way too much.
I understood why Hades cursed her But I did not understand why she was not immortal considering
her parents were Zeus and Persephone?
Why in the world would Gryphon want to find Atalanta, when he was able to get away from her?
He could go anywhere, ch7.
Maelea's constant "what now" got on my nerves, she was worst than a child asking
"are we there yet?".
She should have had a better personality, especially, considering who her parents are.
I read through this book quickly, to get to book 6.
I know Gryphon went through alot in the underworld, but he was so ungrateful towards
Nick and Orpheus.
After awhile, Gryphon started getting on my nerves too: "he knew it had been too much to hope for, guns,
those would come in handy if Nick and his men found them".
He would shoot the men that helped him really?
And, why after two months a rambling like a crazy person didn't he just tell them
that Atalanta made him her slave and now he hears her voice constantly?
That would have made too much sense.
Maelea, lived for over a thousand years, shouldn't she know that Argaunats heal fast?
I can not believe she gave Gryphon the elixir, it was bad enough she gave it once, but she gave it to him twice.
It was like a viagra roofie, WTF?
I was getting so tired of Atalanta I was wishing, someone, anyone, would bump her off,
especially after what she had done to Gryphon in the underworld.
From book 5/7: Does Ari = Vladimir Aristov
"Wasn't Aristov the name of the Misos who built the castle?”
June 8, 2014
I liked this one. Gryphon was really messed up by the games played for power by Hades, Atlanta and Cronus. Even though Orpheus and the Argonauts had rescued him, Gryphon was still being mentally tormented by the perversions he acquiesced to just to keep from remaining in the underworld. Plus, Cronus bound Gryphon and Atlanta together so she kept calling him in his head.
*constantly hearing "Doolas" on the audio was driving me insane, so I can only sympathize with Gryph*
Gryphon decides to leave the halfbreed colony before Nick kicked him out and he ran into another escapee, Maelea. He decided to use her as bait/ransom, so he took her as a hostage. During this journey Gryph discovered that Maelea's closeness drowned out Atlanta. In fact, her light soothed the darkness within him and soon he began to crave her touch.
How can a damaged, fallen hero like him attract the daughter of Zeus and Persephone? How could he deserve something so good when he had done some terrible things and may not even be stable? Maelea herself may not need convince as she sees the hero in Gryphon and may give up her personal quest to get to her father's realm--Olympus.
This series still needs work but I am still enjoying it. I liked this couple together and I like that Gryphon is trying to heal his mind. Maelea was a much stronger heroine than she was portrayed in the prior books. She gave Gryphon all he could handle. I am glad they found a mate in each other.
Question: what makes Maelea Gryphon's mate? What is her human traits that the Argonaut despised?
*constantly hearing "Doolas" on the audio was driving me insane, so I can only sympathize with Gryph*
Gryphon decides to leave the halfbreed colony before Nick kicked him out and he ran into another escapee, Maelea. He decided to use her as bait/ransom, so he took her as a hostage. During this journey Gryph discovered that Maelea's closeness drowned out Atlanta. In fact, her light soothed the darkness within him and soon he began to crave her touch.
How can a damaged, fallen hero like him attract the daughter of Zeus and Persephone? How could he deserve something so good when he had done some terrible things and may not even be stable? Maelea herself may not need convince as she sees the hero in Gryphon and may give up her personal quest to get to her father's realm--Olympus.
This series still needs work but I am still enjoying it. I liked this couple together and I like that Gryphon is trying to heal his mind. Maelea was a much stronger heroine than she was portrayed in the prior books. She gave Gryphon all he could handle. I am glad they found a mate in each other.
Question: what makes Maelea Gryphon's mate? What is her human traits that the Argonaut despised?
August 21, 2012
ARC provided by netgalley
Comfortable, this is just one of those series I just enjoy reading. I picked it up because I have a fondness for Greek Mythology, and had never read anything about the Argonauts. This series does not disappoint. The characters (and couples) are well developed and balanced for each other, they just seem to "fit" when they find each other. And this series is not the same old "history" that has been written to death. Daemons, Gods, the Underworld, it has it all without repeating themes. It is a refreshing change and keeps my interest each time I read the next installment.
Gryphon and Maelea have had it worst of all in the luck department. Gryphon's soul was stolen and sent to the Underworld to be tortured and enslaved by Atalanta And Maelea has been alive for thousands of years because of her parents, two greedy, angry, selfish GODS. This book just seems to flow perfectly. Gryphon and Maelea are planning to escape from the colony (for different reasons) and wind up teaming up just to survive. They really are a balanced couple, both needing to balance the dark in him, and the light in her. Their story brings this series forward in a big way. It may not seem as climactic as previous ones, but I think that's what made it work. It was just their story, and two people finding the "balance" they needed. But, the ending did leave us with the series moving in a whole new direction, with new enemies to battle. Can't wait for the next one
Comfortable, this is just one of those series I just enjoy reading. I picked it up because I have a fondness for Greek Mythology, and had never read anything about the Argonauts. This series does not disappoint. The characters (and couples) are well developed and balanced for each other, they just seem to "fit" when they find each other. And this series is not the same old "history" that has been written to death. Daemons, Gods, the Underworld, it has it all without repeating themes. It is a refreshing change and keeps my interest each time I read the next installment.
Gryphon and Maelea have had it worst of all in the luck department. Gryphon's soul was stolen and sent to the Underworld to be tortured and enslaved by Atalanta And Maelea has been alive for thousands of years because of her parents, two greedy, angry, selfish GODS. This book just seems to flow perfectly. Gryphon and Maelea are planning to escape from the colony (for different reasons) and wind up teaming up just to survive. They really are a balanced couple, both needing to balance the dark in him, and the light in her. Their story brings this series forward in a big way. It may not seem as climactic as previous ones, but I think that's what made it work. It was just their story, and two people finding the "balance" they needed. But, the ending did leave us with the series moving in a whole new direction, with new enemies to battle. Can't wait for the next one
November 26, 2012
This series has gotten better with a not so great start. In the last book Gryphon an Argonaut warrior was rescued by his brother Orpheus from the Underworld but not before he broke. He made a deal with Atlanta, their enemy to make the torture stop and Atlanta with the help of Kronos tied him to her. For months he has been kept restrained in the Misos colony run by Nick because he is unstable, feeling the lure of Atlanta and too ashamed to tell anyone what happened to him. He feels unworthy.
Maelea has also been residing in the colony but she wants to leave because people have a tendency to get hurt around her. Hade is hunting her because she is the daughter of his wife and Zeus but none of her parents care about her yet she wants to make her way to Olympus.
Gryphon escapes and kidnaps Maelea who is also escaping at the same moment. They don't like each other at first and why should they, Maelea has been kidnapped and has heard rumors about how crazy the hero has become. For Gryphon, Maelea was a tool to escape and then he notices she quitens the voices in his head and later finds out it is because of her connection to the Underworld.
They are attracted to each other and I loved how their romance played out. Even the overall arc of the series is going well and I am mighty curious about Titus and his curse and the woman he cannot read emotions from. Atlanta is still up to no good and poor Max is still not used to having parents. All in all I enjoyed the book.
Maelea has also been residing in the colony but she wants to leave because people have a tendency to get hurt around her. Hade is hunting her because she is the daughter of his wife and Zeus but none of her parents care about her yet she wants to make her way to Olympus.
Gryphon escapes and kidnaps Maelea who is also escaping at the same moment. They don't like each other at first and why should they, Maelea has been kidnapped and has heard rumors about how crazy the hero has become. For Gryphon, Maelea was a tool to escape and then he notices she quitens the voices in his head and later finds out it is because of her connection to the Underworld.
They are attracted to each other and I loved how their romance played out. Even the overall arc of the series is going well and I am mighty curious about Titus and his curse and the woman he cannot read emotions from. Atlanta is still up to no good and poor Max is still not used to having parents. All in all I enjoyed the book.
April 3, 2014
I always forget how much I enjoy these books until I read one. I’ve always enjoyed the mythology that has been weaved into these characters. This was Gryphon’s story. Poor Gryphon was imprisoned in the Underworld and Atalanta had her way with him. He has 6 months to either kill her or give her what she is seeking. Since he first laid eyes on her, Maelea has intrigued Gryphon. What he doesn’t know is that she is the light that is the cure for his darkness and her proximity quiets the voices in his head.
Though there was instant attraction between the two, they both fight it for different reasons. Gryphon doesn’t think himself worthy of anyone. All that he treasured and loved was lost when he was taken captive. Maelea is lost and alone. She is constantly running and hiding from dark forces that want to kill her. The result is a very sweet and sexy journey as these two find love and passion with each other.
My one complaint is something I can’t pinpoint. The ending felt so rushed and something else. But that seems to be the case with most of the books in this series. There is always that extra something that is just lacking and keeps this series from being amazing. Still, an enjoyable read and romantic ride.
Though there was instant attraction between the two, they both fight it for different reasons. Gryphon doesn’t think himself worthy of anyone. All that he treasured and loved was lost when he was taken captive. Maelea is lost and alone. She is constantly running and hiding from dark forces that want to kill her. The result is a very sweet and sexy journey as these two find love and passion with each other.
My one complaint is something I can’t pinpoint. The ending felt so rushed and something else. But that seems to be the case with most of the books in this series. There is always that extra something that is just lacking and keeps this series from being amazing. Still, an enjoyable read and romantic ride.
November 6, 2012
This book was get another great installment of the argonauts.
Gryphon - who's soul was saved from hell, darkness still haunts him, meets maela half breed daughter of good and evil and the adventure begins. Some real touching scenes in this book that actually made me cry, the words were just so emotional it couldn't help touch me.
In this book we have all the other characthers making appearances which really enhances the story, also a new female makes an appearance, whic I assume will appear in new book!
You have hades king of the underworld and his wife and even though they are evil they are just so funny an old married couple fighting.
So in this book you get hot sexy gods, some smoking sex scenes, emotion, adventure, monster slaying and even some light comedy from hades and wife and Los of twists and turns along the way and most importantly a hea.
Gryphon - who's soul was saved from hell, darkness still haunts him, meets maela half breed daughter of good and evil and the adventure begins. Some real touching scenes in this book that actually made me cry, the words were just so emotional it couldn't help touch me.
In this book we have all the other characthers making appearances which really enhances the story, also a new female makes an appearance, whic I assume will appear in new book!
You have hades king of the underworld and his wife and even though they are evil they are just so funny an old married couple fighting.
So in this book you get hot sexy gods, some smoking sex scenes, emotion, adventure, monster slaying and even some light comedy from hades and wife and Los of twists and turns along the way and most importantly a hea.
January 16, 2013
Can we just take a moment to drool over this amazing and sexy cover? I'll wait.
Did we get the drool wiped up? Okay, let us proceed.
I love, LOVE, love this author and her writing. There is just something about the way she can create a scene that captures me. One word can sum up this series for me: ADDICTIVE. Trust me when I say that when you start with the first book in this series, you will be snatching up the currently released books in this series just to keep getting your fix.
Gryphon, how I loved you in this book. Sexy, outcast, moody, and did I mention sexy? Yes I did because he is. Maelea was also a wonderful character who was perfectly fit to be with Gryphon. Suspense, drama, action and touching scenes will all be included in this package of a book. What are you waiting for? Start the series and let the reading begin!
Did we get the drool wiped up? Okay, let us proceed.
I love, LOVE, love this author and her writing. There is just something about the way she can create a scene that captures me. One word can sum up this series for me: ADDICTIVE. Trust me when I say that when you start with the first book in this series, you will be snatching up the currently released books in this series just to keep getting your fix.
Gryphon, how I loved you in this book. Sexy, outcast, moody, and did I mention sexy? Yes I did because he is. Maelea was also a wonderful character who was perfectly fit to be with Gryphon. Suspense, drama, action and touching scenes will all be included in this package of a book. What are you waiting for? Start the series and let the reading begin!
April 19, 2017
Wow! Just wow! Words truly cannot express just how badass Enslaved was but I'm gonna try. Elisabeth Naughton raised the bar with this installment of the Eternal Guardians series and I can't wait to see what happens next. Full review can be found here: http://www.smashattackreads.com/2012/...
September 4, 2012
I LOVE THIS BOOKS. MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN IT IS GRYPHON. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN IT WAS FANTASTIC. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK.
August 13, 2016
Again and good story. It was nice to see an arc come to a good ending. Will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
December 11, 2017
4 1/2 "Light and Love" Stars!
January 23, 2015
**SPOILERS AHEAD Y’ALL!!**
The last time we saw Gryphon he was on the verge of a major nervous breakdown. His brother Orpheus had just rescued him from the Underworld, and he was not dealing well with being back in the real world. While he was in the Underworld Atalanta (the Argonauts main enemy made Gryphon her slave, her doulas. The time he spent with her and Kronos (Titan, another big bad) has NOT done him any good. He was lucky to get out with what little sanity he has left to him. Now that he has been rescued she is a voice in his head and a darkness within him, constantly calling him to her. If that wasn’t maddening as all hell, he’s having these blackout type spells where he thinks everyone around him is a daemon, and he reacts accordingly. When we join back up with him and the rest of the Argonauts, he and Orpheus are living in the Misos colony, because Gryphon refuses to go back to Argolea. It’s just too dangerous, because that’s all Atalanta needs, is a way into Argolea. While in one of his blackouts, he attacked some of his fellow brothers and some of Nick’s men (Nick is the head of the Misos colony).
Nick is, understandably, livid, and demands that the brothers DO something with him. Question is, what do you do with him? Gryphon is not as out in space as his brothers think that he is. He’s having a hard time with the voices, yes, but he knows he has to resist following them, that they only lead to bad things. He decides that for the good of his brother and everyone at the colony that he must leave, before Nick and the others throw him ( and Orpheus) out on their collective tails for the good of the colony.
Maelea, the daughter of Persephone and Zeus, was brought to the colony by Orpheus when he was in the middle of his rescue of Gryphon. She has been hunted for most of her life, and has become adept at hiding. Orpheus blew her cover when he found her, and now she cannot stick her head outside of the door without Hades sending hellhounds to kill her. You see, Hades hates her guts because Persephone is his wife, yet Zeus disguised himself as Hades to get in Persephone’s bed. Maelea has been forced to hide out in the human realm for the last 3000 years, since she cannot enter the Underworld without being killed. She mentions in this book that the only safe place for her would be Olympus, if she can prove her loyalty to the gods. That would mean cutting off all contact with her mother and her mother’s side, and the human realm as well - however, that’s something she is not prepared to do. We all have family members like that I suppose….they suck, but they're family, so you love them anyway. It’s just a matter of time until Hades figures out where she is, so she knows she needs to leave the colony. She’s spent her entire life depending on no one but herself - she’s feeling trapped and restless.
As luck would have it, Maelea’s perfect escape plan is foiled by Gryphon, who kidnaps her and forces her to take him along with her. Cave ins and more drama happens, but they eventually get free despite Nick’s men and the Argonauts hunting for them. Side note: The cave that they landed in during the cave in was a therillium mine, a very handy mineral that when heated, renders the area surrounding it invisible. No sooner than they hit the open air do they get attacked by daemons, then hellhounds several miles down the road, then another pack of daemons in a hotel they take shelter in. Gryphon can’t seem to explain why he won’t just let her go, now that they have gotten away from the colony - he only says that he needs her. He doesn’t quite understand it himself, but when Maelea is near him the voices are not as bad; he’s able to think more clearly. Maelea herself is attracted to him and the bit of Underworld darkness he is now stained with. Gryphon on the other hand, is attracted to Zeus’ side of her lineage, the light she seems to carry around with her. So there you have it, yin and yang, in human (ish) form.
I keep picturing Maelea as a goth teenager for some reason, I really like her as a character. Poor Gryphon, I feel bad for the guy - having a head full of snakes sounds like no fun at all. Persephone shows up when Maelea is alone and offers her a deal - get him to take you to Argolea and get me the Orb of Kronos, and I’ll make sure that Zeus will let you into Olympus. Of course, she only wants the power for herself, and Maelea is right only trust her mom about as far as she can throw her. They are forced out of their hotel room hideout by the pack of daemons that I mentioned earlier, and Gryphon is injured in the fight. Maelea manages to kill the daemons and get him into the truck, thanks to a nifty little vial of love potion #9 that good old mom left her to get Gryphon to bend to her will.
They embark on a road trip that Gryphon is mostly unconscious for, and along the way they give into their attraction to each other. (That was probably one of the best sex scenes I’ve read from this author to date-- very good! **fans**) They wind up on Vancouver Island in a house that Maelea bought a hundred or so years before. They have their cloaking rocks, so for the moment they are safe from Hades and everyone else that might be hunting for them. This includes the rest of the Argonauts, who are up to their ears in dead daemons and hellhounds, trying to hide the evidence from the general populace. They are NOT thrilled that Gryphon hasn’t been doing cleanup of his kills, but figure he is deep into one of his blackouts. They know Maelea is with him, which only leads to them thinking the worst of that situation too. Gryphon is wracked with guilt no sooner than he wakes up and realizes that they have had sex. He thinks that he raped her, but that could not be farther from the truth. You see, Gryph is a big old guy, and to keep him moving ( and compliant) she dosed him with mom’s magic juice again. It’s an aphrodisiac along with it’s other properties, and nature just took it’s course. She sets him straight almost immediately, which was a relief, because I was really not looking forward to a long drawn out you-drugged-me-damn-you-but-I-still-want-you-anyway drama fest. I had more than enough of that with Demetrius and Isadora, thanks.
They spend a happy week at Maelea’s house. Their love story really is a sweet one, and I enjoyed this part of the book very much. Eventually Gryphon decides that he has to kill Atalanta, it’s the only way he will be free of the voices in his head. He only has so long to do this before Kronos calls them both back to the Underworld if they do not have the Orb. He is content thinking that Maelea (who he now knows is his soul mate) will be safe and waiting for him when he returns. What he doesn’t know is that the therillium only lasts so long, and about the time it gave out they were surrounded by both daemons and hellhounds. Luckily, Orpheus and Skyla showed up about the same time, so they were able to get them to Argolea. Things in Argolea are not peachy, because the Council is (as always) trying to undermine the Argonauts. Gryphon’s sloppy kills are just another axe for them to grind, as well as bringing Maelea to Argolea and possibly drawing the wrath of several different gods. Orpheus gets them out of the city though, and they flee to the mountains above Argolea.
Alright, if you don’t wanna know what happens, don’t read after this point!!
Right about then Persephone shows up and wants to know if Maelea got the orb, as per their agreement. Maelea tells Gryphon she didn't take that deal, wouldn't have taken it. Briefly he doesn't believe her and summons the rest of the Argonauts to deal with her and disappears. I about threw the book at this point I was so frustrated. He uses Atalanta's voice within him to find her stronghold somewhere in Scandinavia. Right about the time he stops and thinks for a minute he realizes that he does believe Maelea and that she didn't take the orb, which is missing. He is turning to leave when a portal opens with a pile of daemons and Max, Zander and Callia’s boy. He has stolen the orb because he is determined to prove his worth by killing Atalanta. Then BOOM Atalanta pops out of nowhere! Then BOOM again, another portal opens and here comes all the Argonauts and Maelea! BANG! Maelea sees that Atalanta is about to get her clutches on her man - she FINALLY gets ahold of her power that they have been hinting at the entire book and flash fries Atalanta with a gigantic bolt of lightning! (I was cheering by this point.) To make things even better, while the rest of the Argonauts are standing around with their collective thumbs up their asses, it’s MAELEA who lops Atalanta’s head off!
I was thrilled that she was the one to do it, like I said, I am really fond of her character. Zeus appears, because now Mealea his finally done something worth his interest (rolls my eyes) and she rightly tells him that not only is she NOT handing over the Orb of Kronos to either him or her mother, she had decided she no longer cares about entering Olympus, she’s fine right where she’s at, thankyaverymuch. Zeus is none too happy about this, of course, and tries to press his point, like the big bully he is. Lachesis appears and basically smacks his hand like Zeus was a pissed off toddler, and sends his ass back to Olympus. Even the king of the gods can’t mess around with fate. Lachesis explains that this was why Orpheus was reincarnated, why all of this has happened the way that it did, all to get everyone together and to this point. She takes away Maelea’s link to both the Underworld and Olympus, making her finally free of all of her parent’s influences for the first time in her long life. Gryphon and Maelea have found their balance in each other, and the Argonauts’ biggest enemy is crispy crittered and decapitated on the ground. Huzzah!!
This book ran by very fast for me. Literally, I looked up once and I was at 60% and said to myself “WTH, it seems like I just got started.” I spent much of this series unable to really connect with the characters until this book. As I mentioned before, Orpheus was really the only one to catch my attention before Maelea. I never really paid too much attention to Gryphon until he got dragged into the Underworld, sad to say. I wonder now, with Atalanta dead, what is going to happen with Gryphon and the Orb? Atalanta’s deal with Kronos was to bring him the Orb in six month’s time or risk both her and Gryphon being pulled back into the Underworld to be Kronos’ slaves. Does Atalanta’s death negate the deal? They mention that all taint of the Underworld has been removed from Gryphon, so I suppose that must be the case. In either case there is one PISSED OFF Titan hanging out in Tartarus right about now.
Titus is the next Argonaut up for a book, which is called Bound. We get a closer glimpse of him in this novel, which is whetting my interest to read his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews