Beguiled

Immortal Essence #2

by RaShelle Workman

Worlds divided them. Chance brought them together. Only love will save them.

In book 2 of the Immortal Essence series, Venus must enter her planet's Hell, and complete three trials in order to free her parents, and save her soulmate.

SUMMARY:

Venus has become immortal, just as she always wanted. In the process she hurt Zaren, lost Michael, and destroyed her family.

At least that's what she believed.

Turns out Ramien, the god of her planets' underworld, has her parents, and Michael.

To save them, Venus makes a deal. She must complete three trials. They seem impossible. They certainly won't be easy. Worst of all, someone she loves won't make it out alive.

Genres: Young Adult, Aliens, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks, Paranormal

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2011

About the author

RaShelle Workman is an international bestselling author of reimagined fairy tales, supernatural suspense, paranormal cozies, and more. Her novels have been listed on multiple bestseller lists, including her Blood and Snow series (now Seven Magics Academy), which has sold more than a million copies worldwide. In addition, three of her books have been translated into Turkish.

When RaShelle isn't writing, she enjoys baking, creating new taco recipes and hanging with family. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children, and their dogs.

Find her online by visiting her website at: www.rashelleworkman.org. And sign up for her newsletter to receive free books and get information on book release dates: http://eepurl.com/chMcej.

Books by RaShelle Workman:

BROOMSTICK BAY COZY MYSTERIES
Zucchini Cake & Zombies
Wedding Cake & Werewolves (coming 6/23)
Vanilla Cake & Vampires (coming 10/23)

EERIE VALLEY SUPERNATURALS
Undercover Reaper
Twice Reaped
Reapers Creepers
Deadly Reaper (coming 4/24)

FABLE TOWN MYSTERIES
Iced Raspberry Cookies and a Curse

FAIRY ACADEMY
Hidden Princess
Broken Curse
Stolen Magic

THE FAIRYTALE CHRONICLES
Royal Selection
Royal Contract
Royal Keeper (coming 12/23)
Royal Everlasting (coming 2024)

DEMONLAND SERIES
Alice in Demonland
Alice Fights Demonland
Alice Takes Demonland
Alice Ignites Demonland

BEASTLY SERIES
A Beauty so Beastly

WOLF BLOOD ACADEMY
Initiation
Inheritance
Induction

MAGIC BLOOD ACADEMY
Elemental Outcast Games: Fire
Elemental Outcast Games: Water
Elemental Outcast Games: Earth
Elemental Outcast Games: Air
Elemental Outcast Games: Shadow
Elemental Outcast Games: Monster

VAMPIRE BLOOD ACADEMY
Vampire in Training (coming 8/2023)
Monster Trials (coming 9/2023
End Times (coming 9/23)

SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY
Blood and Snow
Fate and Magic
Queen of the Vampires
Deadly Witch
Royal Witch
Vampire Lies
Vampire Secrets
Vampires and Dragons
Vampires and Gargoyles
Vampire Magics

ETERNALLY ENTANGLED
Eternally Entangled
Thoroughly Tousled
Infinitely Intertwined

PARANORMAL INQUIRIES
Ghoulish Whisper

IMMORTAL ESSENCE
Exiled
Destined

ACROSS THE AGES
Goddess Curse
Mystical Gift

__________

Ann Hardy ~ Sizzling Sweet Romance
Most Eligible Cowboy
Happily Ever Summer
Rockstar Billionaire
Billionaire Best Man
Faking it With the Billionaire
Dating the Billionaire
The Betting Billionaire
The Country Singer's Billionaire
The Prideful Billionaire
Totally Scrooged


Reviews

[RaShelle Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author, I think it's awesome. ;D

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really disappointing after I enjoyed the first one. It was also really short. I read it in about 2 hrs.

Everything was very rushed, very little was explained or fleshed out with emotion. Things just happened with no transition. Also, 6 weeks passed between book 1 and 2, and there were things that had happened inbetween that made no sense to me. We didnt get to see how it came to be. And there was no world building. Nothing was explained to us about the world and it was very confusing. If I hadnt grown attached to the characters in Exiled, I wouldnt have cared what happened to them in this.

And the romance was a bit of a mess. Although Michael was clearly the one she was meant to be with due to the way he was explored and focused on as a character, Venus was clearly in love with Zaren. When she was with him I sensed no uncertainty from her. But then when Michael showed up she was suddenly confused again. It was not convincingly done at all and felt entirely unnatural. The same goes for Zaren. He was in love with Venus since book one, but as soon as a former lover showed up, he seemed to be completely over her. I had expected it to take the whole of the book, or perhaps the series, for Venus to slowly realize that Michael was her soul mate. Instead, she is caught up with Zaren for the whole book until BAM! She loves Michael with no build up, and all progress they had made in book 1 had disappeared when she picked Zaren.

I am really confused about what happened to this book, considering how much I enjoyed book 1. It feels like a completely different writing style. As if it were rushed, amateur, or a rough draft. But I will still read Dovetailed, in case it ends up being more like Exiled, and if it's as short of this one it will be no trouble to give the series another chance.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to say, I'm surprised at how much I did not like this book. It's one of only five books I've given up on this year. I gave it to the 50% mark before calling it quits.

Mostly, I'm surprised because I remember enjoying the first in the series when I read it almost ten months ago. I remember it as a quick, fun YA read with a sci-fi twist and absolutely loving the original cover. I even gave it three stars at the time.

So I'm not sure what's changed with book two of this series. I'm actually thinking that maybe it's me that's changed, and not the writing style of the novel. I've read about one-hundred books since I read the first book in this series, and it's inevitable that I've grown as a reader since that time. I think it may be that this series just can't compare to what I've read since then. I won't be sure though unless I actually go back and re-read 'Exiled'.

As to why I didn't like "Beguiled":

To begin, I think that the pacing is this books biggest issue. I'm fairly sure this book is pretty short, but it's hard to tell without real page numbers. Regardless, within the time span of the 50% that I read, a lot happens. Maybe it's a lack of good transitions, or maybe something else, but I felt like I was getting whiplash from the speed of everything that was going on, to the point where I was getting confused. It felt like this when I read it...

Lava Creature! Venus on a beach! Zaren appears! I love Zaren! Micheal appears! Wait, I love Michael! Ocean! Drowning! Giant Shark! Micheal kills giant shark with his bare hands! Michael drags Venus to underwater lair! Lair is a hell-place! Creepy god/magic/shape-shifting dude! Souls! Everyone from book one magically appears! Also, a talking telepathic belt!

I also had issues with the lack of a re-cap at the beginning of the novel. I read a lot of series and I normally don't have a problem following what happens in the next book, even if it is a year later. With "Beguiled" this isn't the case. I think a lot of it has to do with the jargon heavy language specific to her sci-fi world, but I felt a bit lost starting out, especially since the story opens with what I believe is a future event from later in the book. It would have been really helpful to me as a reader to re-cap the main points from book one to frame the events going forward in book two.

My other problems include Venus being super flighty about who's she's in love with right out of the gate. It was annoying because book one ended with her making a firm choice to be with Zaren and yet it takes no more then 5-seconds after Michael shows up for her to be completely confused all over again. If the author is going to have it be a big thing that Venus chooses Zaren, then let us as readers have more then one opening beach scene of the two of them together before making it a plot point all over again.

Overall, I was completely disappointed by this book. I know this was a long review, but I wanted to really lay out why I didn't end up finishing "Beguiled" and why I didn't like what I read.

[Jennifer Giron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay
Zaren cant die I love him and he smells like honey and lemons
I am waiting for this book I bet it will be as great as the first one. Wow the cover its ajsdhasifasofajifan BEAUTIFUL.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know in my review of Exiled I said I wouldn’t continue, but Beguiled was free, so I grabbed it, and since I had already started the series it made sense to continue. So here I am. I seriously should have listened to myself. In some ways Beguiled is better than Exiled, but in many ways it’s not. The writing is more consistent, which was a huge problem in the first book, and there’s no annoying Cheverly. Unfortunately, the plot moves ridiculously fast and it makes no sense. I finished it in absolutely no time.

Beguiled picks up six weeks later with Venus still mourning her family and basically doing nothing else. What happened since the end of the previous book? Who knows! There’s no recap of past events or any mention of anything that happened in those six weeks. It just jumps straight into Venus’ new problem. Six weeks is a long time and I feel like the author could have used that time for some world building. I would have loved to learn more about Kelari. I also wanted to get to know Venus better, but she essentially lets everything happen to her without argument or much reaction.

Like I said, the plot moves very fast. Way too fast. Like, if Beguiled was a movie, you’d miss something important if you blinked. Then you’d have to rewind and focus really hard to keep up. That’s how I felt reading this. It just jumped from scene to scene with not much transition. Venus’ has to go through a series of three tests in order to free her parents from the Kelari equivalent of hell. The tests were super silly, especially the first two. At least the third one forced Venus to think a little, but it was still lame. Then there’s a wedding, a big reveal that wasn’t surprising at all, and then it ends.

Obviously I didn’t like Beguiled. It’s certainly something different, but the author is letting its potentially just waste away. Kelari sounds like an interesting planet on the surface, and Venus could be a kick ass heroine, but neither have any depth. There’s also some kind of cliffhanger that feels more like the book ended in the middle.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[JeanBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book to Rachelle Workman’s The Immortal Essence Series, Beguiled, continues the story of Venus where she is faced to confront and complete three trials in order to save the people she cares about. While becoming immortal is something that Venus always wanted, it came with a hefty price. During her pursuit, the people close to her have vanquished or destroyed. When she learns that the underworld god, Ramien, has her parents and Michael, she is not reluctant to strike a deal. She must complete three seemingly impossible trials if she wants to see the people she cares about again.

The one thing that stands out in this book is how author Rachelle creates such a wonderful world, that is much like ours, but grand in every way. The fact that her rich descriptions allow readers to immediately place themselves in this world is enough to keep flipping the pages in order to remain in it. The mixture of fantasy and science fiction is cleverly done. Fantasy lovers will enjoy this book and will get a feel for what a sci-fi book would be, and vice versa. Having that kind of writing style takes talent and Rachelle pulls it off.

This solid story is not afraid to push the envelope that makes the storyline very powerful. It will immediately pull readers in with its breath-taking actions and adventure. The pairing of the protagonist Venus and Michael is amazingly constructed. Their interactions towards another just lights up the page as they almost seemingly jump right out of it. Ramien is the perfect villain who creates much negative and tension towards the main characters. Beguiled is a highly captivating story filled with amazing world-building and unforgettable characters. The third book will undoubtedly be just as good as the previous two.

3.5 Stars

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sequel to Venus' story. **spoiler** It was almost traumatizing at times as people she loves are dying right, left and center **end spoiler** but when she finds out the entire story at the end of the book, it was all worth it. There's definitely plenty of unanswered questions for book 3. I am curious to find out what new adventures will await Venus and Michael and all the other characters.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this book, it took a weird turn and never recovered. The author made some choices that I really didn't agree with or understand. The book moves at a strange pace and the chapters break at weird points. There were also a few hints dropped in attempt to continue the series. I am feeling wishy washy on this book.

[Eileen Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real or illusion

Life is not always what you see or think. There are greater plans. Choose to be a pawn or a power

[Bücherfresserin · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Fortsetzung konnte micht nicht mitreißen … (2-3 Sterne)"


Inhalt:
Venus ist zurück auf ihrem Planeten Kelari. Sie ist zu einer Unsterblichen geworden und soll als Prinzessin über ihr Land regieren, denn ihre Eltern und ihre Schwester wurden noch immer nicht gefunden. Währenddessen wird ihr Band zu Zaren stärker, doch dann taucht auf einmal wieder Michael auf und zerbricht Venus Welt, denn er behauptet zu wissen wo Venus Eltern sind … Dabei wird Venus klar, dass Michael nicht nur ihre einzige Chance ist, ihre Familie zu retten, sondern auch das Michael niemals ein ganz normaler Mensch sein kann …


Story 3
Spannung 2.5
Charaktere 2
Science Ficiton 2
Tiefgang 2

Meinung:
„Beguiled“ ist der zweite Band aus der „Immortal Essence“ Reihe von RaShelle Workman. Die Reihe ist eine Mischung aus Young Adult und Science Fiction und erscheint im ebook Format.

Der zweite Band aus der „Immortal Essence“ Reihe hinterlässt bei mir einen etwas bitteren Nachgeschmack. Die Geschichte ist ziemlich kurz geraten, wodurch ich die Fortsetzung von Venus Abenteuer schnell durch gelesen hatte.

Wishes are like the wings on a butterfly-frail and easily destroyed.
(Location 134)

Die Geschichte setzt im Grunde nahtlos an den ersten Band an. Venus ist wieder auf ihrem Heimatplaneten, sie ist zu einer Unsterblichen geworden, von Michael und ihren Eltern fehlt weiterhin jede Spur, sodass Venus als Prinzessin weiter regieren soll. Doch dann taucht Michael wieder auf und lüftet so manch ein Geheimnis. Zusammen begeben sie sich auf Rettungsmission, wodurch Venus erst recht in die Fänge des Bösen gerät. Doch erst dadurch weiß sie endlich wer Michael wirklich ist – und wer sie ist.

Den ersten Band „Exiled“ fand ich richtig gut. Venus fand ich interessant, ebenso wie die Thematik, da ich Science Fiction und Jugend Geschichten immer wieder gerne lese. Doch der zweite Band „Beguiled“ kann kaum mit dem Start mithalten, denn abgesehen davon, dass die Geschichte kurz ist, erscheint sie mir schlichtweg auch ein wenig übertrieben und vorhersehbar. Dadurch konnte ich mit dem Plot nicht wirklich warm werden. Venus ist plötzlich seltsam. Sie kann sich erst nicht zwischen Zaren und Michael entscheiden, dann soll sie regieren und gleichzeitig sucht sie ihre Familie. Mir ging das nach dem Abenteuer auf der Erde alles viel zu schnell und auch der Böse, der im zweiten Band auftritt, konnte mich nicht begeistern. Meiner Meinung nach wurde hier Potenzial verschwendet, da kein richtiger Showdown eintritt. Ich habe so manche Dinge schon geahnt …

Ramien read my hesitation. »I promise. This is the only way. Even your gods, Ith and Aetha, would concur that the only way to release a soul is through me.«
(Location 1563)

Insgesamt vergebe ich maximal 2-3 Sterne für eine nette Fortsetzung, die kurz und recht einfach strukturiert ist. Ich hatte mehr erwartet, als einen weiteren bösen Außerirdischen, der es auf Venus abgesehen hat. Vor allem dieses ganze Göttergehabe wirkte mir zu abstrakt.

Ein großes Manko an „Beguiled“ ist aber die Vermenschlichung von Science Fiction Elementen. Ich weißt nicht, ob die Autorin dies extra macht, aber viele Dinge sind zu identisch zur Erde, die Kelari haben zuviele ähnliche Merkmale zum Menschen und alles in allem wirkt der Plante Kelari wie eine exotischere Erde. Beispielweise gibt es einen Hai auf Kelari (… auf einem anderen Planeten!), der einfach nur viel größer und böser ist. Davon gibt es noch einige weitere Beispiele, die meiner Meinung nach leider von Einfallslosigkeit zeugen, schade.

I opened my eyes and stared into the fearful reflection of Angela. She’d dressed me in a steel gray unisa, and brought me over to the chair in front oft the vanity
(Location 3762)

Der Schreibstil ist einfach gehalten, sodass auch ungeübtere Leser das Englisch verstehen dürften. Allerdings gibt es so einige exotische Schilderungen, die ich selbst nicht so richtig nachvollziehen konnte. Wie schon in Band eins, wird auch hier die Geschichte aus Venus Sicht erzählt.

Das Cover ist unglaublich hässlich! Die vorherigen fand ich richtig hübsch. Ich finde es extrem schade, dass die Cover gewechselt wurden, denn dieses hässlich geschminkte Mädchen möchte ich nicht auf einem Buchcover betrachten müssen.

Michael shook is head. “I’ve come to end your existence.« As he spoke, the medallion heated against my neck. Lavender light shot from it and landed on a metal dagger in Michael’s hans. It radiated against the bade.
(Location 4000)


Fazit:
Ich habe alles in allem mehr erwartet. Venus und ihr Planet Kelari haben ein großes Potenzial für tolle Ideen, aber die Autorin hat leider kaum etwas umgesetzt. Alles wirkt zu menschlich, die Geschichte zu vorhersehbar und so wirklich konnte ich mich mit den anderen Charakteren, außer Venus, nichts anfangen. Ich bin mir noch unschlüssig, ob ich den dritten Band noch lesen werde.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Beguiled for review as part of the blog tour hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours in return for an honest review. Venus has returned to her home planet before she was killed by the Earth’s atmosphere. Yet she didn’t escape alone in addition to her guardian Zaren they are joined by Michael the boy she was supposed to bring true love to but failed. Well she thought she did until Zaren takes her to see the Gods where after speaking to both her and Michael they confirm that she has indeed helped him find his true love her. The Gods grant her immortality and she heads off with Zaren to find avenge her family.

In the second book it starts off six weeks after Venus was turned into an immortal. She’s chosen Zaren over Michael who she’s in love with. Zaren’s been there for Venus while she searches for her family and the ones who set her up. Venus doesn’t expect to see Michael on Kelari because the atmosphere is deadly to humans, but he finds her. Michael wants to take Venus to her parents, but she’s a little unsure but after he saves her in the water from a monster she agrees to go with him. The two head into helker what we know as hell, where her parents are being kept. It is in helker that Venus is introduced to Michael’s biological father Ramien. It’s after meeting Ramien that Venus learns he has plans to use her to become more powerful than the creator.

I loved the first one, and I really enjoyed the second one. My only complaint is that it’s short I read it in a few hours but it’s still a great story. Beguiled is fast paced filled with adventure, love and suprises that keep you guessing. I love Venus she’s a great character even as an immortal I really enjoy reading her story I got a little nervous for a bit but the ending or should I say cliffhanger cleared up some of it. However the ending left me wanting the next one badly because I hate cliffhangers and Beguiled has a killer one. I love the whole sci fi concept it’s not a genre I read very often and I’m glad that I’ve gotten the chance to read the series. I’m dying to read the next book in the series because I’m dying to know what’s going to happen. Overall it’s a great series I would suggest anyone who’s into young adult sci fi should check it out.

[Ginny Lurcock · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I started ���Beguiled��� with high hopes. I mean, ���Exiled��� was pretty good, so ���Beguiled��� could only be better��� right?

Haha��� oh��� I can be so foolishly naive sometimes.

Two things:

ONE ��� FICKLE FUCKING BITCH. End of book one she seems torn, but you figure she���s leaning in one direction. Beginning of book two she���s just dating someone else because- get this- she hasn���t seen the first guy in like, six weeks. I wanted to punch her in the throat.

TWO - YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE TENSES MID-SERIES. First book? Third person shifting perspective. Second book? FIRST PERSON? No. You picked third person, you stick with it.

And now that I���ve gotten that out of my system, I can get onto the good bits��� Which actually means I can complain more. I was really pissed off the first fucking half of this book. Really pissed off. Bad guys were good guys, Gods were monsters. Up was down. Cats and dogs were living together. And the whole thing was progressing at such a break neck pace I felt like I was running instead of reading.

I really hate running.

Then you get past the trials and everything seems to click. The world is sunshine, rainbows, and puppy dog farts. I even turned to my husband and said ���things are really getting good now. I think I can forgive that whole bit at the beginning.���

And then like 1% later it all gets skewed again.

But you keep reading, because book one had such potential and surely things will all get cleared up if you just keep plugging on, so you turn the page and���

THE END.

AKJDLAKDJLAKSHDAUHGWAUEHFRA���UEWHRALKSJFMAMAFDNBALIURHAWOIUREJQJUDM

Fine. Whatever. It���s cool. I���ll just sit over here in the corner and grumble. You know, while waiting for the third book because fuck if that���s how I���m leaving this world.

2 Stars. And a frown. I still want to punch Venus in the throat. I still don���t know what the hell to think about either Michael or Zaren. Oh, and that riddle. Don���t even get me started on that riddle���

I think I need a drink.

[Vidya-Book Driven Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Immortal Essence series. I haven't read the first one, and so for those readers like me, who are starting directly with the first, here are some information:
- Venus is the Princess of the planet, Kelari.
- Venus is sent to Earth, to get Michael, the human, to find his soul mate. But, Michael confessed his love for her. This is her task that she must do to attain her immortality.
- Venus chose her guardian, Zaren, over Michael, at the end of the first book.
- At the end of the first book, Venus becomes immortal and comes back to Kelari.
- Cross-species mating is forbidden by the laws of the Universe.
- Humans can't live in Kelari, just as Kelarians can't live in Earth forever.

So, after Venus comes back, she finds that her parents were missing. She is a emotional mess..always crying and depending on Zaren to sooth her. Then she meets the human, Michael, in Kelari..alive. She wonders how he is alive in her planet, as he humans usually can't withstand. Then Michael reveals that he is not human and he knows her parents' location. Venus follows him to a place, where souls are caught and kept by the soulless (literally!) Ramien, the god of the planets' underworld. Ramien says her that her parents are dead and if she needs their souls to be free, she should marry him. Not only that, Ramien has bigger plans to Venus and gives her three tasks just for entertainment. If Ramien marries her, he will become equivalent to a Creator.

This book is a fast-paced sci-fi novel. Although I loved the overall idea of the book, it might be better if the characters are well-developed, and the writing better. Its always good to know some new world, but I felt the story somewhat rushed. The major details are missing like why does Venus doesn't have any powers if she is such a high entity and why keep the three tasks if Ramien anyway wishes to marry her. It doesn't solve any purpose, except kill some more people.

In spite of its flaws, I liked the world building of the novel. I wish to learn more about this series, and would definitely wish to read more.

[Marked By Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy helker.

Actually, this time it is not another one of those strange words that I make up. This one actually came from a book. No, really. I'm serious.

The planet Kelari is quite like our own except for the fact that they've seemed to have figured all of their problems out. Well, almost all of them.

Our protagonist, Venus, has just returned from a near death experience on Earth back to her home planet to find that her family has gone missing. She will do anything she can to save them. And the two who say they love her will do everything to keep her alive.

It was nice to see that the characters I met in the first book were still just as interesting as before, even if at first I couldn't fathom how they could be reintroduced into the story. Besides seeming a little rushed (it is only slightly over 100 pages) everything seemed to work out just fine. Well, really it was more than just fine.

I REALLY enjoyed this sequel. It seemed slightly Hunger Games-eque, without feeling like it deviated too much from the original point of the story. I loved meeting all of the new creatures and characters (especially Tortevia, she's fabulous.... or should I say fabu?) and I just have to commend Rashelle Workman for her beautifully vivid descriptions of all of the unique settings that Venus found herself in. Each and every time I felt like I was sitting there next to her because I could see everything so clearly.

If I could have changed anything about Beguiled (besides that darn cliffhanger!), I would have liked for the different characters' POVs to be shown like they were in Exiled. One of my favorite parts in that book was getting to try to understand the mindset of who we considered to be the villain and his "henchmen." I always love it when authors are willing to explain why the bad guy acts the way he does, instead of leaving the issue alone and saying that it is that way just because it is. Thank goodness, I never had to worry about that here.

Taylor


For the original review and more, please visit Marked By Books.

[Theresa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I was pretty impressed with this book and with Workman’s writing. I really enjoy to read her stories because she just writes so pretty! I mean, listen to the first line, “The dream was venom to my soul.” Awesome. Here is another line, “One overwhelming emotion permeated. Terror.”

Anyways, I love her writing.

The story starts about 6 weeks after Exiled (see my review here) stops. Venus is back home, and is happy with Zaren (swoon). She hasn’t seen Michael since they first arrived back at home, and she doesn’t know where he is. But, not all is happy there. Her parents, the king and queen, have gone missing, along with her traitorous sister. And she is left with barely any clue to find them.

You follow Venus and Zaren, along with Michael, Vinny and Chev (from the first book) as she goes on a journey to try and find her parents, and right the wrongs that are happening. She finds out that the man (not really just a man) that took her parents, has a far worse plan in mind, not only for her, but for her entire planet.

I thought the story was great. I mean, I used to think I would never read about aliens. But I get it. Vampires, shifters, witches, fey, mermaids… its all been done already. The new “paranormal/fantasy” thing right now is aliens. Still though, I never thought I would like them until I read the Lux Novels by Jennifer L Armentrout, and then realized aliens can be hot. This is another great alien tale.

My only problem… someone really does die, and I HATE HATE HATE who she decided to kill off. You know when there is a triangle, and the guy you were NOT routing for wins… yeah- that sucks!

Overall- great story with solid writing! Cant wait for the next installment.

Rating: 4 Stars (I would have made this 5 if my favorite boy hadn’t died…)

Review by Theresa Jones at her BLOG

[Ana Quiambao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly speaking, I couldn't remember much about book 1. All I can remember is that Venus is an alien who fell in love with a human, Michael. And in the end, they returned to Venus' planet. I can't even remeber the name of the planet until now. :( but what I can't understand at first is why Venus is with Zaren? Isn't Michael her soulmate?

As I go on, bit by bit I remember what happened in the previous books. Oh yes! It was Venus' mission to find Michael's soulmate, then in the end it was found out that they were each other's soulmate. But Venus rejected her love. For what reason? Until now I don't know :(

I prefer the first book actually. I like the simplicity of the story of an alien girl falling in love with a human boy compared to the complexity of gods' rivalries. The story is short but is full of twist and actions. The story also has a fast pace that it feels like I'm missing a lot of details.

I'm really confused who's Venus should really be with. The beginning convinced me that it's Zaren, but Michael is her soulmate. So I really don't know what's happening. Venus and Michael's story was not built up that much compared to book 1, that's why it's s little bit shocking hearing the end of the story.

[Delphina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten how much I truly enjoy science fiction/futuristic type stories. I was immediately drawn into Rashelle's world and putting down this book was near to impossible. I think this series is a great fit for someone who likes fantasy and wants to give science fiction a try. Rashelle did a beautiful job blending the elements I like in fantasy into a science fiction/ mythological world. It would be very easy for the heroine, who is in a love triangle with two worthy love interests, and battling an evil force to become cliche. This book did nice job adding just enough twists to avoid that, but not too many that it became, not weird really, but kind of out there.

I inadvertently began with book two in the series and still was able to follow along the story line and enjoy the characters. I know that there were things that would have been better if I had had the missing background knowledge, but I was quite happy with my reading experience. I find it a true testament to a sequel when you can fall in love with the characters without all of the background knowledge. I am very much looking forward to reading book one this weekend. I have been hearing for a while that I "have to read this series" and the people telling me were so right.

[Nicole Pope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read several of RaShelle's books and enjoy her writing immensely. I rushed to buy this second installment of the Immortal Essence Series. Her characters are incredibly well developed and her story lines are strong. She shows consistency in her work and stories. My only criticisms are that while the first two-thirds of the novel slowly build and develop, creating intrigue and attachment to the characters, while the last third of the book felt rushed and lacked the explanation and detail that helped to build the story. It felt as though she pushed herself under a deadline and as a reader and a fan, I wanted more. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and will rush to buy the next one. I just hope the next will perhaps answers some unanswered questions, perhaps be longer to allow a clearer and more defined conclusion (not to the series, but to the book). My only other issue is with typos and spelling errors. Nonetheless, I consider myself a huge fan and looked forward to devouring her other works. Thanks RaShelle!

[Vanna Smythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this newest work by Rashelle Workman. It was a very exciting and fast paced book. The storyline was quite original, and the world engaging and well-developed.

The worldbuilding is excellent and very well executed. The descriptions are clear and very vivid-I could really picture the scenes in my mind. The reader is plunged right into the middle of the tale, which I also like. The story is also action-packed, which kept me turning the pages well into the night.

The two main characters, Venus and Michael, are very well characterized. They came alive on the page for me. On the other hand, the main villain, Ramien is a bit run-of-the-mill as far as villains go. He was engaging nonetheless, and provided a good negative aspect to the story. I really appreciated the fact that, despite this being a YA novel, the characters had good and bad sides.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to all fans of the YA genre. There is a lot here for adult fans of sci-fi/fantasy as well.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhomy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! I am officially in love with a new series. I devoured this book in just a few hours.

It is so fast paced, many things happen that my only complaint would be: it was too short!

The plot is very entertaining and we learn a lot about Venus and Michael's origins.

I would have liked a little more Zaren and Michael but it was a nice read.
Ramien, ugrrrhhhhh! disgusting SOB! (sorry for the outburst but he is!)

I'm speechless, I finished it 5 minutes ago and I've already want to start reading the following book! And sadly I have to wait until February! booooo!

The good thing about this instalment and how it flowed so easily, is probably that I'm already used to the terms that felt confusing in the first book.
Though I keep pronouncing "federer" instead of "ferether" lol.

Don't miss the chance to read this series, it's sweet, amusing and unique.

[Cayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

**this review is for the entire Immortal Essence series**
If you're having a hard time understanding what the heck is going on, and who these people, Ith and Aetha are, and how do they relate to Venus and Michael.. know you are not alone. I can absolutely understand why people don't rate this very high, because it IS a bit rough at first. The advice I can give you? Stick with it.
Once you get past a bit of confusion and moments of asking yourself, "is this even making sense, or have I had too many cocktails?", you get immersed in this fantasy land that's phenomenal. You have to use your imagination, but isn't that what most books are about? I love the characters, the time, the places. It's so far out there, that you can't help but to wish you were a part of their world.

If you can get past the first rough pages, you probably wont be disappointed. I recommend if fully.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

what do you do when you find out what you are and what your destiny is . and what if you find out your parentage was not who you thought it to be .
and is Venus meant to be with Zaren or with Michawl .
and what of Chev and Vinny aka Dev and how does Ramien know Michael .
and how does Ith and Aetha be a part of this .
and why is she meant to be part of the key to destry Ramien . find this and much more when you buy and read the series buy the box set cheaper that way and easier to read the whole series minus earth guardian though still cheaper . will be reviewing more on the next 3 books in the series as well as each box set that includes the trilogy and the five books in one as well as i finish each box set .

[Imelda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tenía que saber que seguía después de ese final en el 1er libro.. y pues... la prota me dio cólera... tenía sus momentos de "Bella" aishhhh xq no se deciden!!!! u.u
Me veia venir lo de Micheal y creo q ciertas cosas necesitaron una mejor explicación.
Sobre los retos de Ramien (creo q asi se escribia) pues como que no me convencieron... para que tanto embrollo si al final podía hacer su voluntad... bueno... bueno... quería darse el gusto.
Estoy esperando por la tercera entrega haber como termina todo esto :)

[Jennifer Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved exiled but I have to agree with the earlier comments. While the characters were all the same it seemed to be written by a different author. Didn't have the same feel to it and detail. I guess the author was just trying to have a good twist at the end but to have Venus completely in love with Zaren the entire book then on the last page all of a sudden she realized oh that wasn't "true" love. It just didn't make sense. I enjoyed the story and the suspense but again, the love triangle is getting tiring.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was good, but I didn't love it like I did the first book. Overall I think it is still I pretty good series. We find out a little more of what's happening. We find out who Michael's true father is, we find out who betrayed her, and we witness her three trials she has to get through in order to save people she cares about. There was an unexpected moment that I couldn't believed happened. I can't wait until the next book to find out what happens.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, although not as much as EXILED (first in the Immortal Essence series) This book felt rushed, as if the author was in a hurry to finish the story.

Venus and Michael? Don't think so. I love the character of Zaren. I like Michael, but not as much as Zaren.

Certain events that occurred in this book put me off the series. I will get the third book, just to find out the ending, but I'm not happy with the way things are going.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beguiled" is the second book in the 'Immortal Essence' series. RaShelle pen a plot that is strong and well developed with interesting characters...like aliens. I loved the author's imagination in this adventurous sci-fi fantasy romance and look forward to more of her work. If your looking for a good quick read, I recommend this book to all.

This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a chore to finish. I enjoyed reading Exiled but this one was boring and filled with insta-love. It was also a very short book that took me 6 months to read. I felt that everything happened too fast and stuff just occurred out of the blue. The world building sucked. It was confusing at times. Overall, I did not like this book. I will read Dovetailed eventually because I bought the whole series in a bundle.

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I loved the first book in the series, but this book started out so confusing. I found that as I was reading, I was kind of understanding the storyline more at around 40%, but I just didn't care at that point. When one of the main characters that I loved in Alienated died in this book, and I just went eh, and shrugged my shoulders, I knew it was time to move on.

[Trish Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Exiled I was eager to jump into Beguiled. I really enjoyed this book just as much as book 1. Although the book is a hair over 200 pages it was a very quick read. RaShelle Workman is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I have deffinetly lucked out by getting many of her books for free but I would gladly have paid for these amazing books :)