Vork

The Masses: The Gift #1

by Temeriel Smith

The blade is so close, I know my death is imminent. Closing my eyes, I brace for the impact that never happens. Opening my eyes, I see shimmering like diamonds twinkling in the sun. Before a large green hand with purple claws materializes in front of me grabbing the knife. I watch as the arm attached to said hand slowly appears before the rest of a massive alien appears.

142 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Christina Purefoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Masses: Vork has the bones of a really interesting sci-fi romance — alien warriors, destined mates, old wounds, and a prophecy woven into the plot. Vork and Valerie’s storyline has real emotional and world-building potential, and the concept of gifts, mates, and an oncoming war grabbed my attention right away.

Where the book struggles is in the delivery. There are heavy grammar issues (word misuse, punctuation, run-ons), plus frequent flashbacks and sudden timeline jumps that make the story hard to follow. Some emotional points repeat so often they lose impact, and transitions between scenes feel abrupt. With tighter editing and smoother structure, this could truly shine.

Overall, it’s a unique idea with heart — it just needs more refinement to reach its full potential.

[RK Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book might give weirdos on this planet the wrong idea! kidnapping is only sexy during role-playing!

[DA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the world and characters the author created. Everything was very vivid from the description of The Masses' arrival on Earth to their homeworld.
Valerie was such a firecracker. I loved her strength and vulnerability.
Vork was such a tough warrior, but soft as a teddy bear. His confusion with some human things and sayings made me chuckle.
If you like sci-fi and romance, you'll get a good helping of both.

[Deitriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vork thinks that he is unworthy because he is of mixed breeding and has killed so many folks. Supreme Mother says otherwise, he deserves the perfect mate. Valerie has loss so much and now aliens have invaded, The Masses. The Horde is taking women and the men of earth and the Dark Lord want to see them succeed. This is a story of Faith, Greif,and Love. Vork gets his mate and Valarie is complete.

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the first book in the series, there is a lot of world-building and character development. I understand why the author chose to do that.

Also, there were three major time jumps within this book alone.

Both main characters experienced a lot of trauma on their own, but when they came together, they found each other—someone who looked past their pain and saw the goodness in them.

[iluvdarkromanceok · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick, insta love , big green aliens. I like this! Oh and the FMC? Badass

[Dannireads17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline