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Cicada #3
Monarch
Blair Reynolds was born to rule. Worlds, that is. Destined to reign over an ancient intergalactic race, it may seem her fate is written in the stars. But she’s willing to risk it all for another chance to spend forever with her true love – even if it means traveling through time and space to the other side of the universe.
As far as Ash is concerned, Blair's happily-ever-after involves him, not the mere mortal with whom she seems so infatuated. She was bequeathed to him by her father, and Ash will go to any lengths to keep Blair and her true love apart.
And Ash isn’t the only one.
Deep in the jungles of Brazil, where tribal drums call to Blair and her true love, other forces carry out dangerous secret plans.
However, Blair has secrets of her own … secrets so lethal she dares not even remember them.
Secrets so painful they could ruin everything.
Because some secrets kill.
As far as Ash is concerned, Blair's happily-ever-after involves him, not the mere mortal with whom she seems so infatuated. She was bequeathed to him by her father, and Ash will go to any lengths to keep Blair and her true love apart.
And Ash isn’t the only one.
Deep in the jungles of Brazil, where tribal drums call to Blair and her true love, other forces carry out dangerous secret plans.
However, Blair has secrets of her own … secrets so lethal she dares not even remember them.
Secrets so painful they could ruin everything.
Because some secrets kill.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
493 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2014
1 person is currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Belle Whittington
5 books207 followersBelle resides somewhere north of Houston, Texas in a small inconsequential town with the smallest most inconsequential name. There, in the shady reaches of the pines, elms, and oaks, she daydreams of adventures and secrets that she weaves throughout her stories.
Belle adores her readers and fans. <3
Belle adores her readers and fans. <3
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 27, 2014
MONARCH paints an achingly beautiful love story from beginning to end. The alien history is expertly woven in so none of it felt overwhelming and all of it made perfect sense. The setting, the conflict, the tension all added to a satisfying (yet slightly open-ended ... perhaps there's a companion story to come?) conclusion that had me closing the book with a sigh. Belle Whiitington--you have now become one of my favorite authors!
October 11, 2014
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Monarch is the last book in Belle's Cicada trilogy and I couldn't have enjoyed it more! Get ready for a wild ride, as this is definitely the most thrilling, suspenseful, and racy book of the three.
Monarch is the last book in Belle's Cicada trilogy and I couldn't have enjoyed it more! Get ready for a wild ride, as this is definitely the most thrilling, suspenseful, and racy book of the three.
December 26, 2014
I really loved Cicada and Firefly and was on the blog tours for both of those books, so I was very excited to be given the opportunity to be on the last blog tour for this last book in the trilogy. I’m feeling nostalgic! Monarch is a bit of a hard book to review, just because I feel like the things I loved about this book are the same things I loved about the first two. Plus, I don’t want to give anything away!
Monarch is probably the most exciting book in the trilogy, as things are getting real and intense. Decisions and sacrifices have to be made. Blair is discovering herself more and more (and getting more comfortable with who she is), and learning about how all the various, seemingly unrelated puzzle pieces in her life fit together into one big revelation of a puzzle. I love how Belle pieced all these details together. I had a lot of “ah ha!” moments. I also had a lot of “YES! I KNEW it!” moments. It was exciting to finally be in the know, as the first two books were mysterious and left me with a lot of questions.
In Monarch Blair, Andrew, and Everett leave their home, possibly forever, and travel to Brazil. The tribal drums are calling her, and it’s time for Blair to return to her alien people as their queen. She ditches Andrew and Everett at a bus station, fearing their safety, and takes to the jungles alone. Did she really think they would not search for her, though? Blair soon learns she is being hunted. She is forced to awaken her Royal Guard from a centuries-long slumber, and the fight between sides and loyalties begins. Blair must choose between her true love from her human life, her true love from her alien life, and the man who was promised her hand in marriage by her father. She also has to figure out how to survive it all.
I was so happy to see Andrew again. I love her big brother, and his loyalty to her. I was happy to see swoony Everett again. He’s not as nerdy as he once was! We don’t see as much of them as we do Blair, though. We spend a lot of time with her hiding out in the jungle and remembering things from her former life. She makes a lot of discoveries about herself and who she used to be. She learns more about who Ash really is. This is a very enlightening experience for Blair and the reader, but I found things to move a bit slowly at times. Because she was alone we did not get much dialog for a while, and I missed that interaction. Things did pick up, though, and then it was non-stop action and suspense. I loved watching everything unfold. I LOVE Blair’s Royal Guard. Each member has this incredible loyalty and amazing personality. Xi is my favorite, and I saw his as almost a father figure for Blair.
I’ve always loved Belle’s writing, and I still do. She paints such immaculate pictures with her words, and made the jungle come alive in my mind’s eye. She wrote such detailed descriptions of the Royal Guard and what they look like and their apparel. She brought everyone’s emotions to life and I felt their loyalty and love for one another. I felt the aching love between Blair and Everett as well. Theirs is a very special and unique love story. I have become so invested in all of these characters, even the ones I just met in this book. That’s the sign of a truly wonderful author. I loved how the story wrapped up, and am sad to see it end at the same time. I hope Belle continues to write more!
(I received an ARC for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.)
Monarch is probably the most exciting book in the trilogy, as things are getting real and intense. Decisions and sacrifices have to be made. Blair is discovering herself more and more (and getting more comfortable with who she is), and learning about how all the various, seemingly unrelated puzzle pieces in her life fit together into one big revelation of a puzzle. I love how Belle pieced all these details together. I had a lot of “ah ha!” moments. I also had a lot of “YES! I KNEW it!” moments. It was exciting to finally be in the know, as the first two books were mysterious and left me with a lot of questions.
In Monarch Blair, Andrew, and Everett leave their home, possibly forever, and travel to Brazil. The tribal drums are calling her, and it’s time for Blair to return to her alien people as their queen. She ditches Andrew and Everett at a bus station, fearing their safety, and takes to the jungles alone. Did she really think they would not search for her, though? Blair soon learns she is being hunted. She is forced to awaken her Royal Guard from a centuries-long slumber, and the fight between sides and loyalties begins. Blair must choose between her true love from her human life, her true love from her alien life, and the man who was promised her hand in marriage by her father. She also has to figure out how to survive it all.
I was so happy to see Andrew again. I love her big brother, and his loyalty to her. I was happy to see swoony Everett again. He’s not as nerdy as he once was! We don’t see as much of them as we do Blair, though. We spend a lot of time with her hiding out in the jungle and remembering things from her former life. She makes a lot of discoveries about herself and who she used to be. She learns more about who Ash really is. This is a very enlightening experience for Blair and the reader, but I found things to move a bit slowly at times. Because she was alone we did not get much dialog for a while, and I missed that interaction. Things did pick up, though, and then it was non-stop action and suspense. I loved watching everything unfold. I LOVE Blair’s Royal Guard. Each member has this incredible loyalty and amazing personality. Xi is my favorite, and I saw his as almost a father figure for Blair.
I’ve always loved Belle’s writing, and I still do. She paints such immaculate pictures with her words, and made the jungle come alive in my mind’s eye. She wrote such detailed descriptions of the Royal Guard and what they look like and their apparel. She brought everyone’s emotions to life and I felt their loyalty and love for one another. I felt the aching love between Blair and Everett as well. Theirs is a very special and unique love story. I have become so invested in all of these characters, even the ones I just met in this book. That’s the sign of a truly wonderful author. I loved how the story wrapped up, and am sad to see it end at the same time. I hope Belle continues to write more!
(I received an ARC for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.)
October 10, 2014
In this final installment of Belle Whittington's Cicada trilogy, we find out if Blair will follow her heart. Will Blair choose Everett her true love or Ash the one chosen for her? Will she rule like she was destined to do? Or throw it all away to be with the one she loves? Will Blair find her mother? You will find all these answers and so much more in this book. This story is an action packed full of suspense and yet a wonderful love story combined. It's a keep you on the edge, turning the next page kind of book. Once I started to read, I could not stop. As the story began to unfold and many layers of secrets were revealed it seemed to me like I knew where it was heading. WRONG! This story had so many twists and angles and of course more secrets. New characters were introduced and I fell in love with them. As Blair is searching for more answers, more hidden agendas from others were revealed.
This book is a wonderful love story yet it is about aliens and survival. Where two soul mates were meant to be together but will they have that chance? Ash makes a point to keep Blair to himself and at all cost tries to split Blair and Everett up. Can their love survive the kind of secrets that unfold when Blair begins to remember? Will these secrets kill? If so, who? And why? Come find out and read Monarch. Belle Whittington sure knows how to write so you feel like you are apart of the book. Belle will capture her audience and keep you thoroughly entertained. I know I was.
I loved this trilogy and I am so blessed I ran into Belle and she sold me her first two books. Her enthusiasm and story telling of Her books is what ultimately had me purchase them. Thank you for the honor of being able to read an advanced copy of your baby, Monarch. Monarch is wonderful read. I highly recommend this book. Monarch get 5 stars from me.
~Nicole C.~
This book is a wonderful love story yet it is about aliens and survival. Where two soul mates were meant to be together but will they have that chance? Ash makes a point to keep Blair to himself and at all cost tries to split Blair and Everett up. Can their love survive the kind of secrets that unfold when Blair begins to remember? Will these secrets kill? If so, who? And why? Come find out and read Monarch. Belle Whittington sure knows how to write so you feel like you are apart of the book. Belle will capture her audience and keep you thoroughly entertained. I know I was.
I loved this trilogy and I am so blessed I ran into Belle and she sold me her first two books. Her enthusiasm and story telling of Her books is what ultimately had me purchase them. Thank you for the honor of being able to read an advanced copy of your baby, Monarch. Monarch is wonderful read. I highly recommend this book. Monarch get 5 stars from me.
~Nicole C.~
July 19, 2015
Brilliant storytelling of a thrilling sci-fi tale that wisks you to another world with characters who never let you go.
Amazing. Absolutely one of the best sci-fi series out there, with a touch of paranormal and full of magic. I love this series and it continues to amaze me with Ms. Whittington’s vivid imagination and how she manages to weave such an intricate tale with ease with rich characters and an even richer history, is just brilliant. So addictive and I really never wanted the story to end. Each book becomes a richer component of such a big picture with Blair in the middle of the tangle, along with Ash, an alien king from her previous life and a love interest, Elliot- the love of her life and more, Alex, her fierce brother and more. Each character has their story and I loved each and every one.
The metamorphosis Blair experiences throughout this novel is apparent and it made me feel for her every step of the way. Her two worlds literally collide in this part of the story and like anyone, it’s difficult to acclimate to. Watching her adapt, transform, and grow stronger was a heart-wrenching journey and I cheered her on the whole way through.
One of the most epic sci-fi series I’ve found which spins a different kind of paranormal into our world. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a series to devour and immerse into.
Amazing. Absolutely one of the best sci-fi series out there, with a touch of paranormal and full of magic. I love this series and it continues to amaze me with Ms. Whittington’s vivid imagination and how she manages to weave such an intricate tale with ease with rich characters and an even richer history, is just brilliant. So addictive and I really never wanted the story to end. Each book becomes a richer component of such a big picture with Blair in the middle of the tangle, along with Ash, an alien king from her previous life and a love interest, Elliot- the love of her life and more, Alex, her fierce brother and more. Each character has their story and I loved each and every one.
The metamorphosis Blair experiences throughout this novel is apparent and it made me feel for her every step of the way. Her two worlds literally collide in this part of the story and like anyone, it’s difficult to acclimate to. Watching her adapt, transform, and grow stronger was a heart-wrenching journey and I cheered her on the whole way through.
One of the most epic sci-fi series I’ve found which spins a different kind of paranormal into our world. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a series to devour and immerse into.
October 25, 2014
It's so hard to say goodbye to the friends we come to know and love in books. I have to say the final book in Whittington's Cicada trilogy was hard for me to read simply because I've come to think of the characters as family.
The author began this amazing series with a simple country girl named Blair. She loves horses, adores her grandparents, mom, brother, and friends, has just the right mix of tomboy and toughness, and wants to be a veterinarian. Somewhere along the way, the path she was on took a drastic turn - one that led to dark places, a cocoon, and something not of this world...and I was hooked.
I really hate to get into a series, invest my time, come to cherish the characters, and then the final book let me down. I must thank Ms. Whittington for keeping her readers close to her heart and giving us an ending to be proud of. I think (HOPE) we'll see more of Blair and her friends somewhere down the road (or perhaps up above in the clouds). In the meantime, I cannot recommend this series enough. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but I absolutely loved all of the books. There's something for everyone: adventure, action, romance, drama, magic, and the stories are appropriate for middle-graders, too.
I look forward to Ms. Whittington's next incredible tale and I'm so happy she shared this series with us.
The author began this amazing series with a simple country girl named Blair. She loves horses, adores her grandparents, mom, brother, and friends, has just the right mix of tomboy and toughness, and wants to be a veterinarian. Somewhere along the way, the path she was on took a drastic turn - one that led to dark places, a cocoon, and something not of this world...and I was hooked.
I really hate to get into a series, invest my time, come to cherish the characters, and then the final book let me down. I must thank Ms. Whittington for keeping her readers close to her heart and giving us an ending to be proud of. I think (HOPE) we'll see more of Blair and her friends somewhere down the road (or perhaps up above in the clouds). In the meantime, I cannot recommend this series enough. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but I absolutely loved all of the books. There's something for everyone: adventure, action, romance, drama, magic, and the stories are appropriate for middle-graders, too.
I look forward to Ms. Whittington's next incredible tale and I'm so happy she shared this series with us.
January 13, 2015
Belle Whittington tells a wonderful story of love and adventure in Monarch, the last book in the Cicada trilogy. From the minute I started reading I was hooked on this book. Its is non stop action and suspense throughout the book and the love story is a sweet and beautiful one. This book had me on my toes, crying, laughing and smiling. I was unable to put it down from the beginning to the end. unfortunately I wasn't able to read the first two books before getting into this one but Belle did a great job at making sure new readers didn't miss a thing and she did it without spending too much time in the past. She is also very good at telling a story with such detail that you feel like you are in the book with the characters but not too much that you feel overloaded with information that isn't relevant to the story. In the end she was able to put a great ending to Blair and Everette's story but keep some of the other characters stories open so that hopefully there will be more books on their world to come.
February 4, 2015
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Every question the last book left me with was answered. Blair has so much information thrown at her about herself and her past and now she has so many decisions to make, plus the has to survive the jungle and those hunting her. I love how this story played out. We get some alien history plus a beautiful romance that is so much deeper and involved than I ever saw coming. I don't want to risk spoilers, but there was so much deapth offered up in this book. While all lose ends were tied up nicely, there was still the potential for more. Maybe a spin-off on some of the characters or future generations? It definitely left me hoping for more.
Monarch by Belle Whittington was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
June 7, 2015
SNS Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Belle has taken the UFO culture and given it life. There are aliens, hybrids, UFOs, flying saucers, abductions, scientific experimentation, the leaving of messages to oneself through the manipulation of reincarnation. Then there are the Hunters determined to exterminate the aliens. Add to this the drama of the human world like the triangle of love interests and the seeking of power, control and personal agendas. One easily attaches to certain characters and gets wrapped up in the mystery and suspense of the dramatic struggles. Excellent orchestration of characters and events to pull together an entertaining and exciting story. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If these subjects interests you, grab a copy to begin your adventure. Five Stars.
~~~~~~~~~~Dee's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Belle has taken the UFO culture and given it life. There are aliens, hybrids, UFOs, flying saucers, abductions, scientific experimentation, the leaving of messages to oneself through the manipulation of reincarnation. Then there are the Hunters determined to exterminate the aliens. Add to this the drama of the human world like the triangle of love interests and the seeking of power, control and personal agendas. One easily attaches to certain characters and gets wrapped up in the mystery and suspense of the dramatic struggles. Excellent orchestration of characters and events to pull together an entertaining and exciting story. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If these subjects interests you, grab a copy to begin your adventure. Five Stars.
January 21, 2015
In this final book of The Cicada trilogy we find out if Blair will follow her heart, but will Blair choose Everett her true love or Ash the one chosen for her? Will she rule like she was destined to do, or throw it all away to be with the one she loves? Will Blair find her mother? Read it!
This book is action packed full of suspense and yet a love story combined. It keeps you on the edge, turning the next page kind of book. Once I started to read, I could not stop. As the story began to unfold and the many layers of secrets were discovered, you think you can figure it out, but really you get thrown for a loop. This story had so many twists and turns and of course more secrets. As Blair is searching for more answers, more hidden agendas from others were revealed.
Romance/Sci Fi/ Fantasy/ Adventure. NA
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock, and Belle Whittington
This book is action packed full of suspense and yet a love story combined. It keeps you on the edge, turning the next page kind of book. Once I started to read, I could not stop. As the story began to unfold and the many layers of secrets were discovered, you think you can figure it out, but really you get thrown for a loop. This story had so many twists and turns and of course more secrets. As Blair is searching for more answers, more hidden agendas from others were revealed.
Romance/Sci Fi/ Fantasy/ Adventure. NA
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock, and Belle Whittington
January 27, 2015
The only bad thing was , I should have read the others in the trilogy. you do get swept into the story and is a complete page turner. The story is about Everett and Blair's love story. Even reading just the third story, I still was getting an understanding of Blair and Everett.
I did however not like Ash, he feels like Blair is his and won't stop at nothing to get her. Will Blair go against everything to be with the human man she loves?
The story was different than what I normally read, but Belle is an amazing author with great talents.
I did however not like Ash, he feels like Blair is his and won't stop at nothing to get her. Will Blair go against everything to be with the human man she loves?
The story was different than what I normally read, but Belle is an amazing author with great talents.
February 13, 2015
The final story in the Cicada trilogy.
A page turner from beginning to end, this book was a thrilling finale to the trilogy! Blair, Everett, Ash and a host of colorful secondary characters!
Will Blair stay with her true love, or hold true to the deal she made? You know I can't tell you! You have to read it for yourself!
Romance Readers received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A page turner from beginning to end, this book was a thrilling finale to the trilogy! Blair, Everett, Ash and a host of colorful secondary characters!
Will Blair stay with her true love, or hold true to the deal she made? You know I can't tell you! You have to read it for yourself!
Romance Readers received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2015
The final story in the Cicada trilogy.
A page turner from beginning to end, this book was a thrilling finale to the trilogy! Blair, Everett, Ash and a host of colorful secondary characters!
Will Blair stay with her true love, or hold true to the deal she made? You know I can't tell you! You have to read it for yourself!
5 Stars!
A page turner from beginning to end, this book was a thrilling finale to the trilogy! Blair, Everett, Ash and a host of colorful secondary characters!
Will Blair stay with her true love, or hold true to the deal she made? You know I can't tell you! You have to read it for yourself!
5 Stars!
October 25, 2014
Monarch was amazing!!! I loved it so much and had started the trend #Bverett (: But you must read it I was hooked to the book the moment it had started. If you want to read the actual review
http://nerdydino.blogspot.com/
http://nerdydino.blogspot.com/
October 1, 2014
OMG!
Seriously....I don't know what to say....
My FULL review will come during the blog tour ~ October 13th
For now....one word will describe Monarch......SPEECHLESS!!!
Seriously....I don't know what to say....
My FULL review will come during the blog tour ~ October 13th
For now....one word will describe Monarch......SPEECHLESS!!!
April 27, 2015
✴✴✴✴✴Nic's Review✴✴✴✴
In this final installment of Belle Whittington's Cicada trilogy, we find out if Blair will follow her heart. Will Blair choose Everett her true love or Ash the one chosen for her? Will she rule like she was destined to do? Or throw it all away to be with the one she loves? Will Blair find her mother? You will find all these answers and so much more in this book. This story is an action packed full of suspense and yet a wonderful love story combined. It's a keep you on the edge, turning the next page kind of book. Once I started to read, I could not stop. As the story began to unfold and many layers of secrets were revealed it seemed to me like I knew where it was heading. WRONG! This story had so many twists and angles and of course more secrets. New characters were introduced and I fell in love with them. As Blair is searching for more answers, more hidden agendas from others were revealed.
This book is a wonderful love story yet it is about aliens and survival. Where two soul mates were meant to be together but will they have that chance? Ash makes a point to keep Blair to himself and at all cost tries to split Blair and Everett up. Can their love survive the kind of secrets that unfold when Blair begins to remember? Will these secrets kill? If so, who? And why? Come find out and read Monarch. Belle Whittington sure knows how to write so you feel like you are apart of the book. Belle will capture her audience and keep you thoroughly entertained. I know I was.
I loved this trilogy and I am so blessed I ran into Belle and she sold me her first two books. Her enthusiasm and story telling of her books is what ultimately had me purchase them. Thank you for the honor of being able to read an advanced copy of your baby, Monarch. Monarch is a wonderful read. I highly recommend this book. Monarch get 5 stars from me. I'm look forward to what else Belle write in the future.
In this final installment of Belle Whittington's Cicada trilogy, we find out if Blair will follow her heart. Will Blair choose Everett her true love or Ash the one chosen for her? Will she rule like she was destined to do? Or throw it all away to be with the one she loves? Will Blair find her mother? You will find all these answers and so much more in this book. This story is an action packed full of suspense and yet a wonderful love story combined. It's a keep you on the edge, turning the next page kind of book. Once I started to read, I could not stop. As the story began to unfold and many layers of secrets were revealed it seemed to me like I knew where it was heading. WRONG! This story had so many twists and angles and of course more secrets. New characters were introduced and I fell in love with them. As Blair is searching for more answers, more hidden agendas from others were revealed.
This book is a wonderful love story yet it is about aliens and survival. Where two soul mates were meant to be together but will they have that chance? Ash makes a point to keep Blair to himself and at all cost tries to split Blair and Everett up. Can their love survive the kind of secrets that unfold when Blair begins to remember? Will these secrets kill? If so, who? And why? Come find out and read Monarch. Belle Whittington sure knows how to write so you feel like you are apart of the book. Belle will capture her audience and keep you thoroughly entertained. I know I was.
I loved this trilogy and I am so blessed I ran into Belle and she sold me her first two books. Her enthusiasm and story telling of her books is what ultimately had me purchase them. Thank you for the honor of being able to read an advanced copy of your baby, Monarch. Monarch is a wonderful read. I highly recommend this book. Monarch get 5 stars from me. I'm look forward to what else Belle write in the future.
Read
December 30, 2014Did not finish.
May 22, 2015
Fun story but wayyyyyy too long.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews