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Genesis Clan #2
Battle of Forces: Sera Toujours
In book two of the Forces series, Kendal and Piper return to New Orleans, both now immortal. The peace along the Mississippi River is short-lived with the arrival of Kendal’s old friends, Morgaine and Lenore. They come with an order from the Genesis Clan for Kendal to return with them to face judgment for mixing the elixir of the sun for Piper without their consent. Their presence, though, wakes the seer the elders have waited centuries for.
The small band of immortals along with Piper’s grandparents must work to prepare for what their future holds with the return of one of Kendal’s oldest enemies. The battle of forces begins when the new queen of the vampires joins forces with this new threat, both set on destroying not only Kendal, but the woman she loves.
The small band of immortals along with Piper’s grandparents must work to prepare for what their future holds with the return of one of Kendal’s oldest enemies. The battle of forces begins when the new queen of the vampires joins forces with this new threat, both set on destroying not only Kendal, but the woman she loves.
264 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2013
27 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Ali Vali
57 books460 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 30, 2018
3.25 Stars. This is the second book in Vali’s Genesis Clan Series. I read the first book ages ago, maybe six years ago. I did not remember much except that I enjoyed it. I have had this sequel on my mental to read list all that time but honestly just forgot about it. When I saw that a third book in the series was coming out in July, it finally gave me the kick to read this. I’m sorry to say this one wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.
For anyone not familiar these books are paranormal-romance. Kendal has lived for over a thousand years as an immortal of the sun, slaying evil vamps and weres. She fell in love with her soulmate Piper in book one. Piper has some powers of her own but the two just want to spend eternity in love together. But Kendal’s old enemies have other ideas and they bring the fight to the new couple.
The biggest problem I had was this book never really went anywhere. It was nice to see the new couple happy and in love, and having sex a thousand times, but the excitement was too low. When it came to the “bad guys” they weren’t bad enough and the book wrapped everything up too easily. I hardly felt any danger for the characters.
This book has a prophecy that involves dragons. Most of the book was trying to figure the prophecy out. When I hear dragons the fantasy geek in me gets really excited. I had all these different scenarios running through my mind… In the end the prophecy was “nice” but a big disappointment away from what I was imagining. This whole book was just too low key.
It has been five years since book 2 came out. I never thought Vali would write a book 3. Even though this book was only okay for me, I still want to read the third book. I really hope Vali amps up the excitement for book 3. We still don’t fully know what Piper’s powers may be able to do so there is definitely room for some good action left. I’ll guess I will find out when I read it in a few days.
For anyone not familiar these books are paranormal-romance. Kendal has lived for over a thousand years as an immortal of the sun, slaying evil vamps and weres. She fell in love with her soulmate Piper in book one. Piper has some powers of her own but the two just want to spend eternity in love together. But Kendal’s old enemies have other ideas and they bring the fight to the new couple.
The biggest problem I had was this book never really went anywhere. It was nice to see the new couple happy and in love, and having sex a thousand times, but the excitement was too low. When it came to the “bad guys” they weren’t bad enough and the book wrapped everything up too easily. I hardly felt any danger for the characters.
This book has a prophecy that involves dragons. Most of the book was trying to figure the prophecy out. When I hear dragons the fantasy geek in me gets really excited. I had all these different scenarios running through my mind… In the end the prophecy was “nice” but a big disappointment away from what I was imagining. This whole book was just too low key.
It has been five years since book 2 came out. I never thought Vali would write a book 3. Even though this book was only okay for me, I still want to read the third book. I really hope Vali amps up the excitement for book 3. We still don’t fully know what Piper’s powers may be able to do so there is definitely room for some good action left. I’ll guess I will find out when I read it in a few days.
August 21, 2018
I've always favored books where the couple is stronger together and the conflict is external to them rather than internal to the relationship. This was brilliant and I loved it. Having the entire series to consume continuously I think really helps. I definitely liked this better than book 1 and *really* look forward to book 3.
May 21, 2021
Ugh...
When you have so much expectations disappointments crawl in. This was fantasy lal la storyline: you have the opulence living found all around their world (which is logically understandable for an immortal but also superficially materialistic for one) and the really over-the-top acceptance of their immortal state by their mortal familes and friends .... the story just didn't weave itself well enough for me. I mean i know i am reading mythical fiction but please make me believe it.
When you have so much expectations disappointments crawl in. This was fantasy lal la storyline: you have the opulence living found all around their world (which is logically understandable for an immortal but also superficially materialistic for one) and the really over-the-top acceptance of their immortal state by their mortal familes and friends .... the story just didn't weave itself well enough for me. I mean i know i am reading mythical fiction but please make me believe it.
November 21, 2013
This sequel to ‘Balance of Forces Toujours Ici’ is a tremendous complement, follow-up, and hopefully a magnificent foundation for a third book in the Forces Series. All but one of the characters returned with some very fine additions joining the cast. Actually, these two books practically made me a convert into believing all the gods and immortals mentioned really do exist in our current day and time. Of course, I’m prone to being convinced about such miraculous and mystical doings. However, this second book simply was so complete and thorough as to draw me in, set me up, and fulfill fantasies I always wished were real. This is perfect for all adults who never really grew up! I found it to be immensely helpful for the enjoyment of the second book to have read the first book.
Asra, aka Kendal Richoux and other pseudonyms, is still a tour de force along with her partner Piper, a seer whose powers are growing by leaps and bounds. Kendal periodically wishes to protect her partner, but Piper has many varied ways of stating in no uncertain terms that she will be at Kendal’s side no matter what. They are such a tender and loving couple that really heat up the bedroom and steam up the shower! Kendal and Piper are important additions to the immortals who must keep the balance against the demons. They are also one seriously hot couple!
Julius is a nefarious and traitorous elder of the Genesis Clan. He is one really bad dude and has popped up several times as the power behind some very nasty wars or takeovers throughout the centuries. Additionally, he is absolutely determined to take Kendal down. This elders’ hatred of Asra along with the mystery and power of the Sea Serpent Sword provide the key ingredients to fuel an incredibly monumental confrontation that will take place on All Hallows’ Eve. Special conditions that are apparently only available on this day place the fate of the world in the hands of the participants. God, I was so wowed and drawn into the mythos within this book!!!
I simply adored the host of exquisite historical landscapes and backgrounds blended within both books. They supported, enhanced, raised the quality up several notches, and impacted the overall story. However, it is once again at Kendal’s estate, Oakgrove, where the colossal confrontation for this book takes place. I was astounded by the permutations, resurrections, treachery, insurrections, sabotage…oh my goodness my list could go on and on…yet these negative events are brilliantly overthrown by machinations I could never have foreseen. With all the amazing phenomenons elicited, there are still several astounding beginnings presented along with the history of the Sea Serpent Sword. This leads me to believe that at least a third book in the 'Forces' series must be forthcoming. Just to be clear, I totally recommend this book and the first book in the series! Oh, by the way for a second time, there is a lovely story-related explanation of the French phrase used in the title ‘sera toujours’ again at the end of the book, compliments of the lovers.
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Asra, aka Kendal Richoux and other pseudonyms, is still a tour de force along with her partner Piper, a seer whose powers are growing by leaps and bounds. Kendal periodically wishes to protect her partner, but Piper has many varied ways of stating in no uncertain terms that she will be at Kendal’s side no matter what. They are such a tender and loving couple that really heat up the bedroom and steam up the shower! Kendal and Piper are important additions to the immortals who must keep the balance against the demons. They are also one seriously hot couple!
Julius is a nefarious and traitorous elder of the Genesis Clan. He is one really bad dude and has popped up several times as the power behind some very nasty wars or takeovers throughout the centuries. Additionally, he is absolutely determined to take Kendal down. This elders’ hatred of Asra along with the mystery and power of the Sea Serpent Sword provide the key ingredients to fuel an incredibly monumental confrontation that will take place on All Hallows’ Eve. Special conditions that are apparently only available on this day place the fate of the world in the hands of the participants. God, I was so wowed and drawn into the mythos within this book!!!
I simply adored the host of exquisite historical landscapes and backgrounds blended within both books. They supported, enhanced, raised the quality up several notches, and impacted the overall story. However, it is once again at Kendal’s estate, Oakgrove, where the colossal confrontation for this book takes place. I was astounded by the permutations, resurrections, treachery, insurrections, sabotage…oh my goodness my list could go on and on…yet these negative events are brilliantly overthrown by machinations I could never have foreseen. With all the amazing phenomenons elicited, there are still several astounding beginnings presented along with the history of the Sea Serpent Sword. This leads me to believe that at least a third book in the 'Forces' series must be forthcoming. Just to be clear, I totally recommend this book and the first book in the series! Oh, by the way for a second time, there is a lovely story-related explanation of the French phrase used in the title ‘sera toujours’ again at the end of the book, compliments of the lovers.
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 29, 2014
Well...
As much as I liked the first one, this sequel just isn't up there.
I really missed Kendal as the hard boiled business woman and the way she handled every crisis. Now, not so much.
Yes, we had everyone from the first novel there, but they really weren't given any room. Charley? He didn't get any action. And why is Hill being drawn all over the world? There was some mention she would have to make a big commitment, but it was never followed up.
A mysterious guy called leonardo shows up for information. Whe're told he needed looked into, but was nver mentioned again.
The villain was meh, and disposed of in a couple of sentences.
The new vampire Queen isn't much of a villain as well.
Piper's new ability wasn't all that much interesting, and felt forced to me.
So, while I thought this would be a novel about the good versus evil battle continued, all I got was a romance with some annoying events thrown around to get some more pages. All Kendal and Piper do is make love (I think that word is used somewhere about 350 times during the novel, it's ridiculous).
All in all, I was disappointed.
As much as I liked the first one, this sequel just isn't up there.
I really missed Kendal as the hard boiled business woman and the way she handled every crisis. Now, not so much.
Yes, we had everyone from the first novel there, but they really weren't given any room. Charley? He didn't get any action. And why is Hill being drawn all over the world? There was some mention she would have to make a big commitment, but it was never followed up.
A mysterious guy called leonardo shows up for information. Whe're told he needed looked into, but was nver mentioned again.
The villain was meh, and disposed of in a couple of sentences.
The new vampire Queen isn't much of a villain as well.
Piper's new ability wasn't all that much interesting, and felt forced to me.
So, while I thought this would be a novel about the good versus evil battle continued, all I got was a romance with some annoying events thrown around to get some more pages. All Kendal and Piper do is make love (I think that word is used somewhere about 350 times during the novel, it's ridiculous).
All in all, I was disappointed.
May 31, 2025
With a long history comes a lot of enemies, and unsurprisingly, one of those has come to the fore. Kendal, though, is no longer alone, Piper her love and mate, and given the politics of organizations, there will of course be issues.
Though, honestly, that only scratches the surface of what happens in the book.
Kendal and Piper are sappy and adorable in love, and given that they are finally together, there is spice - quite a bit of it, in fact. We learn a lot more about Kendal's history, get introduced to more lore and supernatural elements, and certain 'characters' get brought into the story as well. Lots of surprises that I didn't expect, but they were ones that I really enjoyed. And I also really appreciate that Kendal and Piper weren't forced apart either. We get to see their story, together, along with growth for them too.
I really enjoyed the story too! Pacing and writing wise, it's exactly as you'd expect from having read the first book (and given that it's a sequel, you really do need to have read it), and I quite happily stayed up late reading it, which is a testament to it. I'm very pleased with how it ended, and looking forward to reading the third one next.
Though, honestly, that only scratches the surface of what happens in the book.
Kendal and Piper are sappy and adorable in love, and given that they are finally together, there is spice - quite a bit of it, in fact. We learn a lot more about Kendal's history, get introduced to more lore and supernatural elements, and certain 'characters' get brought into the story as well. Lots of surprises that I didn't expect, but they were ones that I really enjoyed. And I also really appreciate that Kendal and Piper weren't forced apart either. We get to see their story, together, along with growth for them too.
I really enjoyed the story too! Pacing and writing wise, it's exactly as you'd expect from having read the first book (and given that it's a sequel, you really do need to have read it), and I quite happily stayed up late reading it, which is a testament to it. I'm very pleased with how it ended, and looking forward to reading the third one next.
December 28, 2021
I would kind of like to remove a half of a star because of the sappiness. Now that the characters are together all the do is tell each other how much the love each other and have sex pretty much every chapter. It gets kind of annoying. It almost borders on soft porn rather than action / romance. I wanted to get the fire hose out by the third chapter. When the action and story does move forward it is a decent story but come on... I am diving into the third book because I like the characters and the story but I really don't need this much sex in my stories. By the end of is I felt like there was less sex in a Letters to Penthouse magazine.
January 18, 2021
Loved it
Great sequel. Well written characters and a few twists along the way. A thoroughly good read. I really enjoyed both books
Great sequel. Well written characters and a few twists along the way. A thoroughly good read. I really enjoyed both books
May 30, 2024
Took me a month to finish this book.
May 12, 2015
Finished reading this yesterday man and i still haven't been able to get the story out of my head. Excellent story, amazingly written, and just captivating in so many ways i wont compere this one to the first one because they were both amazing but this one just WOW. I found it so amazingly written the detail the explaining of the past and future that i literately saw the story take place in my head as i read it and still do. I love how no matter what happened or what they went throw both Piper and Kendal stick through it all and they have forever to enjoy what they have. I never found the whole immortal thing that interesting but dam it if this book didn't get my full attention i could not seat it down for nothing. No words can fully describe how i felt reading this book and how i still feel it i how i can still imagine in its amazing.!! Really amazing story ending book everything man i really love it haha!!
July 15, 2014
I have really enjoyed Ali Vali's series in the past, and having enjoyed the first in this series I bought this one as soon as possible. I was slightly disappointed. Maybe I have become accustomed to her ability to make the Devil series flow so smoothly between stories that I was spoiled for this one, but I felt that I was at a total loss for the characters actions. Granted I could have re-read the first one again prior to reading this one, but feel that would be time intensive as the series progresses. Piper didn't seem to pop of the page as real life during this installment though I think Kendal still is a character with a lot of depth and is very engaging. Sort of mix overall as there were parts that I really enjoyed about this book but the frustration of feeling as if parts weren't carried over well from the first story.
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August 12, 2022Brilliant!
I had to read this twice. Only then did I feel qualified to write a review.
Silly, I can't tell you much because the book is a tribute to the adventure that it takes you on.
It's funny, it's serious but mostly its an awesome adventure into the past and the future.
I guess the best way to describe this book is a fantasy adventure. There are two main characters Kendal and Piper. Also in addition you have a whole wealth of secondary characters who really makes the book stand out.
They all have a part to play.
It's a great book. You can't put it down. I'm not just saying that. Only time I wasn't reading was while driving :).
Hope you enjoy!
I had to read this twice. Only then did I feel qualified to write a review.
Silly, I can't tell you much because the book is a tribute to the adventure that it takes you on.
It's funny, it's serious but mostly its an awesome adventure into the past and the future.
I guess the best way to describe this book is a fantasy adventure. There are two main characters Kendal and Piper. Also in addition you have a whole wealth of secondary characters who really makes the book stand out.
They all have a part to play.
It's a great book. You can't put it down. I'm not just saying that. Only time I wasn't reading was while driving :).
Hope you enjoy!
February 1, 2015
I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters of Kendal and Piper. Their bond after they destroyed Henri and Ora is stronger and helps them in the new battles they must face in order to keep order for mankind
December 4, 2016
Love through the ages
This sequel to Toujours ice is just as riveting a story. Great action and steamy sex all in a great story. Good verses evil with some gray area.
This sequel to Toujours ice is just as riveting a story. Great action and steamy sex all in a great story. Good verses evil with some gray area.
February 7, 2025
An okay ending on this two book series. It’s not my favourite series written by Ali Vali but I was entertained throughout the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews