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New Atlanta #1
Being Amber
New Atlanita, #1
Both danger and sex are inescapable in the Amber Zone.
Jaci Harmon was born a Sapphire, but after she’s summoned to receive her final designation, the testing reveals she carries a gene slated for eradication. Within a day, she’s sterilized and dumped in the Amber Zone, where the damaged are corralled away from the rest of New Atlanta. Scared and alone, Jaci would rather die than face her future as an Amber.
Born in the Amber Zone, Xander Dimos is a product of a lifetime spent under the oppression of the Repopulation Laws. Decades of suffering have taught the Ambers to make the zone a place where touch, sex, and unconditional acceptance ease the pain of their fate. Jaci has a lot to learn about her new home, and it’s Xander’s responsibility to guide her through the differences and the dangers safely.
With the simmering undercurrents of sexual chemistry growing between them, and in the midst of discovering the Gov’s true motives, Jaci and Xander must overcome his secret and accept their love as undeniable…even if the time allotted to share it is short.
CONTENT This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, menage a trios, use of sex toys, and anal sex.
70,333 Words
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2013
20 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Ryan
7 books148 followersSylvia lives the life of an ordinary wife, mother and professional existing in Midwest Suburbia, USA. She reads voraciously and loves to lose herself and fall head over heels for the alpha males in the novels she reads.
When she gets the chance to shed the prim and proper persona of average wife and mother, her secret identity, Sylvia Ryan, emerges. This alter ego strives to write original ideas in extraordinary settings for her readers to remember long after the book has been read. Her dream is to transform her racy thoughts and naughty nature into tangible works of erotic fantasy for others’ secret identities to enjoy.
When she gets the chance to shed the prim and proper persona of average wife and mother, her secret identity, Sylvia Ryan, emerges. This alter ego strives to write original ideas in extraordinary settings for her readers to remember long after the book has been read. Her dream is to transform her racy thoughts and naughty nature into tangible works of erotic fantasy for others’ secret identities to enjoy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 17, 2014
BUY THIS BOOK NOW! How does an author create utopia in a dystopic world? Enter the Amber Zone. This book blew my mind. It's the type of story which really appeals to me. The components with the dash of kink made this a highly enjoyable read.
In this world, the there are different classes of people in the former United States. It's based on...genetics. The discrimination against those who have "defective DNA" in this book is horrifying. It's horrifying because it's very easy to see a world turn into this way. This speculative fiction plays on my end time fears. It also brings in a slightly political message about the 2nd amendment. All I know is, no one is confiscating my guns.
Being Amber kicks off a series which captures my full attention. It shows how cruel humans can be yet at the same time, it is balanced by the kindness of humans. This dichotomy is beautiful because it showcases the good, bad and ugly of societies. I really admire how Ms. Ryan carefully juxtaposes hatred with sexual freedom. The contrasts between the societal classes is jarring. The world building in here is just enough to have a person see a good picture of this post-epidemic life. The designations of Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Amber and Onyx are fascinating. Hopefully in the next book, these are better defined and the reader is exposed to more of these societies. The theme is similar to In Time. The different zones and how the haves and have-nots are about all that's similar.
What really makes it for me in this book is the theme of hope. Not all is lost. That which is discarded is not unwanted by others. I love this kind of message in a book. To add some kinky flogging with it, I'm in high heaven. While this book isn't really BDSM classification, it does involve a little kinky therapy which enhances the book for me. This book is highly recommended to erotic readers who enjoy speculative fiction.
* Provided by the author for a review.
In this world, the there are different classes of people in the former United States. It's based on...genetics. The discrimination against those who have "defective DNA" in this book is horrifying. It's horrifying because it's very easy to see a world turn into this way. This speculative fiction plays on my end time fears. It also brings in a slightly political message about the 2nd amendment. All I know is, no one is confiscating my guns.
Being Amber kicks off a series which captures my full attention. It shows how cruel humans can be yet at the same time, it is balanced by the kindness of humans. This dichotomy is beautiful because it showcases the good, bad and ugly of societies. I really admire how Ms. Ryan carefully juxtaposes hatred with sexual freedom. The contrasts between the societal classes is jarring. The world building in here is just enough to have a person see a good picture of this post-epidemic life. The designations of Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Amber and Onyx are fascinating. Hopefully in the next book, these are better defined and the reader is exposed to more of these societies. The theme is similar to In Time. The different zones and how the haves and have-nots are about all that's similar.
What really makes it for me in this book is the theme of hope. Not all is lost. That which is discarded is not unwanted by others. I love this kind of message in a book. To add some kinky flogging with it, I'm in high heaven. While this book isn't really BDSM classification, it does involve a little kinky therapy which enhances the book for me. This book is highly recommended to erotic readers who enjoy speculative fiction.
* Provided by the author for a review.
July 26, 2013
4.5 stars
Spoiler free
Let me start off by saying I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not. Within the couple of chapters I read glued me in for a amazing ride.
In the future 2050 influenza took out over ninety-two percent of the world population. 2052 what was left in the United States, the government and military started to come with supervised Re population laws. Everyone living under the government rules and control had to be submitted to genetic, psychological, and intelligence testing to determined what type of placement you were going to be placed under.
There are mostly classified as two placements. One is Sapphires. The Sapphires are the higher class where all genetics were perfect. And being an Amber is the lowest of them all and restricted. They were to be found with a genetic problem, their IQ wasn't high enough, or they were to be found unstable.
Jaci has been born and raised as a Sapphires. Now she took her testing to see where she would be placed. Jaci had a great IQ but was found with a genetic disorder. Right after the testing the gov took her to Amber zone. Jaci being scared and not knowing a soul there. She is terrified.
Once being placed in the Amber zone Jaci will be living with a roommate and working. Being taken away from what she had grown up to. Jaci wasn't sure what to do.
At the Amber zone everyone will be living with a roommate, which will be a man and female. All the Amber's are very on hands touching each other. Not in a bad way but more this is your family we like to let you know we are here for you.
Jaci has a hard tome coming to terms of being an Amber.
Xander is Jaci's roommate. He has been born in the Amber zone. He is very smart and sweet but also damn right sexy. All the men protect the women. So it's easy for Xander to feel he needs to protect his new roommate and make sure she fits right with everyone and comes to terms of her new home.
Not only is this book brings you into a new come world, but the strength the Amber's have for each other is comforting. There are some hot sexy erotica parts. M/F/M, group sex, toys, and also a little BDSM. What is not to love about that.
This book sucked me in to my very core and didn't want to stop reading it. It brought out so much of the characters that you want to be apart of it. The love for each other, the bond that grows between them will carry with you after you read this. There are sad time and frustrating times where I wanted to yell at them like I was apart of them.
Amazing book. I am looking forward to what else Sylvia Ryan takes me with this story. I hope there is a second one. The story seems to be unfinished so I am guessing there might be.
Thank you so much Sylvia for allowing me to be apart of these characters world. You captured them beautifully.
I received a copy of this book from the Author exchange for an honest review.
Spoiler free
Let me start off by saying I wasn't sure if I would like this book or not. Within the couple of chapters I read glued me in for a amazing ride.
In the future 2050 influenza took out over ninety-two percent of the world population. 2052 what was left in the United States, the government and military started to come with supervised Re population laws. Everyone living under the government rules and control had to be submitted to genetic, psychological, and intelligence testing to determined what type of placement you were going to be placed under.
There are mostly classified as two placements. One is Sapphires. The Sapphires are the higher class where all genetics were perfect. And being an Amber is the lowest of them all and restricted. They were to be found with a genetic problem, their IQ wasn't high enough, or they were to be found unstable.
Jaci has been born and raised as a Sapphires. Now she took her testing to see where she would be placed. Jaci had a great IQ but was found with a genetic disorder. Right after the testing the gov took her to Amber zone. Jaci being scared and not knowing a soul there. She is terrified.
Once being placed in the Amber zone Jaci will be living with a roommate and working. Being taken away from what she had grown up to. Jaci wasn't sure what to do.
At the Amber zone everyone will be living with a roommate, which will be a man and female. All the Amber's are very on hands touching each other. Not in a bad way but more this is your family we like to let you know we are here for you.
Jaci has a hard tome coming to terms of being an Amber.
Xander is Jaci's roommate. He has been born in the Amber zone. He is very smart and sweet but also damn right sexy. All the men protect the women. So it's easy for Xander to feel he needs to protect his new roommate and make sure she fits right with everyone and comes to terms of her new home.
Not only is this book brings you into a new come world, but the strength the Amber's have for each other is comforting. There are some hot sexy erotica parts. M/F/M, group sex, toys, and also a little BDSM. What is not to love about that.
This book sucked me in to my very core and didn't want to stop reading it. It brought out so much of the characters that you want to be apart of it. The love for each other, the bond that grows between them will carry with you after you read this. There are sad time and frustrating times where I wanted to yell at them like I was apart of them.
Amazing book. I am looking forward to what else Sylvia Ryan takes me with this story. I hope there is a second one. The story seems to be unfinished so I am guessing there might be.
Thank you so much Sylvia for allowing me to be apart of these characters world. You captured them beautifully.
I received a copy of this book from the Author exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2013
Let me start off with a big warning that you will need tissues reading this book. If you don't need tissues then you are a cold-hearted bitch (or possibly a Cylon).
Ok, now that that is out of the way, let me tell you why this book was amazing.
To start with, the world-building was excellent! The prologue and introduction as well as the descriptions throughout the book are rich and complete, allowing the reader to "see" this New Atlanta in living technicolor.
The characterization of the "Gov" and the society of this new world was not eased into. The reader is tossed right into the deep end from the get-go with the knowledge that Jaci is sterilized because of the possibility that she might pass unfavorable genetics on to any progeny she might have. Jaci's introduction to her new Amber status was painful and tearing, and that trauma stays with the reader as sort of a low-level hum through the rest of the book.
Xander is assigned as Jaci's roommate - sort of a male partner to form a (not necessarily sexual) family with. He is a generational Amber, in that he was born to Amber parents and grew up in the Amber Zone. He has some traumas of his own, but immediately feels his responsibility to not just help Jaci adjust, but to survive all that she has been through since reassignement to Amber. He takes a lot onto his shoulders, and through the book comes more and more into his own sense of self.
The open sexuality of the Amber world of Circle City was done quite well, without any sort of gritty or red-light feel to it. There is quite a bit of sexual activity in the book, however the combinations are varied and give needed insight into the characters that are involved.
Speaking of characters, regardless if they are main or secondary, the characters all felt real and human. I love books that have flawed characters that aren't broken or angsty and this book delivers. They are multi-demensional and interesting and the reader is invested in learning more about them in upcoming books.
Let me be clear though, this is *not* a happy book. There are moments of joy and happiness, but we are talking about a completely oppressed population. They have adapted to make their lives as enjoyable as they can, but when you come down to it, there is a pall over their lives. They may not talk about it or dwell on it, but it is present in every bit of their lives.
The distopian theme is a favorite of mine, and it is done well here. The real terror both in fiction and in life is not the monster in the closet or under the bed, it is the evil that wears a human face that you interact with every day. Those are the monsters that invoke true fear because unlike fairy tale creatures, human monsters are very real. Fairy Tale monsters can be stopped by sunlight or silver bullets or cold iron, human monsters are much more difficult to find and to stop because their motivations for evil vary so widely and they can hide in plain sight, blending right in with their prey.
I loved this book and read it straight through in one sitting, but I did have to take a few little breaks to catch my breath. I am thrilled that there will be more to come, and am looking forward to every step of the journey - even the painful ones.
warning...
Ok, now that that is out of the way, let me tell you why this book was amazing.
To start with, the world-building was excellent! The prologue and introduction as well as the descriptions throughout the book are rich and complete, allowing the reader to "see" this New Atlanta in living technicolor.
The characterization of the "Gov" and the society of this new world was not eased into. The reader is tossed right into the deep end from the get-go with the knowledge that Jaci is sterilized because of the possibility that she might pass unfavorable genetics on to any progeny she might have. Jaci's introduction to her new Amber status was painful and tearing, and that trauma stays with the reader as sort of a low-level hum through the rest of the book.
Xander is assigned as Jaci's roommate - sort of a male partner to form a (not necessarily sexual) family with. He is a generational Amber, in that he was born to Amber parents and grew up in the Amber Zone. He has some traumas of his own, but immediately feels his responsibility to not just help Jaci adjust, but to survive all that she has been through since reassignement to Amber. He takes a lot onto his shoulders, and through the book comes more and more into his own sense of self.
The open sexuality of the Amber world of Circle City was done quite well, without any sort of gritty or red-light feel to it. There is quite a bit of sexual activity in the book, however the combinations are varied and give needed insight into the characters that are involved.
Speaking of characters, regardless if they are main or secondary, the characters all felt real and human. I love books that have flawed characters that aren't broken or angsty and this book delivers. They are multi-demensional and interesting and the reader is invested in learning more about them in upcoming books.
Let me be clear though, this is *not* a happy book. There are moments of joy and happiness, but we are talking about a completely oppressed population. They have adapted to make their lives as enjoyable as they can, but when you come down to it, there is a pall over their lives. They may not talk about it or dwell on it, but it is present in every bit of their lives.
The distopian theme is a favorite of mine, and it is done well here. The real terror both in fiction and in life is not the monster in the closet or under the bed, it is the evil that wears a human face that you interact with every day. Those are the monsters that invoke true fear because unlike fairy tale creatures, human monsters are very real. Fairy Tale monsters can be stopped by sunlight or silver bullets or cold iron, human monsters are much more difficult to find and to stop because their motivations for evil vary so widely and they can hide in plain sight, blending right in with their prey.
I loved this book and read it straight through in one sitting, but I did have to take a few little breaks to catch my breath. I am thrilled that there will be more to come, and am looking forward to every step of the journey - even the painful ones.
warning...
April 2, 2013
This book screams everything that I stay away from...Drippy vaginas & New World building. I decided to put those issues aside and I got an advanced copy from the author in return for an Honest review.
I enjoyed this book very much. We were given the info on how this 'New Atlanta' came about, why, how it works all without the information being forced upon us. Instead it played right into the story and it read really well. Xander not only has the coolest name EVER, he was a take no shit Alpha and I love that in my guys! (Rock has peeked my interest and I really hope we'll get to see more of him down the road) This story had a bit of everything suspense, kink, menage, f/f stuff (which I coulda lived without but a little bleach will take care of those images!) and originality. I never really knew what was gonna happen next and that did keep me turning the pages faster and faster!
I look forward to sticking with this series in the future.
I enjoyed this book very much. We were given the info on how this 'New Atlanta' came about, why, how it works all without the information being forced upon us. Instead it played right into the story and it read really well. Xander not only has the coolest name EVER, he was a take no shit Alpha and I love that in my guys! (Rock has peeked my interest and I really hope we'll get to see more of him down the road) This story had a bit of everything suspense, kink, menage, f/f stuff (which I coulda lived without but a little bleach will take care of those images!) and originality. I never really knew what was gonna happen next and that did keep me turning the pages faster and faster!
I look forward to sticking with this series in the future.
July 27, 2014
4 1/2 beautiful stars - rounded up to 5
Approx word count 75,000
Firstly a big thank you to the Author for sending me an ARC of this wonderful story. It was a privilege and pleasure to read.
This story has got it all, mystery and suspense, twists and turns, heartbreak and love! The world and character building was astonishing and drew me right in. The sex scenes are tasteful and steamy. I loved the first M/F/M scene it had an interesting twist that appealed to me personally. There are a couple of BDSM scenes but IMO they are light and should not deter anyone (not into that scene) from reading this story.
This was a near perfect read for me. I could go on and go and on about the plot but don't want to risk spoilers. I urge everyone who enjoys a story with a strong plot and some hot loving to read this story!
Approx word count 75,000
Firstly a big thank you to the Author for sending me an ARC of this wonderful story. It was a privilege and pleasure to read.
This story has got it all, mystery and suspense, twists and turns, heartbreak and love! The world and character building was astonishing and drew me right in. The sex scenes are tasteful and steamy. I loved the first M/F/M scene it had an interesting twist that appealed to me personally. There are a couple of BDSM scenes but IMO they are light and should not deter anyone (not into that scene) from reading this story.
This was a near perfect read for me. I could go on and go and on about the plot but don't want to risk spoilers. I urge everyone who enjoys a story with a strong plot and some hot loving to read this story!
one-rainy-day
November 26, 2014***I was gifted with a copy of this book from the author as part of the following promotion***
March 28, 2015
3.5-4 stars
This was a pretty good story. I liked all the characters and the story line is interesting. This is the first thing I've read by this author and I do plan to read more of her work in the future.
This story takes place in a world where a deadly influenza has killed most of the inhabitants of Earth. 3 cities were rebuilt by the US Gov afterwards and re-population restrictions were put in to place by the Gov to control what gets passed on, including sterilizing citizens that have genes carrying certain diseases. The sterilized are sent to the Amber Zone, where they don't control much in their life but try to make the best of it and find pleasure where they can.
Jaci is from the Sapphire Zone of New Atlanta. She goes to get her "classification" testing done and finds out that she has a gene that is on the list that will get her sterilized and sent to the Amber Zone. Since her dreams in life were to have a baby and become a teacher, Jaci feels like her life has been ripped away. She is shipped immediately to the Amber Zone without even being able to go home to say goodbye to her family first. She goes where she's assigned but is numb and lost.
Xander was born in the Amber Zone. He works as a cop and is a good guy but for certain reasons he holds himself back from personal relationships with women, keeping everything on a Benefriend (Amber speak for friends with benefits) basis but never deeper. He's assigned on a case where fallows (women that have been sterilized and sent to the Amber Zone from other Zones) are being murdered but made to look like suicides. Xander finds out a new fallow (Jaci) has just been transferred in and was assigned as his new roommate.
In the Amber Zone, single person living assignments are a man and a woman in a small apartment with 1 bed. The people in the Amber Zone are very touchy/feely and although they're very open about sex and it happens frequently, sleeping together or touching is sometimes done for comfort and not sex. The men usually see their roommates as a sister as the two of them now become what's considered "family" in the Amber Zone. Because of this expectation of a roommate relationship, Xander is worried about Jaci, knowing she'll be feeling low after what she's gone through and feeling it's his duty to take care of her. His worries were not unfounded and she was in bad shape when he found her. Through a lot of TLC from women in the building and Xander, Jaci does manager to get back on her feet. Unfortunately, because of the issues she's already dealing with, Xander and the other cops that are watching her to make sure she's safe from the killer, decide to keep things from her. Jaci does recover and starts to assimilate in to her new life. She is attracted to Xander and quickly finds herself becoming attached to him as more than just a big brother figure but he only seems to see her as a friend/sister and shuts her down when she tries for anything further. When ends up finding out about her being the focus of a case she's upset, thinking that they've all been acting nice to her only because of that and that she really didn't have anyone after all. She heads home to confront Xander, only to find him in the arms of another woman telling her he loves her. Not realizing that it's not what it seems, Jaci leaves thinking even worse things about Xander and the rest of them.
Jaci manages to stay off the radar for a bit and has Xander and his team in a tizzy. After a couple days, she's scheduled to work so she shows back up and there's a confrontation between her and Xander. Things aren't good between them and she doesn't know what to do about her situation and things seem kind of hopeless but she'd determined to soldier on. Then the unexpected happens and the killer strikes, killing someone else and kidnapping Jaci. Jaci manages to get back home and things get settled by the Gov (but in a totally messed up way). Things seem ok for the moment and Jaci and Xander finally have time to talk. Xander admit he realizes he's been an idiot and explains his reasons but since he's jerked Jaci around a few different times and hurt her badly, she's hesitant about trusting him again. Xander is all about convincing her when trouble shows up again in the form the the Gov. There is much drama and Jaci goes through some major crap. There's so much crap that some people among the Amber residents start looking at ways to take on the Gov to start getting their rights back. It looks to be interesting times as the series continues. Eventually things are settled enough that Jaci is returned (if very battered and bruised) and she recovers. Jaci and Xander reunite happily and start their HEA.
I though this story was pretty enjoyable. I liked both Jaci and Xander but there were times when I wondered what the hell they were thinking (then I guess love makes fools of us all). Fair warning, Xander holds off from him and Jaci being together for the first 3/4ths of the book. There is sex in the book before then but it's them with other partners or other couples all together. No actual cheating once they're together but fair warning if you're not much on the MCs having sex with others. I don't like that usually myself but it wasn't too bad in this book. The story was very interesting and I like the way the series story line is heading so I'm planning to read book #2 Being Sapphire. I'd recommend this book. :)
This was a pretty good story. I liked all the characters and the story line is interesting. This is the first thing I've read by this author and I do plan to read more of her work in the future.
This story takes place in a world where a deadly influenza has killed most of the inhabitants of Earth. 3 cities were rebuilt by the US Gov afterwards and re-population restrictions were put in to place by the Gov to control what gets passed on, including sterilizing citizens that have genes carrying certain diseases. The sterilized are sent to the Amber Zone, where they don't control much in their life but try to make the best of it and find pleasure where they can.
Jaci is from the Sapphire Zone of New Atlanta. She goes to get her "classification" testing done and finds out that she has a gene that is on the list that will get her sterilized and sent to the Amber Zone. Since her dreams in life were to have a baby and become a teacher, Jaci feels like her life has been ripped away. She is shipped immediately to the Amber Zone without even being able to go home to say goodbye to her family first. She goes where she's assigned but is numb and lost.
Xander was born in the Amber Zone. He works as a cop and is a good guy but for certain reasons he holds himself back from personal relationships with women, keeping everything on a Benefriend (Amber speak for friends with benefits) basis but never deeper. He's assigned on a case where fallows (women that have been sterilized and sent to the Amber Zone from other Zones) are being murdered but made to look like suicides. Xander finds out a new fallow (Jaci) has just been transferred in and was assigned as his new roommate.
In the Amber Zone, single person living assignments are a man and a woman in a small apartment with 1 bed. The people in the Amber Zone are very touchy/feely and although they're very open about sex and it happens frequently, sleeping together or touching is sometimes done for comfort and not sex. The men usually see their roommates as a sister as the two of them now become what's considered "family" in the Amber Zone. Because of this expectation of a roommate relationship, Xander is worried about Jaci, knowing she'll be feeling low after what she's gone through and feeling it's his duty to take care of her. His worries were not unfounded and she was in bad shape when he found her. Through a lot of TLC from women in the building and Xander, Jaci does manager to get back on her feet. Unfortunately, because of the issues she's already dealing with, Xander and the other cops that are watching her to make sure she's safe from the killer, decide to keep things from her. Jaci does recover and starts to assimilate in to her new life. She is attracted to Xander and quickly finds herself becoming attached to him as more than just a big brother figure but he only seems to see her as a friend/sister and shuts her down when she tries for anything further. When ends up finding out about her being the focus of a case she's upset, thinking that they've all been acting nice to her only because of that and that she really didn't have anyone after all. She heads home to confront Xander, only to find him in the arms of another woman telling her he loves her. Not realizing that it's not what it seems, Jaci leaves thinking even worse things about Xander and the rest of them.
Jaci manages to stay off the radar for a bit and has Xander and his team in a tizzy. After a couple days, she's scheduled to work so she shows back up and there's a confrontation between her and Xander. Things aren't good between them and she doesn't know what to do about her situation and things seem kind of hopeless but she'd determined to soldier on. Then the unexpected happens and the killer strikes, killing someone else and kidnapping Jaci. Jaci manages to get back home and things get settled by the Gov (but in a totally messed up way). Things seem ok for the moment and Jaci and Xander finally have time to talk. Xander admit he realizes he's been an idiot and explains his reasons but since he's jerked Jaci around a few different times and hurt her badly, she's hesitant about trusting him again. Xander is all about convincing her when trouble shows up again in the form the the Gov. There is much drama and Jaci goes through some major crap. There's so much crap that some people among the Amber residents start looking at ways to take on the Gov to start getting their rights back. It looks to be interesting times as the series continues. Eventually things are settled enough that Jaci is returned (if very battered and bruised) and she recovers. Jaci and Xander reunite happily and start their HEA.
I though this story was pretty enjoyable. I liked both Jaci and Xander but there were times when I wondered what the hell they were thinking (then I guess love makes fools of us all). Fair warning, Xander holds off from him and Jaci being together for the first 3/4ths of the book. There is sex in the book before then but it's them with other partners or other couples all together. No actual cheating once they're together but fair warning if you're not much on the MCs having sex with others. I don't like that usually myself but it wasn't too bad in this book. The story was very interesting and I like the way the series story line is heading so I'm planning to read book #2 Being Sapphire. I'd recommend this book. :)
April 26, 2013
Eugenics. The science of improving stock and plays an important role in animals. But apply it to humans and wars have been fought over it. But this is the dystopian future that Sylvia Ryan creates in Being Amber. In the near future a particularly virulent disease has wiped out a large portion of the population. By the time it's over the surviving government, in an effort to preserve certain 'strains' in humanity, such as blonde hair, and at the same time ensure that genetic defects are eliminated have instituted repopulation laws.
In Atlanta, one of the few remaining cities in the US, there are three designations that a person can be assigned. Those who are deemed acceptable in that they are intelligent and have no genetic disqualifiers are Emeralds. The crème de la crème are sapphires. But should anyone be found to have faulty genome or other undesirable trait that the 'Gov' do not want to be reproduced, they become Amber and are segregated into their own zone and sterilised.
This is what happens to Jaci, a young lady who is removed from her family, home and life in the Emerald section and becomes an Amber due to a genetic fault that she had no idea that she had. Being sterilsed, she's known as a 'fallow' and because of this, is honoured amongst those in the Amber zone, an honour that has come about as a coping and support mechanism. Unfortunately for Jaci, there is someone killing fallows. One of Amber's own.
Other support mechanisms that have sprouted up as part of being an Amber. Nobody lives alone and single people are assigned a live in companion with whom they share a bed. Physical contact has also become very important to these people and as a result, Ambers are well versed in each other's bodies and make incredible lovers.
This brings me on to the sex. Being Amber is a highly erotic book. Sex isn't the focus of the book; that belongs to the great characters and plot but when it happens, the sex is very hot involving toys, light BDSM, F/F and group play. It's also natural when it happens and is very much part of the story. There is sometimes nothing worse than an out of place sex scene regardless of how steamy it is. It's telling how good the characterisation is when the death of one character and the betrayal of another affects me as a reader.
It's apparent that I enjoyed this so why only the four stars? That comes down to Jaci's live in companion; Xander. He's a policeman for the Ambers and is keeping a close watch on Jaci whilst investigating the fallow murders along with several others. For approximately three quarters of the book he's also a dick, in my opinion. At a time when Jaci needs support and honesty from the people closest to her in her new life, he comes up short. A reason is given as to why but it seems more like an excuse to me.
One final point and that is there is epilogue to Being Amber on the author's site at http://www.ryanbooks.net/ which I found to be bittersweet. This may or may not spoil the enjoyment of the ending of Being Amber. Given that I don't normally read dystopian stories because I like my future to be all shiny and rosy, I'm glad that this was recommended and will be awaiting the next book in the New Atlanta series; Being Sapphire due in 2014.
In Atlanta, one of the few remaining cities in the US, there are three designations that a person can be assigned. Those who are deemed acceptable in that they are intelligent and have no genetic disqualifiers are Emeralds. The crème de la crème are sapphires. But should anyone be found to have faulty genome or other undesirable trait that the 'Gov' do not want to be reproduced, they become Amber and are segregated into their own zone and sterilised.
This is what happens to Jaci, a young lady who is removed from her family, home and life in the Emerald section and becomes an Amber due to a genetic fault that she had no idea that she had. Being sterilsed, she's known as a 'fallow' and because of this, is honoured amongst those in the Amber zone, an honour that has come about as a coping and support mechanism. Unfortunately for Jaci, there is someone killing fallows. One of Amber's own.
Other support mechanisms that have sprouted up as part of being an Amber. Nobody lives alone and single people are assigned a live in companion with whom they share a bed. Physical contact has also become very important to these people and as a result, Ambers are well versed in each other's bodies and make incredible lovers.
This brings me on to the sex. Being Amber is a highly erotic book. Sex isn't the focus of the book; that belongs to the great characters and plot but when it happens, the sex is very hot involving toys, light BDSM, F/F and group play. It's also natural when it happens and is very much part of the story. There is sometimes nothing worse than an out of place sex scene regardless of how steamy it is. It's telling how good the characterisation is when the death of one character and the betrayal of another affects me as a reader.
It's apparent that I enjoyed this so why only the four stars? That comes down to Jaci's live in companion; Xander. He's a policeman for the Ambers and is keeping a close watch on Jaci whilst investigating the fallow murders along with several others. For approximately three quarters of the book he's also a dick, in my opinion. At a time when Jaci needs support and honesty from the people closest to her in her new life, he comes up short. A reason is given as to why but it seems more like an excuse to me.
One final point and that is there is epilogue to Being Amber on the author's site at http://www.ryanbooks.net/ which I found to be bittersweet. This may or may not spoil the enjoyment of the ending of Being Amber. Given that I don't normally read dystopian stories because I like my future to be all shiny and rosy, I'm glad that this was recommended and will be awaiting the next book in the New Atlanta series; Being Sapphire due in 2014.
April 4, 2015
Sooooo I picked this book up as a freebie and to be honest I don't remember purchasing it at all. Either way there was something about the blurb that said to me, "you might like this". I've been looking for adult dystopians with romance so this could have been a good fit. The premise has potential. A society that has been wiped out by a terrible disease that killed off like 98% of the population. So to rebuild, paranoia ensues and a society is created where everyone is genetically tested in an effort to eradicate diseases in general (of any sort). There are designations and as with many of these books, characters undergo a test and from there we have the adjustment to a new world.
So like I said the premise was good. But once that initial world building is laid out, things go downhill from there. People in the amber zone act a little like shifters do in other books. And other than saying there is a lot of touch and no one understand personal space...it just seems weird. Jaci attempts to commit suicide and a day later is like oh this life is going to be awesome. Her roommate, our hero, finds her and is all like I'm going to protect her from herself...plus I have a hard on. It was just plain weird. I'm sitting here reading like dude, this girl clearly has some mental and emotional issues that she needs to overcome and you are all "the things I'm gonna do to her". Gross and turned me completely off from this book.
Things don't move much beyond that. There are some menage scenes - our hero and his friend actually have one in the second chapter - at the end of the day this is an erotica with a macho male who has BDSM leanings set in a dystopian world.
So like I said the premise was good. But once that initial world building is laid out, things go downhill from there. People in the amber zone act a little like shifters do in other books. And other than saying there is a lot of touch and no one understand personal space...it just seems weird. Jaci attempts to commit suicide and a day later is like oh this life is going to be awesome. Her roommate, our hero, finds her and is all like I'm going to protect her from herself...plus I have a hard on. It was just plain weird. I'm sitting here reading like dude, this girl clearly has some mental and emotional issues that she needs to overcome and you are all "the things I'm gonna do to her". Gross and turned me completely off from this book.
Things don't move much beyond that. There are some menage scenes - our hero and his friend actually have one in the second chapter - at the end of the day this is an erotica with a macho male who has BDSM leanings set in a dystopian world.
February 1, 2015
Update: 30 Jan 15
Ill be doing a re-read/buddy read to get ready for book #2 and book #3, since its been a year!!!!
Buddy Read with my Sassy Sasha!!
3.5 Fallow Stars
So I’m sure if you read my reviews my Sasha is my bestest smut loving friend who’s as down for reading smutmance like I’m down for naps !
I spent a month reading everything CoHo has written… and shes a great writer but good god did I need some smut and I decided to read this series with my Sashabear.
This is a dystopian book (futuristic) and if you have seen/read the divergent series I feel you will appreciate this novel. I initially received it as one of my very first contest wins –I had to google the word dystopian… it was embarrassing!
There was a terrible flu that knocked out 92% of the worlds population which caused the Gov to create population laws. When you come of age you take a series of tests such as intelligence and gene testing . Our main character Jaci is facing her test results. She grew up in the ruling class and has dreams of being tested as a diamond. What Jaci doesn’t know is she has scleroderma (dangit had to google that too!!, it is an autoimmune disease that hardens your skin)
SO instead of Jaci moving up in classes she is sent all the way to become an Amber and to make things worse the move is immediate and she has to get sterilized because she is no longer desirable to produce her allotted one child.
Classes:
•The Diamonds -the elites
•The Emeralds - the ruling class
•The Sapphires - the upper middle class
•The Ambers – scum/undesireables class
Jaci arrives in the Amber zone and is sterilized and immediately tries to overdose on her pain killers from her sterilization because she can no longer have a baby or be with her family and friends.
She is also a assigned a job and is required to work 20 hours a week.
In the Amber zone every male lives with a female first in Dorm style apartments and then when they find a lover they can move out of circle city and out to the suburbs. Normally your opposite sex partner is just your protector/best friend/cuddle buddy and it is a common practice. Also sex and touching is free game all the time in this zone.
You want a threesome? ..leave the door open
You want to cuddle with a stranger …walk in the open door
You want to touch people as they walk …go for it.
So, do the men take advantage of this touching thing? You know, sexually? I mean how do you know if a man is touching you because he likes you or just because its what everybody does?
Jaci is getting better every day and accepting her new life but she struggles really bad and our sexy male character Xander
Gives her oral sex from beyond amazing.. I basically yelled at Sasha to read Chapter 7/8 haha.
In my defense theres a little hot siren named Sasha in this book and shes the leather to my lace.
Whos always down for some hot Xander action they are benefriends… and I feel like me and Sasha are benefriends…no homo?? Small amount of homo!
The main story is that someone is killing fallows (people who come from upper class and get deemed Ambers ) and Xander (a cop) is destined to find out who and why…but what Jaci doesn’t know is she is actually his case…and all she knows is she met this hot guy and well is in love with him all immediate like
So what do you do when everything seems to be a lie? What do you do when your parents forget about you? Where do you go when you don’t belong?
This book has non-sex, a murder, a kidnapping , political torture but the heroine actually improves at the end and becomes stronger!
I am not less of a woman, less of a lover because I got knocked around. If I let that happen, ive given them the power to destroy my life, to taint our love.
Im ready for the next book! I still feel the same about this book a year later so yay!
Review dated : 19 Jan 14
I got an ARC COPY!!!!!! Yes yes yes ! Sylvia Ryan thank you for blessing me with this book!
I entered a contest with NO IDEA what sexy story to read as a Dystopia category book! Lucky for me I WON and I saw so many people read this as their selection with no bad comments (and I know why)
An elite has fallen and become an Amber in a world where amber is the worst color to be and Jaci is even forced to be sterilized due to a genetic problem. She immediately feels she has lost everything and tries to kill herself by overdose but Xander steps in and saves her life.
** im sitting here waiting for them to be like JUST KIDDING come back to the Elite (Sapphires)
Whats so good about being an Amber.. the supposed scum of mankind? TOUCHING!!! Touching is legal!
*PAUSE… holy tear shed at the beginning Sylvia makes you completely relate to Jaci and I really felt like I was Jaci with the amazing writing!*
“How do you know if a man is touching you because he liks you or because he can?” –“now that’s the question”
“he would of liked too know who she truly was before she was forced to become the person she is “ (omg this phrase is so touching)
In the Amber world no one is paid money and everyone works 20 hours per week with whatever job they want no one is given any more credits than another. All basics are provided all extras or luxuries are bought with credits.
“They were a still life, the jaded and the lost making a connection, tryingto make ytheir lives less brutal, helping eachother survive”
“that was the best not sex, sex I have ever had”
The fact was the sex scenes had me biting my lip the “love/romance” came out of left field for me.
I really want to know what Xanders disqualifier is !!!!
(p.s. this is only BOOK 1!!!)
Ill be doing a re-read/buddy read to get ready for book #2 and book #3, since its been a year!!!!
Buddy Read with my Sassy Sasha!!
3.5 Fallow Stars
So I’m sure if you read my reviews my Sasha is my bestest smut loving friend who’s as down for reading smutmance like I’m down for naps !
I spent a month reading everything CoHo has written… and shes a great writer but good god did I need some smut and I decided to read this series with my Sashabear.
This is a dystopian book (futuristic) and if you have seen/read the divergent series I feel you will appreciate this novel. I initially received it as one of my very first contest wins –I had to google the word dystopian… it was embarrassing!
There was a terrible flu that knocked out 92% of the worlds population which caused the Gov to create population laws. When you come of age you take a series of tests such as intelligence and gene testing . Our main character Jaci is facing her test results. She grew up in the ruling class and has dreams of being tested as a diamond. What Jaci doesn’t know is she has scleroderma (dangit had to google that too!!, it is an autoimmune disease that hardens your skin)
SO instead of Jaci moving up in classes she is sent all the way to become an Amber and to make things worse the move is immediate and she has to get sterilized because she is no longer desirable to produce her allotted one child.
Classes:
•The Diamonds -the elites
•The Emeralds - the ruling class
•The Sapphires - the upper middle class
•The Ambers – scum/undesireables class
Jaci arrives in the Amber zone and is sterilized and immediately tries to overdose on her pain killers from her sterilization because she can no longer have a baby or be with her family and friends.
She is also a assigned a job and is required to work 20 hours a week.
In the Amber zone every male lives with a female first in Dorm style apartments and then when they find a lover they can move out of circle city and out to the suburbs. Normally your opposite sex partner is just your protector/best friend/cuddle buddy and it is a common practice. Also sex and touching is free game all the time in this zone.
You want a threesome? ..leave the door open
You want to cuddle with a stranger …walk in the open door
You want to touch people as they walk …go for it.
So, do the men take advantage of this touching thing? You know, sexually? I mean how do you know if a man is touching you because he likes you or just because its what everybody does?
Jaci is getting better every day and accepting her new life but she struggles really bad and our sexy male character Xander
Gives her oral sex from beyond amazing.. I basically yelled at Sasha to read Chapter 7/8 haha.
In my defense theres a little hot siren named Sasha in this book and shes the leather to my lace.
Whos always down for some hot Xander action they are benefriends… and I feel like me and Sasha are benefriends…no homo?? Small amount of homo! The main story is that someone is killing fallows (people who come from upper class and get deemed Ambers ) and Xander (a cop) is destined to find out who and why…but what Jaci doesn’t know is she is actually his case…and all she knows is she met this hot guy and well is in love with him all immediate like
So what do you do when everything seems to be a lie? What do you do when your parents forget about you? Where do you go when you don’t belong? This book has non-sex, a murder, a kidnapping , political torture but the heroine actually improves at the end and becomes stronger!
I am not less of a woman, less of a lover because I got knocked around. If I let that happen, ive given them the power to destroy my life, to taint our love.
Im ready for the next book! I still feel the same about this book a year later so yay!
Review dated : 19 Jan 14
I got an ARC COPY!!!!!! Yes yes yes ! Sylvia Ryan thank you for blessing me with this book!
I entered a contest with NO IDEA what sexy story to read as a Dystopia category book! Lucky for me I WON and I saw so many people read this as their selection with no bad comments (and I know why)
An elite has fallen and become an Amber in a world where amber is the worst color to be and Jaci is even forced to be sterilized due to a genetic problem. She immediately feels she has lost everything and tries to kill herself by overdose but Xander steps in and saves her life.
** im sitting here waiting for them to be like JUST KIDDING come back to the Elite (Sapphires)
Whats so good about being an Amber.. the supposed scum of mankind? TOUCHING!!! Touching is legal!
*PAUSE… holy tear shed at the beginning Sylvia makes you completely relate to Jaci and I really felt like I was Jaci with the amazing writing!*
“How do you know if a man is touching you because he liks you or because he can?” –“now that’s the question”
“he would of liked too know who she truly was before she was forced to become the person she is “ (omg this phrase is so touching)
In the Amber world no one is paid money and everyone works 20 hours per week with whatever job they want no one is given any more credits than another. All basics are provided all extras or luxuries are bought with credits.
“They were a still life, the jaded and the lost making a connection, tryingto make ytheir lives less brutal, helping eachother survive”
“that was the best not sex, sex I have ever had”
The fact was the sex scenes had me biting my lip the “love/romance” came out of left field for me.
I really want to know what Xanders disqualifier is !!!!
(p.s. this is only BOOK 1!!!)
March 20, 2013
Probably closer to 4-1/2, not quite perfect, but this was a really intriguing story. I found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading it. Contemplating their situation.
This is the year 2075, 25 years after a worldwide flu pandemic wiped out 92% of the population. When the US Government pulled the country up by the bootstraps, they noticed that some traits, like blond hair or blue eyes, were on the verge of disappearing, so they instituted genetic testing to split the survivors into three groups based on their intelligence or desirable traits, things like that. It was almost a caste system, where you can't really move up, but you can move down if you're tested and they find something undesirable about you. That's what's happened to Jaci. She goes to get tested, they find she carries a gene for a disease, and she is immediately dropped to Amber (the lowest caste) and shipped off to the Amber zone. No saying goodbye to family. No gathering belongings. Just put on a transport and shipped to Amber. Her first morning was spent being sterilized, because the Gov wouldn't want new Ambers procreating and possibly perpetuating that nasty gene. If you were born and raised Amber, however, you could have one child before sterilization. I wanted to cry for Jaci so many times in the beginning! Then my sadness turned to Xander. So much angst for both of them!
So here is Jaci. Completely on her own. She spent her first night in her new apartment by herself. She knew she had a roommate, but had no idea who it was, and he didn't show up until the next day. She was a bit surprised to find it was a guy. But that's what happens with single people in Amber -- women are paired with men and the idea is for it to be like instant family, the big brother you never had. A man to protect the woman, provide comfort, etc. But Jaci is attracted to Xander. And Xander is fighting his own reaction to Jaci really hard and hurting her in the process. Not that these living arrangements don't ever end up in marriage, but Xander has his own issues and promised himself he'd never fall in love. Funny how love doesn't always listen to declarations like that.
So Jaci has to learn to live as an Amber now, and Amber life is much different from Sapphire. Ambers are very much in tune with their sexual sides. And they're very touchy-feely, which Jaci isn't used to. She has to get used to that pretty quickly. She's a bit taken aback by their laid back attitudes about sex and group sex. It's not unusual to walk down a hallway, see an open door, look inside, and see an all out orgy going on. And you can join in if you want! Very laid back attitudes, lol.
Besides learning to live as an Amber, unbeknownst to Jaci, someone's been killing "fallows" -- women whose rank have been lowered and were forcibly sterilized. As if the sterilization wasn't humiliation and torture enough? And Xander is one of many who have been assigned to make sure Jaci stays alive.
I don't think I can truly summarize this book and (a) do it justice or (b) get it all in without giving too much away. I will say that this was a great start to the series -- it better be the start of a series because there were some unanswered questions at the end. There is an epilogue (bittersweet) on Ms. Ryan's site. But this was such a compelling story. I wanted to know what would happen next. And while there were some sexy times in the story, it was mostly about Jaci getting used to life as an Amber and Xander realizing love doesn't stay away just because you tell it to. Add in a nice conspiracy and some suspense for a nice, well-rounded story. I really look forward to the next one to see where the story goes. I'm also hoping there's an HEA for one of the characters in this one. My heart broke for him as well.
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my own impressions, and if I didn't like it, I'd tell you so!***
This is the year 2075, 25 years after a worldwide flu pandemic wiped out 92% of the population. When the US Government pulled the country up by the bootstraps, they noticed that some traits, like blond hair or blue eyes, were on the verge of disappearing, so they instituted genetic testing to split the survivors into three groups based on their intelligence or desirable traits, things like that. It was almost a caste system, where you can't really move up, but you can move down if you're tested and they find something undesirable about you. That's what's happened to Jaci. She goes to get tested, they find she carries a gene for a disease, and she is immediately dropped to Amber (the lowest caste) and shipped off to the Amber zone. No saying goodbye to family. No gathering belongings. Just put on a transport and shipped to Amber. Her first morning was spent being sterilized, because the Gov wouldn't want new Ambers procreating and possibly perpetuating that nasty gene. If you were born and raised Amber, however, you could have one child before sterilization. I wanted to cry for Jaci so many times in the beginning! Then my sadness turned to Xander. So much angst for both of them!
So here is Jaci. Completely on her own. She spent her first night in her new apartment by herself. She knew she had a roommate, but had no idea who it was, and he didn't show up until the next day. She was a bit surprised to find it was a guy. But that's what happens with single people in Amber -- women are paired with men and the idea is for it to be like instant family, the big brother you never had. A man to protect the woman, provide comfort, etc. But Jaci is attracted to Xander. And Xander is fighting his own reaction to Jaci really hard and hurting her in the process. Not that these living arrangements don't ever end up in marriage, but Xander has his own issues and promised himself he'd never fall in love. Funny how love doesn't always listen to declarations like that.
So Jaci has to learn to live as an Amber now, and Amber life is much different from Sapphire. Ambers are very much in tune with their sexual sides. And they're very touchy-feely, which Jaci isn't used to. She has to get used to that pretty quickly. She's a bit taken aback by their laid back attitudes about sex and group sex. It's not unusual to walk down a hallway, see an open door, look inside, and see an all out orgy going on. And you can join in if you want! Very laid back attitudes, lol.
Besides learning to live as an Amber, unbeknownst to Jaci, someone's been killing "fallows" -- women whose rank have been lowered and were forcibly sterilized. As if the sterilization wasn't humiliation and torture enough? And Xander is one of many who have been assigned to make sure Jaci stays alive.
I don't think I can truly summarize this book and (a) do it justice or (b) get it all in without giving too much away. I will say that this was a great start to the series -- it better be the start of a series because there were some unanswered questions at the end. There is an epilogue (bittersweet) on Ms. Ryan's site. But this was such a compelling story. I wanted to know what would happen next. And while there were some sexy times in the story, it was mostly about Jaci getting used to life as an Amber and Xander realizing love doesn't stay away just because you tell it to. Add in a nice conspiracy and some suspense for a nice, well-rounded story. I really look forward to the next one to see where the story goes. I'm also hoping there's an HEA for one of the characters in this one. My heart broke for him as well.
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my own impressions, and if I didn't like it, I'd tell you so!***
October 1, 2013
Lets start with the rating for this book. I agonized over 4 stars, and its all Goodreads fault. It doesn't QUITE get to 5 stars for me, but if only we had half stars, I'd go 4.5 stars easily. Since I round down, sadly, Being Amber suffers thru no fault of its own.
This is a dystopian future, after a virus has decimated the world's population. No zombies, for once, but we do get a new society, with lots of interesting foibles. I loved the classification system, like, really loved it. I'm not generally a fan of post-apocalyptic literature, but this was just so good.
So, the citizen classifications, in order of importance: Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Amber. Diamonds are genetic royalty, talented and without any genetic flaws. Emeralds are similar, but without the extreme talent. Sapphires are smart and without genetic illnesses. Ambers are the rest. A genetic flaw, or lack of intelligence, something. A genetic predisposition to illness, as a female, and you are sterilized by the state, so you cannot drag it down with your lines chronic illness.
Our heroine, Jaci, was born a sapphire, but she fails the genetic lottery and is sent away to Amber Zone. This is her story. I am not going to spoil any other part of the plot, but suffice to say, I enjoyed it.
Actually, I thought she handled the change astonishingly well, and I really liked her. Xander, the Hero was also pretty good.
So I liked the characters, I liked the plot, how was the sex? It was pretty good. Pretty gateway, though, so not the sort of material that sets me off into my happy zone. I suspect people into lighter stuff will love it.
***provided by the Author through BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review***
This is a dystopian future, after a virus has decimated the world's population. No zombies, for once, but we do get a new society, with lots of interesting foibles. I loved the classification system, like, really loved it. I'm not generally a fan of post-apocalyptic literature, but this was just so good.
So, the citizen classifications, in order of importance: Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Amber. Diamonds are genetic royalty, talented and without any genetic flaws. Emeralds are similar, but without the extreme talent. Sapphires are smart and without genetic illnesses. Ambers are the rest. A genetic flaw, or lack of intelligence, something. A genetic predisposition to illness, as a female, and you are sterilized by the state, so you cannot drag it down with your lines chronic illness.
Our heroine, Jaci, was born a sapphire, but she fails the genetic lottery and is sent away to Amber Zone. This is her story. I am not going to spoil any other part of the plot, but suffice to say, I enjoyed it.
Actually, I thought she handled the change astonishingly well, and I really liked her. Xander, the Hero was also pretty good.
So I liked the characters, I liked the plot, how was the sex? It was pretty good. Pretty gateway, though, so not the sort of material that sets me off into my happy zone. I suspect people into lighter stuff will love it.
***provided by the Author through BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review***
March 23, 2017
It's not often I encounter a book that takes me a few days to write a review for. However, I finished Being Amber three days ago and I'm just now sitting down to put my thoughts to paper. Don't get me wrong, I think Being Amber is the best book I have read in months. Author Sylvia Ryan has done an excellent job explaining this Dystopian society. The depth of the characters was incredible. What Jaci had to endure, being ripped from all she knew and sterilized without a choice had me in tears. How Xander understands her needs, and cares for her selflessly astounds me. OK there is explicit sex, and yes there is M/F/M and BDSM, but in a society of the unwanted, sexual encounters are not for self-gratification but instead as a way to ease pain.
The possibly that this could be a future we are destined to exist in is why I find myself reflecting on this story. Never has a book moved me so much that I had to pause and consider could I live in a society such as this. If it wasn’t for the explicit sex I would say this would be excellent high school reading along the lines of Orwell and Golding. I doubt that was the intent of the author but each person takes away from a story what moves them the most.
Being Amber was my first foray in reading Dystopia story and I was not disappointed. A job very well done Ms Sylvia Ryan. I applaud you and look forward to reading more from you.
I was provided a copy of the book for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review in any way and the opinions of this review are all mine.
Stars – 5 Flames - 5
The possibly that this could be a future we are destined to exist in is why I find myself reflecting on this story. Never has a book moved me so much that I had to pause and consider could I live in a society such as this. If it wasn’t for the explicit sex I would say this would be excellent high school reading along the lines of Orwell and Golding. I doubt that was the intent of the author but each person takes away from a story what moves them the most.
Being Amber was my first foray in reading Dystopia story and I was not disappointed. A job very well done Ms Sylvia Ryan. I applaud you and look forward to reading more from you.
I was provided a copy of the book for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review in any way and the opinions of this review are all mine.
Stars – 5 Flames - 5
June 17, 2013
There's a lot of great stuff going on in this book, along with some things I wasn't crazy about. Time to elaborate!
First and foremost, the setting and the premise are superb. Ms. Ryan's post-apocalyptic USA is detailed, developed, and well within the realm of believability. The world-building alone is enough reason to pick up this book. The concept of the people cast to the bottom rungs of society banding together to make their lives as fulfilling as possible is appealing (and not unlike the beginning of The Hunger Games, which I love). These people have been dealt a crappy hand, but they're not going to let it get them down.
Main character Jaci was extremely well-written. You feel for her, you shake your fist at all the trauma she's been forced to endure, and you root for her to be successful. Everything about her rang true, from the stages of her grief to her reactions to everything that's thrown at her. She comes across as strong and capable, all while maintaining a certain delicate air.
Male lead Xander fell a little flat for me, unfortunately. Part of it could have been due to Jaci being portrayed so well, but I think what turned me off to him was that it seemed like he didn't fall in love with Jaci for who she was, but rather what she was. To bolster this point, according to my Kindle, it's not until the 49% point where Xander actually stops to consider what Jaci might have been like in her old life before tragedy struck and he acknowledges who she was before he met her. It felt to me that he was falling in love with more of an idea than an actual person, and that seems like shaky ground for a lasting relationship.
The part that bugged me the most, though, was that the men are supposed to take care of the women because...men are men and women are women. Yeah. This is my own personal preference, I'm sure, and friends know about my feelings towards stereotypical gender roles. I couldn't help but cringe a little each time this arrangement was discussed and there was a reference made to the men and "their females".
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and if you're into dystopian settings and love that defies the odds, definitely pick this one up! Though some parts left me a little lukewarm, Jaci's character and the way the plot picks up in the final third of the book make this a solid 4-star.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
First and foremost, the setting and the premise are superb. Ms. Ryan's post-apocalyptic USA is detailed, developed, and well within the realm of believability. The world-building alone is enough reason to pick up this book. The concept of the people cast to the bottom rungs of society banding together to make their lives as fulfilling as possible is appealing (and not unlike the beginning of The Hunger Games, which I love). These people have been dealt a crappy hand, but they're not going to let it get them down.
Main character Jaci was extremely well-written. You feel for her, you shake your fist at all the trauma she's been forced to endure, and you root for her to be successful. Everything about her rang true, from the stages of her grief to her reactions to everything that's thrown at her. She comes across as strong and capable, all while maintaining a certain delicate air.
Male lead Xander fell a little flat for me, unfortunately. Part of it could have been due to Jaci being portrayed so well, but I think what turned me off to him was that it seemed like he didn't fall in love with Jaci for who she was, but rather what she was. To bolster this point, according to my Kindle, it's not until the 49% point where Xander actually stops to consider what Jaci might have been like in her old life before tragedy struck and he acknowledges who she was before he met her. It felt to me that he was falling in love with more of an idea than an actual person, and that seems like shaky ground for a lasting relationship.
The part that bugged me the most, though, was that the men are supposed to take care of the women because...men are men and women are women. Yeah. This is my own personal preference, I'm sure, and friends know about my feelings towards stereotypical gender roles. I couldn't help but cringe a little each time this arrangement was discussed and there was a reference made to the men and "their females".
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and if you're into dystopian settings and love that defies the odds, definitely pick this one up! Though some parts left me a little lukewarm, Jaci's character and the way the plot picks up in the final third of the book make this a solid 4-star.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
December 11, 2013
I need to start this review with the statement that I’m not a huge fan of Dystopian Romances. However, Being Amber has changed my mind! OMG! The story that Sylvia Ryan has woven with this one story has made me rethink this. I’m now eagerly looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Unfortunately it’s still in the works! I don’t think she’ll be able to write them fast enough for me.
On to the review…..
A pandemic has wiped out most of the US. The Government has stepped in and created repopulation laws. As a part of that, you’re classified and if needed, sterilized. Talk about having your choices made for you!
Jaci has been classified as an Amber and been sterilized. She’s moved to the Amber Zone and has a whole new way of thinking and living to adjust to. Xander is her roommate. He lives with her and takes care of her.
They fall for each other, but Xander won’t act on those feelings. When Jaci finds out his lies of omission, she’s hurt, scared and she runs.
Xander is definitely hot. He’s alpha-male, dominating and takes control. Jaci is uncertain in her new world. She’s timid at first, which is to be expected. But she develops her spine and stands up for herself. She won’t be stepped on. I loved them both. They’re strong with moments of weakness.
Xander likes to be in control and there are BDSM elements in the story. Jaci is new to this but takes to it like a fish to water. I’m hoping we see more of them in the later stories.
While this is a complete story in itself, there is a small cliffhanger at the end. We have the beginning of a revolution. We know it starts here but we don’t know where it goes or how it ends. However, the story between Jaci and Xander is complete in itself.
I’m ready for the next book in the series and from my understanding there’s more BDSM in it. Plus a set of hot twins! Yummy!
March 20, 2013
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Sammy
What an awesome story, fresh, fresh, fresh! I’m ecstatic that this is only the beginning of a series. The world the author created was amazing and, I would like to learn more about the other designations and how the government controls those societies and what happens in the future with the Amber culture and how Jaci and Xander fare.
This book is well written with an excellent story line. It’s a very poignant story with so many twists and turns you don’t see coming. The sex scenes are written in an erotic, sensual way even when the sex is used just as a relief or escape it isn’t (difficult to find the correct word here) “dirty” maybe demeaning is a better word. It’s a shared experience that doesn’t have the same connotations as it would in other societies. There is BDSM written in an excellent way, the author lets us see into the world of how subspace can be an important release for someone, she also, adds the aftercare that is required. I found it to be very positive.
No only is this a fantastic sci-fi erotica romance, it also, has a wonderful mystery, suspense aspect. This book is an adult story, that is well written, with a world that will astound you in how it’s different, than others you might have read. Sci-fi erotica is one of my favorite genres so I have read many books in this genre. I will be picking up the other books available by this author and add her to my auto buy. I highly recommended this book for adults.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/be...
What an awesome story, fresh, fresh, fresh! I’m ecstatic that this is only the beginning of a series. The world the author created was amazing and, I would like to learn more about the other designations and how the government controls those societies and what happens in the future with the Amber culture and how Jaci and Xander fare.
This book is well written with an excellent story line. It’s a very poignant story with so many twists and turns you don’t see coming. The sex scenes are written in an erotic, sensual way even when the sex is used just as a relief or escape it isn’t (difficult to find the correct word here) “dirty” maybe demeaning is a better word. It’s a shared experience that doesn’t have the same connotations as it would in other societies. There is BDSM written in an excellent way, the author lets us see into the world of how subspace can be an important release for someone, she also, adds the aftercare that is required. I found it to be very positive.
No only is this a fantastic sci-fi erotica romance, it also, has a wonderful mystery, suspense aspect. This book is an adult story, that is well written, with a world that will astound you in how it’s different, than others you might have read. Sci-fi erotica is one of my favorite genres so I have read many books in this genre. I will be picking up the other books available by this author and add her to my auto buy. I highly recommended this book for adults.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/be...
October 27, 2013
I was looking very forward to reading this book as I am massively into SciFi and also like reading erotic literature.
I was disappointed. Not that this is a bad book, I just found it utterly boring: I just couldnt get into it, and it was not for want of trying.
Maybe to be fair, I had wrong or too high expectations. If I think back, I kind of expected something dark, possibly a bit rough... what I got to read was an ok - maybe even well written - dystopian story with a bit of middle-of-the-road erotic / sex scenes...
Now, that shouldnt be a problem, but I just could not get into this book. I found the plot dragging, the characters bland, and their little problems unimportant and uninteresting and everything just felt as in addition to being not interesting being far too complicated...
There is nothing in this book that is bad, as in 'hurting', but likewise there is nothing in there in style, plot, ideas, characters, descriptions that I found exciting or enticing.
As it was not 'bad' per se, so maybe just not for me, 3 stars.
***provided by the Author through BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review***
I was disappointed. Not that this is a bad book, I just found it utterly boring: I just couldnt get into it, and it was not for want of trying.
Maybe to be fair, I had wrong or too high expectations. If I think back, I kind of expected something dark, possibly a bit rough... what I got to read was an ok - maybe even well written - dystopian story with a bit of middle-of-the-road erotic / sex scenes...
Now, that shouldnt be a problem, but I just could not get into this book. I found the plot dragging, the characters bland, and their little problems unimportant and uninteresting and everything just felt as in addition to being not interesting being far too complicated...
There is nothing in this book that is bad, as in 'hurting', but likewise there is nothing in there in style, plot, ideas, characters, descriptions that I found exciting or enticing.
As it was not 'bad' per se, so maybe just not for me, 3 stars.
***provided by the Author through BDSM group TPE BAR Read2Review***
January 15, 2014
Won as part of the 2013 Holiday Party in the Erotic Enchants Group
This was amazing. Being Amber far exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with both Xander and Jaci. It was lovely reading about Jaci and her journey in becoming an Amber. Xander was sexy, commanding and protective. And I do say I loved Ryan's take on a dystopian world. The Amber Zone actually sounded like an incredible place to live if it wasn't for the government. This is more than just a HOT story, I teared up a couple of times too, which makes me love this even more...but I loved the HOT scenes....alot!....I had to change my panties a couple of times is how hot it was. Hehe! So looking forward to the other stories in this series.
This was amazing. Being Amber far exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with both Xander and Jaci. It was lovely reading about Jaci and her journey in becoming an Amber. Xander was sexy, commanding and protective. And I do say I loved Ryan's take on a dystopian world. The Amber Zone actually sounded like an incredible place to live if it wasn't for the government. This is more than just a HOT story, I teared up a couple of times too, which makes me love this even more...but I loved the HOT scenes....alot!....I had to change my panties a couple of times is how hot it was. Hehe! So looking forward to the other stories in this series.
October 14, 2015
Was a BRILLIANT read. The emotions you experience reading this book goes from the one extreme to the next. I would rate it a tissue factor of 8!! Thank you for a book that really really was worth reading!
June 13, 2021
The book starts off with your new roommate having anal sex with his buddies gf, as her birthday wish was a threesome. I'm laughing as I'm typing, this book was just awful.
Lots of bodily fluids exchange, not a condom in sight. Most of the women are sterilized so no pregnancy worries here! #sloppysecondsandthirds Everyone constantly touching and having sex in the open. It reminded me of some of the shifter books I've read, with the "puppy piles"...but this isn't a shifter book.
Government espionage and lots of secrets. Society against society. This was a poorly written mix between Divergent and Beyond Shame.
To make a sucky book worse, the author doesn't even give you the epilogue. You have to go to her web page if you want to finish the book.
Lots of bodily fluids exchange, not a condom in sight. Most of the women are sterilized so no pregnancy worries here! #sloppysecondsandthirds Everyone constantly touching and having sex in the open. It reminded me of some of the shifter books I've read, with the "puppy piles"...but this isn't a shifter book.
Government espionage and lots of secrets. Society against society. This was a poorly written mix between Divergent and Beyond Shame.
He understood why Amber women gave up control, gave up authority to the men around them. Without that small submission, every man in Amber would be impudent with no control open any aspect of their lives.What kind of crap is this?
To make a sucky book worse, the author doesn't even give you the epilogue. You have to go to her web page if you want to finish the book.
June 28, 2013
Sylvia Ryan has created an intriguing blend of futuristic, post-apocalyptic, erotic, and ménage themes in the first book in her New Atlanta series entitled Being Amber that sucked me in from the very beginning and has me clamoring for the next installment! Through vivid worldbuilding and immensely appealing characters I was left in awe of what Ms. Ryan created and applaud this unique story. America has gone through many catastrophes and to keep things running they've created different communities whose members are chosen based on genetic markers and IQs. Each community is named after a jewel with the most desirable individuals living as Diamonds while one of the lower classes is Amber. Amber society doesn't deal in currency just credits. They all work for the same amount of credits so there's virtually no crimes since there's no way to better yourself. Unlike the other societies who frown upon physical contact Ambers are highly sexualized from an early age and you often see groups participating in menages wherever you look. There's lots of touching for reasons of just comfort and creating closeness. Unmarried women live with men in their designated apartments who act as brothers and protectors. Women newly brought into the community are automatically sterilized and referred to as "fallow" and revered for their great sacrifice.
Into this harsh community comes Jaci Harmon who was born into a more desirable community, the Sapphire Zone. Her classification means that for the most part she'll have to cut ties with her family. Her future has been determined by the Gov and such drastic changes weigh heavily on her at first. It was heartbreaking seeing such a smart woman deemed undesirable because of the small chance she might exhibit signs of disease. The emotional low she starts at is understandable but as she learns the truths about being an Amber she discovers some positives. Coming from a society where touching/sex is considered slutty, the openness she sees here excites and her, particularly once she meets her roommate, Xander.
Xander Dimos was born into a family of Ambers and still has his mother to count on as family. He's normally a badass in full control of everything around him except when it comes to his mother who brings out his boyish side. He prides himself on knowing how to please a woman but never wants a relationship because of his own genetic secrets. He's immediately drawn to Jaci but is keeping many other secrets from her too. He wants to protect her and for the first time sees her as someone he'd marry if only he'd let himself enjoy happiness. His mission is more important than his heart though, and as a police officer hunting the person killing fallows, his first duty is acting as Jaci's bodyguard. Guarding her body and watching her interact with other men has jealousy rear its head but once she learns the truth about his attentions she pulls even further away from him and puts herself further in jeopardy.
The identity of the killer is kept well-hidden and in fact seems to come out of left field. Their reasons for committing these killings are never explained either which leaves a bit of a cliffhanger. What IS here is a thoughtprovoking story reflecting issues of today involving government interference and class warfare. Along with these heavy issues comes lots of steamy sexual interludes that are nicely spaced throughout the story to enhance the overall storyline. The cast of secondary characters adds even more excitement and heartbreak to the story and I look forward to seeing more of them as each is distinctly appealing. Jaci and Xander are a remarkable couple drawn together through their perceived defects and the chemistry and sexual tension between them was palpable from the very start. These two became stronger through their commitment to each other and it sets up a storyline for future installments where the citizens will no longer be manipulated by the government. A rebellion has started and I can't wait to see it flourish!
Into this harsh community comes Jaci Harmon who was born into a more desirable community, the Sapphire Zone. Her classification means that for the most part she'll have to cut ties with her family. Her future has been determined by the Gov and such drastic changes weigh heavily on her at first. It was heartbreaking seeing such a smart woman deemed undesirable because of the small chance she might exhibit signs of disease. The emotional low she starts at is understandable but as she learns the truths about being an Amber she discovers some positives. Coming from a society where touching/sex is considered slutty, the openness she sees here excites and her, particularly once she meets her roommate, Xander.
Xander Dimos was born into a family of Ambers and still has his mother to count on as family. He's normally a badass in full control of everything around him except when it comes to his mother who brings out his boyish side. He prides himself on knowing how to please a woman but never wants a relationship because of his own genetic secrets. He's immediately drawn to Jaci but is keeping many other secrets from her too. He wants to protect her and for the first time sees her as someone he'd marry if only he'd let himself enjoy happiness. His mission is more important than his heart though, and as a police officer hunting the person killing fallows, his first duty is acting as Jaci's bodyguard. Guarding her body and watching her interact with other men has jealousy rear its head but once she learns the truth about his attentions she pulls even further away from him and puts herself further in jeopardy.
The identity of the killer is kept well-hidden and in fact seems to come out of left field. Their reasons for committing these killings are never explained either which leaves a bit of a cliffhanger. What IS here is a thoughtprovoking story reflecting issues of today involving government interference and class warfare. Along with these heavy issues comes lots of steamy sexual interludes that are nicely spaced throughout the story to enhance the overall storyline. The cast of secondary characters adds even more excitement and heartbreak to the story and I look forward to seeing more of them as each is distinctly appealing. Jaci and Xander are a remarkable couple drawn together through their perceived defects and the chemistry and sexual tension between them was palpable from the very start. These two became stronger through their commitment to each other and it sets up a storyline for future installments where the citizens will no longer be manipulated by the government. A rebellion has started and I can't wait to see it flourish!
December 29, 2015
Being Amber Book 1 of The New Atlanta Series. Sylvia Ryan
I received this from the publishers in return for an honest review. I don't gush and give false praise – I don't believe that helps readers or authors so what you read is what I truly feel about a book.
This is a book in the urban fantasy/dystopian genre. I've read a few book set in the future like this one, and there are more planned in this series. What I love about the idea of a series is that Sylvia has already done the world settings and explanations so the following books won't have to cover the same ground only as a refresher and can concentrate on the story and people involved. It took me a while to quite work out who and what were important in this book – its a world that’s gone through chaos and been regulated tightly to preserve life. Anyone with faulty genes is sterilised and cast into the lower levels and only the best genes and intelligence are able to qualify for the top tiers of society. Jaci was hoping to be designated onto one of the highest tiers ,and yet following gene testing she was found to have a gene for a banned health issue, sterilised so she can't pass it on and removed from her family and sent to Amber Zone to live and work.
Its a well thought out novel and we see that what was acceptable when the crisis was first being controlled has now become – several years later – an abuse of power, with people in lower levels having no control over their lives and being treated as though they were animals. The Ambers have fine tuned a way of trying to make people fit in with their new lives and the love and acceptance they offer was heart warming especially set against the cold control and dominance exerted by the Government. Ambers have suspected for a while that the Gov is working underhanded to keep them oppressed but now someone is killing newly made Ambers and the Amber Police suspect Jaci is the next victim. Jaci is struggling to make sense of her new world and the way the people are so very sexual. Accepting and unconditional to everyone. Her flatmate Xander is tasked with helping her to find comfort in amber and she's very attracted to him. He isn't looking for a relationship however and makes that clear to her. There's a number of events that fall upon her and she feels so alone sometimes and I really wanted things to work out well for her. She's been through so much and yet still faces lots of trauma, and struggles to deal with the sexual chemistry between her and Xander, not understanding the way sex and love are separate things in Amber...
Its a hot, erotic read, lots of sensual, graphic sex with not just male/female but female/female and group sex scenes so be warned – if this isn't your scene don't buy it and complain after! The sex scenes fit well within the storyline and the people were well described and I felt as if I could “know “ them – I was rooting for a happy ending between Jaci and Xander, and very emotional when one favourite person was killed. I didn't guess who the perpetrator of the killings was nor what was behind it. I look forward to reading more from this series – its one for the keepers file : )
At 413 KB for £4.08 its not cheap but as part of a rereadable series it becomes better value.
Stars: well deserved four stars.
April 28, 2013
Earth, 2052. A catastrophic pandemic has decimated the planet and the survivors are left to make very hard decisions including how to go about repopulating the planet. One consequence is genetic testing to screen for imperfections and diseases. Those who successfully pass live the life of luxury with others of their kind to be fruitful and multiply, while those who fail are carted off and segregated to live out their lives however they can.
This is the story of Jaci Harmon, a female thought to be one of the elite, who is tested only to discover she has a genetic abnormality that disqualifies her from reproducing. She is subsequently sterilized and sent off to the Amber Zone where she is assigned to cohabitate with Xandor Dimos. Xandor, a police officer, has seen recent transplants die soon after arriving and vows not to let that happen to Jaci.
Life in the Amber Zone is radically different than anything Jaci has ever experienced. With all that she's ever known taken from her, including her future, Jaci needs to decide if living as an outcast is worth living for. Especially as her roommmate has made it more than clear that he's not going to have any sort of sexual relationship with her. Ever. She's lost her family, her future, and any hope at love. what is there to live for?
So many futuristic reads show that the future DOES learn from the past. Technology, social tolerance, conservation/recycling all have adapted. In this the author portrays a dystopian future that had me wiping away a tear more than once. The emotional toll of reading the journey of Jaci and others who fail to be genetically perfect equates back to times in history best forgotten. The added twists and turns and suspense elements kept me on the edge of my seat experiencing this futuristic world this author has created.
That being said I did have a hard time connecting to certain secondary and central characters emotionally. Jaci. Definitely wanted to jump into the pages of this book and be there for her. I held out hope that a cruel joke had been played on her. That her tests had been mixed up with someone elses or the actual genetic qualifier wasn't as bad as was made out to be. So she definitely got my attention. Xander however, while sexy as all get go with an alpha personality to boot, had a void that had me questioning whether he was who he said he was or otherwise. Of course as the story played out I came to have this answered but......
As to the adult content. The sexual openness and tolerance depicted did have some heat and HAWT action that included menage, voyeuristic, and bondage scenes. There is a BDSM tag for this read, but I only found this as D/s action in several scenes vs any true BDSM play. I do wish that there had been more with the individual scenes though. I am one to appreciate the adult content in a quality vs quantity way so, while there are numerous scenes of sexual activity, they weren't developed enough for me to appreciate them in any meaningful way.
The book does end in a plateau manner with a HFN ending so the next installment doesn't leave one hanging. I will be looking for that as this is a promising series if tweeked out a little. I do see such potential here for sure.
This is the story of Jaci Harmon, a female thought to be one of the elite, who is tested only to discover she has a genetic abnormality that disqualifies her from reproducing. She is subsequently sterilized and sent off to the Amber Zone where she is assigned to cohabitate with Xandor Dimos. Xandor, a police officer, has seen recent transplants die soon after arriving and vows not to let that happen to Jaci.
Life in the Amber Zone is radically different than anything Jaci has ever experienced. With all that she's ever known taken from her, including her future, Jaci needs to decide if living as an outcast is worth living for. Especially as her roommmate has made it more than clear that he's not going to have any sort of sexual relationship with her. Ever. She's lost her family, her future, and any hope at love. what is there to live for?
So many futuristic reads show that the future DOES learn from the past. Technology, social tolerance, conservation/recycling all have adapted. In this the author portrays a dystopian future that had me wiping away a tear more than once. The emotional toll of reading the journey of Jaci and others who fail to be genetically perfect equates back to times in history best forgotten. The added twists and turns and suspense elements kept me on the edge of my seat experiencing this futuristic world this author has created.
That being said I did have a hard time connecting to certain secondary and central characters emotionally. Jaci. Definitely wanted to jump into the pages of this book and be there for her. I held out hope that a cruel joke had been played on her. That her tests had been mixed up with someone elses or the actual genetic qualifier wasn't as bad as was made out to be. So she definitely got my attention. Xander however, while sexy as all get go with an alpha personality to boot, had a void that had me questioning whether he was who he said he was or otherwise. Of course as the story played out I came to have this answered but......
As to the adult content. The sexual openness and tolerance depicted did have some heat and HAWT action that included menage, voyeuristic, and bondage scenes. There is a BDSM tag for this read, but I only found this as D/s action in several scenes vs any true BDSM play. I do wish that there had been more with the individual scenes though. I am one to appreciate the adult content in a quality vs quantity way so, while there are numerous scenes of sexual activity, they weren't developed enough for me to appreciate them in any meaningful way.
The book does end in a plateau manner with a HFN ending so the next installment doesn't leave one hanging. I will be looking for that as this is a promising series if tweeked out a little. I do see such potential here for sure.
August 2, 2015
The Dystopian theme of this book really spoke to me. The world building was interesting and kept my interest throughout the book.
The Good Stuff: In the near future, when an influenza pandemic breaks out killing over 90% of the world's population our governments decided it was imperative they repopulate with only "perfect" specimens. Why is this good? Well, it's not but the world building surrounding this fact was actually really good. The government tests all humans as they become of age and determine if their genetic makeup is good enough to breed. If so they are designated an upper class. However, if they find a defective genetic marker the citizen is sterilized and designated Amber. This idea is truly terrifying. In addition to the Gov looking for potential unwanted genes, if you're IQ is low, you also get the boot to Amber. I have to really hand it to the author, she sucked me in to her world and I enjoyed learning about it. I also liked how she incorporated touching and comforting into the Amber world.
The Bad Stuff: Being an erotic romance there is quite a bit of sex. Now, erotica is not a favorite genre of mine and I don't read much of it but I didn't hate the sexual aspect of this book. However, the first sex scene happens rather quickly after we learn about Jaci's testing and subsequential fall to Amber so it feels completely out of place and it felt like I ran head long into a brick wall. Just a note, Jaci is not involved in the scene. In addition, the scene was a ménages à trois m/f/m and the author makes it a point to say that both men were for the female's pleasure as being gay and having gay sex were against the law. However, this apparently doesn't include sex between two women as this happens later in the book. This inconsistency really bugged me. Jaci's character was also not a great aspect of this book as she pulls several TSTL moments in a world she really knew nothing about.
The Stuff That Could Have Been Better: The mystery surrounding who was killing the fallows (those who were sterilized by the government) could have been fantastic. Unfortunately it took a back seat to an unbelievable romance that happened over an extremely short time. When the murderer was unveiled it was interesting but felt sudden and the reasons behind the murders are never fully explained. In addition, the fact that the Amber Zone is full of genetically unacceptable people and those with lowered IQs it made it seem really weird that the apartment building Jaci was assigned to was full of open door orgies. Where's all the creepy mutants? Wish this would have been explained better.
In a Nutshell: Despite the less than satisfying stuff I really did like the world Sylvia Ryan created and will probably read more in this series.
The Good Stuff: In the near future, when an influenza pandemic breaks out killing over 90% of the world's population our governments decided it was imperative they repopulate with only "perfect" specimens. Why is this good? Well, it's not but the world building surrounding this fact was actually really good. The government tests all humans as they become of age and determine if their genetic makeup is good enough to breed. If so they are designated an upper class. However, if they find a defective genetic marker the citizen is sterilized and designated Amber. This idea is truly terrifying. In addition to the Gov looking for potential unwanted genes, if you're IQ is low, you also get the boot to Amber. I have to really hand it to the author, she sucked me in to her world and I enjoyed learning about it. I also liked how she incorporated touching and comforting into the Amber world.
The Bad Stuff: Being an erotic romance there is quite a bit of sex. Now, erotica is not a favorite genre of mine and I don't read much of it but I didn't hate the sexual aspect of this book. However, the first sex scene happens rather quickly after we learn about Jaci's testing and subsequential fall to Amber so it feels completely out of place and it felt like I ran head long into a brick wall. Just a note, Jaci is not involved in the scene. In addition, the scene was a ménages à trois m/f/m and the author makes it a point to say that both men were for the female's pleasure as being gay and having gay sex were against the law. However, this apparently doesn't include sex between two women as this happens later in the book. This inconsistency really bugged me. Jaci's character was also not a great aspect of this book as she pulls several TSTL moments in a world she really knew nothing about.
The Stuff That Could Have Been Better: The mystery surrounding who was killing the fallows (those who were sterilized by the government) could have been fantastic. Unfortunately it took a back seat to an unbelievable romance that happened over an extremely short time. When the murderer was unveiled it was interesting but felt sudden and the reasons behind the murders are never fully explained. In addition, the fact that the Amber Zone is full of genetically unacceptable people and those with lowered IQs it made it seem really weird that the apartment building Jaci was assigned to was full of open door orgies. Where's all the creepy mutants? Wish this would have been explained better.
In a Nutshell: Despite the less than satisfying stuff I really did like the world Sylvia Ryan created and will probably read more in this series.
January 26, 2015
Read this review on GraveTells here and see similar book recommendations: http://gravetells.com/contemporary-ro...
Content warning: This book contains serious emotional themes (suicide, forced sterilization, and sexual assault) which may be disturbing to some readers.
I cannot say enough good things about this heartfelt, incredibly moving book! Post-apocalyptic dystopian romances are hard to nail down. Usually they fall hard to one side: either heavily erotic or overwhelmingly story based (read: lacking in emotional depth). Being Amber strikes the perfect balance, delivering a heart-wrenching, pulse-tripping experience full of ups and downs, with believable events and characters.
The premise for this society is unique and crafted so realistically that I can imagine it actually working exactly as described. The necessity for the segregation and Repopulation Laws, the long-term element of power that grew out of the extreme survival methods, and the breakdown of society's acceptance of that outdated rule... all of this lays the groundwork for a love-of-a-lifetime romance that has everything working against it and manages to prevail anyway, while setting the scene for a very necessary revolution against the oppressive Gov.
The characters are relatable and their way of life is both intriguing and a little shocking, but makes total sense. Jaci doesn't make stupid decisions or rush into danger expecting someone to save her. She's smart, but while she's also hesitant and unsure, she has a core of steel. She endures several terrible personal attacks, both physically and emotionally, and her reaction to each of them is spot on. I liked Jaci from the start and respected the hell out of her by the end. Xander may come off as edgy and intense but he's smoothly layered with a gentle and protective nature and some serious skills as a Dominant. I liked that Ms. Ryan wasn't afraid to incorporate BDSM into the story universe - the lifestyle lived by the Ambers completely supports it - but didn't make a big deal out of it or try to turn it into some big production. Being in charge and liking rough sex are just part of who Xander is and that is damn appealing on his character.
Being Amber made me smile and swoon. It made my heart beat faster in sympathy and in expectation. It even made me cry. It's been a long time since I enjoyed such a well-crafted post-apocalyptic dystopian romantic series and I am already looking forward to starting the next book (Being Sapphire).
Content warning: This book contains serious emotional themes (suicide, forced sterilization, and sexual assault) which may be disturbing to some readers.
I cannot say enough good things about this heartfelt, incredibly moving book! Post-apocalyptic dystopian romances are hard to nail down. Usually they fall hard to one side: either heavily erotic or overwhelmingly story based (read: lacking in emotional depth). Being Amber strikes the perfect balance, delivering a heart-wrenching, pulse-tripping experience full of ups and downs, with believable events and characters.
The premise for this society is unique and crafted so realistically that I can imagine it actually working exactly as described. The necessity for the segregation and Repopulation Laws, the long-term element of power that grew out of the extreme survival methods, and the breakdown of society's acceptance of that outdated rule... all of this lays the groundwork for a love-of-a-lifetime romance that has everything working against it and manages to prevail anyway, while setting the scene for a very necessary revolution against the oppressive Gov.
The characters are relatable and their way of life is both intriguing and a little shocking, but makes total sense. Jaci doesn't make stupid decisions or rush into danger expecting someone to save her. She's smart, but while she's also hesitant and unsure, she has a core of steel. She endures several terrible personal attacks, both physically and emotionally, and her reaction to each of them is spot on. I liked Jaci from the start and respected the hell out of her by the end. Xander may come off as edgy and intense but he's smoothly layered with a gentle and protective nature and some serious skills as a Dominant. I liked that Ms. Ryan wasn't afraid to incorporate BDSM into the story universe - the lifestyle lived by the Ambers completely supports it - but didn't make a big deal out of it or try to turn it into some big production. Being in charge and liking rough sex are just part of who Xander is and that is damn appealing on his character.
Being Amber made me smile and swoon. It made my heart beat faster in sympathy and in expectation. It even made me cry. It's been a long time since I enjoyed such a well-crafted post-apocalyptic dystopian romantic series and I am already looking forward to starting the next book (Being Sapphire).
April 7, 2013
**I was given an ARC copy by the author for my honest review.**
Being Amber! As always I will jump right in on my personal thoughts on this book because you do not need a synopsis, that is already provided by the author.
Being Amber is a great scifi erotica read set in the future. I really enjoyed the world and story Ryan is building. It is not one that is typically done that much in erotica and I felt it authentic and interesting. The flow of the story is very well done and I enjoyed the tension and angst of the H/h. I enjoyed the side scenes that Ryan involved so that it didn't lack the sex that you expect with an erotica read. I grew emotional bonds with Jaci and Xander so when they felt pain, heartache, or jealousy I was right there with them. I will say that towards the end Xander started to irritate me with his reservations of the bond they desired in one another but I understood his reasons.
Now on to the sex! The sex in this book was entertaining. I enjoyed the light BDSM and the menage scenes were tastefully done. There is a sprinkling of toy usage and even a little f/f. The best part about the sex in this book was that it fit. It wasn't forced or thrown in there for the sake of having them like a majority of the erotica books tend to do.
As for things I did not like. I did not like Xander's constant usage of the endearment "sweetie". It just didn't fit in my mind that he would say that and it was put into moments that I think it shouldn't. I also wish I did not read the epilogue that she provides on her website. I really didn't like it. It made me have a mild pit fall from sadness after the high I had when finishing such a good book. I think the book ended good and the epilogue was unnecessary and a downer. I can see were she was trying to take it but in my opinion it didn't have that effect on me.
OVERALL: I think this is a great book for anyone who actually likes good world building, a natural flowing storyline with mystery and angst while also providing great sex scenes. I cant wait to learn more of the different zones and see what this war is brewing!!
Being Amber! As always I will jump right in on my personal thoughts on this book because you do not need a synopsis, that is already provided by the author.
Being Amber is a great scifi erotica read set in the future. I really enjoyed the world and story Ryan is building. It is not one that is typically done that much in erotica and I felt it authentic and interesting. The flow of the story is very well done and I enjoyed the tension and angst of the H/h. I enjoyed the side scenes that Ryan involved so that it didn't lack the sex that you expect with an erotica read. I grew emotional bonds with Jaci and Xander so when they felt pain, heartache, or jealousy I was right there with them. I will say that towards the end Xander started to irritate me with his reservations of the bond they desired in one another but I understood his reasons.
Now on to the sex! The sex in this book was entertaining. I enjoyed the light BDSM and the menage scenes were tastefully done. There is a sprinkling of toy usage and even a little f/f. The best part about the sex in this book was that it fit. It wasn't forced or thrown in there for the sake of having them like a majority of the erotica books tend to do.
As for things I did not like. I did not like Xander's constant usage of the endearment "sweetie". It just didn't fit in my mind that he would say that and it was put into moments that I think it shouldn't. I also wish I did not read the epilogue that she provides on her website. I really didn't like it. It made me have a mild pit fall from sadness after the high I had when finishing such a good book. I think the book ended good and the epilogue was unnecessary and a downer. I can see were she was trying to take it but in my opinion it didn't have that effect on me.
OVERALL: I think this is a great book for anyone who actually likes good world building, a natural flowing storyline with mystery and angst while also providing great sex scenes. I cant wait to learn more of the different zones and see what this war is brewing!!
June 6, 2013
4.5 stars soooo close to being a 5 star read for me.
Being Amber is the story of Jaci and Xander. Jaci is a woman who, in a future dystopian world, has been forced from her home and relegated to a lower social status because of a detected defective gene. From her pampered existence as a Sapphire, she is sent to live in the Amber zone and subjected to immediate sterilization. Xander is the man assigned to care for and protect her in her new life.
I really enjoyed this book - I have to say I'm surprised by the lack of reviews and buzz over this one...this is truly a hidden gem! Sylvia Ryan has taken a dystopian world and given it a couple of new twists - one of which is the atmosphere in the Amber zone. Rather than being a rough, every-man-for-himself zone, the Ambers have chosen to create a supportive, loving environment for all its citizens. It's really a socialist society, which seems to function pretty well. It's also a sexually free zone - group sex seems to be a regular event, with all welcome to participate. Alas, with all good things come the bad. The bad here is the Gov, which although outwardly has allowed the Ambers to self-police, still reigns supreme and exerts its control in various nasty ways. In the seemingly peaceful zone, the Gov is the shadow hanging overhead and we're reminded of this as the plot progresses. The characters here are well-developed and extremely likeable. The author does a great job of giving us their motivations and gets us inside their heads very effectively. The plot (while I did guess who the villain was pretty early) was engaging and kept me reading without pause. The sex scenes were well-placed within the story and were hot enough to make me squirm!
My one issue (and the thing that prevented me from giving this 5 stars) is with the ending. It just felt a bit rushed to me...I wanted a bit more of their HEA. I get that this is the start of a series and I'm assuming we'll see more of Jaci and Xander, but I guess I'm greedy!
All in all, a fantastic read, and one that I'll definitely be recommending.
Being Amber is the story of Jaci and Xander. Jaci is a woman who, in a future dystopian world, has been forced from her home and relegated to a lower social status because of a detected defective gene. From her pampered existence as a Sapphire, she is sent to live in the Amber zone and subjected to immediate sterilization. Xander is the man assigned to care for and protect her in her new life.
I really enjoyed this book - I have to say I'm surprised by the lack of reviews and buzz over this one...this is truly a hidden gem! Sylvia Ryan has taken a dystopian world and given it a couple of new twists - one of which is the atmosphere in the Amber zone. Rather than being a rough, every-man-for-himself zone, the Ambers have chosen to create a supportive, loving environment for all its citizens. It's really a socialist society, which seems to function pretty well. It's also a sexually free zone - group sex seems to be a regular event, with all welcome to participate. Alas, with all good things come the bad. The bad here is the Gov, which although outwardly has allowed the Ambers to self-police, still reigns supreme and exerts its control in various nasty ways. In the seemingly peaceful zone, the Gov is the shadow hanging overhead and we're reminded of this as the plot progresses. The characters here are well-developed and extremely likeable. The author does a great job of giving us their motivations and gets us inside their heads very effectively. The plot (while I did guess who the villain was pretty early) was engaging and kept me reading without pause. The sex scenes were well-placed within the story and were hot enough to make me squirm!
My one issue (and the thing that prevented me from giving this 5 stars) is with the ending. It just felt a bit rushed to me...I wanted a bit more of their HEA. I get that this is the start of a series and I'm assuming we'll see more of Jaci and Xander, but I guess I'm greedy!
All in all, a fantastic read, and one that I'll definitely be recommending.
August 7, 2013
I wanted to give it five stars, but ended up going with four. I'll get the positives out of the way before I start in on what I didn't like.
Jaci and Xander had a great relationship, and I found their misunderstandings and conflicts convincing. I didn't find him as Domly as I was expecting, but I didn't really find that a problem. Likewise, the kink seemed fairly tame, but again, it didn't bother me because the chemistry was there.
The worldbuilding was what really wowed me - I frickin' love dystopia and crime, and the mix of the two was awesome. Really enjoyed it, and the whole setup of the Amber society to be based on comfort through touch. I've studied some compassion-focused therapy techniques and that all struck me as very genuine and relatable.
Now the part that has me knocking off a star - the Amber society pisses off my inner feminist royally. It's set up to focus on women needing the comfort and protection of men. Women are protected and nurtured, and no mention is made of men who might need to be coddled and protected by women. At the end, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Luckily, Jaci does display some ability to be able to hold her own in life, or the story would really have suffered.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed the read and will be looking out for more in the series. :)
Jaci and Xander had a great relationship, and I found their misunderstandings and conflicts convincing. I didn't find him as Domly as I was expecting, but I didn't really find that a problem. Likewise, the kink seemed fairly tame, but again, it didn't bother me because the chemistry was there.
The worldbuilding was what really wowed me - I frickin' love dystopia and crime, and the mix of the two was awesome. Really enjoyed it, and the whole setup of the Amber society to be based on comfort through touch. I've studied some compassion-focused therapy techniques and that all struck me as very genuine and relatable.
Now the part that has me knocking off a star - the Amber society pisses off my inner feminist royally. It's set up to focus on women needing the comfort and protection of men. Women are protected and nurtured, and no mention is made of men who might need to be coddled and protected by women. At the end, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Luckily, Jaci does display some ability to be able to hold her own in life, or the story would really have suffered.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed the read and will be looking out for more in the series. :)
January 4, 2015
I honestly didn't know what to expect out of this book. I've read very few adult dystopias and only one other that would qualify as erotica so I had to come into this with an open mind. Luckily for me it was written very well, plus the story was relatively unique.
BEING AMBER starts with Jaci finding out she has been designated amber and therefore must leave her family and everyone she knows behind. It means she must immediately have surgery to make her barren. In amber they call these women fallows and they treasure them. Xander is her roommate as well as the cop assigned to her to ensure she doesn't become another fallow victim. Fallows have been showing up dead lately and they're determined to stop them. Jaci quickly realizes that life is very different in Amber zone. Everyone touches and hugs. Sex is casual until you fall in love. Most importantly, you're never alone because everyone helps everyone. Eventually the murderer catches up with Jaci and Xander / the leaders of Amber must save her. Can they do so without destroying everything they've come to know as a way of life? Or with the Gov have to be taken down?
While the classification system is a bit predictable, I think the way Sylvia Ryan portrayed it presented us with a unique story that draws us in. Had it not been for the designations of the classes and the predictability of who Jaci would wind up with I probably would have given this one 5 stars. There were also a few, very few minor editing errors that I wish had been fixed prior to it being published. Overall a great introduction to Sylvia Ryan.
BEING AMBER starts with Jaci finding out she has been designated amber and therefore must leave her family and everyone she knows behind. It means she must immediately have surgery to make her barren. In amber they call these women fallows and they treasure them. Xander is her roommate as well as the cop assigned to her to ensure she doesn't become another fallow victim. Fallows have been showing up dead lately and they're determined to stop them. Jaci quickly realizes that life is very different in Amber zone. Everyone touches and hugs. Sex is casual until you fall in love. Most importantly, you're never alone because everyone helps everyone. Eventually the murderer catches up with Jaci and Xander / the leaders of Amber must save her. Can they do so without destroying everything they've come to know as a way of life? Or with the Gov have to be taken down?
While the classification system is a bit predictable, I think the way Sylvia Ryan portrayed it presented us with a unique story that draws us in. Had it not been for the designations of the classes and the predictability of who Jaci would wind up with I probably would have given this one 5 stars. There were also a few, very few minor editing errors that I wish had been fixed prior to it being published. Overall a great introduction to Sylvia Ryan.
April 22, 2013
What an amazing ADULT Utopian/Dystopian book!
In a world where everything rides on your color being deemed an amber spells out a horrific future.
It means you're undesirable to the top rings of society. Whether it be a lower than average IQ, or an untreatable medical condition hiding within the strands of your DNA.
YOU ARE UNWANTED.
To be thrown out of the only home you've ever known, whisked to the futuristic equivalent of a WWII ghetto, told what your profession will be, and ,on top of it all, have the choice of having a child ripped away from you. It's horrifying. But believable. The government candy-coats the Amber's situation by providing them with food, alcohol, and housing. The Ambers placate themselves by indulging in the 'live in the now' method. Using physical touch, even sex, as a coping mechanism.
Following Jaci accept her new future was a ride. (Yes, I cried more than once) Luckily, her roommate Xander is there to help, but he's got secrets of his own.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book. I LOVED it! Definitely re-read material. The author has stated that she expects this to be a series and I can't wait to find out what the future holds for some of the characters introduced in Being Amber.
Bitten By Paranormal Romance
In a world where everything rides on your color being deemed an amber spells out a horrific future.
It means you're undesirable to the top rings of society. Whether it be a lower than average IQ, or an untreatable medical condition hiding within the strands of your DNA.
YOU ARE UNWANTED.
To be thrown out of the only home you've ever known, whisked to the futuristic equivalent of a WWII ghetto, told what your profession will be, and ,on top of it all, have the choice of having a child ripped away from you. It's horrifying. But believable. The government candy-coats the Amber's situation by providing them with food, alcohol, and housing. The Ambers placate themselves by indulging in the 'live in the now' method. Using physical touch, even sex, as a coping mechanism.
Following Jaci accept her new future was a ride. (Yes, I cried more than once) Luckily, her roommate Xander is there to help, but he's got secrets of his own.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this book. I LOVED it! Definitely re-read material. The author has stated that she expects this to be a series and I can't wait to find out what the future holds for some of the characters introduced in Being Amber.
Bitten By Paranormal Romance
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