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Cloaked Devices #0.5
Homecoming
**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.
Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.
Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling her over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.
Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?
Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.
Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling her over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.
Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?
121 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Cecilia Robert
18 books380 followersI write YA, NA and Adult. My motto: Passion rules. I enjoy writing stories about people finding love in the most unexpected places, coupled with adventurous journeys, whether it's urban, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary or paranormal romance. There's always a happy ever after, no matter how long it takes to get there.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 83 reviews
October 4, 2013
*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸¸.·2,5 Stars
What I liked:
► The secret
Yeah.. I didn't guess that this was here reason to leave. It was great that it wasn't obvious.
► The Past
After coming face to face with her secret we get to know a lit bit more about what happened back then.
I loved that we get to know how things were for S. I was sad about how things played out for her but I don't think this was enough of a reason for her to leave her life behind. Still I get why she left.
► The world
Great! It's a mix of science fiction, steampunk and Pnr. We don't get to know too much about this world but I can say that this one is quite refreshing. (humans can control the elements and there are shape-shifted!)
What I didn't like:
►pace if the story:
The beginning was really slow and than boom! End -.-
It was too slow in thwarting beginning and the ending was too rushed.
► focus on lust
► the books:
The series is named after these book (Cloaked Devices) and Sera does collect them but we get next to none information about them. It would have been nice to now what this series is really about and why those books are so rare and dangerous.
►Sera's new life:
We know that she is a fighter and owns a bookshop and that's it. I don't know how it is possible for her to leave the city where she has been living for 5 years. Just like this. :/
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸¸.·2,5 Stars
What I liked:
► The secret
Yeah.. I didn't guess that this was here reason to leave. It was great that it wasn't obvious.
► The Past
After coming face to face with her secret we get to know a lit bit more about what happened back then.
I loved that we get to know how things were for S. I was sad about how things played out for her but I don't think this was enough of a reason for her to leave her life behind. Still I get why she left.
► The world
Great! It's a mix of science fiction, steampunk and Pnr. We don't get to know too much about this world but I can say that this one is quite refreshing. (humans can control the elements and there are shape-shifted!)
What I didn't like:
►pace if the story:
The beginning was really slow and than boom! End -.-
It was too slow in thwarting beginning and the ending was too rushed.
► focus on lust
► the books:
The series is named after these book (Cloaked Devices) and Sera does collect them but we get next to none information about them. It would have been nice to now what this series is really about and why those books are so rare and dangerous.
►Sera's new life:
We know that she is a fighter and owns a bookshop and that's it. I don't know how it is possible for her to leave the city where she has been living for 5 years. Just like this. :/
November 27, 2025
Five years ago Sera Czedar ran from her wedding bed and has been in hiding in the City of Outcasts, Varselles. Levian Grayson, her mate, has been searching for her ever since. This is a novella of Levian catching up to Sera and bringing her home. A lot can change in five years and the Grayson and Czedar family are in for a few shocks.
This was a quick introduction in to the Cloaked Devices world. We gain some background character information, get a feel for Cecilia Robert’s world building and a pretty good dose of some hot and heavy sexual encounters.
I found the story a little short but as a teaser or series side story for, Cloaked Devices, it works very well…wets your appetite and makes you want more. Quick, easy, enjoyable and with that extra (vividly described) sexual spice, Homecoming was a scrumptious paranormal romantic read. I see this turning into a fabulous new series that I'll have to follow.
I also have to mention the extraordinary cover art, stunning and vivid a perfect representation of this story.
I received this ARC copy of Homecoming from Cecilia Robert in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 25, 2013.
This was a quick introduction in to the Cloaked Devices world. We gain some background character information, get a feel for Cecilia Robert’s world building and a pretty good dose of some hot and heavy sexual encounters.
I found the story a little short but as a teaser or series side story for, Cloaked Devices, it works very well…wets your appetite and makes you want more. Quick, easy, enjoyable and with that extra (vividly described) sexual spice, Homecoming was a scrumptious paranormal romantic read. I see this turning into a fabulous new series that I'll have to follow.
I also have to mention the extraordinary cover art, stunning and vivid a perfect representation of this story.
I received this ARC copy of Homecoming from Cecilia Robert in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 25, 2013.
Read
March 25, 2014Eep!! The cover is finally here!! I can't wait to share with you Levian and Sera's story. :)
Teaser
In the meantime, check out http://pinterest.com/ceciliarobert/cl... for Cloaked Devices series inspiration.
Early release on 21st October!!
Teaser
In the meantime, check out http://pinterest.com/ceciliarobert/cl... for Cloaked Devices series inspiration.
Early release on 21st October!!
October 19, 2013
Ceci is my girl and she has done it again! Man a steam punk paranormal read is just what the reading doctor ordered for me because I have been in this crazy frenzy of reading for school and my mind needed a rest a sort of safe haven and my girl Ceci did that! Lord I need to go to Varselles! Whoop whoop I loved this novella and I am in need of more. The world building in this story had me wanting and needing more because Ceci writes a story like no ones business that you get so caught up you don't realize you are at the end of the story until the kindle says how would you rate this book.
So without further ramblings and gushing's here is the down low on Sera and Levian. Sera and Levian are both panthers and are mated for one another. One the night of the mating ceremony Sera runs because she has secrets and secrets she does not think Levian will like. So instead of hurting him and placing him in an awkward position she runs to Varselles where she can seek sanctuary for the outcasts. It is there she rebuilds a life and is able to keep her secrets safe and Levian safe. She misses her best friend and soul mate but she can't chance hurting him.
Mean while Levian is devastated that Sera left him on their mating night. He has searched high and low for her and found her in Varselles and is going to stake his claim. He is going to get HIS woman back even if it means kidnapping her because she is his and no one is going to take what is his. He loves her so much and misses her that it takes him every ounce of strength not to get all ALPHA MALE on her when he sees her for the first time in 5 years. But when their reunion is all said and done will Levian stay with Sera after the secrets are revealed?
So without further ramblings and gushing's here is the down low on Sera and Levian. Sera and Levian are both panthers and are mated for one another. One the night of the mating ceremony Sera runs because she has secrets and secrets she does not think Levian will like. So instead of hurting him and placing him in an awkward position she runs to Varselles where she can seek sanctuary for the outcasts. It is there she rebuilds a life and is able to keep her secrets safe and Levian safe. She misses her best friend and soul mate but she can't chance hurting him.
Mean while Levian is devastated that Sera left him on their mating night. He has searched high and low for her and found her in Varselles and is going to stake his claim. He is going to get HIS woman back even if it means kidnapping her because she is his and no one is going to take what is his. He loves her so much and misses her that it takes him every ounce of strength not to get all ALPHA MALE on her when he sees her for the first time in 5 years. But when their reunion is all said and done will Levian stay with Sera after the secrets are revealed?
October 26, 2013
Homecoming is a steampunk/shifter fantasy short story following panther shifter Levian Grayson as he tracks down his errant mate to bring her home and Sera Czedar, the errant mate with a secret to hide.
I've never read a book by Cecilia Robert before and now I feel like I've been missing out. This short story is so well written and packed with emotion and rich descriptions that I couldn't put it down. I was so engrossed in the unfolding story I spent an entire afternoon and read it from beginning to end with no pauses. The characters are fantastically rendered and it was just so easy to empathize with them that I actually found my eyes tearing up in some places.
I adored all the characters in this short story, but none more than Levian. He’s so loving and sweet, but yet powerful and dominant. *swoon*. The all-encompassing, all-consuming, and unconditional way he loves Sera was just heartwarming. Sera was a really relatable heroine who isn't perfect and has made some big mistakes, but she’s never given up and she’s thrived in the face of the obstacles thrown at her. The only character I wasn't too fond of was Tegue, Levian’s twin brother, whom I felt was a giant man-boy and was let off the hook for his irresponsible actions again and again, but he was still loyal (in his own way) and seemed willing to make changes.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you love paranormal romance, shifter stories, or steampunk fantasy I recommend picking it up. I am dying to get my hands on the series this book is setting up.
*I received a free ARC of this book to review
I've never read a book by Cecilia Robert before and now I feel like I've been missing out. This short story is so well written and packed with emotion and rich descriptions that I couldn't put it down. I was so engrossed in the unfolding story I spent an entire afternoon and read it from beginning to end with no pauses. The characters are fantastically rendered and it was just so easy to empathize with them that I actually found my eyes tearing up in some places.
I adored all the characters in this short story, but none more than Levian. He’s so loving and sweet, but yet powerful and dominant. *swoon*. The all-encompassing, all-consuming, and unconditional way he loves Sera was just heartwarming. Sera was a really relatable heroine who isn't perfect and has made some big mistakes, but she’s never given up and she’s thrived in the face of the obstacles thrown at her. The only character I wasn't too fond of was Tegue, Levian’s twin brother, whom I felt was a giant man-boy and was let off the hook for his irresponsible actions again and again, but he was still loyal (in his own way) and seemed willing to make changes.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you love paranormal romance, shifter stories, or steampunk fantasy I recommend picking it up. I am dying to get my hands on the series this book is setting up.
*I received a free ARC of this book to review
December 5, 2015
Homecoming follows the story of Sera and Levian. Sera is in love with Tengue and is best friends with Levian. On the day of the mating ceremony, Sera finds out that Levian is in love with her and is suddenly finding herself torn between two men. When the mating ceremony takes an unexpected turn, Sera feels that she has no choice, but to flee.........
Levian is devastated that his mate has disappeared and has done nothing but search for her for five years. Finally after all that time, he gets a lead on her location....He is ready to take back what is his......Only will Levian be able to handle the truth about Sera's reasoning for leaving????
Homecoming is a very quick read. I think this series is off to a really great start. I liked that the story was told from dual pov's. The chemistry between Levian and Sera was off the charts. They definitely shared some steamy moments. I appreciated Levian's devotion to Sera, even as time passed and the truth came out, he still wants to be by her side.
I really enjoyed the idea of this story and the unique take on paranormal/shifter romance. This book did leave me with some questions and I definitely would like to know more about the cloaked devices! I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens next!!
******I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review******
Levian is devastated that his mate has disappeared and has done nothing but search for her for five years. Finally after all that time, he gets a lead on her location....He is ready to take back what is his......Only will Levian be able to handle the truth about Sera's reasoning for leaving????
Homecoming is a very quick read. I think this series is off to a really great start. I liked that the story was told from dual pov's. The chemistry between Levian and Sera was off the charts. They definitely shared some steamy moments. I appreciated Levian's devotion to Sera, even as time passed and the truth came out, he still wants to be by her side.
I really enjoyed the idea of this story and the unique take on paranormal/shifter romance. This book did leave me with some questions and I definitely would like to know more about the cloaked devices! I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing what happens next!!
******I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review******
Read
August 12, 2016Homecoming book blitz happening October 21st–26th, 2013.
September 18, 2013
My first official review on mine and Kerr's new blog... eek, please feel free to snoop! http://www.paein-and-ms4tune.co.uk/?p...
Firstly thank you to the YA/NA Fanatics group for their read and review scheme, which gave me the opportunity to get a copy of this and to Cecilia Roberts for providing the copy.
Homecoming isn’t a full length novel, only a novella, and is a prequel to a new paranormal romance series Cloaked Devices. It came with a mature content warning so with this in mind I expected a short, sweet and VERY sexy short story.
Sera Czedar is a 23 year old runaway Panther Shifter. She abandoned her mate 5 years ago in the middle of their mating ceremony. She has built a new life for herself in Varselles, the city of Outcasts. But her Mate Levian Grayson has been looking for his missing Bride and he’s so close to finding her hiding place. Will he be able to persuade Sera back to his side and into his bed or will the real reasons Sera left come out and ruin any chance the couple have of a reunion?
Bring on the sexual tension!!! Doesn’t this sound like the best basis for a steamy romance? I thought YES GREAT… but I found myself afterwards feeling a little disappointed. Not that this was a bad novella! I must make that clear…it just wasn’t what I expected. Let me try to explain…. I thought I was going to get a steamy, not too much thinking, sex filled novella, but this had so much more intricacy! Cecilia Roberts creates a dystopian/paranormal world hybrid for her story to take place in. The idea being that the world we live in now gets torn apart by a plague that annihilates most of the human population, the only cure was to combine human blood with Shifter blood. Creating Human hybrids that can control the elements. Shifters however control the world and this story follows the romance between two Panther Shifters. There is A LOT more background information, and it is interesting don’t worry, I just don’t want to spoil it for you by telling you all about it when you could just read it yourself. I guess I just didn’t expect sooo much from such a short story!
Anyway, Homecoming leads the way into what I hope is a very promising new paranormal series. My rating however had to mirror my slight disappointment at not having as much raunchiness as I would have hoped…(there is some – but not a lot) and also because, while it was packed full of interesting world building, there wasn’t that much in the way of storyline progression. But I will be looking out for the first book in the series to see what happens next…
Firstly thank you to the YA/NA Fanatics group for their read and review scheme, which gave me the opportunity to get a copy of this and to Cecilia Roberts for providing the copy.
Homecoming isn’t a full length novel, only a novella, and is a prequel to a new paranormal romance series Cloaked Devices. It came with a mature content warning so with this in mind I expected a short, sweet and VERY sexy short story.
Sera Czedar is a 23 year old runaway Panther Shifter. She abandoned her mate 5 years ago in the middle of their mating ceremony. She has built a new life for herself in Varselles, the city of Outcasts. But her Mate Levian Grayson has been looking for his missing Bride and he’s so close to finding her hiding place. Will he be able to persuade Sera back to his side and into his bed or will the real reasons Sera left come out and ruin any chance the couple have of a reunion?
Bring on the sexual tension!!! Doesn’t this sound like the best basis for a steamy romance? I thought YES GREAT… but I found myself afterwards feeling a little disappointed. Not that this was a bad novella! I must make that clear…it just wasn’t what I expected. Let me try to explain…. I thought I was going to get a steamy, not too much thinking, sex filled novella, but this had so much more intricacy! Cecilia Roberts creates a dystopian/paranormal world hybrid for her story to take place in. The idea being that the world we live in now gets torn apart by a plague that annihilates most of the human population, the only cure was to combine human blood with Shifter blood. Creating Human hybrids that can control the elements. Shifters however control the world and this story follows the romance between two Panther Shifters. There is A LOT more background information, and it is interesting don’t worry, I just don’t want to spoil it for you by telling you all about it when you could just read it yourself. I guess I just didn’t expect sooo much from such a short story!
Anyway, Homecoming leads the way into what I hope is a very promising new paranormal series. My rating however had to mirror my slight disappointment at not having as much raunchiness as I would have hoped…(there is some – but not a lot) and also because, while it was packed full of interesting world building, there wasn’t that much in the way of storyline progression. But I will be looking out for the first book in the series to see what happens next…
December 16, 2013
3 we are off to a good start stars!
First let me say, how gorgeous is that cover, right?
I am not a fan of novellas and short stories, especially when the mark the start of a new series. After all, writing a first book in a series is hard enough. A first book explains the world building and introduces the characters.
What about a novella? That from start is limited in space?
The answer lies before you- Cecilia Robert does a fairly good job in Homecoming but what we are left with I could summarize in one word- tease
We get a glimpse to an interesting world- some sort of a parallel universe/planet where shifters are the majority and the minority of humans have some sort of elemental power. BTW, earth was destroyed, the shifters saved us. This new world has steampunk setting mixed with some wild west setting as well. All in all, interesting, but as we get only a glimpse I'd say it's a tease.
The characters are very well portrayed in the short time we have with them- each the sum of her actions, her words and history. Each has contradictions and depths to be explored.
The sexual tension between Sera and Levian is burning but even so we are left with a tease more than anything else.
As for the fight scene- they ended to fast. The story is written in the third person and the first chapter is annoying as hell, afterwards the pacing is better and fun to read.
I understand what the author tried to do, and she got me interested enough to want to read the sequel. Even so, as a first in a series it was supposed to lay the foundations for the next books and this one does that well. But as for standing on it's own- I don't think it does. This is a tease so you would want to read the next one.
A copy was provided by the Author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For this review and more visit my blog The accidental reader
*Original pre review*
Well Well. I have some troubles with this one, but all in all, I can't wait for the next installment to come out!
review soon;)
First let me say, how gorgeous is that cover, right?
I am not a fan of novellas and short stories, especially when the mark the start of a new series. After all, writing a first book in a series is hard enough. A first book explains the world building and introduces the characters.
What about a novella? That from start is limited in space?
The answer lies before you- Cecilia Robert does a fairly good job in Homecoming but what we are left with I could summarize in one word- tease
We get a glimpse to an interesting world- some sort of a parallel universe/planet where shifters are the majority and the minority of humans have some sort of elemental power. BTW, earth was destroyed, the shifters saved us. This new world has steampunk setting mixed with some wild west setting as well. All in all, interesting, but as we get only a glimpse I'd say it's a tease.
The characters are very well portrayed in the short time we have with them- each the sum of her actions, her words and history. Each has contradictions and depths to be explored.
The sexual tension between Sera and Levian is burning but even so we are left with a tease more than anything else.
As for the fight scene- they ended to fast. The story is written in the third person and the first chapter is annoying as hell, afterwards the pacing is better and fun to read.
I understand what the author tried to do, and she got me interested enough to want to read the sequel. Even so, as a first in a series it was supposed to lay the foundations for the next books and this one does that well. But as for standing on it's own- I don't think it does. This is a tease so you would want to read the next one.
A copy was provided by the Author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For this review and more visit my blog The accidental reader
*Original pre review*
Well Well. I have some troubles with this one, but all in all, I can't wait for the next installment to come out!
review soon;)
November 25, 2013
I received a ARC copy from NetGalley.
Homecoming is an interesting blend of paranormal romance and steampunk. I will admit, the first thing that attracted me to this book was the stunning cover. I knew I had to find out more about it. I was not disappointed. This is my first time reading a book written by Cecilia Robert, but it will not be my last.
Sera Czedar, a twenty-three year old panther shifter, has been living an obscure life in a dangerous city full of outcasts. She left her home and her mate, Levian Grayson, five years ago because she was hiding a secret that could ruin her life. Levian has finally tracked down Sera, and he is willing to do what it takes to bring her home. Will Sera's secret destroy her mate and the life they could have? Will love prevail?
Sera is a spunky kick-ass heroine. She may have ran from her problems in the past, but she is willing to stand up and take responsibility for her actions now. No matter what the cost maybe. Levian is just yummy! He loves Sera and will fight to get her back. You got to love that in a man! This book hooked me from the very beginning and I did not want it to end. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Homecoming is an interesting blend of paranormal romance and steampunk. I will admit, the first thing that attracted me to this book was the stunning cover. I knew I had to find out more about it. I was not disappointed. This is my first time reading a book written by Cecilia Robert, but it will not be my last.
Sera Czedar, a twenty-three year old panther shifter, has been living an obscure life in a dangerous city full of outcasts. She left her home and her mate, Levian Grayson, five years ago because she was hiding a secret that could ruin her life. Levian has finally tracked down Sera, and he is willing to do what it takes to bring her home. Will Sera's secret destroy her mate and the life they could have? Will love prevail?
Sera is a spunky kick-ass heroine. She may have ran from her problems in the past, but she is willing to stand up and take responsibility for her actions now. No matter what the cost maybe. Levian is just yummy! He loves Sera and will fight to get her back. You got to love that in a man! This book hooked me from the very beginning and I did not want it to end. I am looking forward to the next installment.
January 26, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. (LoP r2r)
Levian contemplating Sera... 'Life had a habit of turning your world inside out, but being able to bounce back from it and emerging stronger in the end was something only the strongest count do. And Sera had done that. She'd been played like a harp. But she had weathered the storm and faced it head-on. She'd picked up the pieces of her shattered life and started all over again on her own. Her past had shaped her into the person she was now, although he caught snatches of his chicken-hugging girl every once in a while.'
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am eagerly waiting for the next. I loved the strong heroin Sera, she took what she had done and tried to do what she thought was best for her and all involved. Sad to see that the lengths she went to were in vain, and her true love and mate loved her beyond everything she was trying to run away and save her family from. The only shame is that she didn't see from the start, and it took her the five years alone and hiding with her secrets to see the truth.
One of my favourite lines... 'I don't want you to beg me to love you, because I give you my love freely. You are mine, Sera. Mine.'
Can not wait to read the next.
Levian contemplating Sera... 'Life had a habit of turning your world inside out, but being able to bounce back from it and emerging stronger in the end was something only the strongest count do. And Sera had done that. She'd been played like a harp. But she had weathered the storm and faced it head-on. She'd picked up the pieces of her shattered life and started all over again on her own. Her past had shaped her into the person she was now, although he caught snatches of his chicken-hugging girl every once in a while.'
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am eagerly waiting for the next. I loved the strong heroin Sera, she took what she had done and tried to do what she thought was best for her and all involved. Sad to see that the lengths she went to were in vain, and her true love and mate loved her beyond everything she was trying to run away and save her family from. The only shame is that she didn't see from the start, and it took her the five years alone and hiding with her secrets to see the truth.
One of my favourite lines... 'I don't want you to beg me to love you, because I give you my love freely. You are mine, Sera. Mine.'
Can not wait to read the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2013
3.5 Stars
We start off from Levian POV whom is a bit moody and a smidge annoying with his caveman act Sera she's my mate don’t look, think, mention or anything that has to do with my mate or else. However he did grow on me as the story progress. I was hoping he would beat the crap out of his twin brother Tegue because he needed it IMO. So my favorite scene I would have to say is when Tegue and Sera finally come face to face after 5 years. Great scene that made me chuckle. Sera was a very big plus. I really like a strong independent heroine. She knew how to take care of herself and protect the ones she loves without her leading man. Though I do like them better together I’m glad she can stand on her own without him. There were a few things going on that were not explained all that well. The main one was the books about the cloaking devices Sera collecting and trying to find. So I will be looking forward to reading the next book. This series has a lot going for it and I can't wait to see where it will lead.
ARC courtesy of Victory Editing via NetGalley
We start off from Levian POV whom is a bit moody and a smidge annoying with his caveman act Sera she's my mate don’t look, think, mention or anything that has to do with my mate or else. However he did grow on me as the story progress. I was hoping he would beat the crap out of his twin brother Tegue because he needed it IMO. So my favorite scene I would have to say is when Tegue and Sera finally come face to face after 5 years. Great scene that made me chuckle. Sera was a very big plus. I really like a strong independent heroine. She knew how to take care of herself and protect the ones she loves without her leading man. Though I do like them better together I’m glad she can stand on her own without him. There were a few things going on that were not explained all that well. The main one was the books about the cloaking devices Sera collecting and trying to find. So I will be looking forward to reading the next book. This series has a lot going for it and I can't wait to see where it will lead.
ARC courtesy of Victory Editing via NetGalley
September 21, 2013
*Copy kindly given by the author in exchange of a review, thank you!*
So, let me start by saying that I love a good romance with shifters so I wasn't surprised when I found myself liking this book! It was a little too short at the end because I wanted to know more about Sera and Levian's story .
About Sera and Levian, they're bestfriends since they're kids (I think?) and also true mates. But the thing is, Sera ran away five years ago without telling anyone where she went, why or even if she was okay. Levian will do everything to have her back at his side, no matter what. Time has changed her and they're going to be surprised, just like you will (maybe). I admire her strenght and Levian is swoon worthy! Their encounters are hot and primal but also sweet. So enjoy! ;)
It was a really enjoyable story and I hope to find out more about them and also about Uriel!
So, let me start by saying that I love a good romance with shifters so I wasn't surprised when I found myself liking this book! It was a little too short at the end because I wanted to know more about Sera and Levian's story .
About Sera and Levian, they're bestfriends since they're kids (I think?) and also true mates. But the thing is, Sera ran away five years ago without telling anyone where she went, why or even if she was okay. Levian will do everything to have her back at his side, no matter what. Time has changed her and they're going to be surprised, just like you will (maybe). I admire her strenght and Levian is swoon worthy! Their encounters are hot and primal but also sweet. So enjoy! ;)
It was a really enjoyable story and I hope to find out more about them and also about Uriel!
October 30, 2013
OH MY What a wonderous read!! This world is so intricate and all of the characters personalities jump off the pages Levian is brooding and dreamy. He will do what it takes to find his mate and once he does he will make sure she will never leave him again. This was a great entertaining read! Shifters, Humans, Viruses, New World oh MY!
The growth and the journey Sera had to take wasn’t easy but the best things usually aren’t. This was a quick glimpse into a new fab world. I am so curious about these journals... OMG can Ms Robert write a steamy scene!! Holy moly can you say HAWT! These twin brothers will steal your heart. Sera takes a bit of it too.
My Rating
4.25 Panther, Roar, Fighter, Wolf, Journals, Father, True Mate, Tien, Ship, Reunion, Family, Soul Mate filled stars.
August 6, 2013
Holy cow guys! This book was amazing. I had read many and all books of Cecilia and let me tell you, this book STOMPS all of them. This book is by far my fav of the series.
For a short story, ~40k words, this book captures the emotions of Sera & Levian beautifully, the occasional flutter in your tummy when Levian gets alpha-male is swoony, and of course some action (to satisfy my action needs).
I highly recommend everyone to read! Especially since you don't see this genre and this combination: NA+Paranormal+steampunk!
For a short story, ~40k words, this book captures the emotions of Sera & Levian beautifully, the occasional flutter in your tummy when Levian gets alpha-male is swoony, and of course some action (to satisfy my action needs).
I highly recommend everyone to read! Especially since you don't see this genre and this combination: NA+Paranormal+steampunk!
January 13, 2014
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
Homecoming is a short story/novella in the Cloaked Devices series and is a Steampunk, Paranormal Romance written by Cecilia Robert. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through AToMR Tours .
3.5 Fantastical, Sexy Stars!
A Good Setup For Things To Come!
The Review:
This short story of about 130 pages is a fantastic lead in to what I'm sure will be a thrilling, provocative and successful series. I loved Homecoming and the world it sets up for the reader as well as the wonderful characters we get to know.
Story...
Seventy-five years ago, at the beginning of World War II, human scientists developed a bacteria that accidentally left Earth a wasteland and annihilated the human race, leaving the once hidden shifter population mankind's only hope with their supernatural blood. But humans experienced an unexpected consequence of mingling human and shifter blood, leaving humans to develop supernatural powers of their own as a result. Having to abandon Earth through a portal to a new world, the shifters welcomed what remained of the rare and gifted humans, coexisting together on Anndesia, their new home.
Anndesia seems to be a distinctive place mixed between old world fantasy and steam technology. There’s a bit of magic as humans have the power to manipulate elements and there are various races of shifters, ranging from panther, wolf, tiger, etc. I loved the combination, making this a creative and fascinating place to read about.
Characters...
Levian, beta of the Rhine Panther Clan, is a panther shifter searching for the other half of his soul, his missing mate Sera, who ran away the night of their mating. For five long years, he’s had detectives scouring the world for her but with each passing day, he becomes more distraught and less in control of his panther side. After getting word Sera might have been discovered and she’s been hunting down journals that may lead to disaster, Levian sets out with his charming twin brother and Sera’s Alpha father’s floating ship to bring her home.
Sera left her adored home the night of her mating with the shifter she loved because she was hiding a secret that would destroy him and her family. Living without her clan for that past five years, Sera had to learn a new way of life and learn the hard way how to take care of herself on the dangerous city streets all the while trying to stay low profile so her mate never finds her or the secrets she’s hiding.
I loved Levian’s character. He was brooding, dark and dangerous and a totally yummy character. He steamed up the pages with his domineering ways but when it came to Sera, he was gentle and kind and tried to control his animal side to give her the understanding and love she needs. Sera and Levian were hot together and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book.
Teague, Levian’s twin brother is this self absorbed charmer who loves attention. I wanted to strangle him more than once but you can’t help but smile at his unique ability to get what he wants with just a smile. I’m interested to see if he changes after this short story.
Wishlist...
I really wanted more information about the journals and their significance. I read in the blurb of the next book in the series, titled Rise, that we will learn what the “Cloaked Devices” journals are used for. That was my biggest complaint in this short story. This book was a set up for what will come and we know that Sera is collecting these journals and her father is desperate to get them as quickly as possible and we get an inkling they could be used to destroy the world but we don't really know how or why.
The only other thing I would have loved to have seen was more world building. Anndesia seems to be a culturally rich place but I’d love to learn how and why the shifters all came to be there originally and how/why they were on Earth.
The Wrap Up:
Overall, this was a great start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Rise and continuing Levian and Sera journey with the population of Anndesia in their next big adventure.
Homecoming is a short story/novella in the Cloaked Devices series and is a Steampunk, Paranormal Romance written by Cecilia Robert. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through AToMR Tours .
3.5 Fantastical, Sexy Stars!
A Good Setup For Things To Come!
The Review:
This short story of about 130 pages is a fantastic lead in to what I'm sure will be a thrilling, provocative and successful series. I loved Homecoming and the world it sets up for the reader as well as the wonderful characters we get to know.
Story...
Seventy-five years ago, at the beginning of World War II, human scientists developed a bacteria that accidentally left Earth a wasteland and annihilated the human race, leaving the once hidden shifter population mankind's only hope with their supernatural blood. But humans experienced an unexpected consequence of mingling human and shifter blood, leaving humans to develop supernatural powers of their own as a result. Having to abandon Earth through a portal to a new world, the shifters welcomed what remained of the rare and gifted humans, coexisting together on Anndesia, their new home.
Anndesia seems to be a distinctive place mixed between old world fantasy and steam technology. There’s a bit of magic as humans have the power to manipulate elements and there are various races of shifters, ranging from panther, wolf, tiger, etc. I loved the combination, making this a creative and fascinating place to read about.
Characters...
Levian, beta of the Rhine Panther Clan, is a panther shifter searching for the other half of his soul, his missing mate Sera, who ran away the night of their mating. For five long years, he’s had detectives scouring the world for her but with each passing day, he becomes more distraught and less in control of his panther side. After getting word Sera might have been discovered and she’s been hunting down journals that may lead to disaster, Levian sets out with his charming twin brother and Sera’s Alpha father’s floating ship to bring her home.
Sera left her adored home the night of her mating with the shifter she loved because she was hiding a secret that would destroy him and her family. Living without her clan for that past five years, Sera had to learn a new way of life and learn the hard way how to take care of herself on the dangerous city streets all the while trying to stay low profile so her mate never finds her or the secrets she’s hiding.
I loved Levian’s character. He was brooding, dark and dangerous and a totally yummy character. He steamed up the pages with his domineering ways but when it came to Sera, he was gentle and kind and tried to control his animal side to give her the understanding and love she needs. Sera and Levian were hot together and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book.
Teague, Levian’s twin brother is this self absorbed charmer who loves attention. I wanted to strangle him more than once but you can’t help but smile at his unique ability to get what he wants with just a smile. I’m interested to see if he changes after this short story.
Wishlist...
I really wanted more information about the journals and their significance. I read in the blurb of the next book in the series, titled Rise, that we will learn what the “Cloaked Devices” journals are used for. That was my biggest complaint in this short story. This book was a set up for what will come and we know that Sera is collecting these journals and her father is desperate to get them as quickly as possible and we get an inkling they could be used to destroy the world but we don't really know how or why.
The only other thing I would have loved to have seen was more world building. Anndesia seems to be a culturally rich place but I’d love to learn how and why the shifters all came to be there originally and how/why they were on Earth.
The Wrap Up:
Overall, this was a great start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Rise and continuing Levian and Sera journey with the population of Anndesia in their next big adventure.
January 6, 2014
this...was...fucking...amazing. seriously. holy shit. I am ....speechless.
"Melt My Heart To Stone" by Adele, "My Life" by Abney Park (this is actually a steampunk band - its really cool <3),
First thoughts: This was so cool, it introduced the world that took a different turn after the end of World War II so now we are living on a new planet, humans aren't ...human...anymore ;) shifters rule, and ...STEAMPUNK now if you don't know what steampunk is it is just plain awesome-ness. I loved this book. i LOVED IT I LOVED IT I LOVED IT. <3
Thoughts on Plot: Okay so there is so much to say! First off as i mentioned before this was super awesome, it was a whole new world, a whole new idea - we aren't even on Earth anymore, but its isn't quite scifi, and it isn't quite fantasy, and it isn't quite steampunk and it isn't quite paranormal its.... Scitasy steamparanormal :D hehehehe a new thing of all its own. Now I know some about Steampunk - I know the ideas behind it but the closest thing that I have ever read to another steampunk novel has been Dearly Departed by Lia Habel - really good book by the way - but this wasn't QUITE immerse in steampunk i think, but it had hints of it, and it was really cool. While this FOR ME wasn't quite the build up to this entire series I loved it. It did introduce, and was somewhat a part of the book what i am (not a huge leap here) this series is going to be about. Honestly I thought this was a great introduction to the world, while also giving the reader a steamy, sexy as hell, tension is so high you think you might burst, story. I LOVED IT. I loved the relationship between Lev and Sera. <3 I loved all the secrets that were waiting to be unfolded. I didn't even try to guess because I was so into the book, so into the right here, right now moment I could care less. I swear this book was like holy god amazing. I loved it seriously i cannot get over this! hahaha alright sorry, so i really felt this was the end of the story for Lev and Sera but I am excited to get to know this world better. Oh yes i am :D this .... AHHHHHHHHHHH SO FUCKING AWESOME! Sorry i am going to get a hold of myself sooner or later. So in other words, read this.
Characters:
Lev: why start with the guy? I never start with the guy...here is why....now be prepared to just being BLOWN AWAY, okay you ready? ..... come a little closer... alright...the book....starts out in his POV O.O shocked? Me too! I don't run into this often but i realized when we finally did move over to Sera's POV i was more comfortable in Lev's and to be honest... this book felt nicely split between them on whose story it was, but for me it will always just be Lev's just a little more. I wanted to give him the world, and more. Seriously he can take me away any day...holy shit, he is fighting for top spot on book-boyfriend right now. it's quite a battle to be honest. this man... holy shit this man says things that made me want to swoon, drool, then jump him. usually in that order sometimes i would just jump to jumping him ;) hehehe, anyways he was awesome. And it wasn't that he just had pretty words, he had actions, he had so much substance to him....AHHH LOVED HIM SO BERRY MUCH!
Sera: She was interesting everyone was telling me before i meet her that she was this peace-loving, non-violent panther shifter who should have been becoming Alpha someday...the picture didn't quite fit the aggressive, kick-ass, protective woman we meet. she really is badass and is doing fine taking care of herself, but she does have those moments she is just a woman who is in love with a man - and i mean we all need a little softness right ;) anyways she was fantastic really :)
Tegue: was a little smartass who i wanted to beat up half the time, i don't have much patience for womanizing men but since he is twin to Lev I might let it go... we shall see.
Uriel: i wantz. He isn't mated....can I have him? Please? He was trying to be the funny one, the supportive best friend who is kickass as well, I want him. thank you.
So for more becca-ness please feel free to check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
"Melt My Heart To Stone" by Adele, "My Life" by Abney Park (this is actually a steampunk band - its really cool <3),
First thoughts: This was so cool, it introduced the world that took a different turn after the end of World War II so now we are living on a new planet, humans aren't ...human...anymore ;) shifters rule, and ...STEAMPUNK now if you don't know what steampunk is it is just plain awesome-ness. I loved this book. i LOVED IT I LOVED IT I LOVED IT. <3
Thoughts on Plot: Okay so there is so much to say! First off as i mentioned before this was super awesome, it was a whole new world, a whole new idea - we aren't even on Earth anymore, but its isn't quite scifi, and it isn't quite fantasy, and it isn't quite steampunk and it isn't quite paranormal its.... Scitasy steamparanormal :D hehehehe a new thing of all its own. Now I know some about Steampunk - I know the ideas behind it but the closest thing that I have ever read to another steampunk novel has been Dearly Departed by Lia Habel - really good book by the way - but this wasn't QUITE immerse in steampunk i think, but it had hints of it, and it was really cool. While this FOR ME wasn't quite the build up to this entire series I loved it. It did introduce, and was somewhat a part of the book what i am (not a huge leap here) this series is going to be about. Honestly I thought this was a great introduction to the world, while also giving the reader a steamy, sexy as hell, tension is so high you think you might burst, story. I LOVED IT. I loved the relationship between Lev and Sera. <3 I loved all the secrets that were waiting to be unfolded. I didn't even try to guess because I was so into the book, so into the right here, right now moment I could care less. I swear this book was like holy god amazing. I loved it seriously i cannot get over this! hahaha alright sorry, so i really felt this was the end of the story for Lev and Sera but I am excited to get to know this world better. Oh yes i am :D this .... AHHHHHHHHHHH SO FUCKING AWESOME! Sorry i am going to get a hold of myself sooner or later. So in other words, read this.
Characters:
Lev: why start with the guy? I never start with the guy...here is why....now be prepared to just being BLOWN AWAY, okay you ready? ..... come a little closer... alright...the book....starts out in his POV O.O shocked? Me too! I don't run into this often but i realized when we finally did move over to Sera's POV i was more comfortable in Lev's and to be honest... this book felt nicely split between them on whose story it was, but for me it will always just be Lev's just a little more. I wanted to give him the world, and more. Seriously he can take me away any day...holy shit, he is fighting for top spot on book-boyfriend right now. it's quite a battle to be honest. this man... holy shit this man says things that made me want to swoon, drool, then jump him. usually in that order sometimes i would just jump to jumping him ;) hehehe, anyways he was awesome. And it wasn't that he just had pretty words, he had actions, he had so much substance to him....AHHH LOVED HIM SO BERRY MUCH!
Sera: She was interesting everyone was telling me before i meet her that she was this peace-loving, non-violent panther shifter who should have been becoming Alpha someday...the picture didn't quite fit the aggressive, kick-ass, protective woman we meet. she really is badass and is doing fine taking care of herself, but she does have those moments she is just a woman who is in love with a man - and i mean we all need a little softness right ;) anyways she was fantastic really :)
Tegue: was a little smartass who i wanted to beat up half the time, i don't have much patience for womanizing men but since he is twin to Lev I might let it go... we shall see.
Uriel: i wantz. He isn't mated....can I have him? Please? He was trying to be the funny one, the supportive best friend who is kickass as well, I want him. thank you.
So for more becca-ness please feel free to check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
November 4, 2013
I saw the gorgeous cover and the intriguing blurb and just had to give it a try. It was an interesting blend of several genres- paranormal, sci-fi, steampunk and romance. The age level was New Adult which I haven't read many just yet.
The story opens with Levian Grayson finally getting a solid lead from the detectives he hired to discover the whereabouts of his missing mate, Sera Czedar. Sera accepted him in a mating ceremony and then she disappeared with no explanation five years ago. It left him feeling betrayed and heartbroken, but he still wants her back because he felt like half his soul is missing. Sera is his alpha's daughter and he and his twin brother grew up with her all of them best friends. His brother, Tegue, the flirtatious light-hearted brother was Sera's crush, but it was Levian, the steadfast and deeper of the twins, that she agreed to mate only she left him. Now, the alpha is sending him, his brother and a friend to bring her home no matter what.
Sera has been living in the wild and open clanless city of Varselles that is located outside the clans where she works at the University and runs a bookstore. She has also made a name for herself as a Ring Fighter. She lives her life day to day and tries to ignore when memories of her past and longings for home take her. She can never go home and knows she betrayed her family and the male who loved her, but some things just can't be forgiven or fixed. She has hopes of making some restitution by collecting some journals that would appeal to her scientific father. She has three of the Cloaked Devices and is just waiting on the fourth that she hopes to get so she can send them along as an 'I'm sorry' gift. Only her past has finally caught up with her when she looks up to see Levian in her doorway.
This was touted to be a prequel to a series, but it didn't feel like most prequels. Yes, it introduced the players and some of the back drop and yes, there was a loose thread, but it didn't feel like it was a set-up story for something else. Actually, I could have used more of the world building because I love that part of stories, but I'm hoping once the series gets going with a full length novel that I'll get all that. The mystery of what the Cloaked Devices is and why the alpha was scared about them has me so intrigued because that was the piece that was left hanging.
Most of the story focused on Levian and Sera and Levian's twin Tegue. It was obvious that Sera loved Levian and she had once been infatuated with Tegue, but she suddenly ran. She had this big reason that the whole story builds to and then it is sprung and I was left with the whole 'wow, didn't see that coming'. I speculated through the whole thing as to what would make her run like that. It was such a build up that I was relieved to discover that for a girl of eighteen, it was a legit reason to ditch everyone and hurt them. She felt cornered by her own mistakes and did what she thought was right at the time. I liked how once her secret was out, things progressed realistically for her and Levian. They never had the chance of a relationship before so in essence this is the beginning and they only have one hot and heavy reunion scene. She hurt him terribly and it was natural that he had to deal with that even while he still loved her. It's five years later and they have both grown up into stronger, more confident people to whom they are both even more drawn in with attraction and must get to know all over again in certain ways. In the end, it was the story of the Prodigal Daughter and Mate getting a chance to come home.
The Sci-Fi element of this being an alien world of shifter clans with enhanced humans was an interesting twist and the few mentions of their steampunk technology was a fun addition. I hope to see more of this side of things as the series continues.
So if you're looking for something a little different and creative in the New Adult Romance genre then look no further. Give this one a try.
My thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book.
The story opens with Levian Grayson finally getting a solid lead from the detectives he hired to discover the whereabouts of his missing mate, Sera Czedar. Sera accepted him in a mating ceremony and then she disappeared with no explanation five years ago. It left him feeling betrayed and heartbroken, but he still wants her back because he felt like half his soul is missing. Sera is his alpha's daughter and he and his twin brother grew up with her all of them best friends. His brother, Tegue, the flirtatious light-hearted brother was Sera's crush, but it was Levian, the steadfast and deeper of the twins, that she agreed to mate only she left him. Now, the alpha is sending him, his brother and a friend to bring her home no matter what.
Sera has been living in the wild and open clanless city of Varselles that is located outside the clans where she works at the University and runs a bookstore. She has also made a name for herself as a Ring Fighter. She lives her life day to day and tries to ignore when memories of her past and longings for home take her. She can never go home and knows she betrayed her family and the male who loved her, but some things just can't be forgiven or fixed. She has hopes of making some restitution by collecting some journals that would appeal to her scientific father. She has three of the Cloaked Devices and is just waiting on the fourth that she hopes to get so she can send them along as an 'I'm sorry' gift. Only her past has finally caught up with her when she looks up to see Levian in her doorway.
This was touted to be a prequel to a series, but it didn't feel like most prequels. Yes, it introduced the players and some of the back drop and yes, there was a loose thread, but it didn't feel like it was a set-up story for something else. Actually, I could have used more of the world building because I love that part of stories, but I'm hoping once the series gets going with a full length novel that I'll get all that. The mystery of what the Cloaked Devices is and why the alpha was scared about them has me so intrigued because that was the piece that was left hanging.
Most of the story focused on Levian and Sera and Levian's twin Tegue. It was obvious that Sera loved Levian and she had once been infatuated with Tegue, but she suddenly ran. She had this big reason that the whole story builds to and then it is sprung and I was left with the whole 'wow, didn't see that coming'. I speculated through the whole thing as to what would make her run like that. It was such a build up that I was relieved to discover that for a girl of eighteen, it was a legit reason to ditch everyone and hurt them. She felt cornered by her own mistakes and did what she thought was right at the time. I liked how once her secret was out, things progressed realistically for her and Levian. They never had the chance of a relationship before so in essence this is the beginning and they only have one hot and heavy reunion scene. She hurt him terribly and it was natural that he had to deal with that even while he still loved her. It's five years later and they have both grown up into stronger, more confident people to whom they are both even more drawn in with attraction and must get to know all over again in certain ways. In the end, it was the story of the Prodigal Daughter and Mate getting a chance to come home.
The Sci-Fi element of this being an alien world of shifter clans with enhanced humans was an interesting twist and the few mentions of their steampunk technology was a fun addition. I hope to see more of this side of things as the series continues.
So if you're looking for something a little different and creative in the New Adult Romance genre then look no further. Give this one a try.
My thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book.
August 26, 2016
Cecilia Robert is one of my favorite young authors. Reading her books is a treat and she can paint vivid images with her beautiful prose like nobody's business. I went into reading this book with much anticipation and although I struggled with parts of it, I think this is going to be a wonderful series.
Off the bat, I can honestly say that I was blown away by the world building. I don't think any aspect of this world had been overlooked. It's vibrant, gritty, imaginative, and most importantly, convincing. I really feel as though this world could exist somewhere. I also enjoyed the anthropomorphic traits of the characters. I think the way their animalistic features shaped their behavior was one of the best aspects of the book. The mix of steampunk and magic was also a nice touch.
The concept of the main character Sera looking for a mythical collection of books called Cloaked Devices (along with the beautiful cover art) is what drew me to this book. Unfortunately, and to my great disappointment, it hardly factored into this story. I understand the approach the author took and how the focus was on the mystery of why Sera had left her kingdom. In fact, that was one of the most intriguing aspects of this story. It kept me turning pages and the eventual revelation of what caused Sera to leave all her family and friends behind really had me devouring that portion of the story.
However, even though this is an introductory tale, it left me wishing it had done more. The pacing really hurts the story. Perhaps, it's a stylistic issue, but I generally don't like stories that don't move. I like romance and was interested in the love triangle that developed in this novella. But there was far too much repetition of the same points over and over again. It made it very difficult for me to keep interest when Sera and Levian would go through the same emotional back and forth every other paragraph. The sexual tension is ever present and doesn't need to be relitigated so many times in so few pages.
That's what slowed my reading. Having to read how much the characters were aching for each other for quite literally every single page of the book started to wear me down. The first few dozen or so times was compelling. But after that, it lost its effectiveness and I began to lose interest.
Again, it wasn't the romance that was the problem. For example, there's one particular sexual moment toward the beginning of the book that absolutely sizzled. But having to endure the plot stopping for several pages at a time so the characters could indulge, over and over again, with the exact same romantic introspection (sometimes within the very same scene) became tedious to the point of distraction. Sometimes, less really is more. I think this book has a lot of potential, but a more careful and light-handed approach to the romantic exposition would have made the story more exciting and given it more energy.
Overall, this is a good story that had the potential to be great. If you crave a story with nonstop romantic tension, then this is definitely the book for you. I'm anxious to learn more about the Cloaked Devices. So count me in for the sequel.
3.7 stars for a superbly written, but short on pacing novella.
Off the bat, I can honestly say that I was blown away by the world building. I don't think any aspect of this world had been overlooked. It's vibrant, gritty, imaginative, and most importantly, convincing. I really feel as though this world could exist somewhere. I also enjoyed the anthropomorphic traits of the characters. I think the way their animalistic features shaped their behavior was one of the best aspects of the book. The mix of steampunk and magic was also a nice touch.
The concept of the main character Sera looking for a mythical collection of books called Cloaked Devices (along with the beautiful cover art) is what drew me to this book. Unfortunately, and to my great disappointment, it hardly factored into this story. I understand the approach the author took and how the focus was on the mystery of why Sera had left her kingdom. In fact, that was one of the most intriguing aspects of this story. It kept me turning pages and the eventual revelation of what caused Sera to leave all her family and friends behind really had me devouring that portion of the story.
However, even though this is an introductory tale, it left me wishing it had done more. The pacing really hurts the story. Perhaps, it's a stylistic issue, but I generally don't like stories that don't move. I like romance and was interested in the love triangle that developed in this novella. But there was far too much repetition of the same points over and over again. It made it very difficult for me to keep interest when Sera and Levian would go through the same emotional back and forth every other paragraph. The sexual tension is ever present and doesn't need to be relitigated so many times in so few pages.
That's what slowed my reading. Having to read how much the characters were aching for each other for quite literally every single page of the book started to wear me down. The first few dozen or so times was compelling. But after that, it lost its effectiveness and I began to lose interest.
Again, it wasn't the romance that was the problem. For example, there's one particular sexual moment toward the beginning of the book that absolutely sizzled. But having to endure the plot stopping for several pages at a time so the characters could indulge, over and over again, with the exact same romantic introspection (sometimes within the very same scene) became tedious to the point of distraction. Sometimes, less really is more. I think this book has a lot of potential, but a more careful and light-handed approach to the romantic exposition would have made the story more exciting and given it more energy.
Overall, this is a good story that had the potential to be great. If you crave a story with nonstop romantic tension, then this is definitely the book for you. I'm anxious to learn more about the Cloaked Devices. So count me in for the sequel.
3.7 stars for a superbly written, but short on pacing novella.
October 8, 2013
ARC was kindly provided by the author for a honest review.
You had me at shifters and steampunk.
Home coming is a novella introducing Cecilia Robert's new series Cloaked Devices. It is a thrilling and sexy start to a new series of shape shifters combined with steam punk. Which if you ask me is a brilliant combination.
In Homecoming we meet Levian and Sera, they are true mates. After Sera leaves Levian on the day of the mating ceremony for reasons unknown to everyone but Sera, Levian is left in distraught at the loss of his mate. Flash forward five years and our handsome shifter has finally got a lead on his mate, but the woman he finds is not the 'chicken hugging girl' he remembers. Otherwise know to the citizens of Vanezia, a city formed for the shifter outcasts of the seven kingdoms as The Storm Sera is a strong woman capable of bringing shifters twice her size to their knees. But that's the first shock as many as Sera is a contender in the rings, underground fights between shifters for money. Safe to say Sera is a bad ass!
We find out the reason for Sera's surprise departure from her mate and family and honestly, it wasn't what i was expecting. I only figured it out a page or so before we found out the reason. Whats the reason? Why did she leave? you may ask well you will have to read the book for you will find no spoilers here! ;)
Homecoming is a brilliant introduction to the world Cecilia Robert's has created, though the Cloaked Devices are not explained in this novella and are not the main focus of this story i am very interested to see where this story will lead us and to see more of the world that has been created. From the mutated humans, to the shifters and the Cloaked Devies, the plot for the series is not really explained within this novella and i think is more a introduction to the fascinating world and the necessary character intros that have been created here.
I struggled on what to rate this novella and settled on a 3.75 stars, as i was left with a lot of questions and didn't fully understand where the story was leading us. But this was a brilliant introduction and i will be very interested to see where this series goes, this was my first reading of Robert's work but it will not be my last. I intend to stick with this series and recommend to all who love shifters, steampunk, badass females and sexy as hell alpha males.
"Above all Lev, I am sorry for breaking your heart. Soul mates aren't supposed to break their partners heart. The should be the ones holding it, guarding it against the world. They should do the opposite of what i did."
You had me at shifters and steampunk.
Home coming is a novella introducing Cecilia Robert's new series Cloaked Devices. It is a thrilling and sexy start to a new series of shape shifters combined with steam punk. Which if you ask me is a brilliant combination.
In Homecoming we meet Levian and Sera, they are true mates. After Sera leaves Levian on the day of the mating ceremony for reasons unknown to everyone but Sera, Levian is left in distraught at the loss of his mate. Flash forward five years and our handsome shifter has finally got a lead on his mate, but the woman he finds is not the 'chicken hugging girl' he remembers. Otherwise know to the citizens of Vanezia, a city formed for the shifter outcasts of the seven kingdoms as The Storm Sera is a strong woman capable of bringing shifters twice her size to their knees. But that's the first shock as many as Sera is a contender in the rings, underground fights between shifters for money. Safe to say Sera is a bad ass!
We find out the reason for Sera's surprise departure from her mate and family and honestly, it wasn't what i was expecting. I only figured it out a page or so before we found out the reason. Whats the reason? Why did she leave? you may ask well you will have to read the book for you will find no spoilers here! ;)
Homecoming is a brilliant introduction to the world Cecilia Robert's has created, though the Cloaked Devices are not explained in this novella and are not the main focus of this story i am very interested to see where this story will lead us and to see more of the world that has been created. From the mutated humans, to the shifters and the Cloaked Devies, the plot for the series is not really explained within this novella and i think is more a introduction to the fascinating world and the necessary character intros that have been created here.
I struggled on what to rate this novella and settled on a 3.75 stars, as i was left with a lot of questions and didn't fully understand where the story was leading us. But this was a brilliant introduction and i will be very interested to see where this series goes, this was my first reading of Robert's work but it will not be my last. I intend to stick with this series and recommend to all who love shifters, steampunk, badass females and sexy as hell alpha males.
"Above all Lev, I am sorry for breaking your heart. Soul mates aren't supposed to break their partners heart. The should be the ones holding it, guarding it against the world. They should do the opposite of what i did."
July 10, 2014
*Taken from madamewriterofwrongs.blogspot.com. And Advanced Reader Copy. Contains minor spoilers*
First of all the cover is GORGEOUS. Feel free to judge the book by its cover. In all honesty I’ve never read anything by Ms. Robert despite owning a few of her other books and I guarantee I will be reading more. Her characters are so much fun. Incredibly strong women (Sera is just….unf), and deliciously flawed men (Levian. No words.); they’re absolutely irresistible. Her narration and description are like their own characters – so entertaining and engaging. Yup, I’m in love.
The story itself is so simple and so sweet and the premise is classic but not something I’ve specifically seen before. Really I’m just going to keep gushing so while I do that, why not look at my Random Notes While Reading:
· The cure, the shifters; they all sound so cool…in a horrible, tragic way
· Panther!
· I love how flawed and seemingly delicious Levian is
· Geez, Sevic, get a hold of yourself. He won’t bite. This time.
· Ah fighting. Like love. They’re universal.
· “Slippery. Little. Woman?” Boy, you best check yourself
· Okay good. Glad I wasn’t the only one to find The Storm arousing
· Yum. Shameless men
· So….everyone wants Sera?
· Hee hee: polished his “roar”
· Thank you for explaining in textbook format (foreign word gets a direct explanation).
· Just a few sentences and I already think Sera is kickass
· Gives a new meaning to “grab the bull by the horns” lol
· Varselless sounds so enticing as a city. Gritty and dark with its own laws. LOVE IT!
· Is it horrible if I say I find Aniek attractive? ‘Cause I do. I really do.
· Aww, Sera, you’re so sickeningly sweet
· Teague, you’re a dick (ha!)
· Sera just keeps getting better
· I didn’t think Levian could get hotter until Sera described him
· Cecilia has that animal/primal nature down. Phew!
· Oh Sera, I have a few ideas about what you can do with Levian
· I can’t read this book in public. I’d melt. Unf.
· I don’t know how I feel about “ribbon of pleasure” – it’s certainly new
· “Let yourself go” is sadly an overused phrase when it comes to orgasms
· Trust us, you don’t need to be so possessive, guys
· Keep it up
· When your girlfriend is that hot, you have to be a little more progressive with your
thinking
· Called it; I think it’s so fitting
· Aww Teague you get to be a little less of a dick in my book
· I love the character development between when they were 18 and when they were 23. It’s tangible and believable. And hot.
· Aww so cute
· Yay! Happy Ending
There were more notes but they were mostly just “aww”s and “unf”s so I decided to spare you.
In conclusion: I love Cecilia’s writing style, her plots are engaging and I’m in love with her characters. Read it the moment it’s released. You won’t regret it.
First of all the cover is GORGEOUS. Feel free to judge the book by its cover. In all honesty I’ve never read anything by Ms. Robert despite owning a few of her other books and I guarantee I will be reading more. Her characters are so much fun. Incredibly strong women (Sera is just….unf), and deliciously flawed men (Levian. No words.); they’re absolutely irresistible. Her narration and description are like their own characters – so entertaining and engaging. Yup, I’m in love.
The story itself is so simple and so sweet and the premise is classic but not something I’ve specifically seen before. Really I’m just going to keep gushing so while I do that, why not look at my Random Notes While Reading:
· The cure, the shifters; they all sound so cool…in a horrible, tragic way
· Panther!
· I love how flawed and seemingly delicious Levian is
· Geez, Sevic, get a hold of yourself. He won’t bite. This time.
· Ah fighting. Like love. They’re universal.
· “Slippery. Little. Woman?” Boy, you best check yourself
· Okay good. Glad I wasn’t the only one to find The Storm arousing
· Yum. Shameless men
· So….everyone wants Sera?
· Hee hee: polished his “roar”
· Thank you for explaining in textbook format (foreign word gets a direct explanation).
· Just a few sentences and I already think Sera is kickass
· Gives a new meaning to “grab the bull by the horns” lol
· Varselless sounds so enticing as a city. Gritty and dark with its own laws. LOVE IT!
· Is it horrible if I say I find Aniek attractive? ‘Cause I do. I really do.
· Aww, Sera, you’re so sickeningly sweet
· Teague, you’re a dick (ha!)
· Sera just keeps getting better
· I didn’t think Levian could get hotter until Sera described him
· Cecilia has that animal/primal nature down. Phew!
· Oh Sera, I have a few ideas about what you can do with Levian
· I can’t read this book in public. I’d melt. Unf.
· I don’t know how I feel about “ribbon of pleasure” – it’s certainly new
· “Let yourself go” is sadly an overused phrase when it comes to orgasms
· Trust us, you don’t need to be so possessive, guys
· Keep it up
· When your girlfriend is that hot, you have to be a little more progressive with your
thinking
· Called it; I think it’s so fitting
· Aww Teague you get to be a little less of a dick in my book
· I love the character development between when they were 18 and when they were 23. It’s tangible and believable. And hot.
· Aww so cute
· Yay! Happy Ending
There were more notes but they were mostly just “aww”s and “unf”s so I decided to spare you.
In conclusion: I love Cecilia’s writing style, her plots are engaging and I’m in love with her characters. Read it the moment it’s released. You won’t regret it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2014
I like big cats and I cannot lie . . .yep, I went there. Now down to business . . . .
Homecoming is a short and sweet introduction to the Cloaked Devices series by Cecilia Robert and I have to say, I quite enjoyed this steampunk read. Levian has lost his mate and for the last five years has spent a considerable amount of time and effort searching for her. Sera is the missing half of his soul and with no explanation she simply vanished before they could complete the mating ceremony. This makes for a very, very cranky shape-shifting panther. GGGGRRR . . . . .
At just seventeen years old, Sera saw her whole life flash before her eyes in one horrifying moment when the wrong man (or is he?) stood up to claim her during the union ceremony. Hugely embarrassed and harboring a secret sure to bring shame on her family, Sera runs before the mating ceremony is complete and her life begins even more of a disaster than it already is. Since that time, Sera has managed to keep herself hidden and make a very successful life for herself as a professor and book shop owner in Varselles – the City of Outcasts. Oh, and she has managed to collect yet another big secret.
And then one day, Levian gets word of a Sera sighting and he is off to finally claim his mate. After gathering his best-friend Uriel and his twin brother and complete man-whore, Tegue the group is off to Varselles to collect one mate. Though he expects a fight, Levian is shocked to find that Sera is not only willing to come home with him but to also complete the mating ceremony. But, before that can happen, Sera has to collect a few final items that must go home with her. One of those items might just be a final volume of a set of books that when used in the right way can pretty much the end the world as everyone knows it. Yikes!!!
The Bottom Line: I am a pretty big fan of strong characters and Sera, Levian and, Tegue all fit the bill for me. In the years since her escape, Sera has really matured and become quite the tough girl – she knows her mind and how to assert herself. Levian is one driven man and his desire and determination are significant plusses – it doesn’t hurt that his panther growls when he gets angry or excited. And then, there is Tegue, the one character I really didn’t want to like but damn it all to Hell, I had to change my mind. Add to the strong characters, the world-ending books and the wonderful descriptions of a steampunk world and you have a recipe for awesome. I have to say, I think I may just have changed my mind about the whole steampunk genre. Well done Cecilia Robert, well done!
Homecoming is a short and sweet introduction to the Cloaked Devices series by Cecilia Robert and I have to say, I quite enjoyed this steampunk read. Levian has lost his mate and for the last five years has spent a considerable amount of time and effort searching for her. Sera is the missing half of his soul and with no explanation she simply vanished before they could complete the mating ceremony. This makes for a very, very cranky shape-shifting panther. GGGGRRR . . . . .
At just seventeen years old, Sera saw her whole life flash before her eyes in one horrifying moment when the wrong man (or is he?) stood up to claim her during the union ceremony. Hugely embarrassed and harboring a secret sure to bring shame on her family, Sera runs before the mating ceremony is complete and her life begins even more of a disaster than it already is. Since that time, Sera has managed to keep herself hidden and make a very successful life for herself as a professor and book shop owner in Varselles – the City of Outcasts. Oh, and she has managed to collect yet another big secret.
And then one day, Levian gets word of a Sera sighting and he is off to finally claim his mate. After gathering his best-friend Uriel and his twin brother and complete man-whore, Tegue the group is off to Varselles to collect one mate. Though he expects a fight, Levian is shocked to find that Sera is not only willing to come home with him but to also complete the mating ceremony. But, before that can happen, Sera has to collect a few final items that must go home with her. One of those items might just be a final volume of a set of books that when used in the right way can pretty much the end the world as everyone knows it. Yikes!!!
The Bottom Line: I am a pretty big fan of strong characters and Sera, Levian and, Tegue all fit the bill for me. In the years since her escape, Sera has really matured and become quite the tough girl – she knows her mind and how to assert herself. Levian is one driven man and his desire and determination are significant plusses – it doesn’t hurt that his panther growls when he gets angry or excited. And then, there is Tegue, the one character I really didn’t want to like but damn it all to Hell, I had to change my mind. Add to the strong characters, the world-ending books and the wonderful descriptions of a steampunk world and you have a recipe for awesome. I have to say, I think I may just have changed my mind about the whole steampunk genre. Well done Cecilia Robert, well done!
October 21, 2013
5 out of 5 Stars
Description ~
Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.
Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling her over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.
Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?
My Review ~
This is the debut novella of a brand new New Adult series by Cecilia Roberts featuring steampunk and sexy shifters! I highly encourage fans of both genres to grab this one up, immediately!
While this is a short (132 pages)story, it showcases some really fantastic world building and characterization. It also told the story in dual POV, of both Levian and Sera. While I'm not always a fan of Dual POV in paranormal books, in this case it really works well.
I loved the interaction with Levian and his brother Tegue, and also his friend Uriel. Oh, and did I mention they're all sexy shifters, or magic workers? The friendship turned into mating/love for Sera and Levian part of the story is absolutely perfect. Sera's secret that we glimpse at the very end of the story...well that's an interesting twist.
I seriously can't say enough about this novella, and can't wait for the full first book of the series to release! ~ Review by Chris
This review is the property of Chris and not to be shared or copied unless by the Publisher or Author or unless credit is given.
Description ~
Five years ago, twenty-three-year-old panther shifter Sera Czedar left her home and her newly mated groom in a humiliating position after a mating ceremony gone wrong. She built a new life for herself in Varselles, the City of Outcasts where shifters exiled from their clans in the Seven Kingdoms can go for sanctuary.
Five years ago, panther shifter Levian Grayson was abandoned on the bonding bed by his bride, Sera. After years of tracking her, he arrives in Varselles, intent on staking his claim on her once and for all, even if it means hauling her over his shoulder just to make sure that happens.
Sera has always known her homecoming would eventually catch up with her one day. The one thing she can’t bear to do is hurt Levian, which will happen as soon as he finds out the reason she left him. Is she ready to take that path? Most of all, will Levian still want her when the truth comes out?
My Review ~
This is the debut novella of a brand new New Adult series by Cecilia Roberts featuring steampunk and sexy shifters! I highly encourage fans of both genres to grab this one up, immediately!
While this is a short (132 pages)story, it showcases some really fantastic world building and characterization. It also told the story in dual POV, of both Levian and Sera. While I'm not always a fan of Dual POV in paranormal books, in this case it really works well.
I loved the interaction with Levian and his brother Tegue, and also his friend Uriel. Oh, and did I mention they're all sexy shifters, or magic workers? The friendship turned into mating/love for Sera and Levian part of the story is absolutely perfect. Sera's secret that we glimpse at the very end of the story...well that's an interesting twist.
I seriously can't say enough about this novella, and can't wait for the full first book of the series to release! ~ Review by Chris
This review is the property of Chris and not to be shared or copied unless by the Publisher or Author or unless credit is given.
October 25, 2013
Homecoming. Cloaked Devices #0.5 Cecilia Robert.
Arc supplied via Netgalley.
I hadn't realised when I requested this that it was Steampunk, and that's a genre I rarely read. I'd thought this was a shifter romance, but it has steampunk elements though barely noticeable and I enjoyed this novel very much.
Levian and his twin are searching for Levian's mate Sera, who left him at the bonding ceremony. They were in love so he doesn't know, and neither does her family, why she left or where she went. They've tracked her down finally, and are travelling to bring her home. The book is really setting the scene for a full series I assume, about these characters and their homeland, plus the city she's been living in. The steampunk element came in via the ship they travelled in – I was puzzled at how a boat could fly, now I see its in steampunk genre and I understand it :) Sera has a secret though – a huge one that could affect whether things change tremendously for her and Levian. She loves him, has always loved him but will he still want her when he learns what it is?
Well, its a great read, short but fun and though much steampunk goes over my head this was very shifter orientated, and I was able to follow and enjoy the story. There are some strong characters here, and I'd like to read more when the full series comes out. Its a quick read at around 40,000 words and the Netgalley price shows $0.99. I can't find out when further books are out nor yet find this on Amazon, so can't give UK price but its release date is 25th October 2013 so maybe soon....
Stars: hmmnn....hard this one – if it was a whole book with a full plot it would be easier to judge, as it is I like the writing style, it flows easily, and the characters – they seem an interesting mix. Sera's bookshop partner wolf shifter sounded intriguing, and I do hope he's in further books. Somehow I don't feel we've seen the last of him, he seems to have more to say yet! So, judgement time...four. A good book, but hard to rate with it being just a prelude and not a full story.
Arc supplied via Netgalley.
I hadn't realised when I requested this that it was Steampunk, and that's a genre I rarely read. I'd thought this was a shifter romance, but it has steampunk elements though barely noticeable and I enjoyed this novel very much.
Levian and his twin are searching for Levian's mate Sera, who left him at the bonding ceremony. They were in love so he doesn't know, and neither does her family, why she left or where she went. They've tracked her down finally, and are travelling to bring her home. The book is really setting the scene for a full series I assume, about these characters and their homeland, plus the city she's been living in. The steampunk element came in via the ship they travelled in – I was puzzled at how a boat could fly, now I see its in steampunk genre and I understand it :) Sera has a secret though – a huge one that could affect whether things change tremendously for her and Levian. She loves him, has always loved him but will he still want her when he learns what it is?
Well, its a great read, short but fun and though much steampunk goes over my head this was very shifter orientated, and I was able to follow and enjoy the story. There are some strong characters here, and I'd like to read more when the full series comes out. Its a quick read at around 40,000 words and the Netgalley price shows $0.99. I can't find out when further books are out nor yet find this on Amazon, so can't give UK price but its release date is 25th October 2013 so maybe soon....
Stars: hmmnn....hard this one – if it was a whole book with a full plot it would be easier to judge, as it is I like the writing style, it flows easily, and the characters – they seem an interesting mix. Sera's bookshop partner wolf shifter sounded intriguing, and I do hope he's in further books. Somehow I don't feel we've seen the last of him, he seems to have more to say yet! So, judgement time...four. A good book, but hard to rate with it being just a prelude and not a full story.
October 24, 2013
ITA - Il 21 ottobre è uscito, solo in e-book, Homecoming, la novella che anticipa la serie Cloaked Devices dell’autrice Cecilia Robert, un mix di azione, paranormal e romance rivolto ad un pubblico adulto, ambientato in un mondo post guerra.
Fino a 75 anni prima la terra era popolata da umani. I mutaforma vivevano tra loro seppur nascondendo la loro natura, fino al giorno in cui scoppiò la Seconda Guerra Mondiale durante la quale un gruppo di scienziati inventò un batterio che, nelle loro intenzioni, doveva solo spaventare gli uomini, in realtà ne eliminò la maggior parte. L’unico antidoto a questa epidemia era nel sangue dei mutaforma che, ora, proteggono nei loro clan quei pochi umani sopravvissuti, da un mondo ridotto ad una terra desertica. [continua a leggere]
ENG - On October 21 came out, only e-book, Homecoming, the prequel of the Cloaked Devices’s series author Cecilia Robert, a mix of action and paranormal romance aimed at an adult audience, set in a post war world.
Up to 75 years before the Earth was populated by humans. The shapeshifter living among them even hiding their nature, until the day World War II broke out, during which a group of scientists invented a bacterium that, in their intentions, had only to frighten men, in reality eliminated the most . The only antidote to this epidemic was in the shapeshifter’s blood, so now, in their clan they protect the few surviving humans, from a world reduced to a wasteland. [read more]
Fino a 75 anni prima la terra era popolata da umani. I mutaforma vivevano tra loro seppur nascondendo la loro natura, fino al giorno in cui scoppiò la Seconda Guerra Mondiale durante la quale un gruppo di scienziati inventò un batterio che, nelle loro intenzioni, doveva solo spaventare gli uomini, in realtà ne eliminò la maggior parte. L’unico antidoto a questa epidemia era nel sangue dei mutaforma che, ora, proteggono nei loro clan quei pochi umani sopravvissuti, da un mondo ridotto ad una terra desertica. [continua a leggere]
ENG - On October 21 came out, only e-book, Homecoming, the prequel of the Cloaked Devices’s series author Cecilia Robert, a mix of action and paranormal romance aimed at an adult audience, set in a post war world.
Up to 75 years before the Earth was populated by humans. The shapeshifter living among them even hiding their nature, until the day World War II broke out, during which a group of scientists invented a bacterium that, in their intentions, had only to frighten men, in reality eliminated the most . The only antidote to this epidemic was in the shapeshifter’s blood, so now, in their clan they protect the few surviving humans, from a world reduced to a wasteland. [read more]
April 21, 2017
The first thing I noticed and loved was the cover. This is the first time I’ve read any of Cecilia Robert’s work and I’m really glad I gave it a try. I love finding new authors and unique stories and this one is definitely unique. It’s a cross between steampunk and paranormal. There are shifters, humans with talent and a mixture of the two. Good writing and Great world building brought the story to life.
Sera is a woman with secrets and hurts. She is living with outcast to hide both of these, but in the five years since she ran from her mate she’s forgotten to keep looking over her shoulder. It hasn’t been easy for her to survive. Sera has had to change from the young lady she was to the strong capable woman she’s become. What she’s had to do and undergo to survive has made her one badass heroine. When I found out what her big secret was my heart just broke for the innocent and vulnerable girl she used to be. I was impressed with Sera’s determination and strength to overcome her past and continue to move forward.
Levian is an Alpha in the best way. Hot, loving, tender, and most importantly faithful. He also has a very forgiving heart for those he loves. He has suffered for five years without his mate and in this novella he finds Sera and learns why she ran away. The conflicting emotions are portrayed perfectly. One minute he’s furious and a bit cold and mean; the next he can’t keep his hands off of Sera.
I did not get enough of Levian and Sera! I sincerely hope the next Cloaked Devices is a continuation of their story. I would recommend this to anyone that likes a love story and/or paranormal romances. It’s also a great read for anyone who’s never read steampunk; it’s a gentle introduction into the genre.
(I received a copy from author in exchange for an honest review.)
Darker Passions
Sera is a woman with secrets and hurts. She is living with outcast to hide both of these, but in the five years since she ran from her mate she’s forgotten to keep looking over her shoulder. It hasn’t been easy for her to survive. Sera has had to change from the young lady she was to the strong capable woman she’s become. What she’s had to do and undergo to survive has made her one badass heroine. When I found out what her big secret was my heart just broke for the innocent and vulnerable girl she used to be. I was impressed with Sera’s determination and strength to overcome her past and continue to move forward.
Levian is an Alpha in the best way. Hot, loving, tender, and most importantly faithful. He also has a very forgiving heart for those he loves. He has suffered for five years without his mate and in this novella he finds Sera and learns why she ran away. The conflicting emotions are portrayed perfectly. One minute he’s furious and a bit cold and mean; the next he can’t keep his hands off of Sera.
I did not get enough of Levian and Sera! I sincerely hope the next Cloaked Devices is a continuation of their story. I would recommend this to anyone that likes a love story and/or paranormal romances. It’s also a great read for anyone who’s never read steampunk; it’s a gentle introduction into the genre.
(I received a copy from author in exchange for an honest review.)
Darker Passions
November 23, 2017
For more reviews visit: My Blog
It's a really short story but it's a really good one. Homecoming is awesome and in a little more than 121 pages gave us a story about love and determination that will blow your mind. Seriously, after I finished this I was going crazy because I need more of my Levian!!!
This is all about Panthers, Lions, Wolf's, Bulls and all the other animals that dominate the food chain... How cool is that? They were written so well and were downright amazing... The Growl's, the purring's, the scratching's, it was all there.
I loved that Levian at the start was this awkward teenager and now turns into a full fledge Panther and is hot as hell. Throughout the whole book you see him determined to get his mate back, and after five years he has never given up on her... That's so cute. He may be all scary and shit but he's a Sweetie.
Sera is a runaway Mate. She's so cool. There is her whole family that are experts in finding people and she managed to dodge them for FIVE years, she's awesome! I loved as well that she kept a well hidden secret but we only get to see that in the final pages. Her character was really well written making a sweet looking girl into a storm.
Tegue was a womanizer and he annoyed the hell out of me in the first few pages, but then he actually showed he cared and I started to like him. He was a really good addition to this "threesome" and the story with him was amazing.
Homecoming is definitely a good book to read and enjoy and It's the start of a new series that I am sure will blow our minds as well.
It's a really short story but it's a really good one. Homecoming is awesome and in a little more than 121 pages gave us a story about love and determination that will blow your mind. Seriously, after I finished this I was going crazy because I need more of my Levian!!!
This is all about Panthers, Lions, Wolf's, Bulls and all the other animals that dominate the food chain... How cool is that? They were written so well and were downright amazing... The Growl's, the purring's, the scratching's, it was all there.
I loved that Levian at the start was this awkward teenager and now turns into a full fledge Panther and is hot as hell. Throughout the whole book you see him determined to get his mate back, and after five years he has never given up on her... That's so cute. He may be all scary and shit but he's a Sweetie.
Sera is a runaway Mate. She's so cool. There is her whole family that are experts in finding people and she managed to dodge them for FIVE years, she's awesome! I loved as well that she kept a well hidden secret but we only get to see that in the final pages. Her character was really well written making a sweet looking girl into a storm.
Tegue was a womanizer and he annoyed the hell out of me in the first few pages, but then he actually showed he cared and I started to like him. He was a really good addition to this "threesome" and the story with him was amazing.
Homecoming is definitely a good book to read and enjoy and It's the start of a new series that I am sure will blow our minds as well.
February 7, 2014
So I've read this book forwards and backwards and up and down and it keeps getting hotter, more exciting and seriously not long enough. I can honestly say that levian is one hot kitty. Omg! Tall, green eyes, beautiful strong body and a grin so sexy it makes you melt. I love the story line but I also love how intense everything is. I've never read steam punk before but it's kind of utopian with a sci-fi twist and I really loved the newness this book brought to me.
A trio Sera,Levian, and Teague grew up together in there village. They are panther shifters which is cool all in itself. They were always together. Teague is the lover boy player and Levian is the shy lanky one so of course who do you think sera fell for, at first anyway.. oh, did i mention the boys were twins? oh holly hell.. the older they get the more they transform into the sexy hot men they are now. Oh and let me not forget the lovely, human, best friend of Levian' s Uriel. Mmm another hot mocha man that can give it as much as take it when it comes to word battle with Levian.
I love the fighting to the death matches. Sera is a bad ass fighter. She was never that way before she left but circumstances had her changing her lifestyle those five years she's been away. Levian searched for his mate never completely being whole without her there and not understanding why she left him in the first place. I'm not going to go on with this because you truly need to read this for yourself. I loved this book so much. I fell for Levian and his crankiness from the beginning. You'll know exactly what I mean once you read this for yourself.
A trio Sera,Levian, and Teague grew up together in there village. They are panther shifters which is cool all in itself. They were always together. Teague is the lover boy player and Levian is the shy lanky one so of course who do you think sera fell for, at first anyway.. oh, did i mention the boys were twins? oh holly hell.. the older they get the more they transform into the sexy hot men they are now. Oh and let me not forget the lovely, human, best friend of Levian' s Uriel. Mmm another hot mocha man that can give it as much as take it when it comes to word battle with Levian.
I love the fighting to the death matches. Sera is a bad ass fighter. She was never that way before she left but circumstances had her changing her lifestyle those five years she's been away. Levian searched for his mate never completely being whole without her there and not understanding why she left him in the first place. I'm not going to go on with this because you truly need to read this for yourself. I loved this book so much. I fell for Levian and his crankiness from the beginning. You'll know exactly what I mean once you read this for yourself.
September 21, 2014
***This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Promising start to a new series! I loved the premise of this book.
Homecoming flip flops back and forth between the past and present of three major characters: Levian, Sera, and Tegue.
Levian was my favorite character in this book. I loved how his devotion to Sera was unwavering no matter what was thrown at him–and he had lot of curve balls thrown his way! He never gave up on her, never stopped looking for her no matter how much time passed.
She hadn’t realized she loved him. But he knew. He’d been ready to prove to her that she loved him, that she was his true mate.
It took me a while to warm up to Sera, I think because I ‘met’ Levian first and knew how much he was hurting. But it didn’t take long to realize she didn’t feel worthy of Levian and wanted to spare hurting him. Leaving was the lesser of two evils for her, but it didn’t mean she didn’t love him.
The chemistry between these two characters was hot; I just wish there had been a few more steamy scenes in the book!
He didn’t make a move to kiss her again, although she could feel the desire ripple from him in waves. His intense gaze held hers, as though he was waiting for her acquiescence. She nodded once. She never had been able to resist him. She wasn’t about to start now. Any thoughts of escaping this beautiful warrior fled the minute his hands left her arms and cupped her face like she was something fragile. Something beautiful. Something loved and wanted.
I really enjoyed Levian and Sera’s story, especially their history. I have a feeling there’s more to tell, and I can’t wait to read it!
Promising start to a new series! I loved the premise of this book.
Homecoming flip flops back and forth between the past and present of three major characters: Levian, Sera, and Tegue.
Levian was my favorite character in this book. I loved how his devotion to Sera was unwavering no matter what was thrown at him–and he had lot of curve balls thrown his way! He never gave up on her, never stopped looking for her no matter how much time passed.
She hadn’t realized she loved him. But he knew. He’d been ready to prove to her that she loved him, that she was his true mate.
It took me a while to warm up to Sera, I think because I ‘met’ Levian first and knew how much he was hurting. But it didn’t take long to realize she didn’t feel worthy of Levian and wanted to spare hurting him. Leaving was the lesser of two evils for her, but it didn’t mean she didn’t love him.
The chemistry between these two characters was hot; I just wish there had been a few more steamy scenes in the book!
He didn’t make a move to kiss her again, although she could feel the desire ripple from him in waves. His intense gaze held hers, as though he was waiting for her acquiescence. She nodded once. She never had been able to resist him. She wasn’t about to start now. Any thoughts of escaping this beautiful warrior fled the minute his hands left her arms and cupped her face like she was something fragile. Something beautiful. Something loved and wanted.
I really enjoyed Levian and Sera’s story, especially their history. I have a feeling there’s more to tell, and I can’t wait to read it!
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