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Sumeria's Sons #1
Twin Flames
Tristan Janick is a Lycan descendant of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, an average Warrior of Anat. He has found his Twin Flame, the one person who's supposed to love him unconditionally. Betrayed, broken, and dying, he dissolves the sacred bond and leaves. His best friend, Ushna, vows to guard and protect him, always close but never touching. Waking up from his half-life after a hunt gone badly, Tristan realizes he's in love with Ushna and sets out to seduce him. Ancient secrets and lies are revealed, setting off a chain of events that tests not only Tristan and Ushna's love, but challenges their ability to stay alive when creatures of myth awaken, and absent Gods walk the Earth once again.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2012
41 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ander
36 books453 followersLexi has always been an avid reader and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her 80 pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.
Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 8, 2025
Reread April 2022
I don't think I'll ever get tired of this series.
Reread November 2020
Yes, another reread. I can't help it. I love this series.
Reread October 2019
I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading this series. The mythology behind it fascinates me.
Reread February 2019
I love this series...obviously since I've read it 3 times now in 18 months 😬
Reread May 2018
Finally got my buddy Janie to read this series so I decided to reread it with her. I’m enjoying this more this time so I’m bumping up my rating. I’ve said it before Lexi Ander is one of my favorite authors for PNR and Sci-fi.
Originally read October 2017
After having his bond broken with his Twin Flame due to betrayal, Tristan is a shell of his former self. His best friend Ushna and he, leave their tribe to try and move on. After an incident, Tristan is seeing his best friend in a new light and feeling things he hasn’t felt in a long time. But little do either know, there are other powers at work some to help Tristan to become who he’s meant to be and awaken his power. Others are trying to stop it.
Holy crap on a cracker! I don’t know what it is about this author but her writing grabs me and captivates me. I actually had bypassed this book because I was afraid I wouldn’t like certain aspects of it. And while I still don’t like these things, somehow the author kept me interested and I couldn’t stop reading. This was a bit rushed and could stand to be fleshed out more but I still kept turning the pages, reading as fast as I could.
On to book 2...
I don't think I'll ever get tired of this series.
Reread November 2020
Yes, another reread. I can't help it. I love this series.
Reread October 2019
I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading this series. The mythology behind it fascinates me.
Reread February 2019
I love this series...obviously since I've read it 3 times now in 18 months 😬
Reread May 2018
Finally got my buddy Janie to read this series so I decided to reread it with her. I’m enjoying this more this time so I’m bumping up my rating. I’ve said it before Lexi Ander is one of my favorite authors for PNR and Sci-fi.
Originally read October 2017
After having his bond broken with his Twin Flame due to betrayal, Tristan is a shell of his former self. His best friend Ushna and he, leave their tribe to try and move on. After an incident, Tristan is seeing his best friend in a new light and feeling things he hasn’t felt in a long time. But little do either know, there are other powers at work some to help Tristan to become who he’s meant to be and awaken his power. Others are trying to stop it.
Holy crap on a cracker! I don’t know what it is about this author but her writing grabs me and captivates me. I actually had bypassed this book because I was afraid I wouldn’t like certain aspects of it. And while I still don’t like these things, somehow the author kept me interested and I couldn’t stop reading. This was a bit rushed and could stand to be fleshed out more but I still kept turning the pages, reading as fast as I could.
On to book 2...
April 1, 2015
Let's say I love the mythological theme. I liked the legend, the werewolves around, the gods around, the laws and norms that rule this world.
But there are so many things that just didn't work.
For instance, if Theo is Tristan's twin flame, what does he act like he did? Isn't it supposed to be the best feeling ever? To have your own mate? If it is so awesomely described, why do people reject it? Something is very wrong with that statement, Theo's reasons weren't enough to convince me so I felt the concept of the twin flames is a little of a lie. And then Tristan falling in love with Ushna... when . It's like telling you "You have your twin soul out there but falling in love with someone else can also bring you that happiness". Of course this is true in real life, there is more than one person you can fall in love with, but circumstances and experiences have the ultimate decision to determine if that relationship works or not. The problem here is that this is not real life but fantasy, and if you say twin flames is the best of the best, developing a no-twin flame relationship feels like less than it should be in a love story. Like a consolation prize.
But the author was clever enough to have a surprise card in her deck, Tristan and Ushna's pairing is not the usual one. At this point (if not from the beginning) I felt everything was conveniently designed for the character's suffering. When the author explained something in her invented world, it was immediately applied to Tristan's character. Give him a break! You have to build a world but if every rule in that world is automatically achieved in only one person just after saying it you can't help yourself from rolling your eyes. It was too much. Angst with no reason, like sugar on sugar.
The book is easy to read and you finish it quickly, so it doesn't bore you. Apart from the Epilogue, with a myriad of names and events in a mythical style, like a tale for children before going to sleep. The bad side of that tale is that it sounded very presumptuous. It's quite hard to tell an epic story without loosing yourself in that ambition, and the author did get lost in it. There are epic books that with one sentence or two I fall for it, but this one only exasperated me.
Also, Ushna felt too empty for me. He is the guy following Tristan everywhere, no matter what. He's quiet and vigilant and rarely speaks. But his presence is not that notable. If the narrator had said Tristan had been by his own in that ranch I would have believed it, because Ushna left no mark at all. This character needs more focus and depth, as he felt like a rag doll for me. It's not that Tristan is that well portrayed but having his POV for the whole story helps a little, although not enough.
The baddies were a joke. It's a shame, too cartoonish for me. And the soldiers being puppets? Seriously? A group formed thousands of years before? Controlled by magicians no less? No trade union for those people? No union leader? No professional association? That can't be possible.
All in all, I did enjoy the paranormal part, the premise is good, but the execution could be seriously improved.
But there are so many things that just didn't work.
For instance, if Theo is Tristan's twin flame, what does he act like he did? Isn't it supposed to be the best feeling ever? To have your own mate? If it is so awesomely described, why do people reject it? Something is very wrong with that statement, Theo's reasons weren't enough to convince me so I felt the concept of the twin flames is a little of a lie. And then Tristan falling in love with Ushna... when . It's like telling you "You have your twin soul out there but falling in love with someone else can also bring you that happiness". Of course this is true in real life, there is more than one person you can fall in love with, but circumstances and experiences have the ultimate decision to determine if that relationship works or not. The problem here is that this is not real life but fantasy, and if you say twin flames is the best of the best, developing a no-twin flame relationship feels like less than it should be in a love story. Like a consolation prize.
But the author was clever enough to have a surprise card in her deck, Tristan and Ushna's pairing is not the usual one. At this point (if not from the beginning) I felt everything was conveniently designed for the character's suffering. When the author explained something in her invented world, it was immediately applied to Tristan's character. Give him a break! You have to build a world but if every rule in that world is automatically achieved in only one person just after saying it you can't help yourself from rolling your eyes. It was too much. Angst with no reason, like sugar on sugar.
The book is easy to read and you finish it quickly, so it doesn't bore you. Apart from the Epilogue, with a myriad of names and events in a mythical style, like a tale for children before going to sleep. The bad side of that tale is that it sounded very presumptuous. It's quite hard to tell an epic story without loosing yourself in that ambition, and the author did get lost in it. There are epic books that with one sentence or two I fall for it, but this one only exasperated me.
Also, Ushna felt too empty for me. He is the guy following Tristan everywhere, no matter what. He's quiet and vigilant and rarely speaks. But his presence is not that notable. If the narrator had said Tristan had been by his own in that ranch I would have believed it, because Ushna left no mark at all. This character needs more focus and depth, as he felt like a rag doll for me. It's not that Tristan is that well portrayed but having his POV for the whole story helps a little, although not enough.
The baddies were a joke. It's a shame, too cartoonish for me. And the soldiers being puppets? Seriously? A group formed thousands of years before? Controlled by magicians no less? No trade union for those people? No union leader? No professional association? That can't be possible.
All in all, I did enjoy the paranormal part, the premise is good, but the execution could be seriously improved.
January 17, 2015
3.5 Stars
WARNING: Vague(ish) Review forthcoming
This author is new to me. Before I get going let me say, for the record, that I'm interested in continuing with this series. Ms. Ander weaves an engaging tale filled with Lycans, mythical creatures, historical references and a heaping spoonful of an UST fueled romance. With cowboys.
Cowboys don't make me all squirmy like others but Tristan slutted up his cowboy gear enough to tempt even me. He moved some hay. Shirtless and sweaty.
Both Tristan and Ushna are Lycans who relocated to Oklahoma after Tristan broke his twin flame bond with lying, cheating, sonofabitching Theo. In case you were wondering, this is a big deal. Twin flames last for eternity. To sever the tie means both could potentially spend eternity alone, never to find their soulmate again. Many thought this decision capricious on Tristan's part, thought he should stick it out and let the flame "correct" the lying, cheating, sonofabitching rampant in their relationship. Ushna wasn't one of those people. He and Tristan have been friends since childhood. Which means…
Friends to lovers trope!!!
With UST so thick I was this close to pulling out the ole Ginzu knife.
Tristan teased Ushna with his skinny jeans, too tight tees, sauntering, shirtlessness and "accidental" touches. It was fantastic. Easily my favorite part. Then he nailed his boy.
Sadly, not on a wall. Buuuuut there were definitely some odd happenings during the consummation. Still hot, but my head was tilting.
Then things went sideways. I realize this is a series, but the last chapter/chapter and a half were packed with information, loose ends and what I felt were some highly unlikely reactions to incredible and life changing events. I was overwhelmed and blinking in surprise and bewilderment. Not to mention knee deep in creek Uh, really? *side eye* The other hitch in my giddyup has to do with the beginning events surrounding the murders of the neighbors and the Lycan who Tristan and Ushna tracked to Seattle. Maybe I'm making too much of it, but it felt unresolved. Then again, it could be covered in the rest of the series. Guess I'll just have to read on to find out.
Recommend to those who enjoy shifters, friends to lovers and fantasy readers.
WARNING: Vague(ish) Review forthcoming
This author is new to me. Before I get going let me say, for the record, that I'm interested in continuing with this series. Ms. Ander weaves an engaging tale filled with Lycans, mythical creatures, historical references and a heaping spoonful of an UST fueled romance. With cowboys.
Cowboys don't make me all squirmy like others but Tristan slutted up his cowboy gear enough to tempt even me. He moved some hay. Shirtless and sweaty.
Both Tristan and Ushna are Lycans who relocated to Oklahoma after Tristan broke his twin flame bond with lying, cheating, sonofabitching Theo. In case you were wondering, this is a big deal. Twin flames last for eternity. To sever the tie means both could potentially spend eternity alone, never to find their soulmate again. Many thought this decision capricious on Tristan's part, thought he should stick it out and let the flame "correct" the lying, cheating, sonofabitching rampant in their relationship. Ushna wasn't one of those people. He and Tristan have been friends since childhood. Which means…
Friends to lovers trope!!!
With UST so thick I was this close to pulling out the ole Ginzu knife.
He hadn't mauled me-not yet-but I could feel the need in him. It promised to be explosive if he let go. I was extremely hopeful. Wall sex. Kitchen sex. Wall sex. Shower sex. Wall sex. Couch sex. Horizontal, vertical; I'd take it however I could get it.
Tristan teased Ushna with his skinny jeans, too tight tees, sauntering, shirtlessness and "accidental" touches. It was fantastic. Easily my favorite part. Then he nailed his boy.
Sadly, not on a wall. Buuuuut there were definitely some odd happenings during the consummation. Still hot, but my head was tilting.
Then things went sideways. I realize this is a series, but the last chapter/chapter and a half were packed with information, loose ends and what I felt were some highly unlikely reactions to incredible and life changing events. I was overwhelmed and blinking in surprise and bewilderment. Not to mention knee deep in creek Uh, really? *side eye* The other hitch in my giddyup has to do with the beginning events surrounding the murders of the neighbors and the Lycan who Tristan and Ushna tracked to Seattle. Maybe I'm making too much of it, but it felt unresolved. Then again, it could be covered in the rest of the series. Guess I'll just have to read on to find out.
Recommend to those who enjoy shifters, friends to lovers and fantasy readers.
January 5, 2021
*4 Stars*
I'm tempted to give this five stars but it would be equivalent to rating the first 20% of a book. This reads like a prologue. The beginning. AND it is truly riveting. I was completely swept up and immersed in the storyline within the first couple of pages.
Excellent world building! It's a continuous series with the same protagonists so I shall update this review once I've finished the series. For now.
You have a twin flames = fated mates Who basically crash and burn. Leaving the main character broken with a part of his soul missing in action. The story begins 7 years after this incident when Tristan finally begins to live instead of simply existing in the shell he embodies. His entire notion of self shifts, his responsibilities, his purpose. Everything just collapses onto him, this new life along with a new love-partner/ bff-lover within a very short time frame.
A lycan who had considered himself ordinary finds out he is anything but and now he's opened the door to a future that is bound to be adventurous and full of peril. Exciting stuff.
It's really well done, emotional.
It's very fast paced, 124 pages and you don't really get a chance to breath, a bit of info dumping but I didn't find it overwhelming or a deterrent.
Highly recommending so far for those who enjoy shifter/fated mates/royalty story lines.
I'm tempted to give this five stars but it would be equivalent to rating the first 20% of a book. This reads like a prologue. The beginning. AND it is truly riveting. I was completely swept up and immersed in the storyline within the first couple of pages.
Excellent world building! It's a continuous series with the same protagonists so I shall update this review once I've finished the series. For now.
You have a twin flames = fated mates Who basically crash and burn. Leaving the main character broken with a part of his soul missing in action. The story begins 7 years after this incident when Tristan finally begins to live instead of simply existing in the shell he embodies. His entire notion of self shifts, his responsibilities, his purpose. Everything just collapses onto him, this new life along with a new love-partner/ bff-lover within a very short time frame.
A lycan who had considered himself ordinary finds out he is anything but and now he's opened the door to a future that is bound to be adventurous and full of peril. Exciting stuff.
It's really well done, emotional.
It's very fast paced, 124 pages and you don't really get a chance to breath, a bit of info dumping but I didn't find it overwhelming or a deterrent.
Highly recommending so far for those who enjoy shifter/fated mates/royalty story lines.
Read
November 8, 201811/8/2018
Yay! I'm so excited to announce that Twin Flames has been released on audiobook!! So many thanks to the readers that helped to make this happen! <3 <3
11/3/2014
:-) I should probably leave a quick note that Twin Flames was re-released through Less Than Three Press in October so it's available again.
Thank you for reading!!
4/10/2014
Just a quick note to say Sumeria's Sons will be temporarily unavailable. The series has been picked up by Less Than Three Press (Yay!) and will be re-released through them. Thank you for your patience and your interest!
Yay! I'm so excited to announce that Twin Flames has been released on audiobook!! So many thanks to the readers that helped to make this happen! <3 <3
11/3/2014
:-) I should probably leave a quick note that Twin Flames was re-released through Less Than Three Press in October so it's available again.
Thank you for reading!!
4/10/2014
Just a quick note to say Sumeria's Sons will be temporarily unavailable. The series has been picked up by Less Than Three Press (Yay!) and will be re-released through them. Thank you for your patience and your interest!
October 6, 2012
I do not know what to say about this book. The story grabbed me from the first page and I could not stop reading. I suffered along with Tristan for later rooting for him.
The plot is well-written and interesting to read. The author has created a world that arouses their curiosity and desire to know more about it. Being a first book of the series, you still do not have a thorough knowledge of the characters but this only serves to stir curiosity for more.
Twin Flames surprised me in a very positive way. I can not wait for the second book.
The plot is well-written and interesting to read. The author has created a world that arouses their curiosity and desire to know more about it. Being a first book of the series, you still do not have a thorough knowledge of the characters but this only serves to stir curiosity for more.
Twin Flames surprised me in a very positive way. I can not wait for the second book.
January 14, 2013
Amazing world building which creates this incredibly unique myth/lore set up make this stand out from all the other similar stories. Great characters that are framed by politics, legend, myth, lore, and love mean this book has a very fluid timeless feel. The writing is strong, clear, and concise. I've found sometimes with reading books that rely on myth or lore that there is a tendency to bog down and get lost in the myriad of details. Here we are told and shown and it really keeps the story fresh. Highly recommended!
* Review copy provided for an honest review *
* Review copy provided for an honest review *
October 7, 2012
I couldn't put this book down. I don't give a lot of five star ratings but this book deserves it. It is unbelievably good!!
September 30, 2015
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this story quite a bit. I found the mythology refreshing change from the usual, and I really liked that Tristan finding his Twin Flame was not the magical answer to happiness and love. It's a nice twist on things, and I'm interested to see how this may work out in further books. Some of the dynamics were a bit stale, but I did appreciate that both characters claimed each other, and that his consort wasn't a shrinking violet by any means, and I'm hoping that there might be a change up later on. The plot was interesting, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the politics and relationship between the different people and factions. Overall a good start to an interesting fantasy series.
I liked this story quite a bit. I found the mythology refreshing change from the usual, and I really liked that Tristan finding his Twin Flame was not the magical answer to happiness and love. It's a nice twist on things, and I'm interested to see how this may work out in further books. Some of the dynamics were a bit stale, but I did appreciate that both characters claimed each other, and that his consort wasn't a shrinking violet by any means, and I'm hoping that there might be a change up later on. The plot was interesting, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the politics and relationship between the different people and factions. Overall a good start to an interesting fantasy series.
March 4, 2019
Pretty unique take on the werewolf troupe. It was a bit short but it made for an interesting read.
October 20, 2019
Clever and wonderfully entertaining, Lexi Ander’s Twin Flames is a fantasy tale with a bit of everything. Treachery, politics, magic, friendship… and romance! Beautifully written, and perfectly narrated by Matt Haynes, Twin Flames grabbed my attention and kept it from the very first scene.
Matt Haynes is a new narrator for me, but he blew me away with his performance. He has a spectacular variety of voices and accents, and truly captures the mood of this story. Lexi Ander goes to great lengths to build a unique world here, and Mr. Haynes’ adds much to the experience.
The plot is unique and unpredictable, and I’m going to go ahead and reveal that this one ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger. I have absolutely no idea where this one's going from here, but one thing I can guarantee? I won’t be waiting long to read the rest of this tale!
an audiobook copy of Twin Flames was provided by the author for the purpose of my review
Matt Haynes is a new narrator for me, but he blew me away with his performance. He has a spectacular variety of voices and accents, and truly captures the mood of this story. Lexi Ander goes to great lengths to build a unique world here, and Mr. Haynes’ adds much to the experience.
The plot is unique and unpredictable, and I’m going to go ahead and reveal that this one ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger. I have absolutely no idea where this one's going from here, but one thing I can guarantee? I won’t be waiting long to read the rest of this tale!
an audiobook copy of Twin Flames was provided by the author for the purpose of my review
November 15, 2018
Solid, creative urban fantasy. Great narration. Too bad it degenerates into mpreg with book #2.
September 26, 2020
This book is not just a very creative story based on Sumerian mythology, taking the legend of Gilgamesh and Enkidu as a basis for a wholly new interpretation, it also adds elements of Lycan lore into the whole setup which had me fascinated from the very start. In that sense, the author has invented a new world all of her own, and finding out how it works and where and how it differs from the original legend was a lot of fun for me. Lexi Ander managed to make these characters come alive in a very modern way, and I felt as if they were people I know.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 16, 2012
I enjoyed this book. It was a different take on shifters and I was worried for a little because I like instalove in my shifter books. But there was a break in the story and I had the love and possessiveness that I like. The backstory of their shifter world was very interesting. Good read.
October 6, 2012
5 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Tristan suffers from a terrible betrayal by his Twin Flame that leaves him broken and dying. He demands the breaking of their bond, not caring that it could kill him. His best friend, Ushna, becomes his guardian and swears to look after and protect him. Events several years later make Tristan realize that he does want to live and he begins to feel again and he realizes just how much he loves Ushna. But, secrets emerge which shock them both.
So some advice to you readers…read this book! This book is brilliant and a fantastic beginning to an awesome series which I am going to be glued to for its uniqueness. Tristan demands his bond is dissolved from his faithless Twin Flame, something that is very rarely done and because of the circumstances could kill him. Ushna swears to look after him and it will be a long road to recovery if Tristan survives the Breaking. Ushna and Tristan are best friends and it isn’t until several years later that Tristan begins to want to live and notice how he feels about Ushna. When they finally confront how they both feel, interference from the Council could ruin it all.
Well, this story is quite easy to follow with its development. Although, we don’t get all the answers and many are left open-ended (to be answered in later books?), we do get very good world building and history about the wolves. Tristan has pure heartbreak at the beginning of the book and it affects him for years to come. Ushna has always stood beside him and when they finally become a couple it is impressive how passionate they are. But, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it seems like it has only just begun with the startling discovery of a secret that leaves Tristan questioning the actions of his family.
There is a whole new world to discover in the Sumeria’s Sons series. With various gifts for the wolves, myth’s coming to life and Goddess’s reappearing, as well as Council meddling and agendas. We also have a wolf who has been betrayed severely and takes years to recover, a best friend who has his own sad story and more mystery surrounding another friend. Tristan and Ushna are wonderful characters that pull you into the story. The wonderful way their story has been written keeps you reading. The storyline and plot hold your attention until the last page and you cry out ‘no keep going, I want more!’
I have to recommend this to anyone who loves shifters, paranormal, a hint at ancient Gods and Goddesses, mystery, surviving the worst and coming out the other end, love, hot sex, a brilliant storyline… oh and did I mention Lupes?
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Tristan suffers from a terrible betrayal by his Twin Flame that leaves him broken and dying. He demands the breaking of their bond, not caring that it could kill him. His best friend, Ushna, becomes his guardian and swears to look after and protect him. Events several years later make Tristan realize that he does want to live and he begins to feel again and he realizes just how much he loves Ushna. But, secrets emerge which shock them both.
So some advice to you readers…read this book! This book is brilliant and a fantastic beginning to an awesome series which I am going to be glued to for its uniqueness. Tristan demands his bond is dissolved from his faithless Twin Flame, something that is very rarely done and because of the circumstances could kill him. Ushna swears to look after him and it will be a long road to recovery if Tristan survives the Breaking. Ushna and Tristan are best friends and it isn’t until several years later that Tristan begins to want to live and notice how he feels about Ushna. When they finally confront how they both feel, interference from the Council could ruin it all.
Well, this story is quite easy to follow with its development. Although, we don’t get all the answers and many are left open-ended (to be answered in later books?), we do get very good world building and history about the wolves. Tristan has pure heartbreak at the beginning of the book and it affects him for years to come. Ushna has always stood beside him and when they finally become a couple it is impressive how passionate they are. But, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it seems like it has only just begun with the startling discovery of a secret that leaves Tristan questioning the actions of his family.
There is a whole new world to discover in the Sumeria’s Sons series. With various gifts for the wolves, myth’s coming to life and Goddess’s reappearing, as well as Council meddling and agendas. We also have a wolf who has been betrayed severely and takes years to recover, a best friend who has his own sad story and more mystery surrounding another friend. Tristan and Ushna are wonderful characters that pull you into the story. The wonderful way their story has been written keeps you reading. The storyline and plot hold your attention until the last page and you cry out ‘no keep going, I want more!’
I have to recommend this to anyone who loves shifters, paranormal, a hint at ancient Gods and Goddesses, mystery, surviving the worst and coming out the other end, love, hot sex, a brilliant storyline… oh and did I mention Lupes?
October 26, 2012
4.5 stars
I'm laughing here because, yes, I now understand. This is indeed a hard book to review. It is so much more than the official blurb makes clear. If you have ever thought of reading it I recommend you grab a copy and go for it.
Anyway, I have reviewed it, as best I can, at On Top Down Under Book Reviews -
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
December 26, 2020
Interesting start to this series 👍👏🏻
September 6, 2012
lot happens to them).
Ushna, I’m not sure I can say enough about this wounded, loyal, patient man. A huge loss as a boy changed him but didn’t destroy him. Now he’s here for his best friend Tristan, as he’s always been, during the worst time of Tristan’s life (to date, anyway). Ushna may well be the strongest man I’ve read in years. The loss he suffers was devastating, and then he has to stand by Tristan’s side as the supposed Bashert nearly kills him with neglect and contempt, tied up in lies. (Theo, I hate you.) Then remains at Tristan’s side as he tries to come back to the land of the living. No matter what, Ushna is there, helping, caring and just being beside Tristan. Wow, that man. The first time he goes Lupe, incredibly sexy.
Told in the first person point of view of Tristan, the story is well written and intricate. Tristan himself, a Warrior of Anat, is a combination of betrayed mate and open soul. He can also be wickedly funny. When he sets out to seduce Ushna (after coming to his senses), he made me laugh with how he was going about it. He has to deal with a huge amount of change, secrets and truths about himself.
Oh, what to say about the depth and dimension that make up the world here? It is the introduction to the history and secrets of this paranormal world, with shifters and gods. This is the first in a series, so there are questions left to be answered. There are characters who just beg for a story, or at least are so interesting that I will beg for their story (Gregori, please).
I found this a unique take on the paranormal story, with obviously more to come. Highly recommended.
Ushna, I’m not sure I can say enough about this wounded, loyal, patient man. A huge loss as a boy changed him but didn’t destroy him. Now he’s here for his best friend Tristan, as he’s always been, during the worst time of Tristan’s life (to date, anyway). Ushna may well be the strongest man I’ve read in years. The loss he suffers was devastating, and then he has to stand by Tristan’s side as the supposed Bashert nearly kills him with neglect and contempt, tied up in lies. (Theo, I hate you.) Then remains at Tristan’s side as he tries to come back to the land of the living. No matter what, Ushna is there, helping, caring and just being beside Tristan. Wow, that man. The first time he goes Lupe, incredibly sexy.
Told in the first person point of view of Tristan, the story is well written and intricate. Tristan himself, a Warrior of Anat, is a combination of betrayed mate and open soul. He can also be wickedly funny. When he sets out to seduce Ushna (after coming to his senses), he made me laugh with how he was going about it. He has to deal with a huge amount of change, secrets and truths about himself.
Oh, what to say about the depth and dimension that make up the world here? It is the introduction to the history and secrets of this paranormal world, with shifters and gods. This is the first in a series, so there are questions left to be answered. There are characters who just beg for a story, or at least are so interesting that I will beg for their story (Gregori, please).
I found this a unique take on the paranormal story, with obviously more to come. Highly recommended.
September 15, 2014
It was actually pretty good. The way Ander wove in the Sumerian take into the more... (dare I say?) mundane werewolf element was interesting. Parts of it didn't quite completely mesh and were a little off, but other than that, it was great. The characterization was - for the most part - solid. Nothing supremely annoyed me, which is always a good sign.
Reread ETA:
Okay, upon rereading, I'm having a hard time reconciling Theo. Sure, on the surface, he seems like the slut and callous whatever that everyone's all raging about, but he seemed genuinely contrite when he realized just how badly he'd treated Tristan. Tristan's insistence at the breaking actually seemed more like a histrionic gesture than anything from deep thought. 'Course, I don't know their history, so I don't know whether or not Tristan tried to talk things through with Theo before, but there just...never seemed any indication. I think I was too caught up in Tristan's angst the first time to see that, but I really do feel like Theo may have been treated a little unjustly.
It was also really...explicative. The emotions were good, but it got a little too "let me explain the world to you" at times.
Reread ETA:
Okay, upon rereading, I'm having a hard time reconciling Theo. Sure, on the surface, he seems like the slut and callous whatever that everyone's all raging about, but he seemed genuinely contrite when he realized just how badly he'd treated Tristan. Tristan's insistence at the breaking actually seemed more like a histrionic gesture than anything from deep thought. 'Course, I don't know their history, so I don't know whether or not Tristan tried to talk things through with Theo before, but there just...never seemed any indication. I think I was too caught up in Tristan's angst the first time to see that, but I really do feel like Theo may have been treated a little unjustly.
It was also really...explicative. The emotions were good, but it got a little too "let me explain the world to you" at times.
February 8, 2021
Update 9 August 2017 - Wonderful series, have just finished reading the whole series (as it is now complete) and it is amazing. I can not recommend this series enough to anyone who loves fantasy!!!!
Update 2 October 2014 - Goodness me, I love this book. I am really looking forward to the new editions of the rest of series and for Lexi finishing the series. I really want to find out if Tristan and Ushna get their happy ever after!!!!
I highly recommend this book to all M/M readers.
14 October 2012
Really really good book. Can't wait for the next one.
Update 2 October 2014 - Goodness me, I love this book. I am really looking forward to the new editions of the rest of series and for Lexi finishing the series. I really want to find out if Tristan and Ushna get their happy ever after!!!!
I highly recommend this book to all M/M readers.
14 October 2012
Really really good book. Can't wait for the next one.
October 6, 2012
Truely wonderful world building. The author took the "werewolve" trope and turned it on it's head. I like the characters. The main character- Tristan, isn't perfect, and it makes his character very likeable. I look forward to the next book.
April 21, 2022
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It's been a while since I've read a really good mm shifter story, so I wasn't expecting much. But I really got into the characters and the whole new take on Lycans. I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!
July 3, 2020
it started out so promising. and then it was so bad lmao. I got whiplash so hard. It was this really cool Mesopotamian take on lycan/werewolf type stuff I was super into it. and then suddenly we were doing brokeback mountain. and it just didn't recover.
January 27, 2013
4,5 stars
Tristan's lover Theo, the Alpha king of his tribe, betrayed his trust and injured him with his infidelity, by poisening their Twin Flame bond. Against the wishes of his brother and the advice of the council, Tristan decided to break the soul bond, which was onesided, since Theo hadn't let him claim him in return. A Twin Flame is supposed to be the most sacred bond shared and to betray it in any way has dire effects on the mate. After the Breaking Tristan leaves his tribe with his childhood friend Ushna and it's only thanks to his friends help and care, that he managed to survive.
On a dangerous operation hunting a crazy Lykan, who has gone rogue and started killing humans, Tristan has a near death experience, that shakes him up and Ushana's tranformation into a battle form, which is usually hard to control without a lifemate or a Twin Flame, wakes him and the power he hasn't known about even more.
It turns out Tristan's awekening heritage has more to it than he might have imagined and already there is a plot to challenge him and to take away Ushna, who Tristan came to realise, he loved and had bonded to.
I'm glad I picked this up. The story drew me in instantly, I felt sorry for Tristan for all that he had to endure and the whole Lycan society is really interesting. All the mythology mentioned was a bonus, we had read Gilgamesh' story in a literature seminar and it was fascinating. Bonus points for not taking the Greek or Roman gods, but being creative!
What I liked:
- engaging story
- likable characters
- creative world building
- not instant love
- lively writing
That said, the time jumps where a bit distracting, because I had the feeling I missed something. First we see Tristan before the council, then his bond with his Twin Flame is broken upon his request, next jump is some years later where he is part of an operation hunting a rogue Lycan. I understand why there might be a jump from the breaking to the op, since Tristan say later himself, that he was frozen and merely existed, but I felt like I missed a great deal of his relationship with Ushna through that jump.
While there are some rough spots, all in all I very much enjoyed the story and was hooked from the first pages.
The ending is a bit of cliffhanger, I at least was glad that I had the second book already :)
Tristan's lover Theo, the Alpha king of his tribe, betrayed his trust and injured him with his infidelity, by poisening their Twin Flame bond. Against the wishes of his brother and the advice of the council, Tristan decided to break the soul bond, which was onesided, since Theo hadn't let him claim him in return. A Twin Flame is supposed to be the most sacred bond shared and to betray it in any way has dire effects on the mate. After the Breaking Tristan leaves his tribe with his childhood friend Ushna and it's only thanks to his friends help and care, that he managed to survive.
On a dangerous operation hunting a crazy Lykan, who has gone rogue and started killing humans, Tristan has a near death experience, that shakes him up and Ushana's tranformation into a battle form, which is usually hard to control without a lifemate or a Twin Flame, wakes him and the power he hasn't known about even more.
It turns out Tristan's awekening heritage has more to it than he might have imagined and already there is a plot to challenge him and to take away Ushna, who Tristan came to realise, he loved and had bonded to.
I'm glad I picked this up. The story drew me in instantly, I felt sorry for Tristan for all that he had to endure and the whole Lycan society is really interesting. All the mythology mentioned was a bonus, we had read Gilgamesh' story in a literature seminar and it was fascinating. Bonus points for not taking the Greek or Roman gods, but being creative!
What I liked:
- engaging story
- likable characters
- creative world building
- not instant love
- lively writing
That said, the time jumps where a bit distracting, because I had the feeling I missed something. First we see Tristan before the council, then his bond with his Twin Flame is broken upon his request, next jump is some years later where he is part of an operation hunting a rogue Lycan. I understand why there might be a jump from the breaking to the op, since Tristan say later himself, that he was frozen and merely existed, but I felt like I missed a great deal of his relationship with Ushna through that jump.
While there are some rough spots, all in all I very much enjoyed the story and was hooked from the first pages.
The ending is a bit of cliffhanger, I at least was glad that I had the second book already :)
February 2, 2013
The book starts with a list of Sumerian Gods and their attributes and story. Do you read it first or refer to it when you find a God in the story? I read the e version which means its hard to flip back and forth, so I read it before the story started. It gave me a glimpse into the background of this novel.
What a gripping story this is. I had trouble putting it down to sleep. More for the uniqueness of the Sumerian/Lycian intertwining twist. The book reads too fast for my preference because the story is so compelling I wanted it to last longer. This is why I've knocked off a star. Plenty of sex, almost too much for me, but I know some of you will love it. I have already purchased and started the sequel!
It's a good story, but not for me a "great" read. But t REALLY takes me to another place.
What a gripping story this is. I had trouble putting it down to sleep. More for the uniqueness of the Sumerian/Lycian intertwining twist. The book reads too fast for my preference because the story is so compelling I wanted it to last longer. This is why I've knocked off a star. Plenty of sex, almost too much for me, but I know some of you will love it. I have already purchased and started the sequel!
It's a good story, but not for me a "great" read. But t REALLY takes me to another place.
November 28, 2021
Twin Flames
By Lexi Ander
Once I got past the first few pages which I had a hard time understanding (as it was a whole new world) I absolutely loved this book. It was well written.
I was heartbroken for Tristan after his Twin Flame, Leo, betrayed him. Without Ushna always at his side after the bond breaking Tristan would have died.
Both Tristan and Ushna as MC's were easily relatable and I could connect to them. Though it took a little longer to connect to Ushna because he was so quiet and stoic.
The surprise twist was just that... a big surprise. Though I had a hint some change was coming. Just no clue what it was.
The story ended on a cliffhanger I wasn't expecting. I had thought it was a full book, but apparently it is a continuing series. It was well-written with no typos or such that I recall. I'm excited to continue the series.
By Lexi Ander
Once I got past the first few pages which I had a hard time understanding (as it was a whole new world) I absolutely loved this book. It was well written.
I was heartbroken for Tristan after his Twin Flame, Leo, betrayed him. Without Ushna always at his side after the bond breaking Tristan would have died.
Both Tristan and Ushna as MC's were easily relatable and I could connect to them. Though it took a little longer to connect to Ushna because he was so quiet and stoic.
The surprise twist was just that... a big surprise. Though I had a hint some change was coming. Just no clue what it was.
The story ended on a cliffhanger I wasn't expecting. I had thought it was a full book, but apparently it is a continuing series. It was well-written with no typos or such that I recall. I'm excited to continue the series.
February 24, 2017
Well, that was certainly... interesting! :D
I will admit to not being a great fan of fantasy and even though I found myself confused from time to time... this was a very entertaining story! It took a lot of world building in a very short amount of time to get this story to where it needed to be and trust me... it was done well!
One thing I will say about this book... it will keep you guessing and when you get to the end you will want to jump right into the next book of the series! And that is what makes this a good read!
I will admit to not being a great fan of fantasy and even though I found myself confused from time to time... this was a very entertaining story! It took a lot of world building in a very short amount of time to get this story to where it needed to be and trust me... it was done well!
One thing I will say about this book... it will keep you guessing and when you get to the end you will want to jump right into the next book of the series! And that is what makes this a good read!
January 25, 2019
This had a really great start, and I was so sure I’d love it- but after that it immediately ranked with no hope of revival. I feel like the plot wasn’t developed enough, maybe in part due to the short length. I didn’t really get into the characters, we never really learn too much about them and that’s a huge flaw in my opinion. I’ve heard raving reviews about this so at some point I may attempt to continue the series.
honestly-ill-never-get-around-to-it
October 9, 2012I almost just bought this, but the sample is just a re-telling of the Epic of Gilgamesh (the prologue, I guess). Why not take the sample from the writer's actual story?
EDIT: but the author has put a bit from the actual beginning of the book on her blog
EDIT: but the author has put a bit from the actual beginning of the book on her blog
October 9, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It is one of the best I have read. I don't normally like alternative universe but Lexi Ander is an excellent writer. I immmediately read the sequel and now I am waiting impatiencely for the 3rd. There is such a wonderful love story within in the storyline.
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