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Malthusia #1
Fate
Our perfect society is tainted
I run because I don’t have a choice. I run for those who can’t, for those inside me.
The Three Faced God should have chosen my Fate, and molded me according to the needs of my fellow Malthusians, but some assume they are above even God. I should have been at least a beta, but never this.
They believed changing my body would change my spirit, making me compliant through their abuse and experimentation. Some submit and die, claiming it's divine will.
I know better. A Malthusian caused this, one of my own kind.
They think they’ve won, but I’ll win, simply by living another second, another day. But can I survive alone?
Fate is the first book in Malthusia, a dark dystopian mm series where the solution to overpopulation damns those caught up in the theory.
HFN ending.
I run because I don’t have a choice. I run for those who can’t, for those inside me.
The Three Faced God should have chosen my Fate, and molded me according to the needs of my fellow Malthusians, but some assume they are above even God. I should have been at least a beta, but never this.
They believed changing my body would change my spirit, making me compliant through their abuse and experimentation. Some submit and die, claiming it's divine will.
I know better. A Malthusian caused this, one of my own kind.
They think they’ve won, but I’ll win, simply by living another second, another day. But can I survive alone?
Fate is the first book in Malthusia, a dark dystopian mm series where the solution to overpopulation damns those caught up in the theory.
HFN ending.
Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2020
98 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Emma Jaye
49 books682 followersEmma is the #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of m/m series such as Paint, Incubus, and Lies.
Known as the Queen of MM angst her books include Sci-fi, paranormal, and contemporary romance and always puts her characters through hell before giving them a HEA. She blames her rebellious muse (who looks like Chris from the Paint Series) for the erotic aspects tickling the angst, and the humor cuddling up with the erotic.
When not writing or reading she herds Birman cats and sons; Both groups argue that the other is too large.
For a free book, join her NL: https://readerlinks.com/l/1869132/new...
If you want to keep up with her spicy, quirky imagination, you can find her here:
Author Page: http://bit.ly/2wox9M0
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2PCQuSs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MRtGQk
She always answers questions and comments from readers, so feel free to get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 26, 2021
✅ Not a stand-alone
✅ HFN
✅ ABO gender fluid characters
✅ Mpreg
✅ Dystopian
✅ Genetic engineering
✅ Hurt comfort
What an emotional rollercoaster! This was so much darker than anything I’ve read before. It was original, well written and once I got my head around the complex hierarchies and confusing pronouns I was hooked.
Tav Grabar and Mir Reeve come from very different backgrounds, but both suffered immeasurable loss at an early age. Eager to escape the clutches of his privileged clan, Tav becomes a doctor and dedicates his life to omega medicine. Proto Alpha Mir, singlehandedly raises his two younger brothers/manages their farm, whilst his abusive father drinks away any profits. By a cruel twist of fate, their lives are irrevocably altered, in ways that they could never have imagined.
Their individual backstories were thoroughly consuming, my blood pressure sky high! If I wasn’t cursing at the asshole alphas, I was outraged by the awful plight of the omegas who are nothing more than chattel. The sheer betrayal and depravity that unfolded after certain events left me utterly despairing. It was heart-rending.
This was a long book and quite frankly, I wish it was longer. Ending on a HFN, their journey together was only just beginning (no romance at this stage) and I was left wanting so much more. I need justice to be served! I need the next book now 😩
I loved it, but due to the content it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, so please check for triggers. Thank you, Lisa, for the recommendation. These characters will stay with me for a long while to come.
Trigger Warnings:
✅ HFN
✅ ABO gender fluid characters
✅ Mpreg
✅ Dystopian
✅ Genetic engineering
✅ Hurt comfort
What an emotional rollercoaster! This was so much darker than anything I’ve read before. It was original, well written and once I got my head around the complex hierarchies and confusing pronouns I was hooked.
Tav Grabar and Mir Reeve come from very different backgrounds, but both suffered immeasurable loss at an early age. Eager to escape the clutches of his privileged clan, Tav becomes a doctor and dedicates his life to omega medicine. Proto Alpha Mir, singlehandedly raises his two younger brothers/manages their farm, whilst his abusive father drinks away any profits. By a cruel twist of fate, their lives are irrevocably altered, in ways that they could never have imagined.
Their individual backstories were thoroughly consuming, my blood pressure sky high! If I wasn’t cursing at the asshole alphas, I was outraged by the awful plight of the omegas who are nothing more than chattel. The sheer betrayal and depravity that unfolded after certain events left me utterly despairing. It was heart-rending.
This was a long book and quite frankly, I wish it was longer. Ending on a HFN, their journey together was only just beginning (no romance at this stage) and I was left wanting so much more. I need justice to be served! I need the next book now 😩
I loved it, but due to the content it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, so please check for triggers. Thank you, Lisa, for the recommendation. These characters will stay with me for a long while to come.
Trigger Warnings:
July 17, 2020
10 unique, gripping stars!
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I have already read this book three times, and always found something I missed before. This isn’t a typical, ABO, M-preg romance. This is deep, like HELL deep social drama. So many hard topics were touched here. Religion, social inequality, politics, self-identity, fight, and hope. The corruption and immorality hiding behind the “greater good”.
And let me tell you this, in the dark world Emma Jaye created, it’s so easy to lose hope, so don’t take the trigger warning lightly. It’s dark, painful, gritty, and full of triggers.
But…
“In the darkness, there is always light. In the light, there is always hope. In hope, there is always love.”
Tav and Mir delivered it all, and much more. If you want the incredible, fleshed-out characters that are strong, smart, sassy, and brave, this book is for you.
The best book I’ve read this year.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I have already read this book three times, and always found something I missed before. This isn’t a typical, ABO, M-preg romance. This is deep, like HELL deep social drama. So many hard topics were touched here. Religion, social inequality, politics, self-identity, fight, and hope. The corruption and immorality hiding behind the “greater good”.
And let me tell you this, in the dark world Emma Jaye created, it’s so easy to lose hope, so don’t take the trigger warning lightly. It’s dark, painful, gritty, and full of triggers.
But…
“In the darkness, there is always light. In the light, there is always hope. In hope, there is always love.”
Tav and Mir delivered it all, and much more. If you want the incredible, fleshed-out characters that are strong, smart, sassy, and brave, this book is for you.
The best book I’ve read this year.
February 27, 2024
The earth is overpopulated and humans are dying. A group of scientists combines human and animal DNA and creates homo Malthusian. The Malthusians live hidden at a secluded area and they’re waiting for homo sapiens to extinct and inherit the planet.
In this society 80% of the population are betas and a small percentage are alphas and omegas. Betas are intersex and infertile. Alphas are male and omegas female and can reproduce. All children are born betas and at a certain age a few of them manifest as alphas and omegas to keep the population going as needed.
In the first book we follow the stories of two characters since they are young children. One of them Tav, is from a rich and powerful family and the other Mir is from a poor family that is struggling in many ways. As Tav and Mir grow we keep on guessing whether they’re going to manifest and how that is going to change their lives.
The book is amazing. Really really really amazing. The world building is fantastic and the characters are deep and complex and you connect with them instantly.
It’s a book about biology, politics, gender identity, morals and so so much more. It’s extremely dark and I advise you to read the trigger warnings before reading (but trust me it’s really worth your time).
This book broke my heart into a million pieces. I can’t find the words to describe how much it has affected me. It’s 120.000 words and I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down and when I finished it I was book hangover. I couldn’t think of anything else.
And I cried. I cried a lot and I yelled at characters. It was intense.
I don’t just want to read the next book. I need to read it and find out what’s going to happen next. It’s my new favorite book I read so far this year and I highly recommend it. Just keep in mind that it’s very dark and it’s going to break your heart.
I feel so lucky that I got the chance to read an ARC.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
In this society 80% of the population are betas and a small percentage are alphas and omegas. Betas are intersex and infertile. Alphas are male and omegas female and can reproduce. All children are born betas and at a certain age a few of them manifest as alphas and omegas to keep the population going as needed.
In the first book we follow the stories of two characters since they are young children. One of them Tav, is from a rich and powerful family and the other Mir is from a poor family that is struggling in many ways. As Tav and Mir grow we keep on guessing whether they’re going to manifest and how that is going to change their lives.
The book is amazing. Really really really amazing. The world building is fantastic and the characters are deep and complex and you connect with them instantly.
It’s a book about biology, politics, gender identity, morals and so so much more. It’s extremely dark and I advise you to read the trigger warnings before reading (but trust me it’s really worth your time).
This book broke my heart into a million pieces. I can’t find the words to describe how much it has affected me. It’s 120.000 words and I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down and when I finished it I was book hangover. I couldn’t think of anything else.
And I cried. I cried a lot and I yelled at characters. It was intense.
I don’t just want to read the next book. I need to read it and find out what’s going to happen next. It’s my new favorite book I read so far this year and I highly recommend it. Just keep in mind that it’s very dark and it’s going to break your heart.
I feel so lucky that I got the chance to read an ARC.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
August 30, 2020
I Proudly Received an Advanced from Author For Honest Review, and because I loved it so much I Bought it Immediately!!
I Give this Book a Perfect 5/5 Star Rating.
This is Omegaverse, if you don’t know what it is, please take the time to look it up before you judge this book. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s DEFINITELY Mine.
*Grins*
***When you READ this BOOK, PLEASE READ the ‘Author’s note: The birth of Malthusia’, it’s incredibly insightful & humorous.
BUT it is VERY Important.
Same with the Glossary & Pronoun Chart.
***.DO NOT SKIP.***
I LOOOOOOOOVE >In-Depth< Omegaverses, or any book in General when they involve an insane amount of detail.
They’re hard to find, because it takes time/dedication, and having a thoughtful thought process to make so much detail.
That way you know EXACTLY How Everything Works, and are able to SEE the Unique Book/Series Universe clearly from the eyes of the Author.
I Love this Take on Omegaverse.
I Also Want to Express if I See a Glossary and/or Grammar Chart, I AM HOOKED, nothing makes me happier than seeing an Author that is developing a world, is willing to help guide you into using ‘their terms and grammar’.
And the order of how you’re reading is so significant! ☺️
Love It.
This Review Has Absolutely Zero Spoilers, And I’m Trying To Write this Review as Vaguely as Possible so I Don’t Give Anything Away.
HEA(?): It CAN be taken as a HEA, but in reality No Yet :)
Cliffhanger(?): Heck YES!!! I Never want this to End!
Romance: (As of Now) 3.5-4/5
These two (*) will be rated different, because of how it is in the book.
*Heat: 4.5/5 (Not Bad at all ☺️)
*DARK Heat: 5/5
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
Dark(?): Absolutely. 4-4.5/5
This May be Darker for others.
And while I Don’t have Triggers, I can very well spot them, and this does contain some triggers.
*Please Note that ‘Nesting’ doesn’t occur at least in this book, but even if it does or doesn’t appear.
It Does Not take away from the book/universe whatsoever, and in this case I am perfectly fine without it.
This Book...I Can’t Tell You How Much I LOOVE THIS BOOK!
It’s So good and has everything I’d want in a Dark Omegaverse, Tav & Mir are such Unique and absolutely breathtaking characters, I Personally Never Encountered Ones Exactly Like Them as ‘Beings’, in an Omegaverse. Really Trying to be Vague Here Lol 😂
The Way this Book is Organized is Fantastic & Very Important.
I Want to Buy This Book The Very Moment it comes out, I want it as an Ebook, Paperback & Audiobook -I at least hope it goes to Audio one day, I’d pay whatever price when it becomes available.-
I Am Highly -And Do Not Take This Lightly- Anticipating Book 2!
I Completely Recommending This.
I Give this Book a Perfect 5/5 Star Rating.
This is Omegaverse, if you don’t know what it is, please take the time to look it up before you judge this book. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s DEFINITELY Mine.
*Grins*
***When you READ this BOOK, PLEASE READ the ‘Author’s note: The birth of Malthusia’, it’s incredibly insightful & humorous.
BUT it is VERY Important.
Same with the Glossary & Pronoun Chart.
***.DO NOT SKIP.***
I LOOOOOOOOVE >In-Depth< Omegaverses, or any book in General when they involve an insane amount of detail.
They’re hard to find, because it takes time/dedication, and having a thoughtful thought process to make so much detail.
That way you know EXACTLY How Everything Works, and are able to SEE the Unique Book/Series Universe clearly from the eyes of the Author.
I Love this Take on Omegaverse.
I Also Want to Express if I See a Glossary and/or Grammar Chart, I AM HOOKED, nothing makes me happier than seeing an Author that is developing a world, is willing to help guide you into using ‘their terms and grammar’.
And the order of how you’re reading is so significant! ☺️
Love It.
This Review Has Absolutely Zero Spoilers, And I’m Trying To Write this Review as Vaguely as Possible so I Don’t Give Anything Away.
HEA(?): It CAN be taken as a HEA, but in reality No Yet :)
Cliffhanger(?): Heck YES!!! I Never want this to End!
Romance: (As of Now) 3.5-4/5
These two (*) will be rated different, because of how it is in the book.
*Heat: 4.5/5 (Not Bad at all ☺️)
*DARK Heat: 5/5
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
Dark(?): Absolutely. 4-4.5/5
This May be Darker for others.
And while I Don’t have Triggers, I can very well spot them, and this does contain some triggers.
*Please Note that ‘Nesting’ doesn’t occur at least in this book, but even if it does or doesn’t appear.
It Does Not take away from the book/universe whatsoever, and in this case I am perfectly fine without it.
This Book...I Can’t Tell You How Much I LOOVE THIS BOOK!
It’s So good and has everything I’d want in a Dark Omegaverse, Tav & Mir are such Unique and absolutely breathtaking characters, I Personally Never Encountered Ones Exactly Like Them as ‘Beings’, in an Omegaverse. Really Trying to be Vague Here Lol 😂
The Way this Book is Organized is Fantastic & Very Important.
I Want to Buy This Book The Very Moment it comes out, I want it as an Ebook, Paperback & Audiobook -I at least hope it goes to Audio one day, I’d pay whatever price when it becomes available.-
I Am Highly -And Do Not Take This Lightly- Anticipating Book 2!
I Completely Recommending This.
August 13, 2020
A masterpiece! Period! 5+++ stars
I’ll try to give a review without spoiling or give too much away of the story.
Read it yourself is magnificent, not one page, not one sentence is dull.
By following Taven on his journey the whole Malthusian sapiens way of living is revealed before our eyes. From the point where Tav is just a little boy to where they are an adult.
Life is cruel, it’s all about animalistic reproduction, big Alpha’s breeding their omega’s. Omega’s who aren’t allowed to do anything but give birth.
You’ll never know for sure until time tells you what you are, an alpha, beta, or omega. There are circumstances to gendering. There are always exceptions.
Taven didn’t want to manifest any gender. Taven’s current world isn’t to Taven’s like.
“I’m going to do what Pa wants. I’m going to study, and be a professional beta, but not for him, not for the Grabars. I’m going to help omegas without a voice.”
For all sapiens, the scum of the earth seems to be an omega. They have no rights, no place, only obedience.
When Taven finally lives the life they want, their Grabar Prime Alpha demands him home.
Life is all about manipulation, representing yourself to secure your place in the hierarchy, it’s all or nothing. Something Taven intelligent mind can’t live with. Never return home is their motto.
At the same parallel timeline as Tav’s, we meet Mir, proto-alpha of the Reeve family. A broken family, all hopes are on Mir.
Mir’s life is hard, running the family without an omega. Mir is protective until they are unable to. They have to run and run. Luck isn’t with Mir. Their life is horrible, vicious things are happening.
So far a bit of the story, everything is so essential, I can’t say too much or I’ll spoil and that would be a disaster.
What a narrative! Unbelievably detailed, developed to the extreme. There is a mountain of hurt of all kinds and a lot, A-LOT of damage. Omega’s without guardianship are prey.
What a ride, quite a masterpiece. I have to reach deep inside myself to find the right words to describe it all.
An intelligent story, so well thought out. The world the author created was magnificent.
There is so much viciousness, agony, injustice, small-minded opinions, no loyalty, I wanted to scream out loud. Respect for Mir and Tav, who are both so different from the others of their gender.
I’ll try to give a review without spoiling or give too much away of the story.
Read it yourself is magnificent, not one page, not one sentence is dull.
By following Taven on his journey the whole Malthusian sapiens way of living is revealed before our eyes. From the point where Tav is just a little boy to where they are an adult.
Life is cruel, it’s all about animalistic reproduction, big Alpha’s breeding their omega’s. Omega’s who aren’t allowed to do anything but give birth.
You’ll never know for sure until time tells you what you are, an alpha, beta, or omega. There are circumstances to gendering. There are always exceptions.
Taven didn’t want to manifest any gender. Taven’s current world isn’t to Taven’s like.
“I’m going to do what Pa wants. I’m going to study, and be a professional beta, but not for him, not for the Grabars. I’m going to help omegas without a voice.”
For all sapiens, the scum of the earth seems to be an omega. They have no rights, no place, only obedience.
When Taven finally lives the life they want, their Grabar Prime Alpha demands him home.
Life is all about manipulation, representing yourself to secure your place in the hierarchy, it’s all or nothing. Something Taven intelligent mind can’t live with. Never return home is their motto.
At the same parallel timeline as Tav’s, we meet Mir, proto-alpha of the Reeve family. A broken family, all hopes are on Mir.
Mir’s life is hard, running the family without an omega. Mir is protective until they are unable to. They have to run and run. Luck isn’t with Mir. Their life is horrible, vicious things are happening.
So far a bit of the story, everything is so essential, I can’t say too much or I’ll spoil and that would be a disaster.
What a narrative! Unbelievably detailed, developed to the extreme. There is a mountain of hurt of all kinds and a lot, A-LOT of damage. Omega’s without guardianship are prey.
What a ride, quite a masterpiece. I have to reach deep inside myself to find the right words to describe it all.
An intelligent story, so well thought out. The world the author created was magnificent.
There is so much viciousness, agony, injustice, small-minded opinions, no loyalty, I wanted to scream out loud. Respect for Mir and Tav, who are both so different from the others of their gender.
August 19, 2020
I took a chance picking this book it was sent to me along with a list of other books by email from another author I follow, a one off freebie, I’m glad I did. Boy was I ecstatic just by reading the definitions of some the words used, I could just tell this book was going to be epic based off that alone, shallow I know but worth it.
You see those warnings at the beginning of the book? Ha! This author was dead ass serious when she listed them, while some of the scenes were hard to read (one such scene was only a couple of turned pages away from the beginning) I felt she still held back and made some scenes easier to swallow. I am floored by the world she created even though the ABO world is heavily used she just took it and made it all her own, I’m glad she listened to Nero Seal, another writer absolutely love btw!
If you want to experience a full range of emotions, this book is for you! The sentence structures could have been handled neater as I had to reread quite a few times, but the thoughts and emotions come through loud and clear. If I could have given this 10/10 stars I would have, haven’t read a book as good as this in a long while, I’ll definitely be checking out her other works. As this has a HFN ending, you won’t be getting the answers to questions your going to burn up with by the end of the book. Second installment I NEED you, desperately!
You see those warnings at the beginning of the book? Ha! This author was dead ass serious when she listed them, while some of the scenes were hard to read (one such scene was only a couple of turned pages away from the beginning) I felt she still held back and made some scenes easier to swallow. I am floored by the world she created even though the ABO world is heavily used she just took it and made it all her own, I’m glad she listened to Nero Seal, another writer absolutely love btw!
If you want to experience a full range of emotions, this book is for you! The sentence structures could have been handled neater as I had to reread quite a few times, but the thoughts and emotions come through loud and clear. If I could have given this 10/10 stars I would have, haven’t read a book as good as this in a long while, I’ll definitely be checking out her other works. As this has a HFN ending, you won’t be getting the answers to questions your going to burn up with by the end of the book. Second installment I NEED you, desperately!
August 14, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Fate, the first in the Malthusia series, is an interesting and well developed look at alpha/omega relationships. The world created by the author has its own rules, which can be confusing, but ultimately shows that kindness and equality mean more than any fluke of nature. There are some potentially triggering scenes, including one that involves a sex act performed in front of a minor (a scene I had serious issues with), so please be forewarned that Fate isn’t going to be for everyone.
Tav and Mir are both fascinating characters and the author does an excellent job of building their backstories and giving us the full picture of how they were raised and treated as children. In this world, children are gender neutral and referred to as “they” until they present as either alpha (he), omega (she) or remain a beta (they). This can be a little confusing and made for some awkward grammar choices. I can’t say these were technically wrong, but they created some jarring syntax structures. This doesn’t derail the story, but it’s something that may give readers a pause.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Fate, the first in the Malthusia series, is an interesting and well developed look at alpha/omega relationships. The world created by the author has its own rules, which can be confusing, but ultimately shows that kindness and equality mean more than any fluke of nature. There are some potentially triggering scenes, including one that involves a sex act performed in front of a minor (a scene I had serious issues with), so please be forewarned that Fate isn’t going to be for everyone.
Tav and Mir are both fascinating characters and the author does an excellent job of building their backstories and giving us the full picture of how they were raised and treated as children. In this world, children are gender neutral and referred to as “they” until they present as either alpha (he), omega (she) or remain a beta (they). This can be a little confusing and made for some awkward grammar choices. I can’t say these were technically wrong, but they created some jarring syntax structures. This doesn’t derail the story, but it’s something that may give readers a pause.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
July 14, 2024
I was fascinated by this story from its blurb alone. Now I’m in love with it, because it delivered so much more than I expect.
I loved the characters. It was what I loved the most about it. Each one of them, even the secondary characters, had something interesting about them. There is so much work done on each of them, that makes easy to the reader understand the way they think, their motives, and everything about them. It made it a joyful experience. Even when they didn’t do the things we wish they would do, it was almost impossible to hate them, because we know what’s behind those decisions. And that is only about secondary characters, because when it came to the main characters, it is so much better. It was beautiful to see the way they think. To get in touch with their emotions. To see how they react when things didn’t go as planned. I like the strengh that was in them and how they wouldn’t settle on what the’ve being told it was normal or expected. None of them is perfect, which make things even better because it kept me guessing on their actions.
The book had a slow pace, that became troublesome at times. For the first parts of the book it seem like not much is going on, but getting to know the characters was a wonderful experience that made me keep reading. I also was very captivated by the worldbuilding. Understanding how the society function was very important. The biological aspect was also a very interesting part of it.
It had some romance on it, even though it doesn’t seem to be the main subject of the book. I’m perfectly fine with it. It is onty book 1, so there is also the promise to have some more in the future. Right now, I’m very pleased with how things are.
It had some very dark parts on it, which might not be suitable with every reader, so I would recommend to read the warnings and take them seriously, before choosing to read it. If OK with the warnings, I would recommend this book so much. The ability of the author to make us, the readers, connect with their characters emotion was amazing. It was a fantastic experience.
I loved the characters. It was what I loved the most about it. Each one of them, even the secondary characters, had something interesting about them. There is so much work done on each of them, that makes easy to the reader understand the way they think, their motives, and everything about them. It made it a joyful experience. Even when they didn’t do the things we wish they would do, it was almost impossible to hate them, because we know what’s behind those decisions. And that is only about secondary characters, because when it came to the main characters, it is so much better. It was beautiful to see the way they think. To get in touch with their emotions. To see how they react when things didn’t go as planned. I like the strengh that was in them and how they wouldn’t settle on what the’ve being told it was normal or expected. None of them is perfect, which make things even better because it kept me guessing on their actions.
The book had a slow pace, that became troublesome at times. For the first parts of the book it seem like not much is going on, but getting to know the characters was a wonderful experience that made me keep reading. I also was very captivated by the worldbuilding. Understanding how the society function was very important. The biological aspect was also a very interesting part of it.
It had some romance on it, even though it doesn’t seem to be the main subject of the book. I’m perfectly fine with it. It is onty book 1, so there is also the promise to have some more in the future. Right now, I’m very pleased with how things are.
It had some very dark parts on it, which might not be suitable with every reader, so I would recommend to read the warnings and take them seriously, before choosing to read it. If OK with the warnings, I would recommend this book so much. The ability of the author to make us, the readers, connect with their characters emotion was amazing. It was a fantastic experience.
January 31, 2021
As a fan of Zoey Ellis, Addison Cain and other authors of omegaverse books, I was drawn into this book. However, I didn't except a beginning to a saga with rounded characters, several plots, and a fleshed out world which makes you fear what the future could hold. In other words, I consider this book to be a cross between a dystopia and an omegaverse one.
In Malthusia, a messed up world/society where everyone is born gender-neutral, betas, and only those who "manifest" into males and females, alphas and omegas, can reproduce. Unfortunately, there is a strong desire for alphas, but many pray they don't end up as omegas. Omegas are seen as weak and breeders. Both the religious and the societal practices make the individuals hoping to manifest as alphas or to remain betas (who have more freedom in society).
There are 2 protagonists who are victims of this abusive society. Tav is from a wealthy family who witnesses the horrors of alphas, and Mir is from a family of farmers who hopes to become an alpha so that they can provide for their family. Both are victims of the good, the bad and the ugly of their world. And, when circumstances for them together, they are forced to realize their world is unfair, not just their lives.
The author combines our ideas of omegaverses, trauma, science experiments, trafficking, familial abuse, sexism and the use of pronouns into this creative and brilliant story. This story is well-written and you will have to read this bit-by-bit due to all of the triggers along the way. All that being said, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
In Malthusia, a messed up world/society where everyone is born gender-neutral, betas, and only those who "manifest" into males and females, alphas and omegas, can reproduce. Unfortunately, there is a strong desire for alphas, but many pray they don't end up as omegas. Omegas are seen as weak and breeders. Both the religious and the societal practices make the individuals hoping to manifest as alphas or to remain betas (who have more freedom in society).
There are 2 protagonists who are victims of this abusive society. Tav is from a wealthy family who witnesses the horrors of alphas, and Mir is from a family of farmers who hopes to become an alpha so that they can provide for their family. Both are victims of the good, the bad and the ugly of their world. And, when circumstances for them together, they are forced to realize their world is unfair, not just their lives.
The author combines our ideas of omegaverses, trauma, science experiments, trafficking, familial abuse, sexism and the use of pronouns into this creative and brilliant story. This story is well-written and you will have to read this bit-by-bit due to all of the triggers along the way. All that being said, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 14, 2020
Totally Original
I'm a little shocked at how much I enjoyed this book..There's a lot going on and I thought it'd be to much but I was wrong on every level..Emma really has a way with words that drag in and hold you captive I highly recommend this story it's imaginative and captivating.No spoilers just read it for yourself.
I'm a little shocked at how much I enjoyed this book..There's a lot going on and I thought it'd be to much but I was wrong on every level..Emma really has a way with words that drag in and hold you captive I highly recommend this story it's imaginative and captivating.No spoilers just read it for yourself.
September 4, 2020
Not quite 4 stars but I'm rounding up.
Very Dark. Read and heed the warnings. (Which honestly were like neon "read this now!" signs to me because I was in the mood for something different and it measured up.)
It's also very much only the first part of a story. Lots of unanswered questions and dangling plot threads...so I'mma need the next one ASAP.
Very Dark. Read and heed the warnings. (Which honestly were like neon "read this now!" signs to me because I was in the mood for something different and it measured up.)
It's also very much only the first part of a story. Lots of unanswered questions and dangling plot threads...so I'mma need the next one ASAP.
January 24, 2022
World-building is difficult. World-building around an mpreg/alpha/beta/omega premise is even rougher. There are any number of authors who have undertaken this sub-genre (if I may refer to it as such) with varying degrees of success-- a point which Emma Jake makes in the afterword portion of this first Malthusian-world book. I love that science inspired Ms. Jaye to take on these themes in a way which (pardons to any and all other mpreg genre authors) brings some plausibility to the idea of non-heteronormative means of bringing new life into existence. But for me, the most daunting task taken on by Ms. Jaye is to do all that within the context that this story takes place on Earth, perhaps in the distant future which was ravaged by over-population, exhaustion of resources and polluted environments. To build the world, set the characters and help the reader understand how this society works in every sense (socially, emotionally, politically and medically) you need a lot of pages. Now for me, this is a treat. Any new world worth building is one worth explaining in enough detail that one can imagine it in their mind's eye as events unfold. Learning how this world works and why those in it feel/think/act as they do (even in a world as bleak as this) can be revelatory. It can also serve as a measuring stick to the world we live in today, when it's done well...and "Fate" is done damn well. If I were to compare this first Malthusian book to any other work in any other genre, Frank Herbert's "Dune" comes to mind. What Herbert did in describing the culture, environment and socio-political posturing that occurs in that single book-- Emma Jake comes damn close to doing in "Fate". I found myself wondering if I could finish "Fate" about a third of the way through...and by the half-way point had to slow my reading so that I could make it last longer. The next installment can't come quickly enough. I'm smitten.
July 16, 2020
Incredible!
Terrible!
Fantastic writing, horrendous happenings!
The incredible depth of details in the construction of this alpha/beta/omega world is devastatingly close to seeming real.
The terrible reality, unfortunately based in true, actual reality of societal pressure, psychological and physical abuse because of a supposed station in life, and forced orientation, both sexual and emotive, is written so well that it claws into the guts of the reader.
Almost two stories in one, following the life of two individuals in this world until the crash into each other's lives.
Not quite a standalone, since the obvious lead-in to the next part of the story leaves the reader wanting more, but an almost HFN ending.
Terrible!
Fantastic writing, horrendous happenings!
The incredible depth of details in the construction of this alpha/beta/omega world is devastatingly close to seeming real.
The terrible reality, unfortunately based in true, actual reality of societal pressure, psychological and physical abuse because of a supposed station in life, and forced orientation, both sexual and emotive, is written so well that it claws into the guts of the reader.
Almost two stories in one, following the life of two individuals in this world until the crash into each other's lives.
Not quite a standalone, since the obvious lead-in to the next part of the story leaves the reader wanting more, but an almost HFN ending.
July 17, 2020
It's not a lot I can say about this book without giving away major spoilers. What I can say, is that I was so engulfed in this story, that I couldn't stop thinking about it till I was finished reading it. It's a big book, it took a weekend for me, and I had to force myself to put I down, and adult.
Malthusia Fate, is a big and complex story. It's a whole new world, with new twist, and dark turns.
It's a dark book, with lot of heartache and a lot of unreasonable alphas, uncaring betas and mistreated omegas. With a dash of light moments that melted my heart and brought out a tear or two.
Malthusia Fate, is a big and complex story. It's a whole new world, with new twist, and dark turns.
It's a dark book, with lot of heartache and a lot of unreasonable alphas, uncaring betas and mistreated omegas. With a dash of light moments that melted my heart and brought out a tear or two.
July 16, 2020
Wow... This book just blew my mind. I feel I've learned so much and not enough at the same time. This book is so raw, so painful, but absolutely amazing. I felt like crying when Mir gave Tav their first smile, and when they jumped in his arms... My heart broke and and glued together at the same time. This book is so beautiful, I just wish I could crawl in the author's mind and see what more she has to come. I can't wait for the next book 💗
July 15, 2020
Almost two stories in one, since all the strands join together towards the end, not a lot of humour, and quite a lot of brutality, there’s still several very poignant moments, and an endearing love story that just demands the reader to buy book two to find out what happens next. Really book 1 ends with multiple cliff hangers, and I really want to know MORE!
This is the first mpreg story that’s ever really made sense, with a logical explanation of the three tiered Alpha, Beta and Omega system. The biological system of being able to turn male or female or neither made a complex story much easier to follow, and without magic or simply glossing over medical details as most authors do, the concept of essentially 3 sexes makes sense. You quickly learn to accept how individuals think of themselves as ‘they’ while they don’t know who they will turn out to be as adults. And while it may actually be possible for a man, in the future, to be able to be pregnant, clearly a caesarean birth would be the only option. This story very neatly gets around that almost insane concept with a cleverly thought through, medical explanation that is plausible.
This is the first mpreg story that’s ever really made sense, with a logical explanation of the three tiered Alpha, Beta and Omega system. The biological system of being able to turn male or female or neither made a complex story much easier to follow, and without magic or simply glossing over medical details as most authors do, the concept of essentially 3 sexes makes sense. You quickly learn to accept how individuals think of themselves as ‘they’ while they don’t know who they will turn out to be as adults. And while it may actually be possible for a man, in the future, to be able to be pregnant, clearly a caesarean birth would be the only option. This story very neatly gets around that almost insane concept with a cleverly thought through, medical explanation that is plausible.
August 16, 2020
I am not even sure where to start with this review -
How can I possibly put into words the heartbreaking journey that was Fate: Malthusia?
I had the opportunity to read this as a Beta reader and as an ARC reader
- but that was not enough
I also read the final release on kindle
Each time I stumbled upon something new
A disparity or imbalance that broke my heart -
So many times I just wanted to hold Tav and protect him, her, their against societies injustices - the social norms
I also found new reasons to hope, to believe, to smile -
Somehow, despite all the cruelties laid upon Tav hope was not something he,she, they surrendered. Faltered yes - just long enough to throw a small pity party
This was all the things that make a novel worth reading -
It drags you in and makes you a part of the story.
The universe building was extraordinary! The cast? Each one was unique and powerful to the story line.
This is a full-length novel that deals with real-world disparities
Not for the faint of heart
The story is our world but not -
It takes place in a parallel universe where the discrepancies we so easily dismiss on our side of the veil are not so easily overlooked here
The discrimination - The intolerance - The inequalities
Jaye holds no punches -
Fate is Brutal- Raw - Honest
No politically correct sidestepping of the truth
No hiding of the injustices, the twists of societal norms to meet the religious and political wants
Heed the warnings
If you do take this journey -
Come with an open mind
Oh and a lot of tissue, maybe a teddy for comfort, a stiff drink to wash down the painful truths
This ends on a happy enough for now but never despair as Jaye has more in store for Tav and Mir
How can I possibly put into words the heartbreaking journey that was Fate: Malthusia?
I had the opportunity to read this as a Beta reader and as an ARC reader
- but that was not enough
I also read the final release on kindle
Each time I stumbled upon something new
A disparity or imbalance that broke my heart -
So many times I just wanted to hold Tav and protect him, her, their against societies injustices - the social norms
I also found new reasons to hope, to believe, to smile -
Somehow, despite all the cruelties laid upon Tav hope was not something he,she, they surrendered. Faltered yes - just long enough to throw a small pity party
This was all the things that make a novel worth reading -
It drags you in and makes you a part of the story.
The universe building was extraordinary! The cast? Each one was unique and powerful to the story line.
This is a full-length novel that deals with real-world disparities
Not for the faint of heart
The story is our world but not -
It takes place in a parallel universe where the discrepancies we so easily dismiss on our side of the veil are not so easily overlooked here
The discrimination - The intolerance - The inequalities
Jaye holds no punches -
Fate is Brutal- Raw - Honest
No politically correct sidestepping of the truth
No hiding of the injustices, the twists of societal norms to meet the religious and political wants
Heed the warnings
If you do take this journey -
Come with an open mind
Oh and a lot of tissue, maybe a teddy for comfort, a stiff drink to wash down the painful truths
This ends on a happy enough for now but never despair as Jaye has more in store for Tav and Mir
November 25, 2020
Just, I don’t know, it was just so unique, strange, amazing and completely different to anything I ever read.
Not smutty or about alphas only but it introduces a whole world or alphas, beats and omegas who have one fucked up existence. The different pronouns are hard to get your head round but once you realise what’s happening you want to cry and then cheer on these characters.
It’s really good, definitely give it a try.
Not smutty or about alphas only but it introduces a whole world or alphas, beats and omegas who have one fucked up existence. The different pronouns are hard to get your head round but once you realise what’s happening you want to cry and then cheer on these characters.
It’s really good, definitely give it a try.
August 16, 2020
Malthusia: Fate is unlike any other mpreg you’ve read before, so the very first thing I will tell you to do is to throw ANY preconceived notions of what you think you’re going to be reading out the door before you start this book. Especially anything you think you are going to see based on the cover. There. Now you are ready to dive into a very original take on a genderfluid alpha/beta/omega universe. Start with the incredibly detailed introduction and take note of the definitions and gender pronouns used in the book. This is especially important. Understand that in this carefully constructed world, the science makes sense and what happens to the characters physically is plausible, which is not always the case in ‘typical’ mpreg reads.
I admit I struggled with this book until I GOT IT. But even after the book ended, I still had to think more about it and get it some more. This is what I absolutely loved about Malthusia though, that it stuck with me for an exceptionally long time and it made me think more about this world that Author Jaye created. How if it happened now, it wouldn’t be surprising and actually very in line with a lot of the gender roles some cling to in our current world as well as having those who would exploit for their gain or to have control. Also, because of my age and the gender constructs that I grew up with, I realized that even though I am open to the changing discourse in our modern world around gender and what defines a romantic relationship, I personally needed to unlearn some outdated definitions to be able to appreciate the struggles of the main characters, their decisions, and the progression of the story. I needed to also revisit the concept of romance and how relationships can be defined as romantic but yet be found over what is a very large spectrum of intimacy. I did read an early copy of the book prior to release and had a bit of a discussion with the author over a couple of questions and she says it best: “Just as the book expands the idea of what it is to be male and female, I hope it expands what it can be thought of as romantic.”-Emma Jaye
So I can’t give you a synopsis of the book-you just need to read it. There is nothing I can say that will give this book justice. It will make you think, and hopefully you will even need to re-read it to appreciate the complex world and the investment the author has made and has asked you to make. When I read it, I didn’t realize it would be an HFN and the story will be continued in another installment. Don’t tell yourself to wait until the ‘series is finished’ or the ‘next book comes out’ to read this one, because you will need time in between books to really appreciate what Jaye has done here. And you’ll want an opportunity to reread this one before going onto the next. It is dark but not even in the ways that I usually expect in a dark ‘romance’ read. There are triggers so definitely read the author’s descriptors in the blurb. For what this book is, and what it does, I rate it 5 stars. If there was anything negative to take away from that for me, it would be that it is not a standalone story and will need a follow up installment. Usually even in series, I prefer that a book can be pretty much a standalone, but in this case, at 410 pages and knowing we will probably get another hefty installment, I accept that its going to take much more than one book to give us story fulfillment.
Kudos to the author for tackling such a complex world, developing it well and addressing genderfluidity, gender roles, genetic engineering and its possible effects, as well as political/religious/gender oppression with aplomb. The writing here is extraordinary. This is not a quick read and shouldn’t be. Give yourself time to delve into Malthusia and plan to have a book hangover with this one.
I admit I struggled with this book until I GOT IT. But even after the book ended, I still had to think more about it and get it some more. This is what I absolutely loved about Malthusia though, that it stuck with me for an exceptionally long time and it made me think more about this world that Author Jaye created. How if it happened now, it wouldn’t be surprising and actually very in line with a lot of the gender roles some cling to in our current world as well as having those who would exploit for their gain or to have control. Also, because of my age and the gender constructs that I grew up with, I realized that even though I am open to the changing discourse in our modern world around gender and what defines a romantic relationship, I personally needed to unlearn some outdated definitions to be able to appreciate the struggles of the main characters, their decisions, and the progression of the story. I needed to also revisit the concept of romance and how relationships can be defined as romantic but yet be found over what is a very large spectrum of intimacy. I did read an early copy of the book prior to release and had a bit of a discussion with the author over a couple of questions and she says it best: “Just as the book expands the idea of what it is to be male and female, I hope it expands what it can be thought of as romantic.”-Emma Jaye
So I can’t give you a synopsis of the book-you just need to read it. There is nothing I can say that will give this book justice. It will make you think, and hopefully you will even need to re-read it to appreciate the complex world and the investment the author has made and has asked you to make. When I read it, I didn’t realize it would be an HFN and the story will be continued in another installment. Don’t tell yourself to wait until the ‘series is finished’ or the ‘next book comes out’ to read this one, because you will need time in between books to really appreciate what Jaye has done here. And you’ll want an opportunity to reread this one before going onto the next. It is dark but not even in the ways that I usually expect in a dark ‘romance’ read. There are triggers so definitely read the author’s descriptors in the blurb. For what this book is, and what it does, I rate it 5 stars. If there was anything negative to take away from that for me, it would be that it is not a standalone story and will need a follow up installment. Usually even in series, I prefer that a book can be pretty much a standalone, but in this case, at 410 pages and knowing we will probably get another hefty installment, I accept that its going to take much more than one book to give us story fulfillment.
Kudos to the author for tackling such a complex world, developing it well and addressing genderfluidity, gender roles, genetic engineering and its possible effects, as well as political/religious/gender oppression with aplomb. The writing here is extraordinary. This is not a quick read and shouldn’t be. Give yourself time to delve into Malthusia and plan to have a book hangover with this one.
August 18, 2020
This is very intense and at times dark book. Please be aware of possible triggers. Malthusia is a place as well as a religion of sorts. Everyone is born without gender. As they grow older they stay a beta with no exact gender or become a male alpha or a female omega. The alphas rule all. Most are beyond dominant and only care about power and how others perceive them. The betas are the backbone. Without them nothing would run. The omegas are treated like cattle. Love is something I’m not sure is really found there. It is perceived as a weakness. The story goes into great detail with the growth of two young children until adulthood. This is the first book and is no way the ending of these two. What the future holds for them could be anything. Will there be a happily ever after? I don’t know but the journey will definitely change them and hopefully the world they live in.
August 18, 2020
Amazing start to Series
WOW. This is an awesome book. The world that has been conceived is fascinating just by itself. I have read quite a few alpha omega stories but nothing as revolutionary and all encompassing as this. It is dark and you should really read the trigger warnings if you have problems with that kind of thing.
Honestly though if you do like interesting and involved alpha omega stories then I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I can’t wait to read the next one and I hope that this series ends up being a long one.
WOW. This is an awesome book. The world that has been conceived is fascinating just by itself. I have read quite a few alpha omega stories but nothing as revolutionary and all encompassing as this. It is dark and you should really read the trigger warnings if you have problems with that kind of thing.
Honestly though if you do like interesting and involved alpha omega stories then I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I can’t wait to read the next one and I hope that this series ends up being a long one.
September 13, 2020
This was an extremely unique book and it definitely had interesting building. It was dark but there was some light in there and I really enjoyed the main characters. I'm looking forward to a bit more romance in the next book
August 16, 2020
I was completely enthralled and I can’t wait for the next book but this was not a comfortable read. It was a detailed, well explained mpreg with strong world building and gender identity complexity. Such a great story but I just wanted to save those poor characters and while it ended happyish for now, I can see trouble looming in the future. Please bring the next book quickly. I’m very invested in the wellbeing of these characters and I’m not completely sure which name they want to be called right now.
August 16, 2020
holy crap this was amazing..it was interesting and kept me curious.. i never knew what was coming next.. it is omegaverse but a whole other kind... it was so much fun to read and learn a whole other world.. the main characters were awesome and the secondary ones were even more.. haha.. it was amazing.
August 19, 2020
I a really loved this book. There was such a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions going around and families and people so messed up , but Tav and Mir did their best to be good people.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review
July 25, 2020
Enthralling from beginning to end
Dark, gritty, and absolutely captivating, I enjoyed every single page of this. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say don't start this anywhere close to your bedtime because you won't want to put it down, I know I couldn't.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Gay Book Promotions*
Dark, gritty, and absolutely captivating, I enjoyed every single page of this. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say don't start this anywhere close to your bedtime because you won't want to put it down, I know I couldn't.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Gay Book Promotions*
March 30, 2021
Ugggg not for me
I was three quarters through and DNF (Could Not Finish)... It's A very loooong book so I felt like I had been reading forever and I just could not take the unrelenting anguish of the characters, specifically the horrific torture of poor Mir. The author does a good job (maybe too good) of building A very lengthy history of the characters from early childhood. You invest in the characters and, despite the horrible culture they're born into, you want them to somehow overcome. Or at least I did. This emotional bond to the characters made it, for me, too hard to watch 1 MC broken apart from the brutal sexual enslavement.
The book was too sad, too depressing, too filled with anguish without offering even a sliver of hope or happiness anywhere in their miserable lives. It's just 1 agonizing event after another. Almost every charter besides the MCs was just pure awful, evil, or lacking even basic emotions or compassion.
Maybe some good comes in the last part of the book, or the next. But what made me stop reading was because I finally stopped caring if Mir found any happiness. Her(their) life was already destroyed to the point where you couldn't recognize the character anymore.
I also just could not stand the dark, dystopian society that embraces such foul treatment and dehumanizing of 90% of the citizens. I found it unbelievable that even religion could hoodwink the citizens into reducing Omegas to basically animal status.... Or maybe history shows that CAN happen but I don't want to read a fictional book about it.
Lastly, this is a omegaverse trope but I would not consider it MM since the characters start off as ungendered and the Omega becomes "she " and does not possess other male attributes. That also made a difference to me.
I feel bad I didn't make it through after investing so many hours... It's the only book I've not made it through.
I will say the author writes very well and does a great job building this world. I just didn't want to visit it anymore.😬
I was three quarters through and DNF (Could Not Finish)... It's A very loooong book so I felt like I had been reading forever and I just could not take the unrelenting anguish of the characters, specifically the horrific torture of poor Mir. The author does a good job (maybe too good) of building A very lengthy history of the characters from early childhood. You invest in the characters and, despite the horrible culture they're born into, you want them to somehow overcome. Or at least I did. This emotional bond to the characters made it, for me, too hard to watch 1 MC broken apart from the brutal sexual enslavement.
The book was too sad, too depressing, too filled with anguish without offering even a sliver of hope or happiness anywhere in their miserable lives. It's just 1 agonizing event after another. Almost every charter besides the MCs was just pure awful, evil, or lacking even basic emotions or compassion.
Maybe some good comes in the last part of the book, or the next. But what made me stop reading was because I finally stopped caring if Mir found any happiness. Her(their) life was already destroyed to the point where you couldn't recognize the character anymore.
I also just could not stand the dark, dystopian society that embraces such foul treatment and dehumanizing of 90% of the citizens. I found it unbelievable that even religion could hoodwink the citizens into reducing Omegas to basically animal status.... Or maybe history shows that CAN happen but I don't want to read a fictional book about it.
Lastly, this is a omegaverse trope but I would not consider it MM since the characters start off as ungendered and the Omega becomes "she " and does not possess other male attributes. That also made a difference to me.
I feel bad I didn't make it through after investing so many hours... It's the only book I've not made it through.
I will say the author writes very well and does a great job building this world. I just didn't want to visit it anymore.😬
October 13, 2020
Hands down the best
This is the best,most detailed and thoughtful, omega verse book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down. While the they/them/their was a little confusing at first the story was so good thinking in non gendered terms became normal in order to be in the story. Some things I never could have seen coming and my heart broke for Mir throughout her journey so far. Literally had me in tears in public. I can’t wait to find out what the second book holds for Tav and Mir. I’ll be reading this authors other works in the meantime.
This is the best,most detailed and thoughtful, omega verse book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down. While the they/them/their was a little confusing at first the story was so good thinking in non gendered terms became normal in order to be in the story. Some things I never could have seen coming and my heart broke for Mir throughout her journey so far. Literally had me in tears in public. I can’t wait to find out what the second book holds for Tav and Mir. I’ll be reading this authors other works in the meantime.
June 9, 2025
4 stars
This was really good, but I'm giving it a 4 stars because the ending was a little dull and anticlimactic, despite ending on a cliffhanger.
The story was original, not as dark as some of the other books I've read, but dark enough, and I love the main characters in this book. I'm excited to see where their story goes.
On to the next one.
This was really good, but I'm giving it a 4 stars because the ending was a little dull and anticlimactic, despite ending on a cliffhanger.
The story was original, not as dark as some of the other books I've read, but dark enough, and I love the main characters in this book. I'm excited to see where their story goes.
On to the next one.
October 18, 2020
I really loved this book. Emma Jaye creates a world like no other. It is definitely different but its an awesome different. You love Tav and Mir and other characters you want raked over hot coals. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I can not wait for the second book
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