“Now, Protectors Inc. crawls with vipers ready to sink their fangs into your flesh when you aren’t looking.”
In 1940s New York, violinist May is swept through a time portal against her will, finding herself in the year 2021. Welcomed by Protectors Inc., a covert American agency, May is believed to be the prophesied "Savior" - a being with unimaginable power.
As Protectors Inc. prepares to defend Earth against the impending attack from the god of destruction, Perses, May struggles to adapt to this new, technologically-advanced world as she contends with Protectors Inc.’s demands and the weight of their expectations.
In this science-fantasy epic, the fate of two eras hangs in the balance as May fights to protect both her past roots and her newly found connections with the modern world, though the question remains - Is she or is she not the Savior?
Emilie Ocean is a fiction writer, ghostwriter, editor, and business owner hailing from Reunion Island.
She is armed with a BA degree in Literature and Languages from Blaise Pascal University, France, an MA degree in Literary Translation from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and a certificate in proofreading.
When writing, Ocean specialises in science-fiction, fantasy, and romance.
Her passion for languages is evident in her ability to fluently speak Reunionese, French, English, and Spanish, which she seamlessly incorporates into her novels.
Being a strong advocate of self-publishing, she recently opened an online bookstore (www.bookedandhooked.com) with author Luisa Perez to provide indie authors with a place to sell their books.
Ocean currently resides in Galway, Ireland, with her partner and furry companion.
I was fortunate to be selected as an ARC reader for A Warrior's Requiem , and I can confidently say that this book offers a reading experience like no other. With its unique blend of two timelines—1936 and 2021—the narrative constantly keeps you on your toes, weaving together different eras and revealing how intricately they are linked. The seamless transitions between timelines are masterfully executed, and watching how the pieces come together was one of the highlights of the story for me.
The protagonist, May, begins her journey in 1936 New York but is abruptly swept through a mysterious portal, transporting her to 2021. This time leap not only adds a fascinating twist to the narrative but also raises questions about fate, identity, and purpose. When May arrives in this futuristic world, she finds herself in the hands of Protectors Inc., a secret organization that believes she is the savior destined to prevent the god of destruction, Perses, from destroying the world. However, May is anything but convinced that she’s the one they are looking for.
What makes A Warrior’s Requiem truly stand out is its character development. May is a protagonist you can root for—strong, independent, and completely relatable as she struggles to reconcile her past with this extraordinary future. Her interactions with the members of Protectors Inc. reveal much about the organization and the world she’s found herself in, with a cast of well-developed side characters who all have their own stakes in the unfolding events.
Among these, Christopher, May’s best friend shines as a caring and protective figure. His loyalty to May adds a warmth to the story, as he becomes her closest ally during her journey. Then there's Bash, Christopher’s best friend, whose chemistry with May is undeniable. They share a dynamic filled with cheeky banter and snarky exchanges, but beneath the playful tension lies a deeper connection. Both May and Bash harbor feelings for each other, yet neither is willing to admit it.
The mix of mythology and modernity, particularly the looming threat of Perses, the god of destruction, brings a sense of epic scale to the narrative. It’s not just a personal journey for May but a battle for the fate of the world, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The pacing is perfect, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to action-packed scenes that keep you turning the pages.
In short, A Warrior’s Requiem is a fresh take on the fantasy genre, blending historical fiction, time travel, and mythology in a way that feels wholly original. If you’re looking for a book that offers not just an immersive world but also a deeply engaging plot with twists and turns that keep you guessing, this is the one for you. Highly recommended!
Time travel. A “big bad.” A traumatized heroine with something to prove. Two men devoted to protect her.
You’ll find all this and more in Protectors Inc by my author bestie Emilie ♥️
Emilie writes characters like no one else. There are so many incredible things I could say about this book, but I’ll try to limit it: •The perfect plot & romance balance •The perfect amount of s3ggsy tension (🥵) •Multi-faceted characters who make you FEEL something! Too often I can’t relate or even feel any angst because characters are written so shallowly. This is never the case with Emilie’s books. I always feel all the angst 😅 •Plot twists throughout •So much diversity (racial, ethnic, religious, s3ggsual) along with the addressing of how racism plays a part in history and now •Bisexual MC? Love this 🫶🏼
For the lows - not a damn thing!
If you loved series like The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare and Marvel’s “Captain America,” you will LOVE this book! It’s got a major cliffhanger, so be prepared 👀
Recommended for 18+
TWs: vi0lence, mukduk, g0re, mental t0rtur3, death of loved ones, 🔫s, r@c!sm, physical a$$ault, scars, mind c0ntr0l, cheating (not between MCs), mentions of infertility, anxiety
I was honored to be an ARC reader for Protectors Inc. A Warrior's Requiem by Emilie Ocean. It is a unique blend of science-fantasy and historical elements that takes readers on a journey across time. The story follows May, a violinist from the 1940s, who is thrust into a futuristic world where she is heralded as the prophesied "Savior" to combat a looming threat.
The dual timelines were a standout element; Emilie Ocean interweaves the 1930s ambiance with the fast-paced, futuristic setting of Protectors Inc. May's emotional struggle to adapt and find her footing in this strange new world added depth to her character.
The plot twist involving Perses was one of the highlights for me—it was unexpected and cleverly foreshadowed without being obvious. The revelation added a new layer of complexity to the story, raising the stakes and forcing May to confront not only the external threat but also her own doubts about her role in this world.
While the premise was engaging and the world-building creative, some parts felt slower than others, especially during moments where May’s inner turmoil overtook the action. However, the twist kept me hooked and left me thinking about the story long after I finished.
In terms of romance, the spice level was mild. While there were glimmers of chemistry between May and a key member of Protectors Inc., the relationship remained more of a subplot. This allowed the narrative to focus on the stakes and May’s journey as the "Savior."
Overall, Protectors Inc. is a captivating read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with elements of time travel and fantasy. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate a balance of emotional depth, high-stakes adventure, and a well-executed twist.
☕️A dark mocha latte with a dash of cinnamon perfectly complements the book’s bittersweet emotional depth, rich world-building, and unexpected twists. It’s bold and comforting, with a hint of spice to represent the surprises in the story.
The thrilling story of a violinist who gets whisked away through a portal from the 1930s into 2021, where agents with superhuman abilities are fighting an uneven battle against an evil only the Savior stands a chance at defeating. They think she is that Savior, but is she really? It was exciting for me to join the FMC on her emotional journey filled with adventure, twists and turns, and love. The MCs' relationship was beautifully developed, with the jumps between events in the 1930s and 2021 adding extra mystery as to what happened in the past. Their schmexy scenes were pure fire! The ending left me gaping and in need of the next book. What a story 👏
I enjoyed being an ARC reader again for Emilie. The story follows a young woman named May who is brought from the World War II era to modern times by an organization of superheroes who believe she is a savior who can help them defeat a powerful enemy. But is she the Savior? And will she reunite with a man she fell in love with back in the past?
• Alternates between past and present • May feels like an outsider in the past due to being a woman of color in America and an outsider in the present due to time traveling. • Heavy Marvel vibes with superheroes, politics, angst amongst the heroes, and so on. • The author’s love of languages shows yet again in her writing. • I love the platonic love between May and Christopher. I thought it would be a love triangle between them and Bash but that did not happen, and that’s refreshing, although Christopher is a jerk.
Tropes • Time travel • Superpowers • Chosen one • Fighting the attraction at first • Jealousy • Childhood best friends • Corrupt organization(s) • New York City
I have to say I really enjoyed this book and how it flowed together. The two timelines that were used flowed so well that they brought the whole book together. The timelines are blended between 1936 and 2021, two very different eras, but yet so greatly combined with 3 friends (2 who become more friends) and how different their lives are in each timeline.
We meet May, who is a violinist from the 1930s in New York. She is thrown a time portal that sends her to 2021 and therefore welcomed by the organisation of Protectors Inc. Protectors Inc, has been put in place on earth to protect people from the god of destruction, Perses. However, May recognises friendly faces from her past that are now standing before her in the future, unchanged, strong, and not aged. She soon discovers her reason for being brought to the future, to be what the Protectors call her "the saviour." As her world is thrown upside down, will she be able to convince them she is not who they say she is. And will they be able to protect her and the people they were set up to protect.🥰
I really enjoyed the whole book, and I honestly can't read to read the next one. I was lucky enough to be asked to read this and review it by Emilie. The book has so much potential. I love the friendship between Chris and May and how protective they are for one another. I really enjoyed the timelines the back and forth between the two because you get to see the friendship between Chris, May, and Bash, and also, the romance between May and Bash eventually comes to life. I love how the writing of the book brings the 2 timelines together at the end of the book but also the suspense of the fact you're left with knowing there is another book to come. 👀👀
Some tropes in the book; •2 timelines •superheros •chosen one •slow burn romance •friendship and loyalty •LGBTQ
Let me start this off with: I am a sucker for slow-burn romance. The furstration and tension that comes with the territory when well done are so sweet and irresistible and Emilie Ocean delivers tenfold. Oh my freaking gaaawd how incredibly written this slow-burn was. Bash you hot bastard! You incredibly stubborn hot bastard it is a damn good thing you got your head out of your ass by the end of the book, because otherwise I would have kicked your ass. (Not that I think I’d stand a chance against his super strength.) Gosh, the characters were so beautifully real with all their faults, scars and quirks. Emilie made them come to life in her characteristic one of a kind writing style that follows the entire cast all at once without feeling like head hopping. The skillful balance she acquires is perfection and I was drawn into her world with ease. The story follows two separate timelines giving us insight to Christopher’s, Bash’s and May’s past and present at the same time and is uniquely done. I absolutely loved getting to know these three. Bash is such a gentleman despite his dirty thoughts. I love, love, love him. Sorry May, I just do and I want to kiss his scars away, even though it is your job. The fragile relationship they are building is so beautiful for the lack of a better word. I can’t believe Emilie left us hanging at the end there. Whaaaaaaaaaat am I supposed to do with my life now that this story is clearly incomplete? Help me!! I am so eager for the next books you have no idea.
Slow burn —> Spiceeee! Best friends best friend romance Time travel Two timelines Superheros, powers The chosen one, or is she? LGBTQ 3rd POV present tense
I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait for more in this series!
Protectors Inc tells the story of May, a violinist who we first meet in late 1930s New York who finds herself swept through a portal to 2021. When she reaches 2021 she is welcomed by Protectors Inc an organization tasked with saving Earth from the god of destruction Perses. May is believed to be the "saviour" which is why is transported to the future and to her surprise meets a couple of familiar faces who somehow haven't aged and have super strength powers. The story then details why May is in 2021 and her role with the Protectors as well as her past life in 1940s New York as a violinist and her friendships and romances. It has themes such as superheroes, superpowers, dual timeline, time travel and some spice.
There are so many elements to the story I enjoyed but I especially loved the dual timeline! In particular I loved being transported back to 1940s New York and May's world back then. One key theme of the last timeline is this loyalty and friendship May has in particular with Christopher, someone who also happens to be in the future 2021 timeline. I loved the friendship May has with Christopher and the frosty relationship with his best friend Sebastian (Bash). The author really brings to life the characters you'll find yourself really connecting and rooting for them throughout! I can't wait to read more of this series!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it!
May, Bash and Christopher ore some of my favorite characters to read about. They have such a great friendship and I loved their banter and dynamics. The switch between 1937 and 2021 was flawless and really helps you understand these characters, what they went through and why the act the way they did. This was such a great way to build up the characters. This isn’t a high world building fantasy since it take place in New York. Instead, the focus is on the characters and the plot. This is must read!
I enjoyed this book so much. The way Emilie writes transports you right into the story. When you read, you feel connected to her characters. I really recommend this book. I cannot wait for the next one!!
Protectors Inc.: A Warrior's Requiem by Emile Ocean Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 4⭐️'s
I really enjoyed Protectors Inc.: A Warrior's Requiem. A story of science-fantasy with a covert agency trying to save the world against a coming attack from the God of Destruction. This story follows May, a violinist in New York alongside her friends Christopher and Bash. May, being believed to be the Savior to help stand against Perses, the God of Destruction, is pulled from her timeline to help the agency and her friends in this attack.
I felt Emile Ocean built the story very well. I enjoyed the different aspects within the story from a Hero's Journey, time travel, action-packed scenes, slowburn romance, strong friendship ties, and aspects of found family. I enjoyed both the romance and action sides of the story. I did, however, have a hard time with the dual timelines at moments trying to follow and keep track of the multiple POVs. As the story went on, I did get a better hang of it but tend to prefer a singular timeline or maybe not so much back and forth throughout the story if there are multiple.
Emile Ocean built the characters and their relationships beautifully. I felt an attachment to the characters and their stories within the book, waiting to see what would come of each of their futures.
I think Emile did a wonderful job of creating a very compelling and action-packed story with her words and world building around the characters. The story leaves you on edge, wanting to know what will come next for our characters and their world. There were definitely hints of spice and tension for the romance in the story, but it was not the only main focus sole focus of the story. If you're looking for a thrilling and entertaining science-fantasy with a strong FMC hero and hints of romance, I'd recommend taking a look at Emile Ocean's book, Protectors Inc.: A Warrior's Requiem.
“I’m an overachiever in everything I do, piccola.” He winks, a crooked smile spreading across his face to curve one of the corners of his mouth. “I never disappoint. I can go all night long.” Unable to look away, she gulps, cheekbones as red as they were when he was manipulating her body. “Are we still talking about dancing?” she manages, her breathing still out of control. “No, we’re not.”
~ Bash
It's 1941. May is a Cuban violinist, playing with the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York. She has carved out a wonderful life for herself filled with friends and a budding relationship with a dashing young man. But reality is tilted on its axis when she is thrust through a portal and finds herself in 2021. Everything is foreign to her and yet somehow the same. Her best friend, Christopher, is alive and well, still young and handsome, though stacked with many more muscles than she remembers. And that man who captured her heart? He's here too, and the chemistry they shared is still very much alive.
Review:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This book was exquisite, and I feel so privileged to have been granted an ARC copy. Emilie writes beautifully and you find yourself easily lost in the pages. A spicy version of our favorite superheroes with a unique twist, it's unlike anything I've read before, in the best way possible.
There's a lot of action, plot twists, and unexpected events. And the spice was truly top notch, fulfilling my fantasies of what it would be like to f*ck a superhero, Emilie brought that to life with rich, descriptive words, making you feel every moment the characters were expressing. I can't wait for book two in the Chronicles of Protectors series.
Protectors Inc: A Warrior's Requiem is the first book in Emilie Ocean’s Chronicles of Protectors Series. Emilie brings us a refreshing experience in the science-fantasy genre. Her world creating is top notch and so fun to read. The dual timelines were such an interesting element of the book, it almost felt like reading two separate stories that complemented each other well. The multiple POV’s did take some getting used to, a few times I had to reread a few sentences to figure out who was speaking. Once I got into the flow I was sucked in to a world filled with super heroes, Gods, special task forces, and characters that pulled you in. I absolutely loved May, she is a character that you root for. She’s strong in her convictions and is so loyal and loving. I’ll admit I was on the fence a few times with both Chris and Bash. They would be so sweet and then turn around and make me so freaking angry. While frustrating at times, the tension and dynamic between the characters make the plot more relatable. I will say I’m not sure I’m Team Chris, he’s got a lot of character growth that needs to happen. The slow burn aspect of the story will definitely test your patience, but let me tell you it is so worth the wait, holy hotness! If you are a fan of the Marvel universe, plot twists, historical fiction and time travel, this is the book for you. Reader beware this does end in a cliffhanger, but I’m definitely hooked and can’t wait to see where this series goes!
Once again Emilie is pushing me out of my comfort zone as this was unlike any book I've read before; Time travel, fantasy, superpowers, superhumans, secret organisations to name a few, all tropes I never normally go for, throw in a sprinkling of spice & I loved it. The book flows effortlessly between two timelines, New York in the 1930s/1940s & 2021. I love dual timelines and this had an extra something as it involved time travel, the alternating times keeps you so engaged and hooked on the storyline, I read this in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down.
I loved the main female character May, she's tough, independent & fiery and I adored her friendship with Christopher and the loyalty they both had for the other. The slow burn & changing dynamics between May & Bash throughout was perfection 👌🏻 The characters were so well written & developed with Emilie bringing them to life, allowing the reader to really connect & relate to them.
This was such a unique read with so many elements working seamlessly together, it's action-packed & so engaging, you'll be afraid to look away for fear you might miss something.
I already can't wait for the next installation especially as the ending left me itching for more.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy, all thoughts are my own
The story jumps from the late 1930's where we follow the journey of May, Chris and Bash's friendship and 2021 where we learn how the Protectors came about and Chris Bash and May's involvement.
The character development and the ways Emile creates and builds the relationships is marvelous.
The world and plot building is good, but what really stood out for me was the way Emile made me connect with the characters.
This is well written, easy to read and not hard to follow with the time jumps at all.
I wanted to know more, I loved being part of May and Bash's journey towards each other in the 30's / 40's.
At times i was so annoyed at Chris who to me was often self absorbed and selfish.
And the cliffhanger at the end!!! What a way to end it. Can't wait for the next book
Think X-men meets time travel… but make it sexy! X-men, spice, time travel and a hint of the Avengers – this is the niche you never knew you needed! While this is a super fun blend of those things, Protectors Inc is, at its heart, a love story. And a spicy one at that, the opening and closing scenes had me blushing – as well as many more in-between. This book is a slow build in speculation… is May the prophesised Savior, or isn’t she? Be warned, the narrative will build you up and leave you wanting more. Can you hurry up and write book two please Emilie? I need it now!
I always love stories that uses different time period in them and this book nourished that part for me, it’s always satifying to me when a character discover either future or past, the excitement, being curious and more! I vigorously recommend that book. The story is super good and time flies when i read it!! I won’t say much to not spoil it because it is a kind of book that is best to discover while reading it! The experience is Worth it !
Omg I just love this series!!! I just loved the anticipation the two separate timelines created and how they intertwine. I love May and co. I’ll leave it there as Im petrified of spoiling anything accidentally. To the Author: TAKE MY MONEY AND CONTINUE THIS SERIES QUICKLY PLEASEEEEE!!!! I KNOW THIS STORY ISNT DONE!
Honestly if there’s one thing I’m going to do it’s read an Emilie Ocean book.
And everytime I do it’s going to eat I fear, she absolutely kilt it, the book is packed with adventure and amazing characters (May being my favorite) and Emilie is one of the girls because she never lets us down for smut.
Okay, so this wasn’t really my kind of book; time travel & fantasy. However, I did find myself wanting to continue reading, as I wanted to find out if May was the person they needed her to be. But, when it ended on a cliffhanger, with a new plot, I was most annoyed.
I liked the idea of how it alternated between the past & present. But I didn’t feel like I was really there in the 1930s when we were reading about being in the past. Because of this, I found myself skimming over a lot in this book because I felt it lacked the right details to really transport you back to that era, or forward to a supposed advanced present, so it didn’t really catch my attention. I also found that by reading the conversations & the odd scene, I was able to still get the full gist of the story.
I wasn’t a great fan of the story line regarding how the supers actually became supers, it felt all too familiar, like a retelling of Captain America.
So, while the premise was engaging, I just found it to be excruciatingly slow, with too much detail in places it didn’t need to be, while lacking in others. The romance & spice levels are mild &, again, so incredibly slow. We do get little glimpses of chemistry between May & a fellow member of protectors inc, it just never amounts to anything. & when something does start to bloom, it’s all cut short. It was just way too slow burn for me. But that is just a me problem.
I wasn’t a fan of the three different languages used either, some words are easy to remember or are obvious, but others not so much & it’s just a nag to keep going back to the Glossary when the translation isn’t repeated in English for us.
If you enjoy fantasy, time travel & slow burn, then this book is definitely a good read for you. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me & didn't sway me over to read more of this type of book.