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Sins of Lethe #1
A Consummation
WARNING: ADULT SITUATIONS. DARKNESS.
Exclusive Author's Edition; Contains the first two books (A Consummation and Devoutly) of Sins of Lethe, along with the prequel Not to Be, for a limited time.
170+ 5-star reviews and ratings across multiple platforms.
~
From the womb, you are owned. You are signed away before your first breath. You are called beautiful. Like it means something important. Like it would get you a kind husband. Or one less cruel.
As much as you try to model perfect obedience, your mother looks less happy as you grow. She has secrets. She keeps them with her. You forget what she looked like when she was happy.
But you remember why she's not there for your wedding, and you will do anything to honor her memory.
Anything.
But first acts of rebellion open doors that are best left closed.
Until him. Until he walked through your door. Your savior.
But how can you truly love when you only know obedience?
If you enjoy epic love stories that shine a light in perpetual darkness, don't miss this romantic thriller.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Human ash was difficult to work with when wet, but it was done. She looked more like a raccoon than a bride, but she didn't want to be alone. Her mother would be with her until the end.
Today was Shula Kelley's wedding day. Today was the day she would die.
2250 Anno Domini, two-hundred years after Texas seceded from the United States, a distorted morality warped the population. Betrothal contracts were signed before birth. Shula had a strong opinion about that. So she took matters into her own hands. With unexpected results. Book One of Six. 25K words. Cliffhanger. Heed the sins.
Taxonomy of Sins:
Wrath * Idolatry * Blasphemy * Ignominy * Hatred * Deceit * Sedition * Sexual Immorality * Suicide * Apostasy * Homosexuality * False Prophecy * Infanticide * Negligent Homicide * Fornication * Heresy * Pride * Wickedness * Strife * Covetousness * Murder * Lasciviousness * Variance * Lust * Desecration of the worst sort
Exclusive Author's Edition; Contains the first two books (A Consummation and Devoutly) of Sins of Lethe, along with the prequel Not to Be, for a limited time.
170+ 5-star reviews and ratings across multiple platforms.
~
From the womb, you are owned. You are signed away before your first breath. You are called beautiful. Like it means something important. Like it would get you a kind husband. Or one less cruel.
As much as you try to model perfect obedience, your mother looks less happy as you grow. She has secrets. She keeps them with her. You forget what she looked like when she was happy.
But you remember why she's not there for your wedding, and you will do anything to honor her memory.
Anything.
But first acts of rebellion open doors that are best left closed.
Until him. Until he walked through your door. Your savior.
But how can you truly love when you only know obedience?
If you enjoy epic love stories that shine a light in perpetual darkness, don't miss this romantic thriller.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Human ash was difficult to work with when wet, but it was done. She looked more like a raccoon than a bride, but she didn't want to be alone. Her mother would be with her until the end.
Today was Shula Kelley's wedding day. Today was the day she would die.
2250 Anno Domini, two-hundred years after Texas seceded from the United States, a distorted morality warped the population. Betrothal contracts were signed before birth. Shula had a strong opinion about that. So she took matters into her own hands. With unexpected results. Book One of Six. 25K words. Cliffhanger. Heed the sins.
Taxonomy of Sins:
Wrath * Idolatry * Blasphemy * Ignominy * Hatred * Deceit * Sedition * Sexual Immorality * Suicide * Apostasy * Homosexuality * False Prophecy * Infanticide * Negligent Homicide * Fornication * Heresy * Pride * Wickedness * Strife * Covetousness * Murder * Lasciviousness * Variance * Lust * Desecration of the worst sort
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2014
38 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Arden Aoide
48 books198 followersSign up for the newsletter here: http://ardenaoide.com/connect/
Arden Aoide lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. Turn ons include men who cry during sex, long walks on the beach, and talking about herself in the third person. Turn offs include mean people and trying to figure out how to write an interesting author bio.
She doesn't write about the typical men you normally read about in erotic romance novels. She likes her men brainy and just this side of manic.
She's an introvert, she loves coffee, Internet, British television, and pot stickers. And pie. She loves pie.
Arden Aoide lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. Turn ons include men who cry during sex, long walks on the beach, and talking about herself in the third person. Turn offs include mean people and trying to figure out how to write an interesting author bio.
She doesn't write about the typical men you normally read about in erotic romance novels. She likes her men brainy and just this side of manic.
She's an introvert, she loves coffee, Internet, British television, and pot stickers. And pie. She loves pie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 3, 2014
I didn't know quite what to expect of A Consummation, the first novella in the Sins of Lethe series, it sets the infrastructure storyline for future books of Lethe. And since I had enjoyed other books of Arden Aoide and never been disappointed by her writing... I started to read.
I was captured from the beginning, Shula a young girl of just 18 was to enter into an arranged marriage to a much older man, a tyrant of a man called James, who she believed was evil. Her mother died to try and prevent it, her father wanted her gone.
Shula is young but also brave beyond her years. She meets this challenge to marry James head on and has a plan to spite the arranged paring but her actions cause a change of events and also a change of intended husbands.. the story suddenly opens up to a whole new stratosphere of opportunities for Shula and Jared her change of direction husband and son of James.
It is intelligently written with an element of intrigue that hooks you into the story. It's a little dark in places but offset with an underlying humour that shines through Arden's writing. She has beautifully set the groundwork in Consummation with the story and character structures and I cant wait for the next book to continue the journey!!
Oh...there is a cliffy ending, but hey all good authors leave you wanting more... I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something original, a touch dark & different in a love story with erotic undertones.
I was captured from the beginning, Shula a young girl of just 18 was to enter into an arranged marriage to a much older man, a tyrant of a man called James, who she believed was evil. Her mother died to try and prevent it, her father wanted her gone.
Shula is young but also brave beyond her years. She meets this challenge to marry James head on and has a plan to spite the arranged paring but her actions cause a change of events and also a change of intended husbands.. the story suddenly opens up to a whole new stratosphere of opportunities for Shula and Jared her change of direction husband and son of James.
It is intelligently written with an element of intrigue that hooks you into the story. It's a little dark in places but offset with an underlying humour that shines through Arden's writing. She has beautifully set the groundwork in Consummation with the story and character structures and I cant wait for the next book to continue the journey!!
Oh...there is a cliffy ending, but hey all good authors leave you wanting more... I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something original, a touch dark & different in a love story with erotic undertones.
March 12, 2016
Just wow!!! I'm still tryna come to terms with what I just read and I'm absolutely bummed that it's taken me so long to read it.
This book was not what I had expected. I had a fair idea but nothing would prepare me for what happens during this book!!!
This book was amazing. Dark, twisted, beautiful and epic. I haven't hated a character so hard since freaking Tony fucking Rawlings but this asshole James??? He fucking makes that other asshole look like the bloody Easter bunny!!!! . I can't describe how much I actually hate him. Well I could but then someone might I've gone crazy or need to locked up.
But Jared and Shula are just the cutest. I just love their innocence and their determination.
I definitely can't wait to read the rest of this series.
4.5 stars
This book was not what I had expected. I had a fair idea but nothing would prepare me for what happens during this book!!!
This book was amazing. Dark, twisted, beautiful and epic. I haven't hated a character so hard since freaking Tony fucking Rawlings but this asshole James??? He fucking makes that other asshole look like the bloody Easter bunny!!!! . I can't describe how much I actually hate him. Well I could but then someone might I've gone crazy or need to locked up.
But Jared and Shula are just the cutest. I just love their innocence and their determination.
I definitely can't wait to read the rest of this series.
4.5 stars
January 12, 2015
Dystopian stories usually aren't my thing. Arden Aoide made a believer of me. She has created a universe that is both futuristic and painfully mired in the past. It's compelling and provocative, weaving gender politics into an engaging romantic, non romance.
June 1, 2015
This series is blowing my mind!!! It is sick and dark and twisted and vulgar and SEXY and completely insane.... and I LOVE IT!!!!! I just happened to stumble upon the first two in the series (which are bundled together) on the Amazon freebies list. I am SOOOOO glad I took a chance on it! It has some EXTREMELY violent scenes, so if you are offended by that type of subject matter then you may want to pass on this one. If you are a fan of C.J. Roberts, The Dark Duet, then you'll love this! The villain, James Agnesson, is evil incarnate. And no, I personally don't feel there is any redemption possible for this monster. However, his sons… sexy, protective, kinky angels. The scenes are HOT!!! Freaking FANTASTIC!!! The last book is being released shortly, and I CANNOT WAIT!!
June 5, 2014
This is not Tame. This is not Ancient Hunger. It is something completely different.
Set in 2250, Texas has seceded from the United States, and is a country of its own. Women have been pushed back to their role from the very early years of our country; discouraged from learning and reading. They are controlled. And those who live in Texas are told that the United States and those who reside there are sinners of the worst kind.
Read my full review on my website.
Set in 2250, Texas has seceded from the United States, and is a country of its own. Women have been pushed back to their role from the very early years of our country; discouraged from learning and reading. They are controlled. And those who live in Texas are told that the United States and those who reside there are sinners of the worst kind.
Read my full review on my website.
June 3, 2014
Beauty and Pain. The depth of character that the heroine, Shula, conveys in this first part in a six part serial is so profound, I find it hard to describe just what I am feeling. First off, let me just say that she is truly a badass chick. She is beyond strong. I can’t even fathom the idea of an arranged marriage, and her knowing and taking drastic efforts to make her life her own, well that’s just stronger than I can imagine. This story is futuristic, as in it takes place in 2250. In Texas. The country is not what it seems though. There have been many changes throughout the two hundred plus years and one of them, is catapulting women BACK into the eighteenth century. As a woman, while reading the astonishing beliefs of the main evil villain, James Agnesson, I was both shocked and awed at his depravity. I understand that some people are racist, or misogynistic, or just plain crazy, and James is definitely all three, but Arden’s articulation of these three intertwined just makes him plain SCARY. The world he resides in he is King. He takes this very seriously, even with ‘acquiring’ an eighteen year old wife (Shula) after the deaths of two previous wives. Can we say foul play?
Ok, back on track to Shula and her total badassery. She is a very young woman who had to endure the death of her mother. The death she knows down deep in her soul was perpetrated to keep Shula from having to marry into the Agnesson family. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work and as the story unfolds, Shula is gathering all of her strength to exact her own brand of justice. She is going to make the ugliest bride ever. That’ll show King Agnesson and his superficial ways. It DOES show him, and instead of marrying her in front of the whole town, he pawns her off to his son Jared. Well, doesn’t that just throw a gigantic kink into Shula’s plans. Now what is she to do? She actually likes Jared.
This is a brilliant beginning to a new series. It is different, and yet it contains ageless themes and morals. The bigotry, badassery, intense variety with the sex scenes, and the overall feeling will leave you breathless! I don’t want to give away too much, so just buy it and enjoy something amazingly different!
5 ENORMOUS Smoochies
~Nicole
Red Cheeks Reads
Ok, back on track to Shula and her total badassery. She is a very young woman who had to endure the death of her mother. The death she knows down deep in her soul was perpetrated to keep Shula from having to marry into the Agnesson family. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work and as the story unfolds, Shula is gathering all of her strength to exact her own brand of justice. She is going to make the ugliest bride ever. That’ll show King Agnesson and his superficial ways. It DOES show him, and instead of marrying her in front of the whole town, he pawns her off to his son Jared. Well, doesn’t that just throw a gigantic kink into Shula’s plans. Now what is she to do? She actually likes Jared.
This is a brilliant beginning to a new series. It is different, and yet it contains ageless themes and morals. The bigotry, badassery, intense variety with the sex scenes, and the overall feeling will leave you breathless! I don’t want to give away too much, so just buy it and enjoy something amazingly different!
5 ENORMOUS Smoochies
~Nicole
Red Cheeks Reads
June 8, 2014
(received an ARC for an honest review)
41/2★'s
The Year 2250.
Texas (my home state FYI) is a sovereign state, has been for 200 years.
It's also the worst place a woman can live in the word.
Women have no voice, no rights, and only one place ... the home.
Shula, is a beautiful 18 year old girl about to get married. Her betrothed James Agnesson. Shula has decided that today, on her wedding day she will have a voice, she will take a stand. She wants this day to go off with a BANG.
James Agnesson, a pillar in the community, a wealthy man that has taken it upon himself to keep Texas in it's "truest" from.
❂Keep blood lines clean
❂Keep all women in their place
❂Protect Texas from the FILTH of the outside world
Shula's mother is dead because of him...
Its sounds good right! Well I watched a painful teaser countdown that lived up to it's name and teased the hell out of me! I could not wait for for this release. The teasers made it look like a dark read. Which as you know I LOVE But it was so much more!
A Consummation is part one in a six part serial. And let me say that if this is just the beginning, the platform, the building block of what's to come.... Author Arden Aoide is about to knock our socks off.
This book has dark elements, a sweet love story you do not see coming,and erotic scenes that will have you PANTING(⇦true story)
I'm rating this four & 1/2 stars, I really enjoyed it and can't wait for more. The beginning had me a bit confused, I didn't really understand what was going on, so if you're a ditz like me or ADD like me. STICK with it. It's so worth it! I know this is going to get better & better!
41/2★'s
The Year 2250.
Texas (my home state FYI) is a sovereign state, has been for 200 years.
It's also the worst place a woman can live in the word.
Women have no voice, no rights, and only one place ... the home.
Shula, is a beautiful 18 year old girl about to get married. Her betrothed James Agnesson. Shula has decided that today, on her wedding day she will have a voice, she will take a stand. She wants this day to go off with a BANG.
James Agnesson, a pillar in the community, a wealthy man that has taken it upon himself to keep Texas in it's "truest" from.
❂Keep blood lines clean
❂Keep all women in their place
❂Protect Texas from the FILTH of the outside world
Shula's mother is dead because of him...
Its sounds good right! Well I watched a painful teaser countdown that lived up to it's name and teased the hell out of me! I could not wait for for this release. The teasers made it look like a dark read. Which as you know I LOVE But it was so much more!
A Consummation is part one in a six part serial. And let me say that if this is just the beginning, the platform, the building block of what's to come.... Author Arden Aoide is about to knock our socks off.
This book has dark elements, a sweet love story you do not see coming,and erotic scenes that will have you PANTING(⇦true story)
I'm rating this four & 1/2 stars, I really enjoyed it and can't wait for more. The beginning had me a bit confused, I didn't really understand what was going on, so if you're a ditz like me or ADD like me. STICK with it. It's so worth it! I know this is going to get better & better!
June 1, 2014
Soo I was posting all the teasers for this book and was just getting more and more hooked on it. I really didn't know what the book was about but it was looking forward to getting my hands on it. I was not disappointed when I was gifted a copy from Arden Aoide ( HUGE thanks to you lady I want MORE now!!) Every Girl dreams of her wedding and wants to look her best, not Shula she wanted to show everyone how much she didn't want this wedding. See arranged marriages would be hard for anyone but knowing that your mother killed herself to save you from this arranged marriage really makes you not want it. Shula goes the extreme to show it why should she care, she plans on killing herself. But then at the wedding something happens and it makes the arranged marriage more tolerable. I am sucked into this world, it had to beginning of love, resent, plotting and murder it in. I can't wait to see whats next and what it was Shula's mother knew. I just know there's a lot of this story that had to deal with what she knew and why she killed herself. I believe fans of Arden's fans will not be disappointed in A Consummation. But I believe this will bring her more fans, and I am very excited to see where this series will take her.
I was very lucky to be gifted with a copy for this review. Thank you Arden, I adore your work. P.S. can I have to the next book now please???
I know I have to wait but I'm sure I am not the only one when I say WAITING SUCKS.
I was very lucky to be gifted with a copy for this review. Thank you Arden, I adore your work. P.S. can I have to the next book now please???
I know I have to wait but I'm sure I am not the only one when I say WAITING SUCKS.
June 7, 2014
Shula Kelley is the strong heroine in this captivating series based around the year 2250 in Texas which has segregated from the United States. Texas in this era has converted back to the old ways in which women were born and raised to be barefoot and in the kitchen. They are controlled and heavily monitored, they are taught from birth to submit fully to their husbands without any learning, reading, writing or complaints of any kind. Arranged Marriages is the way, the only way in this dark era only Shula decides to stand up and fight for her right to live, learn and Love.
Jared is the luscious Hero that patiently waits for his intended bride from a pre-arranged marriage. Jared is a smart and independent, a computer guru that contrives to make a name and a future for his intended without the aide of his father who is king of this generation. His sole purpose is to see that his bride lives in comfort and is well satisfied while he seeks justice and the demise of his controlling father.
There is so much more to this story and I wait anxiously for the next installment. I need to see James the King, the father of lies, the shame of the devil himself get his penance. I will be there waiting to read about the women who finally burn their bras and the family who rise against their tyrant of a father and come together finally as a whole.
Jared says it all and says it best: "To become an alpha, you had to destroy one."
Thank You Arden Aoide!
Jared is the luscious Hero that patiently waits for his intended bride from a pre-arranged marriage. Jared is a smart and independent, a computer guru that contrives to make a name and a future for his intended without the aide of his father who is king of this generation. His sole purpose is to see that his bride lives in comfort and is well satisfied while he seeks justice and the demise of his controlling father.
There is so much more to this story and I wait anxiously for the next installment. I need to see James the King, the father of lies, the shame of the devil himself get his penance. I will be there waiting to read about the women who finally burn their bras and the family who rise against their tyrant of a father and come together finally as a whole.
Jared says it all and says it best: "To become an alpha, you had to destroy one."
Thank You Arden Aoide!
September 21, 2014
Could you imagine a future where life as we know it regresses? In this story we found ourselves visiting a place where a beautiful girl thinks being strong means plotting revenge and exiting the living world to be saved from a crazed man.
It’s the year 2250. However, it seems almost as if things have touched back down in the eighteenth century. Shula is a young woman who has been through so much in this time where a woman is supposed to know her place. She is being married off to an evil man but she has other plans. She will embarrass both her father and him. He will also never bed her on their wedding night as she has planned her own dramatic death scene. Things don’t go quite as planned though and Jared walks back into the mix. Completely disgusted at the altar, by Shula’s premeditated scene under her veil, James Agnesson pushes her back to where she belongs. Stunned, Shula finds herself married to Jared. If that isn’t enough, married life with him is nothing like she would have expected.
The story doesn’t stop here. Arden Aoide begins to weave you into her web in this first read of the serial. She entices you with the promise of even more of the story with the interesting characters that have been introduced. This is like nothing you have ever read. You will definitely feel the emotion with the sex, heart, and soul of this one.
It’s the year 2250. However, it seems almost as if things have touched back down in the eighteenth century. Shula is a young woman who has been through so much in this time where a woman is supposed to know her place. She is being married off to an evil man but she has other plans. She will embarrass both her father and him. He will also never bed her on their wedding night as she has planned her own dramatic death scene. Things don’t go quite as planned though and Jared walks back into the mix. Completely disgusted at the altar, by Shula’s premeditated scene under her veil, James Agnesson pushes her back to where she belongs. Stunned, Shula finds herself married to Jared. If that isn’t enough, married life with him is nothing like she would have expected.
The story doesn’t stop here. Arden Aoide begins to weave you into her web in this first read of the serial. She entices you with the promise of even more of the story with the interesting characters that have been introduced. This is like nothing you have ever read. You will definitely feel the emotion with the sex, heart, and soul of this one.
August 13, 2014
5 stars
This is one awesome story and very different from what I normally read. The story kept my interest and totally surprised me in the end. It was so totally unexpected and it definitely ended with a BANG!!!
The characters are all likable except for James, I really wanted to do bad things to that guy.
The story is set in the future in Texas (year 2250) and it's a very different world than the one we live on right now. It's a time when arranged marriages exist and Shula is only 18 when she is forced to marry, she was going to marry James, a man older than her own dad but luckily ended up marrying Jared, James's son, he is only 20. James made Jared marry Shula as a punishment, but luckily for Shula and Jared they liked each other and the relationship that they formed was one I really enjoyed reading about.
Shula is a bit of a rebel and I really liked that about her, her character was a strong one.
There are a lot of scenes that are very steamy and not for the faint of heart, be warned.
The story ends up with a cliffy but a good one, I actually opened my eyes really big and could not believe it ended like that, but I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read the next installment in the series.
Recommended if you want something good and different to read with a lot of steam.
This is one awesome story and very different from what I normally read. The story kept my interest and totally surprised me in the end. It was so totally unexpected and it definitely ended with a BANG!!!
The characters are all likable except for James, I really wanted to do bad things to that guy.
The story is set in the future in Texas (year 2250) and it's a very different world than the one we live on right now. It's a time when arranged marriages exist and Shula is only 18 when she is forced to marry, she was going to marry James, a man older than her own dad but luckily ended up marrying Jared, James's son, he is only 20. James made Jared marry Shula as a punishment, but luckily for Shula and Jared they liked each other and the relationship that they formed was one I really enjoyed reading about.
Shula is a bit of a rebel and I really liked that about her, her character was a strong one.
There are a lot of scenes that are very steamy and not for the faint of heart, be warned.
The story ends up with a cliffy but a good one, I actually opened my eyes really big and could not believe it ended like that, but I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read the next installment in the series.
Recommended if you want something good and different to read with a lot of steam.
August 18, 2015
This was an interesting story that when I begin reading it I thought it was about something else. The book was set in 2250 Texas it has seceded from the United States, and is a country of its own. Women have been pushed back to their role from the very early years of our country; discouraged from learning and reading. They are controlled. And those who live in Texas are told that the United States and those who reside there are sinners of the worst kind. Shula, just turned 18 years old. Shula, whose hand was promised to Jared in marriage when they were children. When Jared rebels against his father James, his father decides that he will take his son’s place as Shula’s betrothed. Shula has been quiet long enough, and has decided that she will fight the impeding nuptials. Jared, who wants to make his own life outside of his father’s expectations. James is a powerful man in Texas, he is selfish James has been through a few wives, and wants Shula simply for her blonde, light features as well as the fact that he plans to control her in an abusive way – the power to abuse women is his “high.” This book had some very interesting sex scenes this isn't your typical love story. This book was well written with no errors in spelling or grammar. I just felt that the whole women have no rights wasn't for me.
June 26, 2014
This is a story that will make you think. Think that arranged marriages don't happen, but in this story it happens in Texas. Girls are raised to take care of her husband, children and the house. Letting the husband think for her too. When Shula is preparing to marry at 18, she can't believe that it will be to a man older than her own father. So she will make herself ugly for her new husband. When Mr. Angesson sees her he is ready to run away but he notices his son, Jared and makes him marry her. Jared Angesson was happy too but he had to make his father think he didn't want to marry her. SO now Jared will show Shula that they are partners and she is not his slave. They both will learn from each other. But his father will try to control their marriage as he does the town. Jared and Shula will fight for what they want. Will they be able to have control over their own lives? Will their fathers get what is coming to them? Arden Aoide has another great series starting here and what an ending. I can't wait for Devoutly, due out the end of July.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 13, 2014
I tore through this book in one frenzied session. I was riveted! With warnings about how dark and abhorrent life in seceded Texas would be in 2050, I was apprehensive about how disheartening this book would be. Honestly, I found that my upbringing in the bible belt was not too dissimilar to our heroine, Shula's. Shula was forbidden access to the Bible, but I did have to read the bible, attend bible study, go to Sunday School, Vacation Bible school, church Wednesday and Sunday, etc. I think the way that Jared and Shula are constantly assessing their sexuality to see if they are too clean or too dirty is typical of a fundamentalist background today. The poor gay boys are so guilty about being themselves - check, nothing has changed there either. What is different in the availability of the Internet and job opportunities in the bible belt and travel is limited in this book.
The relationship between Jared and Shula is very passionate and soulful. They both want to be a marriage of partners but aren't sure how to achieve that so join the club. I can't wait to read Devoutly so I can find out what happens on their journey as they are about to go on a belated honeymoon.
The relationship between Jared and Shula is very passionate and soulful. They both want to be a marriage of partners but aren't sure how to achieve that so join the club. I can't wait to read Devoutly so I can find out what happens on their journey as they are about to go on a belated honeymoon.
December 12, 2014
A Consummation is the first book in Arden Aoide’s Sins of Lethe series. It is a departure from her usual writing. It is dark, twisted and wonderfully different.
Set in the year 2250. Texas has seceded from the US, and it is a country of its own replete with border crossing patrols/limitations. Women are subjugated to any male family member—by blood or marriage. They have no rights; they are chattel. Women are discouraged from learning and reading, and they are forbidden to read the Bible. The Bible is used as a means of controlling everyone’s behavior; everyone outside of Texas’ borders are considered sinners (think Sodom and Gomorrah).
This isn’t a romance per se. It is futuristic and yet a throwback to the past. It is filled with social commentary. It is provocative. It’s a mind bender. It is corrupt absolute power, control and sadism. It is hope for change.
Arden Aoide’s writing is brilliant, and she has a new fan. I'm looking forward to starting Devoutly, the second book in the Sins of Lethe series.
Set in the year 2250. Texas has seceded from the US, and it is a country of its own replete with border crossing patrols/limitations. Women are subjugated to any male family member—by blood or marriage. They have no rights; they are chattel. Women are discouraged from learning and reading, and they are forbidden to read the Bible. The Bible is used as a means of controlling everyone’s behavior; everyone outside of Texas’ borders are considered sinners (think Sodom and Gomorrah).
This isn’t a romance per se. It is futuristic and yet a throwback to the past. It is filled with social commentary. It is provocative. It’s a mind bender. It is corrupt absolute power, control and sadism. It is hope for change.
Arden Aoide’s writing is brilliant, and she has a new fan. I'm looking forward to starting Devoutly, the second book in the Sins of Lethe series.
October 24, 2015
A waste of time.
Why did I even continued to read this book to the end. The father was a sadist and his sons were just as crazy as him however they hid it better. The book kind of reminded me of what I pictured life would be like on a Mormon compound. Women would be submissive and the men would be all controlling. I tried to like Jared but after reading how he reacted to his wife being helped at the clothing store by the sales guy. I was like what the hell and he brought his wife back to the room to prove to himself that he was in control by making her perform fellatio. Shula character started out interesting at first but as the book went on she was just a weak character. The author writing was terrible and she jumped all over the place with the writing. It painted the picture of a male dominant world, that wanted to have pure blood lines, and classism at it's worst. This book was dark and twisted and left me feeling disgusted but I managed to finish it but I would not purchase any books by this author. Glad that this book was free.
Why did I even continued to read this book to the end. The father was a sadist and his sons were just as crazy as him however they hid it better. The book kind of reminded me of what I pictured life would be like on a Mormon compound. Women would be submissive and the men would be all controlling. I tried to like Jared but after reading how he reacted to his wife being helped at the clothing store by the sales guy. I was like what the hell and he brought his wife back to the room to prove to himself that he was in control by making her perform fellatio. Shula character started out interesting at first but as the book went on she was just a weak character. The author writing was terrible and she jumped all over the place with the writing. It painted the picture of a male dominant world, that wanted to have pure blood lines, and classism at it's worst. This book was dark and twisted and left me feeling disgusted but I managed to finish it but I would not purchase any books by this author. Glad that this book was free.
June 4, 2014
I was gifted a copy from Arden Aoide thank you so very much - I didn't know anything about the book prior to receiving it but boy did it suck me in big time. This story takes place in 2250,in Texas. The country is not what it seems though. There have been many changes throughout the two hundred plus years and one of them, is catapulting women back into the 18th century. I was caught by how strong Shula was & her plan was awe inspiring to get out of her arraigned marriage. I almost jumped for joy when the switch was done on the wedding day. I really fell hard for Jared. And my hatred for James knows no bounds. I cannot wait for the next book. I wasn't real happy on the ending but hopefully things will look up for Jude in the next one :) I'm rooting for you babe :D I am not a very patient person so all I can say is I WANT THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 3, 2016
DNF.
This book has some serious undertones that are quite racist and Anti-Christian.
As a Multi-Racial American woman of African descent, who is a Christian, IMO, this writer shouldn't get a pass., just because it's a story set in a dystopian world. And as far as the BS about the inferiority of Hispanics is concerned, that crap doesn't fly either.
Overall, this book is merely one-dimensional, and on top of that, it's depressing, and I do mean depressing.
As a lover of dystopian fiction, I am highly disappointed, and not to mention, offended.
Giving this one: 1 star
This book has some serious undertones that are quite racist and Anti-Christian.
As a Multi-Racial American woman of African descent, who is a Christian, IMO, this writer shouldn't get a pass., just because it's a story set in a dystopian world. And as far as the BS about the inferiority of Hispanics is concerned, that crap doesn't fly either.
Overall, this book is merely one-dimensional, and on top of that, it's depressing, and I do mean depressing.
As a lover of dystopian fiction, I am highly disappointed, and not to mention, offended.
Giving this one: 1 star
June 5, 2014
5 STARS for Originality!!!
UNCONVENTIONAL WITH A TWIST OF DARK!
"Human ash was ridiculously difficult to work with when wet, but it was done"
First sentence.
Yep, I was hooked after that! This book was my first by this author, I one-clicked because of the cover. When I first started reading I thought the story would be dystopian. Nope, it's futuristic, but not. I thought the whole idea was brilliant. I thought the characters were intriguing. The writing style is unique. There were some shocking moments that I absolutely loved, some darkness that I crave in my books.
I have to check out some of Arden Aoide's other work!
UNCONVENTIONAL WITH A TWIST OF DARK!
"Human ash was ridiculously difficult to work with when wet, but it was done"
First sentence.
Yep, I was hooked after that! This book was my first by this author, I one-clicked because of the cover. When I first started reading I thought the story would be dystopian. Nope, it's futuristic, but not. I thought the whole idea was brilliant. I thought the characters were intriguing. The writing style is unique. There were some shocking moments that I absolutely loved, some darkness that I crave in my books.
I have to check out some of Arden Aoide's other work!
August 4, 2014
I received a copy of A Consummation and really didn't know what to expect but, I am a huge fan of Arden's books and style of writing so I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Of course I was not disappointed! From the first line I was hooked and the end makes you beg for more! Seriously more please :) This book is completely different than anything else I've read. If you are looking for something original, amazing, and a little dark, this is a must read! You won't regret it! I cannot wait for the next book! Thanks for another 5 star read from you Arden!
May 5, 2015
Wow! This was a first read for this author. I didn't really know what to expect. Let me tell you though, the very first line had me hooked. "Human ash was rediculously difficult to work with when wet, but it was done." I was like wtf. I just had to keep reading. This author's cut contained books 1 and 2 plus a quick short one. I have a review copy of book 3 and can't wait to continue reading this series. You won't regret it!
July 23, 2019
Ugh. Another one I didn't technically finish, to no fault of the book. And I was LOVING it too!!
Need to reread, but I was far into it already - about 80%. Someday.
This was a unique dystope. Not overly erotic. Characters that are complex/believable, a storyline that's intertwined and intriguing, writing that naturally flows. From the beginning scene - the ashes!! - it gripped me.
Yeah...definitely need to reread and finish. This author is awesome!
Need to reread, but I was far into it already - about 80%. Someday.
This was a unique dystope. Not overly erotic. Characters that are complex/believable, a storyline that's intertwined and intriguing, writing that naturally flows. From the beginning scene - the ashes!! - it gripped me.
Yeah...definitely need to reread and finish. This author is awesome!
November 23, 2014
Another great read from the wonderful Arden Aoide! It's hard not to get wrapped up in this book. She really makes you feel what is going on with the characters... from the sweet Shula who is learning who she is as a woman and wife to the cold and heartless James who will have you plotting his death. I absolutely cannot wait until the rest of the books in this series come out.
August 7, 2014
I loved it. kept me glued to the whole book until I finished. And the ending, did not see that coming, can't wait for the next one.
November 27, 2014
Loved it, after the first few pages which scared me. Only criticism is that I wanted it to be longer. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 26, 2015
4.5 stars!
This deserves to be read. Different yet so compelling. Shit like this can't happen, right?
This is very new for me. First from this author as well.
This deserves to be read. Different yet so compelling. Shit like this can't happen, right?
This is very new for me. First from this author as well.
February 8, 2015
Great
What an interesting story. It was far from the norm. A great quick read that I enjoyed. Pick it up.
What an interesting story. It was far from the norm. A great quick read that I enjoyed. Pick it up.
May 21, 2015
4.5 stars!
Wow!! Absolutely different and amazingly written. This series is definitely a must read. I Flove Jared!!!!
Wow!! Absolutely different and amazingly written. This series is definitely a must read. I Flove Jared!!!!
June 23, 2015
4.5 stars
This story is very different, and that's not a bad thing. Love Jared, want James to die a slow and painful death.
That ending though . . .
This story is very different, and that's not a bad thing. Love Jared, want James to die a slow and painful death.
That ending though . . .
August 12, 2015
Beyond beautiful writing. A story that hooks you in the chest. Why didn't I read this sooner? And what are you waiting for?
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