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Anathergians Trilogy #1
Variants
Sworn to Protect the Very People Bent on Destroying Them
POWERFUL
Auden, the king of the immortal Anathergian race, came to Earth five thousand years ago when he and his people escaped from their destroyed planet. His power is immense, but is threatened because he has yet to take a Lifemate.
WITCH
With the blood of an Anathergian and a witch running through her veins, Leah is a force to be reckoned with. After leaving her foster family to learn how to master her new-found powers, Auden finds her. With him, she discovers her heritage, her strength, and her love.
VARIANTS
An Anathergian is using variant strains of his DNA to turn humans into Anathergians.
This enemy’s goal: use the Variants to take over the world and take Auden’s place as king.
Auden and Leah’s goal: Stop the enemies and discover what connections Leah has with them.
POWERFUL
Auden, the king of the immortal Anathergian race, came to Earth five thousand years ago when he and his people escaped from their destroyed planet. His power is immense, but is threatened because he has yet to take a Lifemate.
WITCH
With the blood of an Anathergian and a witch running through her veins, Leah is a force to be reckoned with. After leaving her foster family to learn how to master her new-found powers, Auden finds her. With him, she discovers her heritage, her strength, and her love.
VARIANTS
An Anathergian is using variant strains of his DNA to turn humans into Anathergians.
This enemy’s goal: use the Variants to take over the world and take Auden’s place as king.
Auden and Leah’s goal: Stop the enemies and discover what connections Leah has with them.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2014
2 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Michelle C. Reilly
8 books93 followersMichelle C. Reilly is a single mom of two wonderful boys, and a grandma to three wonderful kiddos. She spent ten years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and is a 100% disabled veteran. She has a Masters in Science in Public Health, but she is generally an IT geek and nerd of many other things. She currently resides in Colorado with her two dogs, Sophie and Lyra (aka The Mud Dog), and her cat Moose (aka 'Moosifur').
She self-published the ANATHERGIANS saga, science-fiction/paranormal romance and suspense stories that revolve around a powerful alien species who landed on Earth over five thousand years ago. SAVAGE WINDS, her venture into time travel romance, was picked up by The Wild Rose Press.
She's currently working on a romantasy trilogy that is TOP SECRET!
Catch her (and her fur babies!) on TikTok and IG at @michellecreilly! Or on FB at www.facebook.com/michellecorareilly.
She self-published the ANATHERGIANS saga, science-fiction/paranormal romance and suspense stories that revolve around a powerful alien species who landed on Earth over five thousand years ago. SAVAGE WINDS, her venture into time travel romance, was picked up by The Wild Rose Press.
She's currently working on a romantasy trilogy that is TOP SECRET!
Catch her (and her fur babies!) on TikTok and IG at @michellecreilly! Or on FB at www.facebook.com/michellecorareilly.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 12, 2014
The Anathergians Trilogy is a first for newly minted author Michelle C. Reilly and WOW did she come flying out of the gates!!! I rate books often but do not usually leave full reviews. I save reviews for stories that captivate me, move me, or gut punch me. Also, when I review, I prefer to share my experience with the story as opposed to regurgitating the story line. Let me tell you what I wanted to do when I reached the end of Variants... I wanted to hurl the book across the room and throttle the author for leaving me with that smack down of a cliff hanger. Seriously! I was pissed and upset and wanted to flip over my coffee table. What. The. Hell!!! I say all that in the best possible of ways because the plot and characters were so awesome that I was bereft when the ride ended. Good thing I know this is a trilogy.
Michelle C. Reilly did an amazing job setting up a unique sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal suspense romance. I was invested int he characters and so engrossed in the plot that I got smacked in the face at the end with no idea as to how the rest of the series will go. I love when I cannot foresee the ending.
Michelle C. Reilly did an amazing job setting up a unique sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal suspense romance. I was invested int he characters and so engrossed in the plot that I got smacked in the face at the end with no idea as to how the rest of the series will go. I love when I cannot foresee the ending.
August 12, 2014
Auden is the king of the Anathergians, a race who arrived on Earth 5000 years ago after their home planet was destroyed. He has never taken a LIfemate, but signs are he MUST soon, or he will weaken, and now is not the time for a weak KIng to be in charge. Leah, after a life in a foster home, finds herself whisked away into Sanctuary, a school, of sorts, for witches, since Leah is a witch, AND, it would appear an Anathergian too!
When a plot to alter the DNA of humans into that of an Anathergian is uncovered, and Leah and Auden Lifemate, time catches up with them when its revealed WHO is behind it all.
I've been reviewing for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock since Jan of 2014, and I have to say, I've read a fair few books in that time. not many have been given a five fang rating, cos i am a little mean at times, but this book?? This book had a 5 fangs rating from about 25% the way through. AND THAT is rare. I usually wait til I finish to rate it, since its only fair, but I loved this book from start to finish!
It has aliens, with vampirific tendencies, who are, well I'm not quite sure WHAT they were doing before the first multilated body appeared, now i think about it! But they are bad ass in the fighting and training. The witches, well, they dont play a massive part, but they are there, lurking and helping when Auden and Leah need it. There is a gramndmother who speaks from another plain. LOTS AND LOTS of secrets, hints and little snippets that keep you going, and going and going until...
.....the end. and the end I hated!! WHY, you ask?? My kindle very nearly hit the wall! I will read a few reviews, before starting a new book for review, just to give me a feel of things. But nowhere did I find that this was a cliff hanger. Now it DOES say its a trilogy, and this is part one, but that doesnt always mean you are left hanging in such a way that you just wanna kill someone to find out what happens next!
I loved the writing, the world building, the way the plot moves along, that you hear from all the major players, including Leah's foster brother Ceadan. He has a lot to say, and I hope he comes out alright at the end!
Next book is out sept/oct time, so I will be reading that one! I just hope that book three isnt too far behind two!
For a first time author, amazing, thank you Michelle!
5 fangs
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock.
When a plot to alter the DNA of humans into that of an Anathergian is uncovered, and Leah and Auden Lifemate, time catches up with them when its revealed WHO is behind it all.
I've been reviewing for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock since Jan of 2014, and I have to say, I've read a fair few books in that time. not many have been given a five fang rating, cos i am a little mean at times, but this book?? This book had a 5 fangs rating from about 25% the way through. AND THAT is rare. I usually wait til I finish to rate it, since its only fair, but I loved this book from start to finish!
It has aliens, with vampirific tendencies, who are, well I'm not quite sure WHAT they were doing before the first multilated body appeared, now i think about it! But they are bad ass in the fighting and training. The witches, well, they dont play a massive part, but they are there, lurking and helping when Auden and Leah need it. There is a gramndmother who speaks from another plain. LOTS AND LOTS of secrets, hints and little snippets that keep you going, and going and going until...
.....the end. and the end I hated!! WHY, you ask?? My kindle very nearly hit the wall! I will read a few reviews, before starting a new book for review, just to give me a feel of things. But nowhere did I find that this was a cliff hanger. Now it DOES say its a trilogy, and this is part one, but that doesnt always mean you are left hanging in such a way that you just wanna kill someone to find out what happens next!
I loved the writing, the world building, the way the plot moves along, that you hear from all the major players, including Leah's foster brother Ceadan. He has a lot to say, and I hope he comes out alright at the end!
Next book is out sept/oct time, so I will be reading that one! I just hope that book three isnt too far behind two!
For a first time author, amazing, thank you Michelle!
5 fangs
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock.
August 27, 2014
This will probably not be a long review, but, trust me, it's better that way. The only way I can get a really lengthy review in is if the book had a bunch of problems, which Variants most definitely did not.
First thing's first: This book was really good. I actually had only four days to read it and between classes and everything in my life, which proved interesting. But the plot held my attention and kept me coming back to it, even when I had other things that should've probably been done this week. Oops.
The relationships explored are actually quite fascinating. Reilly goes through the brother-sister relationship, and even throws in a little while of tension between the two, which I loved, because let's face it: after your only family who really loves you practically abandons you, are you going to be running into her arms or are you going to be mad? Thank you Michelle for keeping it real.
The romance was very cute, though different. I liked how it began and how it seemingly ended.
Which leads me into the ending. Wow. I need to read the next because this cliff-hanger was worse than The Mark of Athena's. Okay, maybe not that far. (Worse in a good way, by the way.) I need to know what the serum was and what happens to Leah and Auden and everyone. It's just a need now. I have to know.
Variants honestly reminded me a bit of Divergent, in a great way. The only thing I can complain about is the emphasis on romance, but that is definitely a personal preference. Although I don't love an abundance of romance, this was well-written and very good, even the romance scenes.
Overall, I loved the book. I'm so glad I got to review it and read it. I enjoyed every bit of it, and I'm sure people around me enjoyed seeing my facial expressions as I read it. Michelle Reilly, keep me in mind when the release date comes out for #2.
Rating: 4.5 stars: I had to take 0.5 off for my personal preference about the romance, mainly for the sex scenes. They were a bit too explicit for my taste. Otherwise, fabulous job. I look forward to the remaining books!
First thing's first: This book was really good. I actually had only four days to read it and between classes and everything in my life, which proved interesting. But the plot held my attention and kept me coming back to it, even when I had other things that should've probably been done this week. Oops.
The relationships explored are actually quite fascinating. Reilly goes through the brother-sister relationship, and even throws in a little while of tension between the two, which I loved, because let's face it: after your only family who really loves you practically abandons you, are you going to be running into her arms or are you going to be mad? Thank you Michelle for keeping it real.
The romance was very cute, though different. I liked how it began and how it seemingly ended.
Which leads me into the ending. Wow. I need to read the next because this cliff-hanger was worse than The Mark of Athena's. Okay, maybe not that far. (Worse in a good way, by the way.) I need to know what the serum was and what happens to Leah and Auden and everyone. It's just a need now. I have to know.
Variants honestly reminded me a bit of Divergent, in a great way. The only thing I can complain about is the emphasis on romance, but that is definitely a personal preference. Although I don't love an abundance of romance, this was well-written and very good, even the romance scenes.
Overall, I loved the book. I'm so glad I got to review it and read it. I enjoyed every bit of it, and I'm sure people around me enjoyed seeing my facial expressions as I read it. Michelle Reilly, keep me in mind when the release date comes out for #2.
Rating: 4.5 stars: I had to take 0.5 off for my personal preference about the romance, mainly for the sex scenes. They were a bit too explicit for my taste. Otherwise, fabulous job. I look forward to the remaining books!
August 20, 2014
"Variants" is an enjoyable sci-fi urban fantasy with splashes of romance to round it out. It is another take on the vampire mythos, with the race of beings known as the Anathergians - an alien species that colonized Earth some 5,000 years ago. Greatly powerful and near immortal, it is crucial to their well-being to find their lifemate, and the King of the Anathergians has yet to find his. And he is beginning to suffer for it.
Auden has discovered that one of his kind is selling Anathergian DNA to unscrupulous humans, who are integrating it into human bodies, creating powerful, fanged people with an apparent thirst for violence.
Leah is a witch and, it seems, so much more. If only she'd had someone there to tell her that before the day she burned her foster father's hands and fled straight into the arms of a flock of hat wearing nanny witches! And after 4 years of training, she's about to have her world turned on its head one more time.
Auden has discovered that one of his kind is selling Anathergian DNA to unscrupulous humans, who are integrating it into human bodies, creating powerful, fanged people with an apparent thirst for violence.
Leah is a witch and, it seems, so much more. If only she'd had someone there to tell her that before the day she burned her foster father's hands and fled straight into the arms of a flock of hat wearing nanny witches! And after 4 years of training, she's about to have her world turned on its head one more time.
November 13, 2014
You need to have read the Novella. It's good and has info. This is about aliens from another planet come to earth from a dead planet live and to help mankind.
This is really my second book in this series. The first is a novella. This book starts a little earlier and gives you more history about the Anathergians and the King "Auden" and his lifemate "Leah". This is a series so there is a cliffhanger.
Our king the hero in this book is over 5600 yrs old and is getting to where he needs to find a lifemate before he loses control of his powers. When he does it's not who he thinks it should be so fights it and resents her. Meanwhile there is a traitor and at a loss because they thought they knew all of their kind who came here. The traitor is mixing alien DNA with humans to breed his own army to take over to be King. Only 50% of the humans live. Others are driven crazy. Really good series. Sexy alpha males, sex, violence, witches.
This is really my second book in this series. The first is a novella. This book starts a little earlier and gives you more history about the Anathergians and the King "Auden" and his lifemate "Leah". This is a series so there is a cliffhanger.
Our king the hero in this book is over 5600 yrs old and is getting to where he needs to find a lifemate before he loses control of his powers. When he does it's not who he thinks it should be so fights it and resents her. Meanwhile there is a traitor and at a loss because they thought they knew all of their kind who came here. The traitor is mixing alien DNA with humans to breed his own army to take over to be King. Only 50% of the humans live. Others are driven crazy. Really good series. Sexy alpha males, sex, violence, witches.
August 10, 2014
Variants may start out a little slow but don't let that deter you. this book quickly picks up the pace and leaves you wanting more. A story about family, love, betrayal and an underlying need for vengeance. Leah is everything a woman should be, she's strong, protective, she loves fiercely and will kill for those she loves, and there are 2 people she loves dearly! Auden is a male struggling to keep control, he is stubborn headstrong and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those around him. I didn't want to put this book down and muttered several inaudible curses knowing that my curiosity will not yet be fulfilled.
July 19, 2014
I thought this story was very interesting. Leah the main character truly impressed me, at first she seemed very immature but then she showed you just how deep her emotions were and you saw that she really thought and felt a lot more than you first thought. My favorite character was Auden, I liked most when the story was centered on him and his thoughts and with the end I truly want to see what happens in the aftermath of what he is going through.
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December 5, 20144 stars
From the beginning of this tale the fabulous storytelling grabs one by the shirt, pulling the reader along through the pages and doesn’t relax its grip until the very end.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
From the beginning of this tale the fabulous storytelling grabs one by the shirt, pulling the reader along through the pages and doesn’t relax its grip until the very end.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 17, 2014
From the beginning of this tale the fabulous storytelling grabs one by the shirt, pulling the reader along through the pages and doesn’t relax its grip until the very end.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 1, 2014
Such a fun read! I am looking forward to book two because I HAVE to know what happens next.
The book was a sci-fi, urban fantasy with some romance in the mix so it was the best of each world. Strong characters and a compelling plot made me sit on the edge of my seat on many occasions.
The book was a sci-fi, urban fantasy with some romance in the mix so it was the best of each world. Strong characters and a compelling plot made me sit on the edge of my seat on many occasions.
September 8, 2015
Leah is a typical teenager… until you take into consideration that she is being raised by a foster family, the father of which is a drunk and is abusive. Her foster brother, Ceadan, is the closest thing to family that she has and is someone she would do anything for. Then, in an altercation with her foster father, Leah discovers that she is not typical at all. Four years later, she is given another rude awakening when she learns that she might not even be human…
I cannot believe I’m giving a 5 out 5 rating to this book. That might seem harsh, but I almost never give an author a 5 out of 5, especially a newbie author, because I feel like authors need to always feel like they have room for improvement. I particularly do not give perfect scores to books with cliffhanger endings, and this one does. However, all three books in this series deserve that rating because Ms. Reilly has taken the idea of a trite and clichéd monster and has turned it on its ear. She has developed a world that remains internally consistent throughout the novel, which is absolutely crucial for a fantasy/paranormal/science fiction work. She has delivered characters that are relatable, even in their strangeness. My only sticking point is that darn cliffhanger ending, which, if you’ve read any of my other reviews, is a REAL sticking point with me. In many instances, it is a cheap trick proffered forth by an author simply for the purposes of making more money. In nearly all of those instances, I close the book and decide not to give that author another chance. In this instance, I fell in love with the concept so much that I was willing to overlook the cliffhanger ending, and that is really saying something.
There are several sex scenes and, while not horribly explicit, they are graphic enough that I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to anyone under 18, particularly with the addition of other violent content.
Reviewed for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock
I cannot believe I’m giving a 5 out 5 rating to this book. That might seem harsh, but I almost never give an author a 5 out of 5, especially a newbie author, because I feel like authors need to always feel like they have room for improvement. I particularly do not give perfect scores to books with cliffhanger endings, and this one does. However, all three books in this series deserve that rating because Ms. Reilly has taken the idea of a trite and clichéd monster and has turned it on its ear. She has developed a world that remains internally consistent throughout the novel, which is absolutely crucial for a fantasy/paranormal/science fiction work. She has delivered characters that are relatable, even in their strangeness. My only sticking point is that darn cliffhanger ending, which, if you’ve read any of my other reviews, is a REAL sticking point with me. In many instances, it is a cheap trick proffered forth by an author simply for the purposes of making more money. In nearly all of those instances, I close the book and decide not to give that author another chance. In this instance, I fell in love with the concept so much that I was willing to overlook the cliffhanger ending, and that is really saying something.
There are several sex scenes and, while not horribly explicit, they are graphic enough that I would not feel comfortable recommending this book to anyone under 18, particularly with the addition of other violent content.
Reviewed for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock
July 30, 2015
This book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review
Wow! incredible and powerful! I couldn't put the book down! Michelle C. Reilly has an unique and wide imagination that creeps up and takes a hold of you and doesn't let go. The ending was superb as well and left you hanging in such a way that you have to have the next one right away or die!!!!!! LOL
I couldn't believe the realism, heart and creative flow to this book. I literately loved every second immersed in Michelle's created world. The characters felt so real and yet so powerful and yet you know they aren't, and so incredible you want them to be. I am not usually a big fan of books that take place in Vagas and even this didn't bother me, everything about this book flows perfect and is beautiful. I so can't wait to find out what happens next!
Michelle is a incredible writer! her imagination and creative flow are so fantastic that even the bad guys were awesome in their bad guyness...lol...where would a book be without bad guys who kick ass right? Michelle has created so unique and creative of a bad guy set in this story that I can't wait to see what they have cooked up next for our heroes!
don't miss out on your chance to read this awesome story!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Wow! incredible and powerful! I couldn't put the book down! Michelle C. Reilly has an unique and wide imagination that creeps up and takes a hold of you and doesn't let go. The ending was superb as well and left you hanging in such a way that you have to have the next one right away or die!!!!!! LOL
I couldn't believe the realism, heart and creative flow to this book. I literately loved every second immersed in Michelle's created world. The characters felt so real and yet so powerful and yet you know they aren't, and so incredible you want them to be. I am not usually a big fan of books that take place in Vagas and even this didn't bother me, everything about this book flows perfect and is beautiful. I so can't wait to find out what happens next!
Michelle is a incredible writer! her imagination and creative flow are so fantastic that even the bad guys were awesome in their bad guyness...lol...where would a book be without bad guys who kick ass right? Michelle has created so unique and creative of a bad guy set in this story that I can't wait to see what they have cooked up next for our heroes!
don't miss out on your chance to read this awesome story!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
December 15, 2014
5 Fangs
Leah is a foster kid who lost her mom when she was young and never knew her dad and her only true family is her foster brother Ceaden. On her 16th birthday as she being harassed by her foster dad about not doing everything in the house because that’s why she there she freaks and something happens. Her powers come to life. With that she tells her foster brother to hide and runs into the Vegas desert until she finally realizes she doesn’t need to run anymore. She collapses and covers her face. She can’t go back, but her brother. Then out of nowhere there are weird women standing around her and they tell her she needs to come with her because it’s time they taught her about her family and the family legacy, witchcraft. Several years past and she watch over her brother in a locket making sure he is ok when something else in her past pops up. More powers? Family? Read more!
I loved this book and look forward to the rest of the series! I love Leah’s spirit and even though she was a foster child she still understood what family was. I loved the scene in Sanctuary where she took care of that girl. Plus Auden came into the picture .
18+ for sex and violence. Paranormal romance, Sorta Vampire but not.
Reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock and Michelle C. Reilly.
Leah is a foster kid who lost her mom when she was young and never knew her dad and her only true family is her foster brother Ceaden. On her 16th birthday as she being harassed by her foster dad about not doing everything in the house because that’s why she there she freaks and something happens. Her powers come to life. With that she tells her foster brother to hide and runs into the Vegas desert until she finally realizes she doesn’t need to run anymore. She collapses and covers her face. She can’t go back, but her brother. Then out of nowhere there are weird women standing around her and they tell her she needs to come with her because it’s time they taught her about her family and the family legacy, witchcraft. Several years past and she watch over her brother in a locket making sure he is ok when something else in her past pops up. More powers? Family? Read more!
I loved this book and look forward to the rest of the series! I love Leah’s spirit and even though she was a foster child she still understood what family was. I loved the scene in Sanctuary where she took care of that girl. Plus Auden came into the picture .
18+ for sex and violence. Paranormal romance, Sorta Vampire but not.
Reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock and Michelle C. Reilly.
May 17, 2015
interesting book
I just found this book by skimming through alien romances. I like the lead heroine Leah she is smart and cunning. She can handle herself plus she leaves room for herself to grow. I like the family route between her and Craedan they really get to me. The plot of the 2 sides warring with the good side protecting humanity was interesting. I just can't wait to find out more.
I just found this book by skimming through alien romances. I like the lead heroine Leah she is smart and cunning. She can handle herself plus she leaves room for herself to grow. I like the family route between her and Craedan they really get to me. The plot of the 2 sides warring with the good side protecting humanity was interesting. I just can't wait to find out more.
August 6, 2015
Variants (Anathergians Trilogy Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This is not my normal reading material. I love historical romance but with that said. I couldn't put this down. Yes it started a little slow but it picked up and was awesome. I was was crying and laughing and angry and happy till the end now I've got to get the next to see what happens next. Thank you for introducing me to this book Michelle C. Reilly
This is not my normal reading material. I love historical romance but with that said. I couldn't put this down. Yes it started a little slow but it picked up and was awesome. I was was crying and laughing and angry and happy till the end now I've got to get the next to see what happens next. Thank you for introducing me to this book Michelle C. Reilly
October 9, 2014
Really good book! Part of Kindle Unlimited. Is a cliffhanger. This story is a good read and covers from the time Leah is 16 till around 20. She goes from foster care to finding her life mate. Just when it all starts to fall into place.....Auden didn't want to find his life mate. When he found her he didn't want her. When he wanted her she was gone.
January 9, 2015
I won this novel in the First Read's giveaway. A new age sci fi with a lot of promise, I was completely enthralled in Reilly's writing. I adored the main characters and found myself almost overly involved, and curious, about all that was going on.
April 24, 2015
Really good with great detail.
March 3, 2016
Great book! Nice mix of paranormal, romance, & action. I was a little frustrated with the abrupt ending and so many unanswered questions. I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
July 8, 2016
A...Maze...ing!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews