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Claimings #2
Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities
Ondry and Liam have settled into a good life, but their trading is still tied up with humans, and humans are always messy. When political changes at the human base lead Ondry to attempt a difficult trade, the pair find themselves entangled in human affairs. Liam wants to help the people he left and the worlds being torn apart. He also wants to serve Ondry with not only the pleasures of the nest but also by bringing human profits.
Ondry has no hope of understanding human psychology in general, he only knows that he will hold onto his palteia with the last breath in his body, and he'd like to keep his status and his wealth too. Unfortunately, new humans bring new conflicts and he is not sure how to protect Liam. He does know one thing that humans seem to constantly forget—that the peaceful Rownt are predators and when their families are threatened, Rownt become deadly killers. Liam is his family, and Ondry will protect him with his last breath… assuming that he can recognize the dangers in time to do so.
Ondry has no hope of understanding human psychology in general, he only knows that he will hold onto his palteia with the last breath in his body, and he'd like to keep his status and his wealth too. Unfortunately, new humans bring new conflicts and he is not sure how to protect Liam. He does know one thing that humans seem to constantly forget—that the peaceful Rownt are predators and when their families are threatened, Rownt become deadly killers. Liam is his family, and Ondry will protect him with his last breath… assuming that he can recognize the dangers in time to do so.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
90 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
47 books1,166 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
September 25, 2014
Brilliant!
You've all heard the term 'Death by Chocolate', right? Well, this was 'Death by Ondry'.
I cannot express how much I love Ondry. He may be my #1 most loved character out of any book I have read, ever. He is pretty much the most perfect specimen of male and he's not even human! I'm seriously thinking of having T-shirts made that say 'I ♥ Ondry' on them. I love him that much.
Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities is not your standard romance. Sure, there are romantic elements and you get to see how much the love Liam and Ondry have for each other progresses but the story doesn't have the romance at the forefront. Don't get me wrong, this story is romantic as hell but it's done in such a subtle way as to make the reader not even notice until they are suddenly hit with a shot directly to the feels.
The characters and world building are absolutely brilliant. Brilliant! Lyn Gala knows subtlety and she wields her mighty pen well. The plot is intricate, the characters multi-dimensional. It was fascinating! Ms. Gala uses her words so well that she was able to get me to feel disdain for humans - my own species! I sympathized more with the Rownt than I did my own kind. Now that's writing!
I would love to see more from this world, even if it doesn't have Liam and my Ondry as the main characters. I am fascinated by everything about Prarownt and its people. I want more!
Oh, and because I cannot say it enough here it is one more time.
I ♥ Ondry
********************************************************
Post-read, pre-review:
Here are some thoughts to tide you over:
1. brilliant, brilliant writing
2. I ♥ Ondry
3. reminds me of Anne McCaffrey's Catteni series. <--- highest form of praise IMO
4. I no longer think very highly of the human race. We are an arrogant people. >:[
5. I ♥ Ondry
6. I want to move to Prarownt
7. I ♥ Ondry
You've all heard the term 'Death by Chocolate', right? Well, this was 'Death by Ondry'.
I cannot express how much I love Ondry. He may be my #1 most loved character out of any book I have read, ever. He is pretty much the most perfect specimen of male and he's not even human! I'm seriously thinking of having T-shirts made that say 'I ♥ Ondry' on them. I love him that much.
Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities is not your standard romance. Sure, there are romantic elements and you get to see how much the love Liam and Ondry have for each other progresses but the story doesn't have the romance at the forefront. Don't get me wrong, this story is romantic as hell but it's done in such a subtle way as to make the reader not even notice until they are suddenly hit with a shot directly to the feels.
The characters and world building are absolutely brilliant. Brilliant! Lyn Gala knows subtlety and she wields her mighty pen well. The plot is intricate, the characters multi-dimensional. It was fascinating! Ms. Gala uses her words so well that she was able to get me to feel disdain for humans - my own species! I sympathized more with the Rownt than I did my own kind. Now that's writing!
I would love to see more from this world, even if it doesn't have Liam and my Ondry as the main characters. I am fascinated by everything about Prarownt and its people. I want more!
Oh, and because I cannot say it enough here it is one more time.
I ♥ Ondry
********************************************************
Post-read, pre-review:
Here are some thoughts to tide you over:
1. brilliant, brilliant writing
2. I ♥ Ondry
3. reminds me of Anne McCaffrey's Catteni series. <--- highest form of praise IMO
4. I no longer think very highly of the human race. We are an arrogant people. >:[
5. I ♥ Ondry
6. I want to move to Prarownt
7. I ♥ Ondry
January 29, 2015
Gala's Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities returns to the world of Ondry and his palteia Liam. It sinks us into the Rownt culture, where logic, status, and trade are valued above all else, and there's no word for war.
Gala's writing, the depth or her linguistic research, and the world she creates are magical.
The Rownt had preserved nature on most of the planet, so they found no special beauty in an unspoiled landscape the way humans did.
This book is not about kink, and there is no sex in the way we define sex. I added it to my Dom-sub shelf, because I have no label for the relationship between Ondry and Liam. Ondry's status is Liam's status. Ondry's sole purpose in life is to protect and care for Liam, and Liam's is to serve and comfort Ondry.
What Liam and Ondry have could be called love. But it wouldn't be entirely accurate. Because "love" is not a strong enough word to encompass the level of trust, understanding, patience, diligence, selflessness, gentleness, and caring in their relationship.
Couples on Earth navigate multiracial relationship, and conflicts over religion or socioeconomic status, which can make partnerships more difficult. Liam and Ondry navigate planets and solar systems, as well as grand concepts of culture, language, and psychology that can barely be defined much less explained.
"Do you need help?"
"No," Ondry said.
"Is this a Rownt thing?" Liam asked.
"Yes," Ondry said.
"Okay."
Liam and Ondry deal with tricky trades, thousand-year-old Grandmothers, young egglings, a human trader/colonel named Susan Diallo, and a multi-colored 800-pound wild "cat." But their relationship is never the source of angst. They are solid.
"As long as I have Ondry, human opinion means nothing to me," Liam said, and he spoke the truth.
Liam now identifies more with Rownt culture than human culture, and as I saw our world through Liam and Ondry's eyes, the illogical fallacies of Earth people struck me as a stark contrast to the ordered Rownt.
"Weapons are standard. They don't mean that the human intend violence."
"When I push a cart, I plan to put something in it." Ondry countered.
Liam smiled. "Human are likely to push a cart everywhere they go just in case they need to carry something later."
The Rownt don't lie but move around topics. Sex isn't about power or control; it's not even about pleasure. There's no rape. There's battle with a definite purpose, but there is no war, which by definition is pointless and without an end. Insults are used to bargain, not to put down. Someone who submits isn't weak, because how can a weak being be strong enough to hold up his chilta?
And my favorite Rownt concept:
Ondry gave a trill of amusement that also implied he was mocking humans. "No Rownt would undervalue a female because of her sex. Human logic is deeply flawed."
Indeed.
October 3, 2014
Before Reading:
Tears of joy because this solidified my enjoyment of this author's words.
After Reading: The world building...the connection...Liam and Ondry. Yes. *happy sigh*
Check out our unicorn group review on BMBR of Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities - dudes it was 5 hearts unanimously across the board!!!!!
5 Hearts - I had to really think about my feelings on this one.
This story will not work for everyone. Warning, this story is not for everyone! You want gushy, mushy love scenes and copious amounts of tail sex? You need heart pacing action and high suspense? You want Ondry to magically grow a human penis to finally give Liam the business?
This is not that story. This novel would work best for fans of Ondry and Liam.
Going back to the preface of book #1, the author created this idea based on a perfect Dom. This came into the form of Rownt alien, Ondry, a perfect specimen of a caretaker Dom. Thank fuck for him because I love caretaker Doms. In a market that can be overloaded with Dom alpha-holes, I enjoy this author's Dominants. They think before they act, they think of their partners needs and consider the scene in its entirety. But Ondry is not just any Dom, he is chilta. Liam his partner, is his palteia. What is a palteia? What is a chilta? "Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities " is a novel that explains to the reader what exactly they are.
I am not going to fangirl on you. I will however try to get across my joy that the sequel is a fitting continuation of the novella, "Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts". Instead of being jammed packed full of unnecessary crazy plot twists or action sequences, this is filled with tighter world building, wars fought with intelligence and words instead of weapons (okay there was one scene but it was needed. Trust me) and a love of science fiction. Liam and Ondry are tested but prove how strong the bonds between a palteia and chilta truly are. Instead of overt machinations, subtle, smart and cool tactics are used.
For the smut lovers, there is more tail sex. Don't worry. You should read "Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts" before this book. The world building in book #1 are seedlings and book #2 is the sapling that shot out of there. There is some political/societal arguments in between the Rownt/human struggle. They are sound arguments. Is this a romance novel? I wouldn't call it a traditional one. Then again, a human and Rownt alien interspecies couple that can't have penetrative sex isn't your average storybook pairing, now are they?
To sum up this book in a word, beautiful.
Tears of joy because this solidified my enjoyment of this author's words.
After Reading: The world building...the connection...Liam and Ondry. Yes. *happy sigh*
Check out our unicorn group review on BMBR of Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities - dudes it was 5 hearts unanimously across the board!!!!!
5 Hearts - I had to really think about my feelings on this one.
This story will not work for everyone. Warning, this story is not for everyone! You want gushy, mushy love scenes and copious amounts of tail sex? You need heart pacing action and high suspense? You want Ondry to magically grow a human penis to finally give Liam the business?
This is not that story. This novel would work best for fans of Ondry and Liam.
Going back to the preface of book #1, the author created this idea based on a perfect Dom. This came into the form of Rownt alien, Ondry, a perfect specimen of a caretaker Dom. Thank fuck for him because I love caretaker Doms. In a market that can be overloaded with Dom alpha-holes, I enjoy this author's Dominants. They think before they act, they think of their partners needs and consider the scene in its entirety. But Ondry is not just any Dom, he is chilta. Liam his partner, is his palteia. What is a palteia? What is a chilta? "Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities " is a novel that explains to the reader what exactly they are.
I am not going to fangirl on you. I will however try to get across my joy that the sequel is a fitting continuation of the novella, "Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts". Instead of being jammed packed full of unnecessary crazy plot twists or action sequences, this is filled with tighter world building, wars fought with intelligence and words instead of weapons (okay there was one scene but it was needed. Trust me) and a love of science fiction. Liam and Ondry are tested but prove how strong the bonds between a palteia and chilta truly are. Instead of overt machinations, subtle, smart and cool tactics are used.
For the smut lovers, there is more tail sex. Don't worry. You should read "Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts" before this book. The world building in book #1 are seedlings and book #2 is the sapling that shot out of there. There is some political/societal arguments in between the Rownt/human struggle. They are sound arguments. Is this a romance novel? I wouldn't call it a traditional one. Then again, a human and Rownt alien interspecies couple that can't have penetrative sex isn't your average storybook pairing, now are they?
To sum up this book in a word, beautiful.
August 4, 2024
This second book in the series picks up right where the first left off. Liam is more than content living with the Rownt and Ondry. Really enjoy the complexities of Ondry and Liam's relationship.
Of course the military has to get involved, and who knows if Diallo is trustworthy.
Military linguist
Language barrier
Verbal/nonverbal communication
Matriarchal alien society
Extreme culture differences
Emotionally intelligent romance
Hurt/comfort
Tail sex
Wasn’t really a fan of the grandmother sex, but I’m also a silly human with human emotions.
The conversation that follows this interaction was fascinating.
For years he’d only wanted to make someone happy, but he’d never quite envisioned that he would find his dream on an alien world.
Of course the military has to get involved, and who knows if Diallo is trustworthy.
Military linguist
Language barrier
Verbal/nonverbal communication
Matriarchal alien society
Extreme culture differences
Emotionally intelligent romance
Hurt/comfort
Tail sex
Wasn’t really a fan of the grandmother sex, but I’m also a silly human with human emotions.
“May you father strong children, Ka-Ondry,” the Grandmother offered as she held out her hand. Ondry accepted the help and rose to one knee, pausing as he pulled his shirt down and took several breaths.
The conversation that follows this interaction was fascinating.
July 25, 2023
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 4.5 stars
SO good... SO.. So Good. 💞
Story - 4.5 stars
SO good... SO.. So Good. 💞
September 26, 2014
I have this vision of a genre called M/M Fiction, where you could take out the romance/sex, and the book would stand alone, but which has a distinctly M/M feel in syntax, characters, structure etc and is not at all the same thing as Gay Fiction.¹ And look, here is Lyn Gala striding boldy forward in my new genre, with a first contact novel which stands alone perfectly happily if you took out the mind-melting tailsex and ilsil: not that we want to do that!
I super-enjoyed the hell out of this.
¹ To be clear, for M/M Fiction we don't go ahead and take out the romance/sex! Heck; why on earth . . . ? But the book has an actual plot, and the sex is there because it's a part of life, not because the entire book is about whether one man gets to insert an appendage into the orifice of another man. Not that I don't love books like that too! Because they rock. They all rock. Lyn Gala rocks!
I super-enjoyed the hell out of this.
¹ To be clear, for M/M Fiction we don't go ahead and take out the romance/sex! Heck; why on earth . . . ? But the book has an actual plot, and the sex is there because it's a part of life, not because the entire book is about whether one man gets to insert an appendage into the orifice of another man. Not that I don't love books like that too! Because they rock. They all rock. Lyn Gala rocks!
September 26, 2014
I suspect that just like Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts, Assimilation will be added to the list of books I’ve read and reread so many times my Kindle sighs and asks me why I have nothing better to do with my life. Well, my Kindle can suck it.
Liam and Ondry have such trust in each other, value each other so highly -- how could you possibly not want to experience that over and over again?
Ondry:
When Ondry would lie in bed at night and Liam would stroke his neck until his skin tingled and his muscles were so loose that he doubted he could get up for a wild Toal attack, Ondry knew contentment enough to replace the joy of a trade. However, Ondry still preferred this utter surrender. The thrill of knowing Liam trusted him so much affected Ondry in a way he had never thought possible.Liam:
Liam understood himself and his failings. He'd always given too much of himself, trusted too deeply, and striven too hard to make others happy. In the past, this had been his Achilles' heel, and every lover he'd had took advantage of it. Only Ondry seemed to think that Liam's gifts were valuable.Sequels to my favorite books make me happier than being left alone with an entire pan of Nutella brownies, but they also stress me out. So often a sequel means misunderstandings and arguments between beloved characters. Even worse, break ups. It's painful and I hate it. Books are my happy place. But there's none of that relationship angst in Assimilation. They face major challenges, animal attacks and the "oddities" of other humans, but between this book and the last their relationship has only grown deeper. I can't imagine one being without the other. Just writing that in a review makes my heart clench with happiness.
Another beautiful part of this novel is observing how Liam has adapted to (and adopted) Rownt society, Rownt way's of thinking. There are several scenes in Assimilation where Liam, instead of reacting like a human would to an event or conversation, reacts like a Rownt. He "huffs" several times, which is something the Rownt do to smell others' feelings or to express a wide range of emotions. Sometimes he misjudges human facial expressions because he's reading them as Rownt would. Liam is more Rownt than human.
I get the same feeling from Lyn Gala. It's like she's now spent so much time with her characters, in the world she's built, that she better understands her own creation. (I'm convinced she could even speak Rownt if you asked her to.) Her greater understanding leads to a deepening understanding in her readers, which means that it's not just Liam who's assimlated to the Rownt world, Gala's readers have as well. It makes for an even better novel than Claimings.
I love this book -- I love it, I love it, I want to hug it. I want to hug Liam and Ondry and thank them for being so beautiful together. Reading about their relationship, two people so devoted to each other, fills me with such peace that how could I possibly not reread it? I just want to sit near them and listen in on their private moments, until I feel calmer and better able to face a world filled with judgmental electronics. Stupid Kindle.
************************************************************
9/1/2014
I can't even SAY how happy this makes. REALLY FUCKIN' HAPPY.
There, I said it.
June 14, 2017
4.5 Stars
Now if every D/s book I read (which isn't many) was like this, I would wholly embrace the genre. This strips things bare and shows what I assume, or would like, as an ideal representation. Perhaps since it wasn't a human/human relationship with traditional reciprocating sex, this probably made the extra difference.
Hands down Ondry was the best part of this book. He may not truly grasp the human concept of love, but he knows loyalty and faithfulness. Towards Liam, he is generous, considerate, proud. He values his opinion, wants to make him happy, covets his attention and affection - and he will guard that with the utmost ferocity and devotion. If that isn't love, I don't know what is. In essence, he epitomizes a true "alpha" male - he'smy Liam's wet dream.
Now while I said that this isn't a conventional romance, that really is besides the point. Ondry and Liam's relationship was beautiful, each putting the other first. They fit perfectly together and I can envision many prosperous and happy years ahead of them. I would have no problem reading a series about their trading adventures for years to come. Yes I know I'm totally waxing poetic, but I've got a whole 225 pages to back me up.
Lyn Gala just wowed me with this - not to mention how she deftly, smartly expanded on the world and culture of Rownt. What's equally fascinating is her dissection of all our human fallacies - emotions, labels, attachments, the way we think and how that thinking is often illogical based on no concrete facts. It's quite a scathing look at human nature in all it's glory and I'm wholly impressed.
Again. Loved it. Want more of it.
Now if every D/s book I read (which isn't many) was like this, I would wholly embrace the genre. This strips things bare and shows what I assume, or would like, as an ideal representation. Perhaps since it wasn't a human/human relationship with traditional reciprocating sex, this probably made the extra difference.
Hands down Ondry was the best part of this book. He may not truly grasp the human concept of love, but he knows loyalty and faithfulness. Towards Liam, he is generous, considerate, proud. He values his opinion, wants to make him happy, covets his attention and affection - and he will guard that with the utmost ferocity and devotion. If that isn't love, I don't know what is. In essence, he epitomizes a true "alpha" male - he's
Now while I said that this isn't a conventional romance, that really is besides the point. Ondry and Liam's relationship was beautiful, each putting the other first. They fit perfectly together and I can envision many prosperous and happy years ahead of them. I would have no problem reading a series about their trading adventures for years to come. Yes I know I'm totally waxing poetic, but I've got a whole 225 pages to back me up.
Lyn Gala just wowed me with this - not to mention how she deftly, smartly expanded on the world and culture of Rownt. What's equally fascinating is her dissection of all our human fallacies - emotions, labels, attachments, the way we think and how that thinking is often illogical based on no concrete facts. It's quite a scathing look at human nature in all it's glory and I'm wholly impressed.
Again. Loved it. Want more of it.
November 29, 2019
Audio 4.5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
I'm still enjoying this series. I love how affectionate the MCs are. Ondry's protectiveness of Liam really comes out in this book. It was glorious. 😍
Story 4.5 stars
I'm still enjoying this series. I love how affectionate the MCs are. Ondry's protectiveness of Liam really comes out in this book. It was glorious. 😍
November 10, 2019
Wow, I can’t even find words to sum up how I feel about this book. This books is an art. The intricacies, delicacy and the amount of details on linguistics of this book, it just blew me away.
So the journey of Liam and Ondry continues here as they tried to trade with a human captain who’s sent to Prarownt as the first contact linguist and Ondry is struggling a bit with the other Rownts who will neither accept or deny his Ka status at a mere 200 years of age. (Which is considered still a youngling according to Rownt lifespan) We can see the intimacy, love, utter trust and absolute sacrifice between our two MCs. The scene where Ondry tried to kill a “kawt” with bare hands to protect Liam, it gave me goosebumps. I won’t talk much about how the plots and storyline go on since I want YOU ,my friend, to read this yourself and savor it, cherish it and value it.
Here are some of my favorite excerpts from this novel .. 🤓
“No Rownt would undervalue a female because of her sex. Human logic is deeply flawed.”
“Knowing this, I am tempted to chain you to the nest and keep you there so you cannot injure yourself.”
“Captain, Rownt culture is complicated. For five years, Ondry courted me and tried to teach me everything he knew about his culture. I completely missed that we were, essentially, dating.”
“Humans are likely to push a cart everywhere they go just in case they need to carry something later.”
“As long as I have Ondry, human opinion means nothing to me,” Liam said, and he spoke the truth.”
These dialogues gave me a new perspective on everything about how humans think, do and interact with each other and makes me question about the sanity of our own humankind.
Love, love, loveeeeeee Liam and Ondry to death!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Well deserved 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So the journey of Liam and Ondry continues here as they tried to trade with a human captain who’s sent to Prarownt as the first contact linguist and Ondry is struggling a bit with the other Rownts who will neither accept or deny his Ka status at a mere 200 years of age. (Which is considered still a youngling according to Rownt lifespan) We can see the intimacy, love, utter trust and absolute sacrifice between our two MCs. The scene where Ondry tried to kill a “kawt” with bare hands to protect Liam, it gave me goosebumps. I won’t talk much about how the plots and storyline go on since I want YOU ,my friend, to read this yourself and savor it, cherish it and value it.
Here are some of my favorite excerpts from this novel .. 🤓
“No Rownt would undervalue a female because of her sex. Human logic is deeply flawed.”
“Knowing this, I am tempted to chain you to the nest and keep you there so you cannot injure yourself.”
“Captain, Rownt culture is complicated. For five years, Ondry courted me and tried to teach me everything he knew about his culture. I completely missed that we were, essentially, dating.”
“Humans are likely to push a cart everywhere they go just in case they need to carry something later.”
“As long as I have Ondry, human opinion means nothing to me,” Liam said, and he spoke the truth.”
These dialogues gave me a new perspective on everything about how humans think, do and interact with each other and makes me question about the sanity of our own humankind.
Love, love, loveeeeeee Liam and Ondry to death!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Well deserved 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 3, 2015
i didn't enjoy this one as much as the first. i thought it was most interesting when liam was bartering.
naturally, the bulk of the book is liam and ondry explaining things to one another and a new character, who was interesting for a hot second until she , during a really poorly-done action scene that was the only deviation from the "lemme 'splen my ppl to ju menny, menny, menny time" structure of this novel.
naturally, the bulk of the book is liam and ondry explaining things to one another and a new character, who was interesting for a hot second until she , during a really poorly-done action scene that was the only deviation from the "lemme 'splen my ppl to ju menny, menny, menny time" structure of this novel.
September 29, 2014
Palteia.
I've been struggling with what to say about this book for several days now. Gone through several revisions, some were downright terse. In short, I loved it. Adored it, really, but I don't think it will resonate with everyone. There are romantic moments between Liam and Ondry that are divine especially when Ondry was drawing love symbols on Liam's neck with his fingers. *sigh*
However, I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a romance novel. It's tagged science fiction and space opera, both of which are befitting.
I'm not sure what the time lapse is between the two Claimings novels, but during that time Liam and Ondry have surpassed established; they're a unit. They act in one another's best interests, beyond altruism. Liam has incorporated the ethos of the Rownt, carries Ondry's status and safeguards it as steadfastly as Ondry. I was delighted by the progression of their relationship as well as the elevated status of the palteia. It's thought to be a great honor to have a palteia, Ondry has no qualms with PDAs and relishes showing Liam off. Actually, they've achieved a bit of a celebrity status. Just how close they've become is palpable. They tease each other, the tail sex is still amazing as is the pillow nest and the ilsil. I loved them. I really did. Then again I loved them in the first book, so this is not news.
As much as I loved Liam and Ondry's relationship, it took a backseat to the world building. This is the most intricately detailed world building of Ms. Gala's I've read and Turbulence was no slouch. Ms. Gala made Prarownt a living breathing canvas upon which everything else plays out. It's almost a character in and of itself. Prarownt is a utopian society wherein females rule. There is no prejudice, no crime, there is an inherent trust within the Rownt, emphasis is placed on status and earning that status through intelligent and cunning trades rather than it being commercialized. The needs of the community supersede the needs of the individual, and children are precious and valuable. Basically, I'd like to apply for citizenship. Where can I do this? Is there some sort of Prarownt embassy? And I'm not even mentioning the features, personalities, and abilities of the Rownt!
Everything was exceptional. Everything.
The storyline unfolds gradually and with deliberation. I enjoyed it because we got to experience more of Prarownt, but the humans… not so much. Humans are full of suck. Major suckage.
This book "happened" for me in a completely different way than the first. And to think all this time I've been deluding myself into believing that I didn't like sci-fi! HA! Joke's on me. Touché, Lyn Gala.
I would recommend it to people who love Lyn Gala, sci-fi, exemplary world building and tails.
I've got my fingers crossed that this isn't the end for Liam and Ondry, but if it is I'm happy I got to tag along in their journey for as long as it lasted.
I've been struggling with what to say about this book for several days now. Gone through several revisions, some were downright terse. In short, I loved it. Adored it, really, but I don't think it will resonate with everyone. There are romantic moments between Liam and Ondry that are divine especially when Ondry was drawing love symbols on Liam's neck with his fingers. *sigh*
However, I wouldn't necessarily categorize it as a romance novel. It's tagged science fiction and space opera, both of which are befitting.
I'm not sure what the time lapse is between the two Claimings novels, but during that time Liam and Ondry have surpassed established; they're a unit. They act in one another's best interests, beyond altruism. Liam has incorporated the ethos of the Rownt, carries Ondry's status and safeguards it as steadfastly as Ondry. I was delighted by the progression of their relationship as well as the elevated status of the palteia. It's thought to be a great honor to have a palteia, Ondry has no qualms with PDAs and relishes showing Liam off. Actually, they've achieved a bit of a celebrity status. Just how close they've become is palpable. They tease each other, the tail sex is still amazing as is the pillow nest and the ilsil. I loved them. I really did. Then again I loved them in the first book, so this is not news.
As much as I loved Liam and Ondry's relationship, it took a backseat to the world building. This is the most intricately detailed world building of Ms. Gala's I've read and Turbulence was no slouch. Ms. Gala made Prarownt a living breathing canvas upon which everything else plays out. It's almost a character in and of itself. Prarownt is a utopian society wherein females rule. There is no prejudice, no crime, there is an inherent trust within the Rownt, emphasis is placed on status and earning that status through intelligent and cunning trades rather than it being commercialized. The needs of the community supersede the needs of the individual, and children are precious and valuable. Basically, I'd like to apply for citizenship. Where can I do this? Is there some sort of Prarownt embassy? And I'm not even mentioning the features, personalities, and abilities of the Rownt!
Everything was exceptional. Everything.
The storyline unfolds gradually and with deliberation. I enjoyed it because we got to experience more of Prarownt, but the humans… not so much. Humans are full of suck. Major suckage.
This book "happened" for me in a completely different way than the first. And to think all this time I've been deluding myself into believing that I didn't like sci-fi! HA! Joke's on me. Touché, Lyn Gala.
I would recommend it to people who love Lyn Gala, sci-fi, exemplary world building and tails.
I've got my fingers crossed that this isn't the end for Liam and Ondry, but if it is I'm happy I got to tag along in their journey for as long as it lasted.
October 4, 2014
I love Ondry. Not just as the perfect mate, someone for whom care and protection of his partner is his driving force, beyond even making a profit. But also as an alien, whose thoughts and motivations are not identical to human processes. He's not just a tall man with a purple skin. He's similar enough to be wholly engaging (and lovable) and different enough to be intriguing. I really enjoyed getting both his and Liam's POVs in this installment.
You have to read the first book first. (Note that there is a real D/s component to these, but not a pain-BDSM component.) There are also a couple of short freebies out there which add a touch of understanding. (I especially enjoyed the Grandmother's POV.) This series is among my favorite SF M/M, and definitely my favorite sex-with-an-alien for the sheer plausibility of this.
And now there is adventure and species-interaction set up for the next installment. It can't come too soon for me. The third book will be on my TBR the moment I see it.
You have to read the first book first. (Note that there is a real D/s component to these, but not a pain-BDSM component.) There are also a couple of short freebies out there which add a touch of understanding. (I especially enjoyed the Grandmother's POV.) This series is among my favorite SF M/M, and definitely my favorite sex-with-an-alien for the sheer plausibility of this.
And now there is adventure and species-interaction set up for the next installment. It can't come too soon for me. The third book will be on my TBR the moment I see it.
January 20, 2016
I can barely stand this awesomeness!
Now I'll seek my own Ondry everywhere!
Don't want to come back to RL!
Now I'll seek my own Ondry everywhere!
Don't want to come back to RL!
Read
April 19, 2017To anyone keeping track of this, the new cover is now out...
http://www.loose-id.com/assimilation-...
... and we are on track for a September 23 release date. Now what do I do with all the "short story" bits that didn't make it into the book. I've asked for my editor's opinion on that one, BTW.
http://www.loose-id.com/assimilation-...
... and we are on track for a September 23 release date. Now what do I do with all the "short story" bits that didn't make it into the book. I've asked for my editor's opinion on that one, BTW.
September 13, 2023
Re-read September 2023
Loved it.
--------------------------
Ondry is an alien, a Rownt. Liam is human and his palteia. This is kind of like a submissive, except a palteia is highly valued in the Rownt culture.
In this Liam is still very happy als Ondry's palteia. But the military still hasn't let go of Liam completely and they try to trick him into coming back. Ondry must protect his palteia at all cost..
I absolutely love Ondry. I love how dominant he is and how he would do anything for Liam.
There are lots of amazing hurt/comfort moments in this series, and those made me so so happy. Liam is a true submissive, but definitely not weak. I loved how strong he actually was. But he was afraid to trust his own judgment because of mistakes he made in his past with trusting people.
I also really love the psychology in this. Especially because Liam often needs to explain human behavior to Ondry and Liam is still learning how the Rownt do things.
I never expected to read about such a loving relationship between a human and an alien, but here we have it. The Rownt don’t consider sex pleasurable and don’t have the same organs as humans. But that doesn't mean there is no sex, because there definitely is. Ondry has a very bendable tail and he knows how to use it! Those scenes were so hot.
I can't wait to read more. I kind of want an Ondry of my own.
Loved it.
--------------------------
Ondry is an alien, a Rownt. Liam is human and his palteia. This is kind of like a submissive, except a palteia is highly valued in the Rownt culture.
In this Liam is still very happy als Ondry's palteia. But the military still hasn't let go of Liam completely and they try to trick him into coming back. Ondry must protect his palteia at all cost..
I absolutely love Ondry. I love how dominant he is and how he would do anything for Liam.
There are lots of amazing hurt/comfort moments in this series, and those made me so so happy. Liam is a true submissive, but definitely not weak. I loved how strong he actually was. But he was afraid to trust his own judgment because of mistakes he made in his past with trusting people.
I also really love the psychology in this. Especially because Liam often needs to explain human behavior to Ondry and Liam is still learning how the Rownt do things.
I never expected to read about such a loving relationship between a human and an alien, but here we have it. The Rownt don’t consider sex pleasurable and don’t have the same organs as humans. But that doesn't mean there is no sex, because there definitely is. Ondry has a very bendable tail and he knows how to use it! Those scenes were so hot.
I can't wait to read more. I kind of want an Ondry of my own.
June 7, 2025
After my 3rd read, I still love this book and series. Such a perfect Power Exchange with rich world building and relationship building. Perfection.
September 25, 2014
Lovely. It's probably impossible that I could adore this as much as Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts, which is literally one of my favorite, most reread books, but this sequel contained more of Gala's fascinating exploration of cultural difference through a focus on linguistics, and on how our words, and at times our lack of words, reflect both our priorities and our limitations. It was wonderful to have access to Ondry's perspective and get more insight into the Rownt way of looking at the world. The portrayal of Diallo could have been a caricature but it wasn't.
Bottom line: I'll definitely reread this and highly recommend this unique series to anyone who likes sci-fi, or who just wants a beautiful, unexpected love story.
Bottom line: I'll definitely reread this and highly recommend this unique series to anyone who likes sci-fi, or who just wants a beautiful, unexpected love story.
September 29, 2014
Think I preferred this one over the first because we get a better look at Ondry and Rownt society. I really enjoy the world building even if the gerontocracy sets me on edge. Plus, Ondry's an absolute sweetheart, I'd let him tail me.
And, I still want a pillow nest.
Favorite quote:
And, I still want a pillow nest.
Favorite quote:
"I like how you smell, but if you do not, I also like it when your smell is so faint that it is something for only me.”
May 26, 2015
Wow.
Just, WOW!
I don't have words that will do this one justice.
5 Freakin’ Stars My Friends!
What an amazing book. I honestly could not put it down once I started. I thought I loved Liam and Ondry after reading Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts, but reading about them as an established pair in Claimings #2 was an experience that was so much more than just loving a couple of characters. Their dynamic has matured and everything I “pretty much understood” in Claimings became crystal clear in Assimilations. Their dialogs were such a pleasure to read and they have a depth now that has grown since the first book.
While the closest human definition of Liam’s status would be that of a submissive, the Rownt definition of palteia just makes so much sense! I totally get it. I can intellectually understand what I’m told about a D/s relationship. But, a chilta and pelteia relationship is so logically and completely explained I couldn’t help but be fascinated by it. Ondry and Liam revered one another so much in every action, I could feel that they were equals and one truly complemented the other.
The world building is some of the best I’ve ever read. There was so much detail, but it was never overwhelming as sci-fi and fantasy can sometimes be. I didn’t need a flow chart, a dictionary and search party to follow along. The focus stayed on point making the information flow organically so that I was able to get complete caught up in the story instead of spending time figuring out who a character was or where they came from.
My favorite thing though, was the exchanges between Ondry and Liam when they were alone. They both became fully multi-dimensional characters to me. Ondry has a real sense of humor and Liam can be such a smart ass, I just fell in love with them both all over again, just harder this time.
I highlighted the bejeezus out of this book. Like, a book length of highlighting. Ondry’s dry observations were usually my favorite. Simple, brilliant and above all logical, I need an Ondry in my life to keep me on track. I may have used this on conversation today and will most definitely use it again:
“That fact is so true it does not require stating.”
So, according to Ondry I can’t really gush about how much I loved this book, see above.
Just, WOW!
I don't have words that will do this one justice.
5 Freakin’ Stars My Friends!
What an amazing book. I honestly could not put it down once I started. I thought I loved Liam and Ondry after reading Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts, but reading about them as an established pair in Claimings #2 was an experience that was so much more than just loving a couple of characters. Their dynamic has matured and everything I “pretty much understood” in Claimings became crystal clear in Assimilations. Their dialogs were such a pleasure to read and they have a depth now that has grown since the first book.
While the closest human definition of Liam’s status would be that of a submissive, the Rownt definition of palteia just makes so much sense! I totally get it. I can intellectually understand what I’m told about a D/s relationship. But, a chilta and pelteia relationship is so logically and completely explained I couldn’t help but be fascinated by it. Ondry and Liam revered one another so much in every action, I could feel that they were equals and one truly complemented the other.
The world building is some of the best I’ve ever read. There was so much detail, but it was never overwhelming as sci-fi and fantasy can sometimes be. I didn’t need a flow chart, a dictionary and search party to follow along. The focus stayed on point making the information flow organically so that I was able to get complete caught up in the story instead of spending time figuring out who a character was or where they came from.
My favorite thing though, was the exchanges between Ondry and Liam when they were alone. They both became fully multi-dimensional characters to me. Ondry has a real sense of humor and Liam can be such a smart ass, I just fell in love with them both all over again, just harder this time.
I highlighted the bejeezus out of this book. Like, a book length of highlighting. Ondry’s dry observations were usually my favorite. Simple, brilliant and above all logical, I need an Ondry in my life to keep me on track. I may have used this on conversation today and will most definitely use it again:
“That fact is so true it does not require stating.”
So, according to Ondry I can’t really gush about how much I loved this book, see above.
October 23, 2017
Re read- Oct 2017 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 2015 - Amazing just amazing! No one compares to Ondry and Liam.
Review:
Such an amazing book! I was absolutely glued! Liam and Ondry are such a sweet and special couple. I expected this book to be a little slow, just a relationship building type story, you know daily life routine but there was so much happening that I literally could not put the book down, case in point, I'm writing this review at 4am. It was quite funny as well, hearing Ondry's commentary on human logic. oh oh and I LOVED his protectiveness of Liam!
All I can say is there better be more of these two!!!!!
July 2015 - Amazing just amazing! No one compares to Ondry and Liam.
Review:
Such an amazing book! I was absolutely glued! Liam and Ondry are such a sweet and special couple. I expected this book to be a little slow, just a relationship building type story, you know daily life routine but there was so much happening that I literally could not put the book down, case in point, I'm writing this review at 4am. It was quite funny as well, hearing Ondry's commentary on human logic. oh oh and I LOVED his protectiveness of Liam!
All I can say is there better be more of these two!!!!!
February 13, 2015
I've said it before, will continue to do so, and say it again here: external conflict with which characters must deal is so much more interesting, real and satisfying than manufactured, unnecessary, and transparent conflict between characters in an attempt to create tension in a story.
Gala once again achieves this as she did in book one, Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts.
My buy-in is practically immediate and much deeper when characters are permitted to share themselves in this style instead of that fake and frustrating habit so many authors have in using frankly lame internal strain twixt the mains.
Amiright? Yup, I think so, too.
Furthermore, and I feel I must, this approach is wonderfully wrapped up in an intriguing world that continues to breed curiosity and high enjoyment for me. In other words: Liam and Ondry, the wonderful humor that is both subversive in delivery - mostly by Ondry - and screams with joy in poking fun at us normal human types, the beauty and connection that are our warm, intelligent leads, and the simply fun details of Rownt and their culture.
Ok, I was already feeling fab after having just finished this book, but writing this has upped those endorphins running amok while replaying Liam and Ondry and this latest portrayal of their awesomeness.
I so appreciate and revel in Gala not taking the expected and typical routes in her storytelling. Instead, she trusts her characters who reward that trust by doing what's right for them. This, of course, means they do right by us. It also means unpredictability in where the story goes and I love that.
Do I recommend this? Hell yeah.
Do I want more of Liam and Ondry and their awesome connection? Hell yeah!! Gimme gimme.
Gala once again achieves this as she did in book one, Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts.
My buy-in is practically immediate and much deeper when characters are permitted to share themselves in this style instead of that fake and frustrating habit so many authors have in using frankly lame internal strain twixt the mains.
Amiright? Yup, I think so, too.
Furthermore, and I feel I must, this approach is wonderfully wrapped up in an intriguing world that continues to breed curiosity and high enjoyment for me. In other words: Liam and Ondry, the wonderful humor that is both subversive in delivery - mostly by Ondry - and screams with joy in poking fun at us normal human types, the beauty and connection that are our warm, intelligent leads, and the simply fun details of Rownt and their culture.
Ok, I was already feeling fab after having just finished this book, but writing this has upped those endorphins running amok while replaying Liam and Ondry and this latest portrayal of their awesomeness.
I so appreciate and revel in Gala not taking the expected and typical routes in her storytelling. Instead, she trusts her characters who reward that trust by doing what's right for them. This, of course, means they do right by us. It also means unpredictability in where the story goes and I love that.
Do I recommend this? Hell yeah.
Do I want more of Liam and Ondry and their awesome connection? Hell yeah!! Gimme gimme.
September 25, 2014
*****3.5*****
I love the relationship between Ondry and Liam. Ondry being all growly and possessive pushes my buttons and TAIL SEX is still awesome. I also really like seeing humans through Ondry's eyes and him trying to understand how people can be so illogical. It did drag a little every time Liam starting explaining Rownt language and culture and stuff. I didn't feel it so much in the first one but it got a little too much for me in this one. Still an enjoyable read and I was happy to see this couple again.
February 9, 2017
4 stars!
Considering the fact that I’m normally not into alien m/m stories, falling in love with Liam and Ondry came as quite a surprise to me. I read the first installment and when I finished it, I knew that I had to learn more about the Rownt and Liam’s future with Ondry.
I love the fact that human habits and culture are described from the Rownt’s point of view and I have to admit that it made me laugh countless times. We are truly bizarre in most of what we do!
While Liam has settled down into his new life with the Rownt, Ondry is ambitious to increase his status in order to provide an even better life to his palteia. However, a lot of dangers are waiting for them and the fact that a war in the world of the humans seems to be rising is putting Liam in a difficult position. Should he help his old people or leave them on their own?
The story is very fast-paced, but I had the feeling that the relationship development between Ondry and Liam had been perfectly integrated into the bigger story. I really can’t wait to read the next part in this series! And who would have thought ... tail sex is incredibly hot!
Considering the fact that I’m normally not into alien m/m stories, falling in love with Liam and Ondry came as quite a surprise to me. I read the first installment and when I finished it, I knew that I had to learn more about the Rownt and Liam’s future with Ondry.
I love the fact that human habits and culture are described from the Rownt’s point of view and I have to admit that it made me laugh countless times. We are truly bizarre in most of what we do!
Human logic was a truly terrifying thing. Ondry was never so grateful to have rescued Liam from such irrational people.
While Liam has settled down into his new life with the Rownt, Ondry is ambitious to increase his status in order to provide an even better life to his palteia. However, a lot of dangers are waiting for them and the fact that a war in the world of the humans seems to be rising is putting Liam in a difficult position. Should he help his old people or leave them on their own?
The story is very fast-paced, but I had the feeling that the relationship development between Ondry and Liam had been perfectly integrated into the bigger story. I really can’t wait to read the next part in this series! And who would have thought ... tail sex is incredibly hot!
Liam held out his hand, and Ondry was quick to catch it and pull Liam to his side, his tail curling around Liam’s leg as they walked in the dappled sun that drifted down through the tall, old trees.
February 5, 2017
I don't really know how to describe this book. I had my doubts about the first one in the series and that made me read the second. It didn't impress me any. It felt too off and maybe it was just me, but I think I'm done with this genre, for now.
There aren't many feelings or things that can make me read any other installment in the future.
Liam and Ondry's relationship is very strange, being two different non physically compatible species and all.
There aren't many feelings or things that can make me read any other installment in the future.
Liam and Ondry's relationship is very strange, being two different non physically compatible species and all.
February 9, 2016
3.5 stars. Review soon.
February 7, 2021
I'm so glad this series is out in audio! Reliving them all, narrated by John Solo, is incredible :)
September 28, 2014
3.5 stars
Having left Liam and Ondry hale and hearty in Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts, I was on a bit of a fence about reading this. Sometimes reading a sequel takes you away from where you imagine the characters to be. Thanks to Ms Gala though I did not end up somewhere completely different. Liam and Ondry’s life is like I imagined and more and I liked the more.
The story gets a little bit technical at times but that is part of the whole Rownt culture, wouldn’t feel as if I am in the right planet otherwise. I saw Liam identifying more and more with the Rownt and the bond between him and Ondry is beautiful to watch especially through Ondry’s point of view. I did feel a bit as if humans are getting the wrong end of the stick here against the paragon Rownt and can forgive that a bit only because we never show our good side when it comes to greed, power games and war. I hope that the ‘good’ Liam is not the only ‘good’ human we will see in future.
The writing as usual is flowing and easily readable and I loved the development at the end. I can imagine them there and if Ms Gala writes another I’ll read that as well.
Having left Liam and Ondry hale and hearty in Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts, I was on a bit of a fence about reading this. Sometimes reading a sequel takes you away from where you imagine the characters to be. Thanks to Ms Gala though I did not end up somewhere completely different. Liam and Ondry’s life is like I imagined and more and I liked the more.
The story gets a little bit technical at times but that is part of the whole Rownt culture, wouldn’t feel as if I am in the right planet otherwise. I saw Liam identifying more and more with the Rownt and the bond between him and Ondry is beautiful to watch especially through Ondry’s point of view. I did feel a bit as if humans are getting the wrong end of the stick here against the paragon Rownt and can forgive that a bit only because we never show our good side when it comes to greed, power games and war. I hope that the ‘good’ Liam is not the only ‘good’ human we will see in future.
The writing as usual is flowing and easily readable and I loved the development at the end. I can imagine them there and if Ms Gala writes another I’ll read that as well.
February 3, 2022
While I still enjoyed book 2, I preferred book 1.
And that’s down to mainly three things:
.) I found the plot very slow paced and at times a little bit on the boring side.
.) Sometimes all the explanations how Rownt brains work was getting a bit overwhelming. I really love what the author has created here, but I maybe could have done with less reflection on why everyone did things and the continuous flashbacks. (I did skim some of that in the later stages of the book)
.) Ondry and Liam are a solid couple, and that would have been fine, but I would have liked some more relationship development. Both grow individually, but not together so much (imo)
On the positive side we get a dual POV this time which is illuminating. I liked being in Ondry’s mind to see how he interprets things.
All in all, an interesting follow up to book 2, but I’m quite happy to leave Ondry and Liam where they are now.
And that’s down to mainly three things:
.) I found the plot very slow paced and at times a little bit on the boring side.
.) Sometimes all the explanations how Rownt brains work was getting a bit overwhelming. I really love what the author has created here, but I maybe could have done with less reflection on why everyone did things and the continuous flashbacks. (I did skim some of that in the later stages of the book)
.) Ondry and Liam are a solid couple, and that would have been fine, but I would have liked some more relationship development. Both grow individually, but not together so much (imo)
On the positive side we get a dual POV this time which is illuminating. I liked being in Ondry’s mind to see how he interprets things.
All in all, an interesting follow up to book 2, but I’m quite happy to leave Ondry and Liam where they are now.
May 2, 2021
Minha namorada é minha palteia e sou sua chilta ( aprendendo novas línguas com esse livro kkkkkk). Estou gostando dessa história mais do que pretendia, o culpado é o ondry, ele é engraçado sem querer. O choque da relação de duas raças diferentes é que torna o livro interessante. É impossível um leão se relacionar com uma corça ( exemplo estranho) são raças totalmente diferentes, quando essas raças tentam se relacionar acabam produzindo material interessante para nossa curiosidade. Ondry e liam são como o leão e a corça, são raças incompatíveis mas que conseguiram uma forma de serem companheiros, até o lance sexual funciona bem entre eles ( por mais estranho que seja). Como eu disse, o ondry é engraçado sem querer, toda vez que ele vai se apresentar para alguém e fala seu status é bem engraçado... Seu discurso de apresentação demora mais que as transformações de sailor moon 😂 veremos o que teremos no próximo livro, até agora estou curtindo ( posso mudar de ideia). Ah, entendo bastante de comerciantes e não foi muito complicado entender, mas pode ser algo chato para quem não tem muito interesse no assunto. Diallo foi introduzida nesse livro e é sim uma personagem interessante, por mais irritante que tenha sido em certos momentos, liam é um humano que não quer muito relacionamento com sua raça humana, Diallo é totalmente o contrário e mostrou que faria qualquer coisa por sua raça.
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