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Manufactured Mates #2
The Elysian Extraction: A Steamy MM Alpha/Omega Corporate Dystopia Romance
He was sent to save your soul. He can't even save himself.
Welcome to the Incorporated States of New America, where spiritual growth comes with a service agreement, and Cass represents the absolute worst return on investment in corporate missionary history.
His performance metrics are genuinely impressive: zero successful conversions, negative territorial expansion, and a concerning tendency to get stabbed by his own recruitment targets. Elysian Dynamics has given him two weeks to prove he's not completely hopeless before subjecting him to Project Chrysalis—a process that definitely voids the warranty on his personality.
Enter Riot: a corporately modified Alpha-turned-Berserker whose emotional support animal is apparently his own barely controlled rage. He smells like strawberries and cream, which violates several known laws of biology, and he keeps interfering with Cass's recruitment efforts by preventing people from murdering him.
Every time Cass asks something innocent—which is constantly—Riot's carefully managed suppressants stage a full rebellion. Watching someone this genuinely kind blame himself for a system designed to exploit him triggers every possessive instinct his corporate programmers tried to bury.
Together, they're about to discover that some corporate policies are worse than death, some rescue missions require more than good intentions, and some bonds form despite every rational objection.
Because apparently, the heart wants what it wants, even when what it wants makes absolutely no sense.
Welcome to the Incorporated States of New America, where spiritual growth comes with a service agreement, and Cass represents the absolute worst return on investment in corporate missionary history.
His performance metrics are genuinely impressive: zero successful conversions, negative territorial expansion, and a concerning tendency to get stabbed by his own recruitment targets. Elysian Dynamics has given him two weeks to prove he's not completely hopeless before subjecting him to Project Chrysalis—a process that definitely voids the warranty on his personality.
Enter Riot: a corporately modified Alpha-turned-Berserker whose emotional support animal is apparently his own barely controlled rage. He smells like strawberries and cream, which violates several known laws of biology, and he keeps interfering with Cass's recruitment efforts by preventing people from murdering him.
Every time Cass asks something innocent—which is constantly—Riot's carefully managed suppressants stage a full rebellion. Watching someone this genuinely kind blame himself for a system designed to exploit him triggers every possessive instinct his corporate programmers tried to bury.
Together, they're about to discover that some corporate policies are worse than death, some rescue missions require more than good intentions, and some bonds form despite every rational objection.
Because apparently, the heart wants what it wants, even when what it wants makes absolutely no sense.
549 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2026
About the author
Gale Ian Tate
8 books344 followersGale writes the kind of mm dark/gray romance that makes you question your life choices in the best possible way. When not crafting morally questionable characters doing questionable things, she can be found buried in a book, rolling dice in yet another D&D campaign, or frantically crocheting while binge-watching whatever series has stolen her soul.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 9, 2026
4.5**** stars
world building: 2.5 stars
First of all, ngl, the corporate language of the first book had me cracking up a lot. The religious/cult language here has made me uncomfortable as fuck.
Again this was one hell of a story. But also again the world building was insufficient. Even though I think the author did a tad better here in the second one. While in book one we really only see what the characters are seeing I had the feeling all has been more explained here, that I had a better understanding of the world as a whole. I’m still left with a lot more questions than answers.
As for the main characters. Well, Cass was just impossibly precious. And Riot’s protectiveness made even me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Please heed TWs!
***************
Manufactured Mates Series
Book 1 - The Sterling Acquisition - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - The Elysian Extraction - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - The Gensyn Gambit - tbd
world building: 2.5 stars
First of all, ngl, the corporate language of the first book had me cracking up a lot. The religious/cult language here has made me uncomfortable as fuck.
Again this was one hell of a story. But also again the world building was insufficient. Even though I think the author did a tad better here in the second one. While in book one we really only see what the characters are seeing I had the feeling all has been more explained here, that I had a better understanding of the world as a whole. I’m still left with a lot more questions than answers.
As for the main characters. Well, Cass was just impossibly precious. And Riot’s protectiveness made even me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
He’s going to destroy me without even trying.“Why did you run?”
Cass’s heart was slamming against his ribs. […] “Because I wanted you to catch me.”
I’m going to die. I’m going to die on this floor from a twenty-four-year-old virgin analyzing the flavor profile of my dick. What a way to go.
Please heed TWs!
***************
Manufactured Mates Series
Book 1 - The Sterling Acquisition - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - The Elysian Extraction - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - The Gensyn Gambit - tbd
July 30, 2026
arc review
Gale, just so you know, I’ll be sending you my therapy bills. And yes, I’ll make sure Riot fits in my pocket.
I just finished >600 pages in 48 hours, and honestly, I’m at a loss for words. I don’t think I have enough of them to fully describe what I’m feeling right now. This book was more than plot, more than romance, and definitely more than both combined. It’s about surviving in a world where you don’t belong. About enduring a system that takes and rarely gives back. About finding your person in the middle of chaos. About unconditional love and everything beyond it. And the found family vibes hit every single time. I won't forget Cass and Riot's story anytime soon, maybe never.
I don’t think this was just a book, because it feels like it altered my brain chemistry. There’s still so much I want to say, but I can't. Gale, you did this. You absolutely did this.
Gale, just so you know, I’ll be sending you my therapy bills. And yes, I’ll make sure Riot fits in my pocket.
I just finished >600 pages in 48 hours, and honestly, I’m at a loss for words. I don’t think I have enough of them to fully describe what I’m feeling right now. This book was more than plot, more than romance, and definitely more than both combined. It’s about surviving in a world where you don’t belong. About enduring a system that takes and rarely gives back. About finding your person in the middle of chaos. About unconditional love and everything beyond it. And the found family vibes hit every single time. I won't forget Cass and Riot's story anytime soon, maybe never.
I don’t think this was just a book, because it feels like it altered my brain chemistry. There’s still so much I want to say, but I can't. Gale, you did this. You absolutely did this.
May 31, 2026
I really loved this! Cass and Riot were everything! The way Cass was calm and Riot was chaos somehow brought them together beautifully. Cass is a special character, he sees things so differently and thinks he’s wrong because of where he grew up. Riot was made into what he is now but Cass brought out everything that made him who he was as a person, not a Berserker.
When you read one of Tate’s books you are jumping into an experience that I don’t think any other author has done for me. The worlds she creates are insane and powerful and I love taking this ride in every one of her books.
I liked this better than The Sterling Acquisition but I loved seeing Orion and Dante again. They were so funny and seeing them settled was heartwarming.
While this book is long it never once dragged. I was not able to finish it sooner because of life but I wanted to get back to reading as soon as I could. Cass and Riot are so perfect and I could keep reading about them for a long time!
**ARC received for review
** All thoughts and opinions are my own
When you read one of Tate’s books you are jumping into an experience that I don’t think any other author has done for me. The worlds she creates are insane and powerful and I love taking this ride in every one of her books.
I liked this better than The Sterling Acquisition but I loved seeing Orion and Dante again. They were so funny and seeing them settled was heartwarming.
While this book is long it never once dragged. I was not able to finish it sooner because of life but I wanted to get back to reading as soon as I could. Cass and Riot are so perfect and I could keep reading about them for a long time!
**ARC received for review
** All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 27, 2026
612 pages of perfection. Even though this is a longer book, I wasn’t bored for a single moment. The romance, characters, plot, spice, humour... everything worked.
I really liked book 1, The Sterling Acquisition but this I LOVED.
I absolutely loved Cass and Riot, both as individuals and as a couple. I mean, Cass—he’s so sweet, innocent and endearing 🥹 And Riot calling him princess was just so fitting. Sometimes characters like him can be too much for me, but he was just right. The way he experienced everything, asked questions and found joy in even the smallest things. There’s so much behind his character. And Riot, the complete opposite but just as good. His protective instinct and obsession with Cass; TOP TIER. I loved his inner monologues:
Not stalking. Definitely not stalking. You’re absolutely stalking him. You’ve gone from “I should stay away” to “I’m going to follow him around the marketplace like a very large, very dangerous golden retriever” in less than an hour. This is what rock bottom looks like.
This is how I die. Not in combat, not from Berserker mod decay, but because an idiot Omega saved me a pastry he accidentally sat on.
Cass is a born Elysian, which means he’s lived his whole life in that commune and doesn’t know much about the outside world. And Riot guiding him; priceless. The romance in this book progresses at such a good pace, good build up, proper connection, all the little things and moments (patching each other up, honey cake, the circlet, wildflowers..) and the spice..😮💨
The hurt-and-comfort aspect worked really well, too. Everything Cass went through—and he didn’t even know some of it was wrong, made who he still is despite everything feel even more incredible. And Riot’s handling of everything was done so well. I also appreciated that the author didn’t ignore Riot’s past; it remained part of the story, just in a less prominent way.
“We match,” Cass added, with a small, tentative smile. “Both damaged.”
“Yeah, princess,” he managed. “We match.”
And the scenes with Orion and Dante, I NEEDED MORE. The connection between Cass and Orion, perfect. The ending was also just so good.
I can't even form any coherent sentences. JUST GO READ THIS BOOK. And if you don't like it, don't tell me 🤫 But you will. Love it, I mean.
🍓🌻🍅
“Can you stay close? Please? I know I keep making things complicated, but I feel like I’m coming apart and you’re the only thing that feels solid.”
Riot should say no. He should maintain distance. He should find someone to castrate him and muzzle him. He should do literally anything except what he was about to do.
“Okay, princess. I’m here.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your body, Cass. Nothing.”
“You really think so?”
I think you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I think I want to trace every single one of these scars with my tongue. I think I’m losing my fucking mind.
“Cass…you need to stop moving.”
“I can’t. It aches and you’re warm and your scent is doing something to my brain where I can’t think about anything except getting closer—”
“Princess. Listen to me.”
“Okay?”
“The way you’re moving, it’s making it very hard for me to be careful.”
“Oh. Because I’m making you feel things too?”
“Yes.”
“I’m never going to see the fish again.”
“No.”
“I know it’s for the best.”
“I love you. I love you so much…and I want to plant tomatoes.”
“I love you too. And we’ll plant tomatoes.”
“Cherry ones. The small ones.”
“The small ones. Yeah.”
I really liked book 1, The Sterling Acquisition but this I LOVED.
I absolutely loved Cass and Riot, both as individuals and as a couple. I mean, Cass—he’s so sweet, innocent and endearing 🥹 And Riot calling him princess was just so fitting. Sometimes characters like him can be too much for me, but he was just right. The way he experienced everything, asked questions and found joy in even the smallest things. There’s so much behind his character. And Riot, the complete opposite but just as good. His protective instinct and obsession with Cass; TOP TIER. I loved his inner monologues:
Not stalking. Definitely not stalking. You’re absolutely stalking him. You’ve gone from “I should stay away” to “I’m going to follow him around the marketplace like a very large, very dangerous golden retriever” in less than an hour. This is what rock bottom looks like.
This is how I die. Not in combat, not from Berserker mod decay, but because an idiot Omega saved me a pastry he accidentally sat on.
Cass is a born Elysian, which means he’s lived his whole life in that commune and doesn’t know much about the outside world. And Riot guiding him; priceless. The romance in this book progresses at such a good pace, good build up, proper connection, all the little things and moments (patching each other up, honey cake, the circlet, wildflowers..) and the spice..😮💨
The hurt-and-comfort aspect worked really well, too. Everything Cass went through—and he didn’t even know some of it was wrong, made who he still is despite everything feel even more incredible. And Riot’s handling of everything was done so well. I also appreciated that the author didn’t ignore Riot’s past; it remained part of the story, just in a less prominent way.
“We match,” Cass added, with a small, tentative smile. “Both damaged.”
“Yeah, princess,” he managed. “We match.”
And the scenes with Orion and Dante, I NEEDED MORE. The connection between Cass and Orion, perfect. The ending was also just so good.
I can't even form any coherent sentences. JUST GO READ THIS BOOK. And if you don't like it, don't tell me 🤫 But you will. Love it, I mean.
🍓🌻🍅
“Can you stay close? Please? I know I keep making things complicated, but I feel like I’m coming apart and you’re the only thing that feels solid.”
Riot should say no. He should maintain distance. He should find someone to castrate him and muzzle him. He should do literally anything except what he was about to do.
“Okay, princess. I’m here.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your body, Cass. Nothing.”
“You really think so?”
I think you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I think I want to trace every single one of these scars with my tongue. I think I’m losing my fucking mind.
“Cass…you need to stop moving.”
“I can’t. It aches and you’re warm and your scent is doing something to my brain where I can’t think about anything except getting closer—”
“Princess. Listen to me.”
“Okay?”
“The way you’re moving, it’s making it very hard for me to be careful.”
“Oh. Because I’m making you feel things too?”
“Yes.”
“I’m never going to see the fish again.”
“No.”
“I know it’s for the best.”
“I love you. I love you so much…and I want to plant tomatoes.”
“I love you too. And we’ll plant tomatoes.”
“Cherry ones. The small ones.”
“The small ones. Yeah.”
June 1, 2026
I better not hear anyone talking badly about my sweet baby Cass and scary when he needs to be Riot.
They are perfect.
And it was great to see Dante and Orion again, as well as the collective.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
They are perfect.
And it was great to see Dante and Orion again, as well as the collective.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
May 25, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
I love the way Gale writes Omegaverse. It's addictive and I eat every page of her books up. I loved book one but I actually liked this one even more. Riot was everything. Cass is precious. Ahh I have a jumble of thoughts in my head that I can't formulate properly lol. Please read this, thanks. :)
I love the way Gale writes Omegaverse. It's addictive and I eat every page of her books up. I loved book one but I actually liked this one even more. Riot was everything. Cass is precious. Ahh I have a jumble of thoughts in my head that I can't formulate properly lol. Please read this, thanks. :)
June 1, 2026
Cass is probably the sweetest MMC Gale has ever given us and my heart broke for him so many times during this book. Riot was the best protector and I’m not even a little mad at him for that lie 👀nope, it’s a necessary lie imo. This is my first foray into the manufactured mates series and I loved it, it’s a chunky read but 1000% the word count was justified because there was just so much to explore, understand and resolve. The pairing felt right, Cass needed Riot’s gentleness and Riot needed Cass’s.
Features;
⭐️Missionary Omega/Beserker Alpha
🪴Alternate Omegaverse (corporate dystopia)
🪻Grumpy/Sunshine
🌱Cinnamon Roll Cass
💛Heart Wrenching
🫂Exploration of Cults
Features;
⭐️Missionary Omega/Beserker Alpha
🪴Alternate Omegaverse (corporate dystopia)
🪻Grumpy/Sunshine
🌱Cinnamon Roll Cass
💛Heart Wrenching
🫂Exploration of Cults
June 16, 2026
Gale, girl, you're killing me here.
This is the third book I've read by this author and... my god. I am obsessed, legit in a chokehold (save me...but not really, I like it here). New fav author - crème de la crème 🤌
Okay so guys, GO READ THIS BOOK, RIGHT NOW.
Amazing world building, fantastic characters, beautiful flow & progression. A literal dream 💯❤️🔥
I read this before the first installment (my bad) - and ofc I'll be diving straight into book 1 next.
Honestly just obsessed, in love with Gale's writing and storytelling. Feel so damn lucky to have stumbled across all of these gems 💎
5/5 plot
5/5 world building
5/5 characters
🌶️🌶️
This is the third book I've read by this author and... my god. I am obsessed, legit in a chokehold (save me...but not really, I like it here). New fav author - crème de la crème 🤌
Okay so guys, GO READ THIS BOOK, RIGHT NOW.
Amazing world building, fantastic characters, beautiful flow & progression. A literal dream 💯❤️🔥
I read this before the first installment (my bad) - and ofc I'll be diving straight into book 1 next.
Honestly just obsessed, in love with Gale's writing and storytelling. Feel so damn lucky to have stumbled across all of these gems 💎
5/5 plot
5/5 world building
5/5 characters
🌶️🌶️
May 24, 2026
It's been a long time since I've instantly added a book to my favorites shelf. It's big enough now that I have to stew about it for a while, to see how it holds up after I've had time to think about it and forget about it. But this definitely belongs there. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but the sequel just transcends that experience, and I can't wait for the author to write more!
The most important thing, to me, is that Cass was the most adorable, sweetest, kindest, gentlest, naive little Disney princess of a twink that I've ever read about. You would think that he sounds so sickly sweet and good that it would make you cringe, right? But no... not in the slightest. I just want to pick him up and cuddle him and hold him, and then put him on my shelf so that I'll never forget this beautiful experience. Never fear. He may be small and delicate, but he is 24 years old. He's just so sheltered and innocent, and also somewhat neurodivergent, that he often comes across as child-like.
Riot is so good for him. I loved Riot too, of course. Just not as much as I loved Cass. Riot is a great example of the "only soft for him" trope, and I adore that! Not that Riot is a bad person or anything, but Berserkers have a fearsome reputation and he is a big, scary looking, even dangerous man to other people. Yet is so gentle and restrained when it comes to his "princess". My heart feels so full, seeing them interact with each other. I won't be forgetting these characters anytime soon, and I think the series will definitely be worth a re-read once another book or two gets released. And I'm not one to re-read very often either!
The world she's created is getting more and more detailed. We got to learn a lot more about the Neutral Zone and the Elysian compound this time. It's so interesting! I'm glad there wasn't quite as much suspense as in the first book though. I'm not sure my heart could take it if I had to worry about them for too long. XD
The most important thing, to me, is that Cass was the most adorable, sweetest, kindest, gentlest, naive little Disney princess of a twink that I've ever read about. You would think that he sounds so sickly sweet and good that it would make you cringe, right? But no... not in the slightest. I just want to pick him up and cuddle him and hold him, and then put him on my shelf so that I'll never forget this beautiful experience. Never fear. He may be small and delicate, but he is 24 years old. He's just so sheltered and innocent, and also somewhat neurodivergent, that he often comes across as child-like.
Riot is so good for him. I loved Riot too, of course. Just not as much as I loved Cass. Riot is a great example of the "only soft for him" trope, and I adore that! Not that Riot is a bad person or anything, but Berserkers have a fearsome reputation and he is a big, scary looking, even dangerous man to other people. Yet is so gentle and restrained when it comes to his "princess". My heart feels so full, seeing them interact with each other. I won't be forgetting these characters anytime soon, and I think the series will definitely be worth a re-read once another book or two gets released. And I'm not one to re-read very often either!
The world she's created is getting more and more detailed. We got to learn a lot more about the Neutral Zone and the Elysian compound this time. It's so interesting! I'm glad there wasn't quite as much suspense as in the first book though. I'm not sure my heart could take it if I had to worry about them for too long. XD
May 29, 2026
When I first saw the cover of this book, I was like, “no thank you. I don’t want to read a book about a Gelfling and a college athlete.” The subtitle also seemed to be a mishmash of subgenres that was more like “huh” than “oooh, hmmm.”
Then I read a glowing review so I thought I’d check it out. And ended up violating my bedtime rule for myself and staying up late to finish, which was a total mistake because I did not need to read the content at the end of this book right before bed. I knew it was coming but I just couldn’t help it.
Because damn! That was pretty good for a book about a Gelfling. The world-building was well thought out (some of the better ABO world-building in particular) and I loved the particular brand of cultish that Elysian was—why yes, the wellness industry is in fact a bit of cult. And it also still hits the classic ABO spice markers (how many times can we use the word “cum”? I prefer “come”, personally, or at least a mix of the two) while also having an action based plot that’s pretty engaging. The psychological journey of both Cass and Riot characters was really well done, with the supporting cast being full of fully fleshed out persons who I was genuinely curious about. Brother Matthias was super fucking creepy and evil in a way that didn’t feel like a caricature of a bad guy—whenever he came about, I was like “run away, Cass! Run!”
So yeah. Don’t let the cover put you off, but also read when you’re up for tolerating some fucked-upness.
Then I read a glowing review so I thought I’d check it out. And ended up violating my bedtime rule for myself and staying up late to finish, which was a total mistake because I did not need to read the content at the end of this book right before bed. I knew it was coming but I just couldn’t help it.
Because damn! That was pretty good for a book about a Gelfling. The world-building was well thought out (some of the better ABO world-building in particular) and I loved the particular brand of cultish that Elysian was—why yes, the wellness industry is in fact a bit of cult. And it also still hits the classic ABO spice markers (how many times can we use the word “cum”? I prefer “come”, personally, or at least a mix of the two) while also having an action based plot that’s pretty engaging. The psychological journey of both Cass and Riot characters was really well done, with the supporting cast being full of fully fleshed out persons who I was genuinely curious about. Brother Matthias was super fucking creepy and evil in a way that didn’t feel like a caricature of a bad guy—whenever he came about, I was like “run away, Cass! Run!”
So yeah. Don’t let the cover put you off, but also read when you’re up for tolerating some fucked-upness.
May 30, 2026
New favourite omegaverse book? I think so! I devoured this book in a day, staying up until 2am because I just could not put it down.
Cass and Riot are everything! Cass is my sweet, kind little bean who sees the best in everyone and would give away everything he owned if he thought someone else could benefit from it more. He is just the squishiest cinnamon roll and I want to hug him so badly and save him from all the horrible things he has had to go through. He also has the most interesting backstory being born and raised in a cult but struggling with his place there, and now being sent out to recruit people with the threat of harm to his best friend if he fails looming over him.
Riot is the scary Berserker Alpha who melts into a puddle the moment Cass is kind to him and would lay the entire world at Cass' feet if he could. Riot has been through so much in his life too and he is so used to being seen only as a weapon, as someone to be afraid of, that he has almost lost his sense of self. But with Cass' help he remembers what it means to live rather than just survive and it's so sad and sweet at the same time. I just adore them together! And the SPICE. Feminisation, degradation, primal chase, biting, hair pulling, excellent dirty talk and praise kink a mile wide. Riot doesn't always get it right - but he always stops when Cass asks.
Gale is an absolute mastermind storyteller. There are so many layers to this world and this plot, but nothing is revealed too fast or is too overwhelming. It's all so cleverly done and the total horror of Cass' backstory in particular just creeps up on you moment by moment in such an organic and brilliant way. The whole thing is rich, emotional and subtly terrifying.
This is now tied with Discordant Cultivation for my favourite Gale Ian Tate book, and that is saying a lot because I love every book I've read from Gale. I will probably never get over The Elysian Extraction. If you love omegaverse and want a brilliant new take on it, complete with an amazing romance and edge of your seat drama then this is the book for you!
Cass and Riot are everything! Cass is my sweet, kind little bean who sees the best in everyone and would give away everything he owned if he thought someone else could benefit from it more. He is just the squishiest cinnamon roll and I want to hug him so badly and save him from all the horrible things he has had to go through. He also has the most interesting backstory being born and raised in a cult but struggling with his place there, and now being sent out to recruit people with the threat of harm to his best friend if he fails looming over him.
Riot is the scary Berserker Alpha who melts into a puddle the moment Cass is kind to him and would lay the entire world at Cass' feet if he could. Riot has been through so much in his life too and he is so used to being seen only as a weapon, as someone to be afraid of, that he has almost lost his sense of self. But with Cass' help he remembers what it means to live rather than just survive and it's so sad and sweet at the same time. I just adore them together! And the SPICE. Feminisation, degradation, primal chase, biting, hair pulling, excellent dirty talk and praise kink a mile wide. Riot doesn't always get it right - but he always stops when Cass asks.
Gale is an absolute mastermind storyteller. There are so many layers to this world and this plot, but nothing is revealed too fast or is too overwhelming. It's all so cleverly done and the total horror of Cass' backstory in particular just creeps up on you moment by moment in such an organic and brilliant way. The whole thing is rich, emotional and subtly terrifying.
This is now tied with Discordant Cultivation for my favourite Gale Ian Tate book, and that is saying a lot because I love every book I've read from Gale. I will probably never get over The Elysian Extraction. If you love omegaverse and want a brilliant new take on it, complete with an amazing romance and edge of your seat drama then this is the book for you!
June 1, 2026
When I tell you I sprinted to request this ARC when the email landed in my inbox, that’s not even an exaggeration. It was less than five minutes in total between seeing the email and getting to witness this story.
Sequel’s are tricky, especially given that they’re stepping into a previously established world and this story solves that issue by focusing on new characters, a new relationship, and a new section of the world. And I was just as hooked as the first story to see Riot (a returning side character) and Cass (a new character).
Is there tropes? Yes, Riot is Big and the Alpha, Cass is small and gentle and the omega. But they Work. The omega ultimately calls the shots in the relationship and he’s such a sweetheart to read. Cass is a deliberately kind character, born into a high control group, and Riot is a former experiment with trauma of his own. I loved his dynamic with his Berserker group and I hope they get some more focus in the future. The writing is solid, maybe a little flowery in places, but it’s just so tasty to read.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC!
Sequel’s are tricky, especially given that they’re stepping into a previously established world and this story solves that issue by focusing on new characters, a new relationship, and a new section of the world. And I was just as hooked as the first story to see Riot (a returning side character) and Cass (a new character).
Is there tropes? Yes, Riot is Big and the Alpha, Cass is small and gentle and the omega. But they Work. The omega ultimately calls the shots in the relationship and he’s such a sweetheart to read. Cass is a deliberately kind character, born into a high control group, and Riot is a former experiment with trauma of his own. I loved his dynamic with his Berserker group and I hope they get some more focus in the future. The writing is solid, maybe a little flowery in places, but it’s just so tasty to read.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC!
June 10, 2026
ARC received for free via Book Siren. This is a voluntary review
The Elysian Extraction is the second book in a series that also can be read on its own, which I had never heard about before, but I was lucky with The Elysian Extraction. I enjoyed it inmensely and I'm now curious about the first book and the next one.
So, in regards to the story, this is the kind of romance books/stories I enjoy the most: enough angst and character development to hurt my soul while simultaneously healing me so well with the chemistry between the characters and with a side dish of a dystopian world with traces of Brave New World! I inmediately adopted Cass, like really felt everything he felt.
Fun fact: I'm an avid reader of Omegaverse fanfics, so I know well the genre, and this story leaves it clear that the author knows it well too because of how some elements were integrated in a way that went with the plot and helped inmensely with the character development.
Now, this is a character driven story, so the main focus is the way they evolve and overcome their own difficulties, trauma and hurt. Cass is such a sweet, complex character who has to free himself from the "chains" of how he was raised (which is uncomfortable to read because of how real it is and can be.), and Riot was so, so sweet to read with Cass! I mean, he is the kind of love interest/deuteragonist I swoon over when I'm reading a romantic relationship. He is kinda possessive and has an...interesting reaction to Cass' everything, but it works so well with their chemistry and their moments.
The side characters were great too! Brother Mathias was so chilling in his methodical actions and in his relationship with Cass; and the rest complemented and balanced the plot while also feelinglike truly fleshed out characters. the corporations felt like real faceless threats, because they are an almost reflection of our own big corporations and what they do behind closed doors, even when the focus stays with the characters, their struggles and their growing relationship. Because that's another thing: the worldbuilding is solid and organic but kinda in the background, so I want to see more, in a way, but at the same time I'm here for the characters, so it is also an interesting world, it reminds me about the Sci-fi short stories I've read.
Also, remember to read carefully all the CW, because the author doesn't shy away from themes like religious trauma and systematic violence/abuse...while also keeping it to a level where it doesn't feel gratuitous, it is an exploration of them.
This story, I swear, reminds me of my favorite romance stories and fanfics!! Those that are my comfort reads when I need a good cry and a soothing for the heartache. I wil definitely reread it at some point!
The Elysian Extraction is the second book in a series that also can be read on its own, which I had never heard about before, but I was lucky with The Elysian Extraction. I enjoyed it inmensely and I'm now curious about the first book and the next one.
So, in regards to the story, this is the kind of romance books/stories I enjoy the most: enough angst and character development to hurt my soul while simultaneously healing me so well with the chemistry between the characters and with a side dish of a dystopian world with traces of Brave New World! I inmediately adopted Cass, like really felt everything he felt.
Fun fact: I'm an avid reader of Omegaverse fanfics, so I know well the genre, and this story leaves it clear that the author knows it well too because of how some elements were integrated in a way that went with the plot and helped inmensely with the character development.
Now, this is a character driven story, so the main focus is the way they evolve and overcome their own difficulties, trauma and hurt. Cass is such a sweet, complex character who has to free himself from the "chains" of how he was raised (which is uncomfortable to read because of how real it is and can be.), and Riot was so, so sweet to read with Cass! I mean, he is the kind of love interest/deuteragonist I swoon over when I'm reading a romantic relationship. He is kinda possessive and has an...interesting reaction to Cass' everything, but it works so well with their chemistry and their moments.
The side characters were great too! Brother Mathias was so chilling in his methodical actions and in his relationship with Cass; and the rest complemented and balanced the plot while also feelinglike truly fleshed out characters. the corporations felt like real faceless threats, because they are an almost reflection of our own big corporations and what they do behind closed doors, even when the focus stays with the characters, their struggles and their growing relationship. Because that's another thing: the worldbuilding is solid and organic but kinda in the background, so I want to see more, in a way, but at the same time I'm here for the characters, so it is also an interesting world, it reminds me about the Sci-fi short stories I've read.
Also, remember to read carefully all the CW, because the author doesn't shy away from themes like religious trauma and systematic violence/abuse...while also keeping it to a level where it doesn't feel gratuitous, it is an exploration of them.
This story, I swear, reminds me of my favorite romance stories and fanfics!! Those that are my comfort reads when I need a good cry and a soothing for the heartache. I wil definitely reread it at some point!
June 20, 2026
My Gale Ian Tate journey just keeps giving. Somehow, against all odds and despite my deeply ingrained belief that most romances over 375 pages need a ruthless editor, here I am giving a 600+ page book five stars.
Don’t get me wrong. My ADHD-fueled need to get to the end of a book was alive and well. Around the 15% mark I found myself repeatedly checking my progress, wondering why the percentage was moving so painfully slowly even though I was enjoying the story from almost the very beginning. Eventually I made the conscious decision to stop worrying about how much book was left and just enjoy the journey. That turned out to be the right call.
I won’t spend much time summarizing the plot because other reviewers have already done that well. I will, however, echo something I saw in another review: don’t let the cover put you off. For what it’s worth, the illustration didn’t resemble Cass at all in my head, but if it works for you, run with it.
What really worked for me is that this is a character-driven story first and foremost. There is plenty of plot, and I was honestly a little nervous about how deep into the worldbuilding and larger conflicts the book would go. It goes there. But even when the story expands, the emotional center remains the relationship between Cass and Riot, which is developed so beautifully that it broke my heart more than once.
I was also relieved that a hinted-at conflict from earlier in the story never became yet another obstacle piled on top of the cult storyline. Too many romances can’t resist throwing in one last round of relationship and/or external drama. This one largely trusted the central conflict to carry the story, and it was stronger for it.
I did have to work a little to age Cass up in my mind. He’s clearly intelligent and emotionally perceptive, but his naivety, the way his mind works, and his slight, long-haired appearance sometimes made him feel younger than his actual age. I overcame this by finding a male model who fits the description and periodically reminding myself that’s what the character looked like.
And once again, Gale Ian Tate’s not-so-subtle commentary on capitalism is both brilliant and unsettling. The corporate dystopia elements feel uncomfortably plausible, and I couldn’t help thinking of certain corners of the QAnon movement while reading about the Elysian cult. The parallels are obvious without ever feeling heavy-handed, which is a difficult balance to pull off.
Mostly, though, this book succeeds because it made me care. Deeply. By the end, I wasn’t racing toward the finish line anymore. I just wanted a little more time with Cass and Riot.
Now bring me Stave’s story.
Don’t get me wrong. My ADHD-fueled need to get to the end of a book was alive and well. Around the 15% mark I found myself repeatedly checking my progress, wondering why the percentage was moving so painfully slowly even though I was enjoying the story from almost the very beginning. Eventually I made the conscious decision to stop worrying about how much book was left and just enjoy the journey. That turned out to be the right call.
I won’t spend much time summarizing the plot because other reviewers have already done that well. I will, however, echo something I saw in another review: don’t let the cover put you off. For what it’s worth, the illustration didn’t resemble Cass at all in my head, but if it works for you, run with it.
What really worked for me is that this is a character-driven story first and foremost. There is plenty of plot, and I was honestly a little nervous about how deep into the worldbuilding and larger conflicts the book would go. It goes there. But even when the story expands, the emotional center remains the relationship between Cass and Riot, which is developed so beautifully that it broke my heart more than once.
I was also relieved that a hinted-at conflict from earlier in the story never became yet another obstacle piled on top of the cult storyline. Too many romances can’t resist throwing in one last round of relationship and/or external drama. This one largely trusted the central conflict to carry the story, and it was stronger for it.
I did have to work a little to age Cass up in my mind. He’s clearly intelligent and emotionally perceptive, but his naivety, the way his mind works, and his slight, long-haired appearance sometimes made him feel younger than his actual age. I overcame this by finding a male model who fits the description and periodically reminding myself that’s what the character looked like.
And once again, Gale Ian Tate’s not-so-subtle commentary on capitalism is both brilliant and unsettling. The corporate dystopia elements feel uncomfortably plausible, and I couldn’t help thinking of certain corners of the QAnon movement while reading about the Elysian cult. The parallels are obvious without ever feeling heavy-handed, which is a difficult balance to pull off.
Mostly, though, this book succeeds because it made me care. Deeply. By the end, I wasn’t racing toward the finish line anymore. I just wanted a little more time with Cass and Riot.
Now bring me Stave’s story.
July 3, 2026
Holy wow. This book was so much more than I thought it was going to be. It’s so rare that I find an ABO dynamic piece of literature that takes the concept seriously. This was written so wonderfully, with such grace, it genuinely blew me away. My skin crawled with some of the cultish language, but in the best way. Masterfully done.
The characters were written so beautifully, and as someone who knows what it’s like to be around groups of manipulative people, the Elysian dynamics were something that really stuck out to me. True to the description’s word, I didn’t need to read the first book to understand the story, but knowing that a third is coming out, I probably will make the time to read The Sterling Acquisition.
Riot was the perfect amount of possessive. It wasn’t an angry, must always keep Cass in my sight sort of cliche, which I really appreciated, giving what I’ve read recently. I enjoyed the detail in the differences between his usual state and his Berserker state.
Cass was such a sweet innocent man, and I, too, would protect him. His intense knowledge in some fields and complete lack thereof in others was very endearing. I’m glad the book ended how it did, because he deserved something nice after all he’d been through. I hope his seasons are filled with many cherry tomatoes.
Lastly. I will never condone lying the big lies to your partner. That said, Brother Matthias deserved that, and I will not be told otherwise.
This book was amazing; I was kicking my feet, I was punching pillows, I was yelling at the text. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who’s looking for something to spice up their romance shelf.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were written so beautifully, and as someone who knows what it’s like to be around groups of manipulative people, the Elysian dynamics were something that really stuck out to me. True to the description’s word, I didn’t need to read the first book to understand the story, but knowing that a third is coming out, I probably will make the time to read The Sterling Acquisition.
Riot was the perfect amount of possessive. It wasn’t an angry, must always keep Cass in my sight sort of cliche, which I really appreciated, giving what I’ve read recently. I enjoyed the detail in the differences between his usual state and his Berserker state.
Cass was such a sweet innocent man, and I, too, would protect him. His intense knowledge in some fields and complete lack thereof in others was very endearing. I’m glad the book ended how it did, because he deserved something nice after all he’d been through. I hope his seasons are filled with many cherry tomatoes.
Lastly. I will never condone lying the big lies to your partner. That said, Brother Matthias deserved that, and I will not be told otherwise.
This book was amazing; I was kicking my feet, I was punching pillows, I was yelling at the text. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who’s looking for something to spice up their romance shelf.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2026
Right. If you’re an empath here in your warning- you will cry. A lot.
Cass is the most beautiful soul, he’s neurospicy and I love him so much. And him and Riot just make the most perfect pairing, it’s like they balance one-another out.
TW-
-Mention of sexual abuse and childhood grooming. (Not between main characters)
-Attempting to force sexual orientation (again, not between main characters)
-Cult behaviour
-Torture disguised as ‘help’ from a trusted advisor.
-chasing as foreplay
Riot is a work in progress who is trying to be so hard to be better- and he’s such a sweetheart. He so patient with Cass without trying to patronise him, or make him feel stupid the way his peers clearly have growing up.
Cass is the calming force Riot needs to balance him and try and keep his Biserker triggers in check and Riot gives Cass the space to just be Cass.
Oh, and they’re just cute as fuck.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cass is the most beautiful soul, he’s neurospicy and I love him so much. And him and Riot just make the most perfect pairing, it’s like they balance one-another out.
TW-
-Mention of sexual abuse and childhood grooming. (Not between main characters)
-Attempting to force sexual orientation (again, not between main characters)
-Cult behaviour
-Torture disguised as ‘help’ from a trusted advisor.
-chasing as foreplay
Riot is a work in progress who is trying to be so hard to be better- and he’s such a sweetheart. He so patient with Cass without trying to patronise him, or make him feel stupid the way his peers clearly have growing up.
Cass is the calming force Riot needs to balance him and try and keep his Biserker triggers in check and Riot gives Cass the space to just be Cass.
Oh, and they’re just cute as fuck.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2026
I LOVED this! I really enjoyed the first book, and although in the same world, the vibe was just different enough that it didn't feel like the same story, just a different couple. The length was also perfect- I am a sucker for long books, I hate when intense trauma and abuse are just poofed away once the mc's get together.
Riot's "I'm only nice to you" and Cass' damage are done beautifully. The relationship development and personal growth really build the story. There are some repetitions with the writing and some spots that could use a little editor assistance, but I loved the story so much that they didn't ruin it for me.
Dual pov
3rd p
Strict
Significant size difference
Abuse by a "father figure"(rape while essentially roofied off page with only peeks in noghtmares and physical abuse)
Cult
Violence
Blackout rage w/murder
No b/u
No cheating
Riot's "I'm only nice to you" and Cass' damage are done beautifully. The relationship development and personal growth really build the story. There are some repetitions with the writing and some spots that could use a little editor assistance, but I loved the story so much that they didn't ruin it for me.
Dual pov
3rd p
Strict
Significant size difference
Abuse by a "father figure"(rape while essentially roofied off page with only peeks in noghtmares and physical abuse)
Cult
Violence
Blackout rage w/murder
No b/u
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
This second book in the series delves deeper into one of the controlling corporations - Elysian - which is part toxic wellness cult, part pyramid scheme.
Cass has a very different energy from the previous omega, Orion, one of the protagonists in Book 1. Cass, short for Cassiopeia (loved that name) has a personality that, on the surface, seems more fragile, but is in fact incredibly strong. No matter what has happened to him, he holds on to his essential innocence and purity of soul. He cares about people so much that he doesn’t let his own pain and anxiety stop him from offering whatever help he can. It’s this quiet generosity of spirit that leads him to reach out to Riot, a man whose reputation and appearance as a Berserker should, by all rights, have a sheltered soul like Cass running for the hills. Instead, they find ways to help and support one another, against all expectations.
This story has some pretty dark layers, and it’s worth checking all the content warnings. Overall, I liked it even better than Book 1, the Sterling Acquisition. Orion and Dante had a very fiery relationship, but Cass is just so precious and gentle, and though Riot protects him, he also helps the Beserker in return. I hope there are future books that feature him and Riot as cameo appearances.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cass has a very different energy from the previous omega, Orion, one of the protagonists in Book 1. Cass, short for Cassiopeia (loved that name) has a personality that, on the surface, seems more fragile, but is in fact incredibly strong. No matter what has happened to him, he holds on to his essential innocence and purity of soul. He cares about people so much that he doesn’t let his own pain and anxiety stop him from offering whatever help he can. It’s this quiet generosity of spirit that leads him to reach out to Riot, a man whose reputation and appearance as a Berserker should, by all rights, have a sheltered soul like Cass running for the hills. Instead, they find ways to help and support one another, against all expectations.
This story has some pretty dark layers, and it’s worth checking all the content warnings. Overall, I liked it even better than Book 1, the Sterling Acquisition. Orion and Dante had a very fiery relationship, but Cass is just so precious and gentle, and though Riot protects him, he also helps the Beserker in return. I hope there are future books that feature him and Riot as cameo appearances.
I received this ARC from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
Another intense omegaverse romance, book 2 in the author’s corporate dystopian world, full of evil corporations on power kicks to control humanity, experimenting on and torturing people to “improve” them ability-wise, or bring them “spiritual enlightenment” through conversion-style “treatments” and more. This book does stand alone; I had not read book 1 and had no trouble at all following everything.
How, you ask, is this story romantic?
Well, the extremely awful corporations and organizations that mess with people create some truly motivated martyrs and survivors who escape, fight for justice for themselves and their fellow survivors, fight for freedom, and…fight for their Person, their unexpected loves, their futures.
Ah, romance!
It is, I swear!
This is a tough one, with a truly insidious enlightenment group that’s let cult-raised omega Cass out into the world for the first time on a mission to bring back potential new members. Cass has a unique mindset and takes everything very literally and does not understand social nuance or dissembling, and that makes him both beautifully empathetic and heartbreakingly vulnerable.
The mission is going…poorly. And Cass's handler has given him an ultimatum to recruit someone...or else. And the else is...bad. But before he can be taken back home, Cass catches the eye and amazement of Berserker (aka highly dangerous, enhanced experiment-manipulated/tortured) alpha Riot, and Riot…cannot believe the kindness and determination this gentle man shows, in the face of constant rejection, disdain, derogatory comments, violent dismissals…and the way Cass smells….!
Cass is equally fascinated and drawn to this mysterious, huge man, whom everyone fears, but Cass can’t understand why. The man’s scent alone is soothing, calming in ways Cass has only ever gotten from the Elders at his home with the Elysian organization for enlightenment. They’re inexplicably draw to each other, and that attraction only heightens when Riot gets a room in the cheap hotel Cass is staying in…a few doors down…and Cass suddenly feels very, strangely hot and painfully ill…
Oh, yes, heat, and, forbidden attraction, and, Riot can’t trust himself not to hurt Cass but can’t stay away…all the good stuff. There’s some primal-play type chasing intermixed in it all.
Meanwhile…TWs for the utterly despicable “mentor” Cass has, a man who’s groomed him, gaslighted him, tortured him and told him he’s opening him up for enlightenment…truly horrific, and Cass fully believes this man (Brother Matthias) loves him and wants only to help him…UGH. And the things that are revealed, that Riot realizes and that Cass has been tortured and brainwashed to not even remember…it was so hard to read. My skin was crawling. 🕷️🕷️🕷️ There’s justice, but honestly, there should have been much more torture of certain people, in my opinion! TORTURE. 😂☠️☠️
Cass must return. Riot cannot let him go. Cass’s heat rages, Riot tries to bring him to safety while resisting him…oooh. Juicy, difficult, intense, and yes, beyond romantic as Riot claims his “princess” mentally and they refuse to stay apart. I loved the pairing and the romance! All the mine mine MINE sensibility, the gentle Cass with the scary protective Riot who’s soft only for Cass, total Me catnip. Loved it.
What wasn’t quite as strong—the heat goes on for-EV-ER. Chapters and chapters, and everyone keeps stopping them from the one thing that will help, Riot’s trying to be a gentleman, Cass is just dying in pain…I was like holy gods PLEASE just leave them alone to be together! It. Took. FOREVER. Well, several chapters and a new plan. But. I got impatient.
I didn’t understand why Cass’s mentor didn’t know he was in heat. Couldn’t he smell it? Maybe I missed info. I also couldn’t stand it when Riot had to not interfere a couple times when Cass was receiving "treatment" aka torture…it was beyond agonizing that Riot was able to hold back, and I was torn on whether that actually made sense or not. I felt not. But I got the reasoning. Still…seemed out of character.
This is a continuing series, and one antagonist who’s targeting Riot wasn’t dealt with enough for me. I wanted that horrid man dead as well!
Cass’s friend Honey is an intriguing secondary character, but I didn’t understand how she knew another important SC…from her own mission? I thought Honey grew up in the Elysian center too, and I wasn’t quite getting the connection. And would have liked a little more development for both of them, too. But despite some initial bumps, they were terrific supporting staff and came through in the end.
Inventive futuristic world with truly evil people, some of whom are satisfactorily ripped to shreds, some who deserved worse than they got, but all of whom and which combined to make one riveting read that held my attention.
Cass and Riot are wonderful together and kept my heart safe with their trust and dedication to each other.
HEA, hard won. Cult-raised omega. Hair-trigger dangerous alpha. Forbidden romance. Hints at fated or super compatible mates, including bites and physical connection developments, loved that. Dystopian, destroyed world setting (corporations REALLY screwed things up!). Read the TWs carefully, this one has many and they are not glossed over. Safe for me OP-wise, Cass and Riot are only with each other in the present. There are revelations about past abuse, including sexual, for both of them, and violent OM drama in the present, but, fear not, it is ultimately thwarted. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
How, you ask, is this story romantic?
Well, the extremely awful corporations and organizations that mess with people create some truly motivated martyrs and survivors who escape, fight for justice for themselves and their fellow survivors, fight for freedom, and…fight for their Person, their unexpected loves, their futures.
Ah, romance!
It is, I swear!
This is a tough one, with a truly insidious enlightenment group that’s let cult-raised omega Cass out into the world for the first time on a mission to bring back potential new members. Cass has a unique mindset and takes everything very literally and does not understand social nuance or dissembling, and that makes him both beautifully empathetic and heartbreakingly vulnerable.
The mission is going…poorly. And Cass's handler has given him an ultimatum to recruit someone...or else. And the else is...bad. But before he can be taken back home, Cass catches the eye and amazement of Berserker (aka highly dangerous, enhanced experiment-manipulated/tortured) alpha Riot, and Riot…cannot believe the kindness and determination this gentle man shows, in the face of constant rejection, disdain, derogatory comments, violent dismissals…and the way Cass smells….!
Cass is equally fascinated and drawn to this mysterious, huge man, whom everyone fears, but Cass can’t understand why. The man’s scent alone is soothing, calming in ways Cass has only ever gotten from the Elders at his home with the Elysian organization for enlightenment. They’re inexplicably draw to each other, and that attraction only heightens when Riot gets a room in the cheap hotel Cass is staying in…a few doors down…and Cass suddenly feels very, strangely hot and painfully ill…
Oh, yes, heat, and, forbidden attraction, and, Riot can’t trust himself not to hurt Cass but can’t stay away…all the good stuff. There’s some primal-play type chasing intermixed in it all.
Meanwhile…TWs for the utterly despicable “mentor” Cass has, a man who’s groomed him, gaslighted him, tortured him and told him he’s opening him up for enlightenment…truly horrific, and Cass fully believes this man (Brother Matthias) loves him and wants only to help him…UGH. And the things that are revealed, that Riot realizes and that Cass has been tortured and brainwashed to not even remember…it was so hard to read. My skin was crawling. 🕷️🕷️🕷️ There’s justice, but honestly, there should have been much more torture of certain people, in my opinion! TORTURE. 😂☠️☠️
Cass must return. Riot cannot let him go. Cass’s heat rages, Riot tries to bring him to safety while resisting him…oooh. Juicy, difficult, intense, and yes, beyond romantic as Riot claims his “princess” mentally and they refuse to stay apart. I loved the pairing and the romance! All the mine mine MINE sensibility, the gentle Cass with the scary protective Riot who’s soft only for Cass, total Me catnip. Loved it.
What wasn’t quite as strong—the heat goes on for-EV-ER. Chapters and chapters, and everyone keeps stopping them from the one thing that will help, Riot’s trying to be a gentleman, Cass is just dying in pain…I was like holy gods PLEASE just leave them alone to be together! It. Took. FOREVER. Well, several chapters and a new plan. But. I got impatient.
I didn’t understand why Cass’s mentor didn’t know he was in heat. Couldn’t he smell it? Maybe I missed info. I also couldn’t stand it when Riot had to not interfere a couple times when Cass was receiving "treatment" aka torture…it was beyond agonizing that Riot was able to hold back, and I was torn on whether that actually made sense or not. I felt not. But I got the reasoning. Still…seemed out of character.
This is a continuing series, and one antagonist who’s targeting Riot wasn’t dealt with enough for me. I wanted that horrid man dead as well!
Cass’s friend Honey is an intriguing secondary character, but I didn’t understand how she knew another important SC…from her own mission? I thought Honey grew up in the Elysian center too, and I wasn’t quite getting the connection. And would have liked a little more development for both of them, too. But despite some initial bumps, they were terrific supporting staff and came through in the end.
Inventive futuristic world with truly evil people, some of whom are satisfactorily ripped to shreds, some who deserved worse than they got, but all of whom and which combined to make one riveting read that held my attention.
Cass and Riot are wonderful together and kept my heart safe with their trust and dedication to each other.
HEA, hard won. Cult-raised omega. Hair-trigger dangerous alpha. Forbidden romance. Hints at fated or super compatible mates, including bites and physical connection developments, loved that. Dystopian, destroyed world setting (corporations REALLY screwed things up!). Read the TWs carefully, this one has many and they are not glossed over. Safe for me OP-wise, Cass and Riot are only with each other in the present. There are revelations about past abuse, including sexual, for both of them, and violent OM drama in the present, but, fear not, it is ultimately thwarted. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
June 8, 2026
4.5/5 stars
No spoilers, but detailed :)) TLDR and warnings at the end.
AS A PREFACE: I hate that I have to clarify, but I genuinely do not think there was AI use at all in this book. Certain tiny, human mistypes prove that, along with a writing style that has it's own personality. Fuck AI! Fuck it to death!!
-----------------
Thank you to Gale Ian Tate and BookSirens for giving me this ARC for free!! :)
That being said, my review is completely unbiased, and I went into this blind, having read no other works by this author..
I truly, honestly LOVED this book, which is not something I say often with romances or fantasies. I struggle to feel immersed in fantasy books, I get caught up in plot holes and loose ends and cringe-worthy lines that feel icky even coming from fairies. Though I read a lot of romance, only a few of them truly make me engaged in the relationship. However, this book genuinely was an exception to all of those rules.
It doesn't have those high-fantasy elements, which made the abuse that occurs even more disturbing because it is so terrifyingly possible.. it builds a world so similar to our own and forces us to recognize the warning signs we see now, and what that could mean in the future. I'm not implying that the government will make us all A/B/O, I mean.. just read it!! The author's world building is just incredible, and her ability to write the effects of systemic psychological manipulation and abuse is just phenomenal.
Now to Cass and Riot!!! I generally refrain from this.. but they're literally PRECIOUS. They are a perfect match! Usually in romances you see two hot people paired together who are together just because the smut would be awesome, but not these two.. they genuinely have good conversation and chemistry. The spice was amazing (the 60% mark, I did not survive) but I was invested in their actual relationship!! and their bond!! While the topic of sex was on both of their minds, it was presented as desire throughout instead of constant banging. Thank you. It reallly built tension between the two. It was a PERFECT slow burn (in terms of spice), but with honest fondness from the start, and crushes from both sides. Somehow Ms. Tate made an insta-love slow-burn, and I applaud her for that. Flowers, flowers, flowers!! 💐💐💐
I don't want to get too into the MC's personalities, but I will say I'm very glad they both have elaborate, explored backstories, especially considering the plot of the book was so focused on where Cass is from. Riot captured my heart the same way that Cass was able to, and he gaurded that absolute princess with his life. Cassiopoeia, Riot, you are national treasures. I felt like I honestly knew both of them, and I got to understand their reactions. As for the side characters, they all had personalities I could differentiate, grow an attachment to, and be invested in. 👏👏
However, no book is perfect, and I will say this took me a long.... long... long time to finish. It was 613 pages on my Kindle, and it felt like it. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I do feel like I need to say this because it was on my mind quite a bit. I never felt tired reading, but the length was a bit intimidating (lol)! I think it could have been 450-520 pages and gotten everything done, but I don't regret not knowing that honestly. It left a lot of space for Tate's hilarious writing and moving figurative language.
TLDR:
The author's world building and characters were wonderfully thought out, letting the readers grow an attachment to both the main and side characters. The MC's romance was genuine and intentional, and their physical relationship didn't overpower the story at all. It took the hardest part to write in both romance and fantasy books and did it effortlessly. A little long, but worth the time. 9/10 ❤️❤️
WARNING: blanket warning for any kind of physical or psychological abuse! 100% dystopian world, be wary
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. :)
No spoilers, but detailed :)) TLDR and warnings at the end.
AS A PREFACE: I hate that I have to clarify, but I genuinely do not think there was AI use at all in this book. Certain tiny, human mistypes prove that, along with a writing style that has it's own personality. Fuck AI! Fuck it to death!!
-----------------
Thank you to Gale Ian Tate and BookSirens for giving me this ARC for free!! :)
That being said, my review is completely unbiased, and I went into this blind, having read no other works by this author..
I truly, honestly LOVED this book, which is not something I say often with romances or fantasies. I struggle to feel immersed in fantasy books, I get caught up in plot holes and loose ends and cringe-worthy lines that feel icky even coming from fairies. Though I read a lot of romance, only a few of them truly make me engaged in the relationship. However, this book genuinely was an exception to all of those rules.
It doesn't have those high-fantasy elements, which made the abuse that occurs even more disturbing because it is so terrifyingly possible.. it builds a world so similar to our own and forces us to recognize the warning signs we see now, and what that could mean in the future. I'm not implying that the government will make us all A/B/O, I mean.. just read it!! The author's world building is just incredible, and her ability to write the effects of systemic psychological manipulation and abuse is just phenomenal.
Now to Cass and Riot!!! I generally refrain from this.. but they're literally PRECIOUS. They are a perfect match! Usually in romances you see two hot people paired together who are together just because the smut would be awesome, but not these two.. they genuinely have good conversation and chemistry. The spice was amazing (the 60% mark, I did not survive) but I was invested in their actual relationship!! and their bond!! While the topic of sex was on both of their minds, it was presented as desire throughout instead of constant banging. Thank you. It reallly built tension between the two. It was a PERFECT slow burn (in terms of spice), but with honest fondness from the start, and crushes from both sides. Somehow Ms. Tate made an insta-love slow-burn, and I applaud her for that. Flowers, flowers, flowers!! 💐💐💐
I don't want to get too into the MC's personalities, but I will say I'm very glad they both have elaborate, explored backstories, especially considering the plot of the book was so focused on where Cass is from. Riot captured my heart the same way that Cass was able to, and he gaurded that absolute princess with his life. Cassiopoeia, Riot, you are national treasures. I felt like I honestly knew both of them, and I got to understand their reactions. As for the side characters, they all had personalities I could differentiate, grow an attachment to, and be invested in. 👏👏
However, no book is perfect, and I will say this took me a long.... long... long time to finish. It was 613 pages on my Kindle, and it felt like it. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I do feel like I need to say this because it was on my mind quite a bit. I never felt tired reading, but the length was a bit intimidating (lol)! I think it could have been 450-520 pages and gotten everything done, but I don't regret not knowing that honestly. It left a lot of space for Tate's hilarious writing and moving figurative language.
TLDR:
The author's world building and characters were wonderfully thought out, letting the readers grow an attachment to both the main and side characters. The MC's romance was genuine and intentional, and their physical relationship didn't overpower the story at all. It took the hardest part to write in both romance and fantasy books and did it effortlessly. A little long, but worth the time. 9/10 ❤️❤️
WARNING: blanket warning for any kind of physical or psychological abuse! 100% dystopian world, be wary
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. :)
June 24, 2026
On this date in 2026. July 1st. I have read calculated by story graph a total of 694 books since December of 2024. As of today I have also read every single one of Gale Ian Tates books. I am living for more neon scars releases. Forewarning. This is the only book I received for free in exchange for my honest opinion. The others I gleefully purchased at full price of my own free will.
Let me start by saying this. Miss. Tate is an incredible author. She is a mix between C. S. Lewis and Virginia Wolf and something newly darkly contemporary. This story is a fantastical tale that has so many elements it's incomprehensible. It feels like a romance, horror, body horror, dystopian, whimsical, omega, story with enough action to make my husband read it. (He hates omega stories and he read it)
Not a single boring chapter. No filler information. It doesn't rely on characters narratives to be the single sole source of details. It has so much more than that.
The ACTION. Stop. Girl. I felt like I was watching a Bond movie. It was actually really good. Usually I will skim "fight" scenes because describing someone "kicking" another person to me is the epitome of boring. This book, these scenes though were well thought out, crafted, and executed.
Tate weaves an amazing story of innocence, guilt, fear, revenge, love, journeys, and redemption in a way that it feels like watching a LOTR movie. I'm awed by her story telling and ability to write. She is eloquent and evocative.
Stop. I'm fan girling over this book.
Riot and cass are two different pieces of one whole. A ying yang type relationship that works so incredibly well. They go through the phases. They do the work. They even survive the world falling apart around them. I won't spoil the details because I truly believe if you pick up any of her books, but this one specifically and start reading it.... You won't be able to stop. There is no world where you would be able to put down Riot and Cass and sleep undisturbed.
An alpha surviving, meets an omega fighting and they liiiiiiike each other. The heat is hot. Burn your face, don't read in public, seek absolution hot.
The relatability with main characters and their defining traits was overwhelming.
Think blade runner meets the road meets m/m Romeo and Juliet meets god idk. Then laugh, cry, hold your breath, giggle, gasp, and hope you make it out without the need to spend 3 days staring at the wall. I didn't. At one point near the last 3rd I was so nervous I had to keep putting it down BUT IT WAS SO WORTH IT.
Gale Ian Tate is a poetic and eloquent writer. I really believe she is the next big thing. This book should be way bigger than it is.
I need to read it again and highlight all those poetic quotes she had that got me staring at the wall for hours.
Poetry.
P.s. Read trigger warnings. As a survivor this had incredibly difficult passages for me to stomach. It was WORTH it though. The validation and comprehension that this book can give some people is holy.
Let me start by saying this. Miss. Tate is an incredible author. She is a mix between C. S. Lewis and Virginia Wolf and something newly darkly contemporary. This story is a fantastical tale that has so many elements it's incomprehensible. It feels like a romance, horror, body horror, dystopian, whimsical, omega, story with enough action to make my husband read it. (He hates omega stories and he read it)
Not a single boring chapter. No filler information. It doesn't rely on characters narratives to be the single sole source of details. It has so much more than that.
The ACTION. Stop. Girl. I felt like I was watching a Bond movie. It was actually really good. Usually I will skim "fight" scenes because describing someone "kicking" another person to me is the epitome of boring. This book, these scenes though were well thought out, crafted, and executed.
Tate weaves an amazing story of innocence, guilt, fear, revenge, love, journeys, and redemption in a way that it feels like watching a LOTR movie. I'm awed by her story telling and ability to write. She is eloquent and evocative.
Stop. I'm fan girling over this book.
Riot and cass are two different pieces of one whole. A ying yang type relationship that works so incredibly well. They go through the phases. They do the work. They even survive the world falling apart around them. I won't spoil the details because I truly believe if you pick up any of her books, but this one specifically and start reading it.... You won't be able to stop. There is no world where you would be able to put down Riot and Cass and sleep undisturbed.
An alpha surviving, meets an omega fighting and they liiiiiiike each other. The heat is hot. Burn your face, don't read in public, seek absolution hot.
The relatability with main characters and their defining traits was overwhelming.
Think blade runner meets the road meets m/m Romeo and Juliet meets god idk. Then laugh, cry, hold your breath, giggle, gasp, and hope you make it out without the need to spend 3 days staring at the wall. I didn't. At one point near the last 3rd I was so nervous I had to keep putting it down BUT IT WAS SO WORTH IT.
Gale Ian Tate is a poetic and eloquent writer. I really believe she is the next big thing. This book should be way bigger than it is.
I need to read it again and highlight all those poetic quotes she had that got me staring at the wall for hours.
Poetry.
P.s. Read trigger warnings. As a survivor this had incredibly difficult passages for me to stomach. It was WORTH it though. The validation and comprehension that this book can give some people is holy.
May 24, 2026
I first discovered Gale's writing when I read Immersed last year, and I loved that book! So, when I saw this arc pop up I immediately signed up for it, I mean, how could I not? Let me just say this.. I'm very glad I signed up for this book, although I'm sad that I finished this book already. I didn't want Cass and Riot's story to ever end, I just wanted their story to go on forever.
I haven't read a story quite like this one before, the uniqueness of the berserkers being genetically modified, along with the cult Cass was from was all really interesting to read about. I loved the depth this story had to it, I enjoyed discovering all of the different aspects that made this world so vast and beautiful along with learning more about this interesting yet twisted world.
Cass and Riot's story was one that neither man could've ever seen coming, neither of them knew why they were pulled to each other, or why their scents were so tempting, all they knew was that they were each other's person and that's all that mattered. Their story was unconventional yet beautiful.. One man was made to be a 'vicious' beast that everyone saw as such, while the other was born into a world he believed to be 'deity' and pure.. Both men were made and shaped by other people their whole lives, but together they fought to be themselves and to have the lives they created and wanted for themselves. And that was what made this story so beautiful.
I adored both of these characters but I have to say that Riot was my favorite. He's so precious and gentle with Cass, gently explaining things to the man who didn't understand the world around him, and whenever Cass was confused about something or curious, he was always responded to Cass with kindness. Even when Riot's possessiveness started overtaking him, and when he wanted to claim Cass, when his princess told him no, and told him to stop, he listened. His princess broke through that fog, Cass calms his beast, and I loved seeing all that happen.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship deepend and evolve, I loved how even when Cass didn't know about so many things, he knew what he felt for Riot and he fought for it. Cass was this shy, sweet, caring, princess, and Riot was depicted as this vicious beast, when in reality he was this sweet golden retriever who only let his claws out when Cass was in danger. These two were absolutely adorable and I loved this book so much!!
I can't wait for the next book as I'm very curious as to what Gale has in store for this world. Plus, I still have a lot of questions! And honestly, getting to dive back into this world is definitely something I can look forward to.
I haven't read a story quite like this one before, the uniqueness of the berserkers being genetically modified, along with the cult Cass was from was all really interesting to read about. I loved the depth this story had to it, I enjoyed discovering all of the different aspects that made this world so vast and beautiful along with learning more about this interesting yet twisted world.
Cass and Riot's story was one that neither man could've ever seen coming, neither of them knew why they were pulled to each other, or why their scents were so tempting, all they knew was that they were each other's person and that's all that mattered. Their story was unconventional yet beautiful.. One man was made to be a 'vicious' beast that everyone saw as such, while the other was born into a world he believed to be 'deity' and pure.. Both men were made and shaped by other people their whole lives, but together they fought to be themselves and to have the lives they created and wanted for themselves. And that was what made this story so beautiful.
I adored both of these characters but I have to say that Riot was my favorite. He's so precious and gentle with Cass, gently explaining things to the man who didn't understand the world around him, and whenever Cass was confused about something or curious, he was always responded to Cass with kindness. Even when Riot's possessiveness started overtaking him, and when he wanted to claim Cass, when his princess told him no, and told him to stop, he listened. His princess broke through that fog, Cass calms his beast, and I loved seeing all that happen.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship deepend and evolve, I loved how even when Cass didn't know about so many things, he knew what he felt for Riot and he fought for it. Cass was this shy, sweet, caring, princess, and Riot was depicted as this vicious beast, when in reality he was this sweet golden retriever who only let his claws out when Cass was in danger. These two were absolutely adorable and I loved this book so much!!
I can't wait for the next book as I'm very curious as to what Gale has in store for this world. Plus, I still have a lot of questions! And honestly, getting to dive back into this world is definitely something I can look forward to.
August 12, 2026
The Elysian Extraction
I need a moment, and some tissues, and a baseball bat, preferably Lucille from TWD.
World info: Spicy A/B/O OMEGAVERSE / Dystopian
I read The Sterling Acquisition earlier this month, and although not a must, I highly recommend reading it first. For background and introduction to this world and these characters. That being said. TEE is a very different book than TSA.
I had difficulty even picking a favourite quote or piece of this book because… all of it, just as it is, absolute perfection! Riot and Cass shouldn’t work. No Really, a missionary from a cult and a Berserker / decommissioned failed experiment. But somehow they do. I can’t even explain it. You just fall in love with them immediately! And I don’t think I’ve ever read a character like Cass. He is simultaneously the sweetest, most loveable and also the most heartbreaking mc, I’ve ever come across. And Riot is exactly what Cass needs.
I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone so I won’t go into detail. Also be aware that there are serious triggers in this book so please take the time to make sure this book is for you.
Things I loved about this book and the characters…
… size difference
… he calls him princess
… neurodivergent mc
… he 💀to protect him
… the things between (IYKYK)
… everything between page 1 and 613
… the potential with the omega… thing 😈
… how this book felt like nothing I’ve read before
… those 4 minutes
Favourite quotes/ scenes:
“The circlet you gave me. It was made by someone. In a shop, or a workshop, with tools and metal. It’s manufactured. But it’s still mine. It’s still beautiful.”…”Maybe that’s the same thing. Maybe something can be made and still be real.”
…Cass was listening to music for the first time in his life, really listening, and Riot was discovering that he’d build roads through mountains if it meant keeping that look on Cass’s face.
“I hit you in the chin?” Cass tried to jolt up, but Riot’s hand pressed gently on his chest. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-are you hurt? Let me see-“ “Cass.” Riot pressed a little harder. “I’m a Berserker. Your fist is the size of a Tangerine. I promise I’m fine.” “But I-“ “You’re forgiven. For the devastating tangerine assault. I may never recover.”
I need a moment, and some tissues, and a baseball bat, preferably Lucille from TWD.
World info: Spicy A/B/O OMEGAVERSE / Dystopian
I read The Sterling Acquisition earlier this month, and although not a must, I highly recommend reading it first. For background and introduction to this world and these characters. That being said. TEE is a very different book than TSA.
I had difficulty even picking a favourite quote or piece of this book because… all of it, just as it is, absolute perfection! Riot and Cass shouldn’t work. No Really, a missionary from a cult and a Berserker / decommissioned failed experiment. But somehow they do. I can’t even explain it. You just fall in love with them immediately! And I don’t think I’ve ever read a character like Cass. He is simultaneously the sweetest, most loveable and also the most heartbreaking mc, I’ve ever come across. And Riot is exactly what Cass needs.
I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone so I won’t go into detail. Also be aware that there are serious triggers in this book so please take the time to make sure this book is for you.
Things I loved about this book and the characters…
… size difference
… he calls him princess
… neurodivergent mc
… he 💀to protect him
… the things between (IYKYK)
… everything between page 1 and 613
… the potential with the omega… thing 😈
… how this book felt like nothing I’ve read before
… those 4 minutes
Favourite quotes/ scenes:
“The circlet you gave me. It was made by someone. In a shop, or a workshop, with tools and metal. It’s manufactured. But it’s still mine. It’s still beautiful.”…”Maybe that’s the same thing. Maybe something can be made and still be real.”
…Cass was listening to music for the first time in his life, really listening, and Riot was discovering that he’d build roads through mountains if it meant keeping that look on Cass’s face.
“I hit you in the chin?” Cass tried to jolt up, but Riot’s hand pressed gently on his chest. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-are you hurt? Let me see-“ “Cass.” Riot pressed a little harder. “I’m a Berserker. Your fist is the size of a Tangerine. I promise I’m fine.” “But I-“ “You’re forgiven. For the devastating tangerine assault. I may never recover.”
June 1, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🍓 Omegaverse
🍓 Dystopian (what if corporations were in charge?)
🍓 Cult/ cult deprogramming
🍓 Omega's first heat
🍓 Innocent MC
🍓 T.W.:
OMG, did this book just make me fall in love with Omegaverse?
Don't be fooled by the slightly difficult to understand blurb (I had NO idea what to expect and I hadn't yet read book 1), this book is SO beautiful, and painful, and HOT, and sad, and sweet and ugh 🥹😍😭
When I tried to explain it to my partner, I told them I felt like Cass was definitely neurodivergent, taking everything literally and approaching the world with such hopeful innocence and curiosity. The author con irmed my suspicions in the afterword 🤭
Cass and Riot met because they were both bleeding and yet Cass took care of Riot, a stranger, a dangerous berserker, just because he couldn't not help. I wanted to wrap him in blankets and just hug him through the entire book.
The thing I usually don't like about Omegaverse is that omega's are often portrayed as weak, lower than alpha's, easy to manipulate and often abused as 'normal or usual behaviour/tradition'. It's often just very thinly veiled misogyny but towards Omega's instead of women. But I never once felt that in this story. I mean, there is abuse (not between MC's), but that's because of 1 evil/ shitty person.
Oh, and also! The way the author describes things is just... Mind blowing, amazing and simply beautiful. I giggled, I cried, I swooned...
Anyway, please go read this book. Because holy shit...
🍓 Omegaverse
🍓 Dystopian (what if corporations were in charge?)
🍓 Cult/ cult deprogramming
🍓 Omega's first heat
🍓 Innocent MC
🍓 T.W.:
OMG, did this book just make me fall in love with Omegaverse?
Don't be fooled by the slightly difficult to understand blurb (I had NO idea what to expect and I hadn't yet read book 1), this book is SO beautiful, and painful, and HOT, and sad, and sweet and ugh 🥹😍😭
When I tried to explain it to my partner, I told them I felt like Cass was definitely neurodivergent, taking everything literally and approaching the world with such hopeful innocence and curiosity. The author con irmed my suspicions in the afterword 🤭
Cass and Riot met because they were both bleeding and yet Cass took care of Riot, a stranger, a dangerous berserker, just because he couldn't not help. I wanted to wrap him in blankets and just hug him through the entire book.
The thing I usually don't like about Omegaverse is that omega's are often portrayed as weak, lower than alpha's, easy to manipulate and often abused as 'normal or usual behaviour/tradition'. It's often just very thinly veiled misogyny but towards Omega's instead of women. But I never once felt that in this story. I mean, there is abuse (not between MC's), but that's because of 1 evil/ shitty person.
Oh, and also! The way the author describes things is just... Mind blowing, amazing and simply beautiful. I giggled, I cried, I swooned...
Anyway, please go read this book. Because holy shit...
Read
June 3, 2026This was such a good book! I’m not always a big fan of Omegaverse, but Gale Ian Tate has such a way with words, I’ll pretty much read anything they write, and the previous book was fantastic, so I wanted to read this one as well. And it didn’t disappoint. I don’t think it’s mandatory to read the first one, but having some idea of the world that they live in, as well as some old faces popping up here and there makes this one more enjoyable. But it’s a doozy. And it hits on themes close to home, because it’s all about control through belief, and how many people think “I would never do that, it’s ridiculous, it’s so far fetched, it’s unbelievable…” and those same people fall in line with cults and the like. It’s very well written, but it brought to mind many bad memories for me, and I wanted to hit my head thinking “how could I be so stupid as to fall for that”, but it also gave me more under towards the characters that were blindly following what they thought would help them make the world a better place. I confess, it’s more relatable than I expected, more realistic than I thought, and it also gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, there is something better out there for me, and trying to live a fulfilling life without anyone telling me what to do is possible. It’s a hard story, but there’s so much hope and belief in the midst of the horrors they live that it makes it worthwhile. And I love that people and circumstances don’t have to be perfect for people to be happy. Very good book, I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2026
I loved book one, The Sterling Acquisition, in this series, and I’ve been waiting (im)patiently for Riot and Cass’s story since their first moments on the page. It did not disappoint.
(I received a free ARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.)
Honestly, I just love Gale’s books because of how unhinged her characters are—for each other, and frankly, just in general. I fell hard for Riot, our Berserker Alpha, when he said, “His hindbrain had apparently decided that two days without suppressants was the perfect time to develop a stalking habit, and his higher reasoning was putting up only token resistance.” I knew he was my kind of romantic lead.
If anything, this book was even darker than the first in the series. At least the other corporations didn’t pretend to love you, but the blatant cultiness of Elysium was even more sinister than Gensyn or SVI could dream of being. Heed the author’s note and its warnings at the beginning of the book. This is a dark dystopian world where people are treated as commodities, not humans, and the author doesn’t shy away from showing that on the page.
What to expect in this book:
- Unique Omegaverse dynamics
- I licked him—or perhaps more accurately in this case, bled on him—so he’s mine
- Casual stalking (that isn’t actually casual at all)
- Touch him and ☠️
- Dry, somewhat sardonic humor
- Steamy heat hookups
- A very naive Omega and the Alpha who wants to teach him everything
Honestly, I just love this series and this world, and I want to live in it forever and ever and ever. Highly recommend! Would read again.
(I received a free ARC of this book. This is my honest, voluntary review.)
Honestly, I just love Gale’s books because of how unhinged her characters are—for each other, and frankly, just in general. I fell hard for Riot, our Berserker Alpha, when he said, “His hindbrain had apparently decided that two days without suppressants was the perfect time to develop a stalking habit, and his higher reasoning was putting up only token resistance.” I knew he was my kind of romantic lead.
If anything, this book was even darker than the first in the series. At least the other corporations didn’t pretend to love you, but the blatant cultiness of Elysium was even more sinister than Gensyn or SVI could dream of being. Heed the author’s note and its warnings at the beginning of the book. This is a dark dystopian world where people are treated as commodities, not humans, and the author doesn’t shy away from showing that on the page.
What to expect in this book:
- Unique Omegaverse dynamics
- I licked him—or perhaps more accurately in this case, bled on him—so he’s mine
- Casual stalking (that isn’t actually casual at all)
- Touch him and ☠️
- Dry, somewhat sardonic humor
- Steamy heat hookups
- A very naive Omega and the Alpha who wants to teach him everything
Honestly, I just love this series and this world, and I want to live in it forever and ever and ever. Highly recommend! Would read again.
May 25, 2026
THE ELYSIAN EXTRACTION is the second book in the Manufactured Mates series, and I was instantly hooked from the word go.
Cass is an absolutely fantastic character who comes across a little neurospicy. My heart broke for him in so many ways at the beginning, as he tries to do his best, and doesn't understand the vitriol he receives from most people. He just wants to help them. He is sweet and innocent in all the best ways, and should be protected at all costs. Luckily for him, he meets Riot, who is determined to do that very thing.
There are trigger warnings at the beginning of this book, and you should take heed. Some of it is not nice reading, but it needs to be out there. While not explicit in some ways, it is more than enough for your brain to join the dots. And Riot's one and only lie to Cass? Totally worth it!
I will say, while I was glad to see Dante, Orion, and Sage again, Granny Lu p!ssed me off with her reaction to Cass. Yes, it was realistic, but no, I wasn't happy with it! I told you - protect at all costs!
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, this one was even better. A great read that I couldn't put down, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. I can't wait for more, both by the author and in this series. 4.5 rounded up
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 25, 2026
Cass is an absolutely fantastic character who comes across a little neurospicy. My heart broke for him in so many ways at the beginning, as he tries to do his best, and doesn't understand the vitriol he receives from most people. He just wants to help them. He is sweet and innocent in all the best ways, and should be protected at all costs. Luckily for him, he meets Riot, who is determined to do that very thing.
There are trigger warnings at the beginning of this book, and you should take heed. Some of it is not nice reading, but it needs to be out there. While not explicit in some ways, it is more than enough for your brain to join the dots. And Riot's one and only lie to Cass? Totally worth it!
I will say, while I was glad to see Dante, Orion, and Sage again, Granny Lu p!ssed me off with her reaction to Cass. Yes, it was realistic, but no, I wasn't happy with it! I told you - protect at all costs!
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, this one was even better. A great read that I couldn't put down, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. I can't wait for more, both by the author and in this series. 4.5 rounded up
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 25, 2026
June 3, 2026
I have been pumped about this book since before finishing book one. I was low-key obsessed with Riot. I knew his story would be interesting, and I wasn't disappointed. He's such a sweetie pie and learning more about what happened to him and how it made him into what he is currently has me pumped for book 3 when we get to dig even deeper. His characterization in this book made me fall for him even more. I loved seeing the ways in which who he used to be, who he was made into, and who he wanted to be fought for control throughout the story.
On to my sweet baby Cass who I related to so so so much. It's always fascinating to watch the ways religious trauma is depicted in stories, and I think using someone as guileless and trusting as Cass to do it brought out more depth into the heinousness of when religious is used as both a weapon and control tactic. Seeing how Cass's neurodiversity responded to that environment also hit close to home for me. I love the moments of strength he showed even when he didn't see himself as strong or capable. His growth in the story was inspiring, and the fact that he maintained his kind soul made me emotional.
As for the story as a whole, I loved the found family in it, and being able to see old faces from book one pop up made me smile. The world building as we see more and more in this universe kept me thoroughly engaged. The pacing of Riot and Cass's relationship was just what I wanted. I loved the story so much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On to my sweet baby Cass who I related to so so so much. It's always fascinating to watch the ways religious trauma is depicted in stories, and I think using someone as guileless and trusting as Cass to do it brought out more depth into the heinousness of when religious is used as both a weapon and control tactic. Seeing how Cass's neurodiversity responded to that environment also hit close to home for me. I love the moments of strength he showed even when he didn't see himself as strong or capable. His growth in the story was inspiring, and the fact that he maintained his kind soul made me emotional.
As for the story as a whole, I loved the found family in it, and being able to see old faces from book one pop up made me smile. The world building as we see more and more in this universe kept me thoroughly engaged. The pacing of Riot and Cass's relationship was just what I wanted. I loved the story so much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2026
I received this book as an advance copy to review and I can honestly say I'll be getting the physical copy asap. I was already familiar with the author's writing style but this book is really something else. The metaphors used to describe Cass and Riot's feelings were absolute perfection.
We meet Cass trying to recruit people who may be interested in achieving a higher peace through his organization, though to his eyes it didn't feel or looked like a cult. But he was, he was so deep in the cult that he couldn't understand why people didn't want to be happy when he knew deep down that he wasn't happy in that life either.
Riot was a weapon and all he had in his life was blood and death and then he got to experience the world through innocent eyes: Cass's. The way he felt things that knew would change him forever and accepted those feelings because of the hope that he could be valuable for who he was and not the things he was capable of made the journey worth it.
Infiltrating the cult to rescue someone that could possibly turned them in was a risk that Cass, Riot and Sage took without a second thought. I wasn't sure how possibly a dystopian story could merge with omegaverse but Gale did a superb job.
The way both characters grew, accepted their flaws and turned to each other for comfort and love was everything I didn't know I needed. This is the type of story that breaks your heart for them and has you rooting for their relationship from the start and it will stay with me for the rest of the year.
Definitely a story that needs to be read and shared.
We meet Cass trying to recruit people who may be interested in achieving a higher peace through his organization, though to his eyes it didn't feel or looked like a cult. But he was, he was so deep in the cult that he couldn't understand why people didn't want to be happy when he knew deep down that he wasn't happy in that life either.
Riot was a weapon and all he had in his life was blood and death and then he got to experience the world through innocent eyes: Cass's. The way he felt things that knew would change him forever and accepted those feelings because of the hope that he could be valuable for who he was and not the things he was capable of made the journey worth it.
Infiltrating the cult to rescue someone that could possibly turned them in was a risk that Cass, Riot and Sage took without a second thought. I wasn't sure how possibly a dystopian story could merge with omegaverse but Gale did a superb job.
The way both characters grew, accepted their flaws and turned to each other for comfort and love was everything I didn't know I needed. This is the type of story that breaks your heart for them and has you rooting for their relationship from the start and it will stay with me for the rest of the year.
Definitely a story that needs to be read and shared.
June 16, 2026
I’m so excited to share my love for this book. This was a 6 star read for me. This is the second book in Gale Ian Tate’s Manufactured Mates series but can be read as a standalone.
Let me tell you this is hands down my favorite omegaverse I have ever read.
Cass is a missionary from Elysian Dynamics who is sent on an assignment to improve his conversion rate and if he can’t find someone in two weeks his fate will be Project Chrysalis- which would leave him dull and completely change his personality. We learn that Elysian Dynamics is a cult although they present themselves as a religious wellness retreat with the promise of acceptance and community. Then we have Riot, a corporate modified Alpha and through failed experimentation became a Berserker who smells like strawberries and cream. These characters couldn’t be anymore different but they end up complimenting each other beautifully. Riot’s experience and how he was hardened by his past versus Cass’s innocence just make their chemistry so good. Cass and Riot’s “meet cute” is honestly one of my favorite parts about this book.
Reasons why I loved The Elysian Extraction
🍓Riot trying to distract himself with images of protecting Cass like he’s a princess in a tower was so cute.
👑The way Riot holds himself back with Cas is precious
🍓The car scene 🥵
👑Granny Lu is hilarious
🍓My new favorite trope unlocked, Princess
👑They both think they aren’t good enough for each other,
🍓When Riot goes into berserk mode to protect Cas and how Cas grounds him.
👑How Riot counts ceiling tiles when he needs to keep the rage at bay.
🍓Everytime Cass runs from Riot 🫠
Let me tell you this is hands down my favorite omegaverse I have ever read.
Cass is a missionary from Elysian Dynamics who is sent on an assignment to improve his conversion rate and if he can’t find someone in two weeks his fate will be Project Chrysalis- which would leave him dull and completely change his personality. We learn that Elysian Dynamics is a cult although they present themselves as a religious wellness retreat with the promise of acceptance and community. Then we have Riot, a corporate modified Alpha and through failed experimentation became a Berserker who smells like strawberries and cream. These characters couldn’t be anymore different but they end up complimenting each other beautifully. Riot’s experience and how he was hardened by his past versus Cass’s innocence just make their chemistry so good. Cass and Riot’s “meet cute” is honestly one of my favorite parts about this book.
Reasons why I loved The Elysian Extraction
🍓Riot trying to distract himself with images of protecting Cass like he’s a princess in a tower was so cute.
👑The way Riot holds himself back with Cas is precious
🍓The car scene 🥵
👑Granny Lu is hilarious
🍓My new favorite trope unlocked, Princess
👑They both think they aren’t good enough for each other,
🍓When Riot goes into berserk mode to protect Cas and how Cas grounds him.
👑How Riot counts ceiling tiles when he needs to keep the rage at bay.
🍓Everytime Cass runs from Riot 🫠
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