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Experimental Heart #1
Destiny
Publisher's Note: Revised edition of formerly published novel, Experimental Heart: Pieces
"...Do you know what it's like to kill without regret?"
Eira only knew one thing in life--to kill. Designed to be an emotionless killing machine of war she had no desire to be a puppet of another's master plan. Escape was the only option. A normal, free life was the only goal. Labeled as a failure, she took the opportunity to run and was hunted. But destiny had other plans.
"...Do you know what it's like to kill without being able to feel?"
A fateful mistake throws her in the path of a mysterious dragon, who makes an offer that is hard to refuse. Accept his help to gain her desired freedom or keep running with an eye over her shoulder.
"...Do you know what it's like to live in hell?"
But, can she really trust him?
"...Didn't think so..."
"...Do you know what it's like to kill without regret?"
Eira only knew one thing in life--to kill. Designed to be an emotionless killing machine of war she had no desire to be a puppet of another's master plan. Escape was the only option. A normal, free life was the only goal. Labeled as a failure, she took the opportunity to run and was hunted. But destiny had other plans.
"...Do you know what it's like to kill without being able to feel?"
A fateful mistake throws her in the path of a mysterious dragon, who makes an offer that is hard to refuse. Accept his help to gain her desired freedom or keep running with an eye over her shoulder.
"...Do you know what it's like to live in hell?"
But, can she really trust him?
"...Didn't think so..."
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2015
928 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Pemrick
20 books191 followersShannon Pemrick is a full-time USA Today bestselling author of slow-burn romantic fantasy, fuller-time geek, and dragon obsessed. She also has too many novelty mugs, not enough chocolate, and a forbidden love-affair with all things shiny. When she's not burning her fingers across a keyboard handing out adventures and HEAs, she's rolling dice and getting lost in RPGs or searching for brides for her dragon overlords.
Learn more about Shannon by visiting her website.
Learn more about Shannon by visiting her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 9, 2020
2.75
I don't know about this one..I just felt like the core of the story wasn't there.
We have Laz- an enhanced nu-human who is on the run from hunters due to her past-when she is saved by a dragon that convinces her she shouldn't run anymore, and decides to help her on her quest for revenge by following her to her old village, and then her old home to help with a resistance plot to overthrow the ruler and her past master.
Interesting premise right?
But...they don't really do anything. I just felt like maybe I would have liked the characters more, and the story would have benefited by starting from a completely different point in Laz's life. Possibly starting the story from when Laz escapes. It would have created a more natural flow to the book, and we would have had to spend less time on constant info dumps for the reader, and flashbacks that don't really mean anything without context.
This is because for most of the book were introduced to past friends and acquaintance that have a deep and interesting connection with Laz- but after a while I just kept thinking- this story would be more interesting that watching them basically do nothing to progress the plot.
For example, while the virtual reality, the motorcycle chase, the club, and all of the other stuff was fun...it didn't really add anything to the overall plot. Laz and the team are trying to take down the big bad...but they only had 2 battles and a few side missions that weren't really shown... so I didn't really feel like they accomplished anything.
I feel like the only reason the story started where it did was to have Laz and Rai in a relationship. But even that was kind of off putting because we don't get to see Rai's perspective, and the whole book is basically Laz saying she isn't interested, and her friends constantly pushing her to be with him.
Its non-stop, and all we get is vague notions of why she doesn't want to be with anyone- and Laz just saying 'no' over and over to everyone. (Sorry people trying to force relationships in books is a pet peeve of mine.)
I mean its obvious why Rai wanted to go with her but why is a random chance meeting with a dragon- and him telling her not to run anymore the one thing that gets her to go back?
Another small thing that bothered me was Rai telling Laz to promise him that she won't wear makeup because he likes her without it- and then legit telling her NO she can't wear makeup because he doesn't like it....and its not creepy or possessive?- but when Zo tells her he likes her hair better violet and should keep it- Rai is all like "she can do what she wants" Le sigh.
Interesting world building, magic systems, and species- but I just want a little more point and structure to my stories I guess.
I don't know about this one..I just felt like the core of the story wasn't there.
We have Laz- an enhanced nu-human who is on the run from hunters due to her past-when she is saved by a dragon that convinces her she shouldn't run anymore, and decides to help her on her quest for revenge by following her to her old village, and then her old home to help with a resistance plot to overthrow the ruler and her past master.
Interesting premise right?
But...they don't really do anything. I just felt like maybe I would have liked the characters more, and the story would have benefited by starting from a completely different point in Laz's life. Possibly starting the story from when Laz escapes. It would have created a more natural flow to the book, and we would have had to spend less time on constant info dumps for the reader, and flashbacks that don't really mean anything without context.
This is because for most of the book were introduced to past friends and acquaintance that have a deep and interesting connection with Laz- but after a while I just kept thinking- this story would be more interesting that watching them basically do nothing to progress the plot.
For example, while the virtual reality, the motorcycle chase, the club, and all of the other stuff was fun...it didn't really add anything to the overall plot. Laz and the team are trying to take down the big bad...but they only had 2 battles and a few side missions that weren't really shown... so I didn't really feel like they accomplished anything.
I feel like the only reason the story started where it did was to have Laz and Rai in a relationship. But even that was kind of off putting because we don't get to see Rai's perspective, and the whole book is basically Laz saying she isn't interested, and her friends constantly pushing her to be with him.
Its non-stop, and all we get is vague notions of why she doesn't want to be with anyone- and Laz just saying 'no' over and over to everyone. (Sorry people trying to force relationships in books is a pet peeve of mine.)
I mean its obvious why Rai wanted to go with her but why is a random chance meeting with a dragon- and him telling her not to run anymore the one thing that gets her to go back?
Another small thing that bothered me was Rai telling Laz to promise him that she won't wear makeup because he likes her without it- and then legit telling her NO she can't wear makeup because he doesn't like it....and its not creepy or possessive?- but when Zo tells her he likes her hair better violet and should keep it- Rai is all like "she can do what she wants" Le sigh.
Interesting world building, magic systems, and species- but I just want a little more point and structure to my stories I guess.
May 2, 2020
I really wanted to like this book - it has a lot of potential.
The main character Eira is a nu-human, genetically engineered to be stronger and faster than ordinary humans. She was trained as an assassin, escaped her former master, and is on the run from Hunters trying to kill her.
A shape shifting dragon Rai saves her life and goes with her to kill her former master.
Eira was a really difficult character to like. For saying she has no emotions and no friends, she has emotions she’s denying and even more friends she treats poorly.
I was hoping it would develop her character and it might later in the series, but it really doesn’t in book one.
This book could use a big round of editing. For over 400 pages, not a lot of plot happens.
I really liked how Rai is unconsciously protective of Eira, and how it’s a slow build to a relationship, but I just couldn’t focus on the book.
The main character Eira is a nu-human, genetically engineered to be stronger and faster than ordinary humans. She was trained as an assassin, escaped her former master, and is on the run from Hunters trying to kill her.
A shape shifting dragon Rai saves her life and goes with her to kill her former master.
Eira was a really difficult character to like. For saying she has no emotions and no friends, she has emotions she’s denying and even more friends she treats poorly.
I was hoping it would develop her character and it might later in the series, but it really doesn’t in book one.
This book could use a big round of editing. For over 400 pages, not a lot of plot happens.
I really liked how Rai is unconsciously protective of Eira, and how it’s a slow build to a relationship, but I just couldn’t focus on the book.
April 16, 2018
I'm going to try really hard to stay objective about this review. I liked PIECES of this book, but my overwhelming confusion, frustration and...well gawking I did while reading made it so hard to continue.
What I liked - Rai is generally likeable. Passive, but likeable. His curiosity and almost unconscious protectiveness of Eira kept him very being unmemorable. Many of the side characters were nice diversions in the plot as well (I liked Ryoko and Valene a lot).
But if swear on my books I wanted to stab Eira from page one. It has been a truly long time since I read such a MC with an inferiority complex. Such a WEIRDLY SPECIFIC one no less.
Need to kill a guy? She got you.
Break into a well fortified city? Breezy.
Fight some goons? She's on it.
Anything else - from her eating habits to her shoes, she's not worth the time it took me to remember how to spell time.
She spent a lot of time telling Rai that she was defective af*, broken af and emotionless af. That genuine sounding laughter? She's just a great actress. Happiness is an emotion she understands the properties of but doesn't feel (probably). Friends involve trust which involves caring and guys, she doesn't know to do that.
At all. Ever. Stop don't point out how she cares what happens to them who try to help her. Or her genuine grief over a couple deaths. Or how she feels about Ryder.
Putting her aside can we talk about the large dropping of world information? We're talking big, clunky drops of info like Eira was a NPC** in a RPG*** talking to the player character because he made the mistake of not skipping through the tutorial/background of the game.
Large swaths of info is given out at Rai's smallest question. Nominally because somehow he's lived such a loner dragon existence in the last 200ish years he has no idea. (Which barely tracks timeline wise but that's a minor nitpick) There was no feel of organic progression to these moments, they ground all plot to a halt.
Meanwhile the information relayed is half-baked and doesn't mesh with actual descriptions well. I still have NO IDEA how somehow nu-humans are both in control of humanity but largely used by other races for superpowerd but disposable cannon fodder.
Even if I could get past all that, I just could not stand Eira. I did not care about her quest of revenge. I spent half this book convinced at some point we'd find out that Eira is actually stuck in a malfunctioning game world, Rai knows her in RL but can't correct her fake backstory without potentially dangerous feedback and the endgame is killing Zarda to free her hidden memories and bring her back to reality.
THAT should tell you what I think of Eira.
In conclusion this wasn't meant for me. It's perfectly suitable if you want a quick cup to go, but beware of weird shit that makes no sense.
* af means "as fuck"
** NPC means non-player character (largely a char programmed by the game creators to give you mini-quests, cague cryptic helpful advice for how to defeat the bad guy.
*** RPG means role-playing game.
What I liked - Rai is generally likeable. Passive, but likeable. His curiosity and almost unconscious protectiveness of Eira kept him very being unmemorable. Many of the side characters were nice diversions in the plot as well (I liked Ryoko and Valene a lot).
But if swear on my books I wanted to stab Eira from page one. It has been a truly long time since I read such a MC with an inferiority complex. Such a WEIRDLY SPECIFIC one no less.
Need to kill a guy? She got you.
Break into a well fortified city? Breezy.
Fight some goons? She's on it.
Anything else - from her eating habits to her shoes, she's not worth the time it took me to remember how to spell time.
She spent a lot of time telling Rai that she was defective af*, broken af and emotionless af. That genuine sounding laughter? She's just a great actress. Happiness is an emotion she understands the properties of but doesn't feel (probably). Friends involve trust which involves caring and guys, she doesn't know to do that.
At all. Ever. Stop don't point out how she cares what happens to them who try to help her. Or her genuine grief over a couple deaths. Or how she feels about Ryder.
Putting her aside can we talk about the large dropping of world information? We're talking big, clunky drops of info like Eira was a NPC** in a RPG*** talking to the player character because he made the mistake of not skipping through the tutorial/background of the game.
Large swaths of info is given out at Rai's smallest question. Nominally because somehow he's lived such a loner dragon existence in the last 200ish years he has no idea. (Which barely tracks timeline wise but that's a minor nitpick) There was no feel of organic progression to these moments, they ground all plot to a halt.
Meanwhile the information relayed is half-baked and doesn't mesh with actual descriptions well. I still have NO IDEA how somehow nu-humans are both in control of humanity but largely used by other races for superpowerd but disposable cannon fodder.
Even if I could get past all that, I just could not stand Eira. I did not care about her quest of revenge. I spent half this book convinced at some point we'd find out that Eira is actually stuck in a malfunctioning game world, Rai knows her in RL but can't correct her fake backstory without potentially dangerous feedback and the endgame is killing Zarda to free her hidden memories and bring her back to reality.
THAT should tell you what I think of Eira.
In conclusion this wasn't meant for me. It's perfectly suitable if you want a quick cup to go, but beware of weird shit that makes no sense.
* af means "as fuck"
** NPC means non-player character (largely a char programmed by the game creators to give you mini-quests, cague cryptic helpful advice for how to defeat the bad guy.
*** RPG means role-playing game.
February 12, 2017
( I received this book in exchange for an honest review)
I once read somewhere about the different type of writing styles. I have learned that each author has their own way of writing the story out. From what I read, this book is more based on character development then it is on the plot. The reason I say that is because in the beginning we are faced with Eira is on her death-bed, where she meets Raikidan. Someone who has promised her to help get revenge on those who have done her wrong ~ which is the way I see it.
As the story moves on Eira and Raikidan form a bond, one that I believe is not something Eira is used to. Through my eyes I see that Eira is very distant with people, except for the ones she cares about. But whether she knows it or not she has some of the feeling that she is not supposed to have. In this story we get to learn more and more about Eira, about her past, even about the things that haunt her.
Towards the end it doesn’t seem that she get the revenge that she sets out for. Instead we get the see the character grow as a person. In no way do I believe that this takes out the quality of this story, In fact I loved the story. It was refreshing to read the about the characters growing closer together.
Now we do get some action in this book, and the flow in the fight scenes are great. Details are fantastic as well, you really get a good picture of what is happening in your mind. I think that Shannon had a good balance when it came to that.
The only reason she did not get five stars from me on this, was for the fact I got a little confused. Though the we have one main pov, then we get to one part and it switches to another one. I understand the reason for it and what it did for the story, I just don’t see why it only happened once.
In fact I find it very odd when we see authors do this, I think that if you are going to move through more than one pov, don’t do it just once in the book. Maybe try out more the one chapter with a different pov. But don’t go crazy and do to many.
All in all I thought this was a great book, and the ending had me very curious about what is going to happen in the next book. I mean serious CLIFFHANGER, BEWARE!! You hate to love it, that is something that leaves you craving more.
I think this is definitely a book I would like to keep in my personal paperback library. Just going to start making a list of the book I want to buy and keep in my house.
I once read somewhere about the different type of writing styles. I have learned that each author has their own way of writing the story out. From what I read, this book is more based on character development then it is on the plot. The reason I say that is because in the beginning we are faced with Eira is on her death-bed, where she meets Raikidan. Someone who has promised her to help get revenge on those who have done her wrong ~ which is the way I see it.
As the story moves on Eira and Raikidan form a bond, one that I believe is not something Eira is used to. Through my eyes I see that Eira is very distant with people, except for the ones she cares about. But whether she knows it or not she has some of the feeling that she is not supposed to have. In this story we get to learn more and more about Eira, about her past, even about the things that haunt her.
Towards the end it doesn’t seem that she get the revenge that she sets out for. Instead we get the see the character grow as a person. In no way do I believe that this takes out the quality of this story, In fact I loved the story. It was refreshing to read the about the characters growing closer together.
Now we do get some action in this book, and the flow in the fight scenes are great. Details are fantastic as well, you really get a good picture of what is happening in your mind. I think that Shannon had a good balance when it came to that.
The only reason she did not get five stars from me on this, was for the fact I got a little confused. Though the we have one main pov, then we get to one part and it switches to another one. I understand the reason for it and what it did for the story, I just don’t see why it only happened once.
In fact I find it very odd when we see authors do this, I think that if you are going to move through more than one pov, don’t do it just once in the book. Maybe try out more the one chapter with a different pov. But don’t go crazy and do to many.
All in all I thought this was a great book, and the ending had me very curious about what is going to happen in the next book. I mean serious CLIFFHANGER, BEWARE!! You hate to love it, that is something that leaves you craving more.
I think this is definitely a book I would like to keep in my personal paperback library. Just going to start making a list of the book I want to buy and keep in my house.
January 10, 2014
this book was everything i wanted to read and more. action, suspence, romance, comedy! truly a great find! it may be a lot of pages, but if you get into it, the book is finished before you know it. I give this book 5 stars for creativity and down right amazing detail and hooks! it kept me reading, and I'm a picky reader.
May 4, 2020
DNF 5%
The blurb was the only thing I found worth reading.
The blurb was the only thing I found worth reading.
February 1, 2014
(Note: I got this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Get ready to sit and read this book for a while - it is quite long and that might put off some readers, thankfully I converted it into an audio book which made the whole process quicker. However, this book has a interesting mix of genres. I was a bit torn between some of these crossovers going into this book but ultimately it works out quite well. The two characters are fun together as they kind of have a love/hate relationship at first - the dragon being my favorite character. It is interesting that he seemly has the ability to transform back and forth between beast and human, which kind of reminded me of a recent episode of Face Off - very cool. The cover is stunning I must add as it has a beautiful graphic novel style - in fact this whole book feels like it could be an amazing graphic novel. I would also mention there is an enormous about of dialogue, which the author should be commended for.
There are a few issues, mostly with grammar and the overuse of swearing. As for the grammar it isn't a killer for this book but the author does tend to overuse the same words during a few paragraphs, for example: 'I grunted as I twirled up my hair and clipped in the hairclip underneath it, letting the top portion of my hair to flow over the hairclip.'
Nevertheless, Experimental Heart is a interesting beginning to a larger story that is worth reading if you stick with it.
Get ready to sit and read this book for a while - it is quite long and that might put off some readers, thankfully I converted it into an audio book which made the whole process quicker. However, this book has a interesting mix of genres. I was a bit torn between some of these crossovers going into this book but ultimately it works out quite well. The two characters are fun together as they kind of have a love/hate relationship at first - the dragon being my favorite character. It is interesting that he seemly has the ability to transform back and forth between beast and human, which kind of reminded me of a recent episode of Face Off - very cool. The cover is stunning I must add as it has a beautiful graphic novel style - in fact this whole book feels like it could be an amazing graphic novel. I would also mention there is an enormous about of dialogue, which the author should be commended for.
There are a few issues, mostly with grammar and the overuse of swearing. As for the grammar it isn't a killer for this book but the author does tend to overuse the same words during a few paragraphs, for example: 'I grunted as I twirled up my hair and clipped in the hairclip underneath it, letting the top portion of my hair to flow over the hairclip.'
Nevertheless, Experimental Heart is a interesting beginning to a larger story that is worth reading if you stick with it.
June 28, 2018
This is the first book in the Experimental Heart series. The main character, Eira, has been engineered to be a killer, designed to kill without feelings, in a war of someone else’s making. She was a commander in the Dalatrend army, but was a failure at everything she did. Her creator deemed her imperfect, for showing emotion and tried to destroy her. Her only chance was to run and try to be free.
Only problem with that was that now instead of being a killer, she was now the hunted. Hunters were set after her, beings specially created to hunt and track people, when she took the chance to run. She has been on the run for years. When she gets caught up with and is near death, she sees a dragon. She isn’t sure if it is real as they are not common nowadays and she has never seen one before. His name is Raikidan and he offers to help her go back and get revenge against Zarda, her creator and the one who wanted rid of his failure!
The only problem is that Eira is used to being a solitary person and wasn’t made to have emotions or even feel anything. She has no idea if she can trust the dragon and why he would want to help her. She meets up with some of her old colleagues and joins the rebels fight against Zarda. Zarda however has been busy doing more experimentation and creating more advanced Brutes and other fighters.
It’s an interesting book, with some unlikely mixings of characters. Those nu-humans, created to kill and feel nothing, but some like Eira are faulty in this requirement and deemed failures to be destroyed. The relationship between her, her old friends and Rai is complex and I like how the dragon differences and the nu-human non-emotive states are brought to play, making the interaction of the characters more interesting.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Only problem with that was that now instead of being a killer, she was now the hunted. Hunters were set after her, beings specially created to hunt and track people, when she took the chance to run. She has been on the run for years. When she gets caught up with and is near death, she sees a dragon. She isn’t sure if it is real as they are not common nowadays and she has never seen one before. His name is Raikidan and he offers to help her go back and get revenge against Zarda, her creator and the one who wanted rid of his failure!
The only problem is that Eira is used to being a solitary person and wasn’t made to have emotions or even feel anything. She has no idea if she can trust the dragon and why he would want to help her. She meets up with some of her old colleagues and joins the rebels fight against Zarda. Zarda however has been busy doing more experimentation and creating more advanced Brutes and other fighters.
It’s an interesting book, with some unlikely mixings of characters. Those nu-humans, created to kill and feel nothing, but some like Eira are faulty in this requirement and deemed failures to be destroyed. The relationship between her, her old friends and Rai is complex and I like how the dragon differences and the nu-human non-emotive states are brought to play, making the interaction of the characters more interesting.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 3, 2024
First of all, the author needs to get a new baby name book, because 70% of the character’s names start with R: Ryder, Rylan, Raikidan, Ryoko, Raynn…
Both of the MCs are neurodivergent-coded, with the MMC not understanding basic idioms, personal space or social cues, let alone most jokes and flirtation, while the FMC is more worldly but emotionally stunted. They’re both keeping secrets from each other, and the MMC’s secret is super-obvious but the FMC never catches on.
It’s the slowest of slow burns, where the MMC doesn’t even SUGGEST he might like to kiss the FMC until the 80% mark. And she says no. There’s no kissing in this book fyi.
The whole thing is well over 600 pages and so much of it felt like filler. Battle scenes dragged on and on. At one point, the MCs enter a training simulator and that one fake conflict goes on for nearly 70 pages, and then ten more pages of wrap-up, with everyone checking out their scores and the losers being sore losers. In the final confrontation, the FMC pulled out a weapon, did literally nothing with it but swing it around in the air with no enemies nearby, and then swapped it for a different weapon. It’s like the author has never heard of the Law of Conservation of Detail.
There are so many cringe descriptions of dated outfits, and every single character gets a full paragraph of introduction with every one of their piercings fully detailed. Imagine the author’s cheat sheet, trying to keep track of who has the labret, who has the gauges, and who has their nips done. Important character information, I’m sure 🙄
Both of the MCs are neurodivergent-coded, with the MMC not understanding basic idioms, personal space or social cues, let alone most jokes and flirtation, while the FMC is more worldly but emotionally stunted. They’re both keeping secrets from each other, and the MMC’s secret is super-obvious but the FMC never catches on.
It’s the slowest of slow burns, where the MMC doesn’t even SUGGEST he might like to kiss the FMC until the 80% mark. And she says no. There’s no kissing in this book fyi.
The whole thing is well over 600 pages and so much of it felt like filler. Battle scenes dragged on and on. At one point, the MCs enter a training simulator and that one fake conflict goes on for nearly 70 pages, and then ten more pages of wrap-up, with everyone checking out their scores and the losers being sore losers. In the final confrontation, the FMC pulled out a weapon, did literally nothing with it but swing it around in the air with no enemies nearby, and then swapped it for a different weapon. It’s like the author has never heard of the Law of Conservation of Detail.
There are so many cringe descriptions of dated outfits, and every single character gets a full paragraph of introduction with every one of their piercings fully detailed. Imagine the author’s cheat sheet, trying to keep track of who has the labret, who has the gauges, and who has their nips done. Important character information, I’m sure 🙄
April 26, 2020
This book was a bit of a headscratcher for me. When I started the novel I was expecting a linear narrative, replete with the whole beginning, middle, and end that we all know and love. This book doesn't really have that structure.
It took about half of the book for me to realize how the story is organized (I'm a thick-headed person :p). Each chapter is, more or less, an episode. And, while each episode continues the characters forward in time and a kind of general plot, they are loosely connected to one another. Instead, each chapter is like a vignette, a slice of time for the POV character with its own narrative arc. The structure reminds me of a serial television show.
While the episodic chapters do lend to a strong character-building experience, I felt somewhat frustrated. This was likely due to my expectations going into the book, expecting a typical plot structure. By the end of the story I was asking 'that was it?' I wanted to see some conclusions and closure for the characters, but instead a new character was introduced on the last few pages along with a cliff-hanger ending.
Looking at the bibliography of the author, I think this is the first book she published (that I see.) It has some of the stumbles of a writer starting their journey, but there are also moments of very compelling writing. I look forward to seeing how the author hones her voice and style into the further books.
It took about half of the book for me to realize how the story is organized (I'm a thick-headed person :p). Each chapter is, more or less, an episode. And, while each episode continues the characters forward in time and a kind of general plot, they are loosely connected to one another. Instead, each chapter is like a vignette, a slice of time for the POV character with its own narrative arc. The structure reminds me of a serial television show.
While the episodic chapters do lend to a strong character-building experience, I felt somewhat frustrated. This was likely due to my expectations going into the book, expecting a typical plot structure. By the end of the story I was asking 'that was it?' I wanted to see some conclusions and closure for the characters, but instead a new character was introduced on the last few pages along with a cliff-hanger ending.
Looking at the bibliography of the author, I think this is the first book she published (that I see.) It has some of the stumbles of a writer starting their journey, but there are also moments of very compelling writing. I look forward to seeing how the author hones her voice and style into the further books.
February 29, 2020
Our heroine is a construct, made to follow the orders of her creator. But when she escapes that control, things get interesting.
This is book one of the series, so definitely the right place to start.
This story offers an interesting blend of science and magic, with fantastic creatures and technology existing side by side, but I don't really think of it as urban fantasy, more SF meet fantasy, if that makes any sense. In any case, the story is well written and generally easy to read, although some of our character's backstory is a bit disturbing. Speaking of which, the characters are well developed, with detailed backgrounds that help make them real. But at the same time, there are many questions left unanswered which kept me reading hoping to figure out more. That was partially rewarded and yet I will also want to read the next book hoping to find out even more. Overall, the story was quite intense and engaging, keeping me interested and looking for more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This is book one of the series, so definitely the right place to start.
This story offers an interesting blend of science and magic, with fantastic creatures and technology existing side by side, but I don't really think of it as urban fantasy, more SF meet fantasy, if that makes any sense. In any case, the story is well written and generally easy to read, although some of our character's backstory is a bit disturbing. Speaking of which, the characters are well developed, with detailed backgrounds that help make them real. But at the same time, there are many questions left unanswered which kept me reading hoping to figure out more. That was partially rewarded and yet I will also want to read the next book hoping to find out even more. Overall, the story was quite intense and engaging, keeping me interested and looking for more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
February 2, 2020
Eira isn’t supposed to have emotions and feelings. But she does and they are getting stronger. Eira is a nu-human, lab created, and was forced to be an assassin until she escaped. She also has more abilities than most nu-humans. She and her friends are leading a rebellion against Zarda. She has met a dragon shifter named Raikdan who is helping them. This was a very confusing book. Many things were hinted at but I have so many questions. Why does she have a daughter who doesn’t know Eira is her mom, and why does she have a ten year old boy who doesn’t live with her and doesn’t call her mom. Who is her children’s father or fathers? And she refer several times to a mom but then she is lab created and genetically enhanced. I didn’t think she grew up with her parents, and several thoughts she had were about a father she never knew. I hope this will make more sense in the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 17, 2021
Dragon, Shamans, Elementalists, Elves, Dwarves, Ghosts, never ending magical library with multiple world spanning entrances, books that can be read by placing your hands on them. Oh how I want to live in this world! Not as a human because that would suck, slavery, not fun. But surprise, surprise I want to be a dragon. I'm tied between being a black or a red dragon. I think I could handle being a mix like Rai. While being a Nu-Human sounds like it could be fun but I'm not into the drama that seems to be part of their nature. Eira drives me crazy with her, I don't feel emotions when that is literally all she does in feels things then tries to hide form her self, she more human than she wants to see or admit. Can we say denial!?! Why yes we can. DENIAL!!!!! Drama!!!!!!!!! Definitely want to be a dragon.
June 28, 2018
Shannon Pemrick is a new author for me, but based on her Destiny (Experimental Heart Book 1), I’m promising myself that we will become well acquainted. I love the concept of this book, with its lead Eira seeking to escape from a her life as a designed emotionless tool of war. I love how she is drawn to Raikidan and the whole way that a dragon is brought into the tale. I love the plot and writing, and supporting cast. Generally I pretty much live this novel. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommended and I’m definitely looking forward to book 2.
November 25, 2019
So much promise. So much fail...
So here is a 27 years old military leader, emotionless chick, who should be a hardass right? We also have a 200 years old dragon, and generally a bunch of grown up characters. How come, everyone, and I mean EVERY-FREAKING-ONE sounds like a 13-year-old girl?
Eira supposed to have no feelings, but she is laughing and giggling constantly. And she can't cry or feel sad, unless she does.
The last straw for me was when they arrived to the village, where everyone spoke normal English, except that one guy, who used Scottish words. Why? How? And a general wtf?
I know, I didn't get far, maybe 10%, but even though it could have been so good, it was just so badly written, that I gave up.
So here is a 27 years old military leader, emotionless chick, who should be a hardass right? We also have a 200 years old dragon, and generally a bunch of grown up characters. How come, everyone, and I mean EVERY-FREAKING-ONE sounds like a 13-year-old girl?
Eira supposed to have no feelings, but she is laughing and giggling constantly. And she can't cry or feel sad, unless she does.
The last straw for me was when they arrived to the village, where everyone spoke normal English, except that one guy, who used Scottish words. Why? How? And a general wtf?
I know, I didn't get far, maybe 10%, but even though it could have been so good, it was just so badly written, that I gave up.
January 27, 2023
good
This book was interesting. When it first started, it seemed pretty original, and then it turned into a cross between hunger games and the matrix. I like the way this book started and how Eira met her dragon companion, but as soon as they got into the city that is win the cross between the hunger games and matrix seem to appear once that was over, it did finally settle down back into an original story. I did get lost in the book once in a while with names of people because they were so strange. I did think it was interesting the way that new humans were made. It sounded almost like they were breeding fish instead of humans since they came out of a saltwater tank. Overall, this book wasn’t too bad. I probably will read the next book in the series just to see if Eira finally gets a clue and realizes that her dragon companion really likes her.
This book was interesting. When it first started, it seemed pretty original, and then it turned into a cross between hunger games and the matrix. I like the way this book started and how Eira met her dragon companion, but as soon as they got into the city that is win the cross between the hunger games and matrix seem to appear once that was over, it did finally settle down back into an original story. I did get lost in the book once in a while with names of people because they were so strange. I did think it was interesting the way that new humans were made. It sounded almost like they were breeding fish instead of humans since they came out of a saltwater tank. Overall, this book wasn’t too bad. I probably will read the next book in the series just to see if Eira finally gets a clue and realizes that her dragon companion really likes her.
February 8, 2020
Lax/Eira is an enhanced nu-human who thinks her only purpose is to serve an maniac. Rai is a dragon - but they were supposed to be extinct. Are they going to be able to work together? This book has everything that makes a book great! It has romance, magic, dragons, and adventure. I particularly liked Rai - he is totally adorable and I kind of have a crush on him now. The story could have moved a bit faster which is why I’ve rated this 4 instead of 5 stars, but I’m definitely waiting for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2020
This was a mostly enjoyable read that grabbed my attention pretty quickly. It is set in a unique world that has had to rebuild technology and government. The characters are warriors and shamans and dragons and genetic experiments. I really liked the premise of this book. I liked the framework for the characters. The dialogue is pretty decent. I really wanted to love this book, however, it really drags in places and feels kind of long for the amount of plot that is covered. I feel like I could have slashed about 30% of the book without even trying hard. I'll probably try the next in the series to see if it improves and overcomes a bit of a rocky start.
June 27, 2018
This book was amazing! It has a little bit of everything! If you enjoy fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, humor, adventure, and I could go on and on. The characters and the story are very detailed. This is a great long story and I had a hard time putting it down. I kept thinking, I'll put it down at the next chapter, and then I just had to go on. I can not wait to read the next in the series! Oh and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cover! Fantastic!!
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
March 13, 2020
Really enjoyed it
The author did an amazing job of blending sci-fi and fantasy in this book. I feel like the background is well built. The characters are interesting and individual. There is a little pov change. But not so much as to be irritating. (Pov changes in general bug me, but it was well done here.). The only complaint I had was that in some scenes I found my attention wandering as I waited for stuff to happen. Although that could be more because I easily get bored and lose focus then anything to do with the story.
The author did an amazing job of blending sci-fi and fantasy in this book. I feel like the background is well built. The characters are interesting and individual. There is a little pov change. But not so much as to be irritating. (Pov changes in general bug me, but it was well done here.). The only complaint I had was that in some scenes I found my attention wandering as I waited for stuff to happen. Although that could be more because I easily get bored and lose focus then anything to do with the story.
March 24, 2020
Threeish? Okay this book is too long for nothing happening. Like nothing happens they travel, Laz tells Rai she doesn't want a relationship, they travel, laz tells Rai she doesn't want a relationship....I read it on Kindle so I don't know the page count but at least 400 pages of this...like wtf do something! The premise of the story is good but you don't need, at last check, five books to get it done. Like what the hell are the other four going to be. Pushing Rai away and traveling. *Head desk* I started skimming the second book we'll see if it's better.... doubtful
June 5, 2020
Potential but one huge thing ruined it
Ok this book seemed good but I kept asking why at beginning did she act just ran away and yet we find she was already part of rebellion. And there all these weird years like it your out 5 here 3 there you wouldn't feel like you just go away. And if she's so connected i don't know if never got far enough I suspect Dragon is mate but halfway through he cannot casually touch her that whole on polished lived with these ppl so well thing for years got so overwhelming i have up
Ok this book seemed good but I kept asking why at beginning did she act just ran away and yet we find she was already part of rebellion. And there all these weird years like it your out 5 here 3 there you wouldn't feel like you just go away. And if she's so connected i don't know if never got far enough I suspect Dragon is mate but halfway through he cannot casually touch her that whole on polished lived with these ppl so well thing for years got so overwhelming i have up
December 25, 2020
Waste of time!
This story started off okay, but then as you read more you start to wonder where the story is going. After 600 or so pages it just ends and you left wondering what did you just read? No plot, no rhyme or reason. You have Eira who as you learn is a Nu human and then Raki who is your dragon. Don't worry he almost never stays in his dragon form long which was a disappointment. I mean I don't even know what this book is, sci fi? Romance? Paranormal? Needless to say not getting the next book.
This story started off okay, but then as you read more you start to wonder where the story is going. After 600 or so pages it just ends and you left wondering what did you just read? No plot, no rhyme or reason. You have Eira who as you learn is a Nu human and then Raki who is your dragon. Don't worry he almost never stays in his dragon form long which was a disappointment. I mean I don't even know what this book is, sci fi? Romance? Paranormal? Needless to say not getting the next book.
August 28, 2021
I am part of the group that thoroughly enjoyed this read! It was so good IMO. A lot of people did not like the MCs personality and her reactions to things but I think it fits. She was designed to not feel emotion so it only makes sense for her to deny the emotions she’s feeling and try to suppress them. As for her thinking low of herself, I think that’s fair as well. She has an “evil” side we haven’t gotten much information on. It is bloodthirsty and makes her kill without remorse. So of course she’s gonna feel like a monster afterward when stewing over her kills.
June 15, 2022
I picked this up free from Kindle. It’s not my favorite genre, but I was needing something to read so …
I loved this book. The characters are well developed, especially the main protagonist. It starts out with a classical fantasy backdrop in a mysterious wood inhabitrd by pre-industrial villagers, elves, a dragon, and other creatures. But even in this setting, the book acknowledges science and physics, drawing a clear delineation between natural and magical forces.
The goals is clear as our heroine sets off on her quest. The set changes from medieval wilderness, to a modern cityscape, complete with modern nightclubs blaring loud music and laser shows. As hard as it is to imagine, the transition felt seamless.
As a male, Indie, author who has written with a female voice, I was fascinated to read a real female voice from a female author. She spent much more time describing clothing than I would have. I’ll know better in my next book.
Unfortunately, this is book 1 in a 6 book series, so there is no real resolution. If you want to know how it all ends, you’ll need to get more books. If the next 5 are as good as this one, it will be time and money well spent.
I loved this book. The characters are well developed, especially the main protagonist. It starts out with a classical fantasy backdrop in a mysterious wood inhabitrd by pre-industrial villagers, elves, a dragon, and other creatures. But even in this setting, the book acknowledges science and physics, drawing a clear delineation between natural and magical forces.
The goals is clear as our heroine sets off on her quest. The set changes from medieval wilderness, to a modern cityscape, complete with modern nightclubs blaring loud music and laser shows. As hard as it is to imagine, the transition felt seamless.
As a male, Indie, author who has written with a female voice, I was fascinated to read a real female voice from a female author. She spent much more time describing clothing than I would have. I’ll know better in my next book.
Unfortunately, this is book 1 in a 6 book series, so there is no real resolution. If you want to know how it all ends, you’ll need to get more books. If the next 5 are as good as this one, it will be time and money well spent.
August 7, 2023
Overall, the book was okay. There are parts that I loved and parts I could have done without. Eira, the MC, doesn't have a lot of character growth. Raikiden, the other MC, is my favorite. I love his interactions with Eira and how he protects her. There are a lot of action scenes, but all the scenes seem disjointed. It's missing the build-up of the plot to a proper climax. There is also a weird POV switch. Most of the story is Eira's perspective, but two of the chapters switched to Ryoko's, which seemed unnecessary.
June 28, 2018
What a book!! Destiny is the first in this series, and I am definitely going to be checking out the rest!
The author has created a rich world and filled it with likeable three dimensional characters. Each have their quirks- some you will love...some you won't.
There's plenty of action in the storyline, though I think the plot was a little lacking- i feel this book is being used to set the world and characters up for the following books, so I am super interested to see what happens next.
The author has created a rich world and filled it with likeable three dimensional characters. Each have their quirks- some you will love...some you won't.
There's plenty of action in the storyline, though I think the plot was a little lacking- i feel this book is being used to set the world and characters up for the following books, so I am super interested to see what happens next.
February 1, 2020
Most people could never kill without regret.
I don’t have that luxury. I’m an artificial creation who exists solely to follow the orders of a tyrannical maniac. Death is the only constant I know.
I want more, so I’m running.
Shannon begins another adventure that will snag your interest and hold it till the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don’t have that luxury. I’m an artificial creation who exists solely to follow the orders of a tyrannical maniac. Death is the only constant I know.
I want more, so I’m running.
Shannon begins another adventure that will snag your interest and hold it till the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2020
I was hoping to like this book more. The beginning of the book when we first meet Eira and Rai is really good. The pacing is good and I like the characterization. Once the duo make it to the city it just falls flat. Chapter after chapter it is basically the same things happening that lead really nowhere.
The reason I am continuing the series is because I like Rai and Eira. Also, the last line will make me read the next book just to figure out how.
I hope things pick up.
The reason I am continuing the series is because I like Rai and Eira. Also, the last line will make me read the next book just to figure out how.
I hope things pick up.
March 9, 2022
The author follows Eira as she attempts to escape the Hunters who are after her. She is marked as she is a DNA creation, an experiment. The author weaves a complex story of shamans, humans, dragons, and enhanced beings. Many attributes that are incredible are revealed and the real dark side is explained. We learn that there is a lot making up Eira, but there are hidden secrets that she doesn't reveal. The reader will feel shortchanged by not having that information.
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