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Felicia Sevigny #1
The Rule of Luck
Year 2950. Humanity has survived devastating climate shifts and four world wars, coming out stronger and smarter than ever. Incredible technology is available to all, and enhancements to appearance, intelligence, and physical ability are commonplace.
In this future, Felicia Sevigny has built her fame reading the futures of others.
Alexei Petriv, the most dangerous man in the TriSystem, will trust only Felicia to read his cards. But the future she sees is darker than either of them could ever have imagined. A future that pits them against an all-knowing government, almost superhuman criminals, and something from Felicia's past that she could never have predicted, but that could be the key to saving -- or destroying -- them all.
"A compelling and intriguing read built on a fascinating premise. Cerveny's future world is richly drawn, and Felicia's and Alexei's adventure is definitely an edge-of-your-seat ride." -- Linnea Sinclair, award-winning author of the Dock Five Universe series
"A novel with depth... a terrific story." -- The Qwillery
"A fresh heroine pairs with a dangerous hero to confront nuanced and compelling ethical dilemmas... fast-paced, tightly plotted." -- RT Book Reviews
In this future, Felicia Sevigny has built her fame reading the futures of others.
Alexei Petriv, the most dangerous man in the TriSystem, will trust only Felicia to read his cards. But the future she sees is darker than either of them could ever have imagined. A future that pits them against an all-knowing government, almost superhuman criminals, and something from Felicia's past that she could never have predicted, but that could be the key to saving -- or destroying -- them all.
"A compelling and intriguing read built on a fascinating premise. Cerveny's future world is richly drawn, and Felicia's and Alexei's adventure is definitely an edge-of-your-seat ride." -- Linnea Sinclair, award-winning author of the Dock Five Universe series
"A novel with depth... a terrific story." -- The Qwillery
"A fresh heroine pairs with a dangerous hero to confront nuanced and compelling ethical dilemmas... fast-paced, tightly plotted." -- RT Book Reviews
284 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2016
45 people are currently reading
1251 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cerveny
4 books107 followersCatherine Cerveny was born in Peterborough, Ontario. She'd always planned to move away to the big city but the small town life got its hooks in her and that's where she still resides today. Catherine is a huge fan of romance and science fiction and wishes the two genres would cross paths more often. The Rule of Luck is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 2, 2018
<3
I have this weird line in my brain that divides books into genres, above all if Romance is involved. It's not a pretty sight. If you happen to know me, you'll have an inkling of it.
UF romance:PNR=SCI-FI romance:Futuristic R or you could say thriller:RS
When the second part of that formula is invoked, it always means there's something wrong. That is the romance totally skews the plot.
Here we have a book with tons of possibilities, all taking the wrong turn. :/
Most of my nits revolve around the heroine, with some holes thrown in.
Heroine.
I spent half the book banging my head with my kindle. She doesn't see the writing on the wall, doesn't hear the shouts in the wind, doesn't taste the poison in the food. Difficult to like her fully. She was sympathetic and you didn't hate her, but I couldn't and wouldn't stand in her shoes.
The only thing she seemed capable to do was melting in a poo as soon as hero was near. And I'm literal here. She stops thinking and gets all hot and bothered. Guys, this isn't romance. It's not lust. This is heat or mate bond with another name. Why do authors think this is romance?
Unfortunately that lack of brain powers does not stop there. Roy had a huge sign on his head that said wrong. No I didn't guess his betrayal, but there's no cop that goes undercover for short times (4 days) and warns family to boot.
She's manipulated by all, above all the hero who destroys her life to do so. Do you think she sees it? Not. Does she reacts? Not really. And it's constant. Not a big reveal, but many. Driven by her dick, just with another name.
Plot
After the biggest one, she keeps on their plan because she gave her word. Sorry, but first this isn't the field of honor. Secondly she didn't. She actually stipulated that if what they asked of her isn't acceptable she left. Now, you're helping a monster to defeat another one. What they plan isn't any better, why keep going on? Except plot.
Ending, again plot with some magical (here scifi) help. Sorry, both needs strong world building, you don't get some magic new trinket that saves the day. It's really cheap and doesn't compute.
Worldbuilding
Interesting. But I'm not sure it's totally sound. We have powerful tech, but can't save the earth. We have a one child policy with people living up to 200, and more. In a place where food is strictly regulated and there's not enough land...
Overall this book had a very cool world and core idea that were totally marred by the need of smexy times and the like. Writing a real love story is difficult enough, with such a setting proved almost impossible.
But I think this author is one to keep one's eyes on. And I would suggest to try this book, at 0.99 you'd be a fool not to:-)
I have this weird line in my brain that divides books into genres, above all if Romance is involved. It's not a pretty sight. If you happen to know me, you'll have an inkling of it.
UF romance:PNR=SCI-FI romance:Futuristic R or you could say thriller:RS
When the second part of that formula is invoked, it always means there's something wrong. That is the romance totally skews the plot.
Here we have a book with tons of possibilities, all taking the wrong turn. :/
Most of my nits revolve around the heroine, with some holes thrown in.
Heroine.
I spent half the book banging my head with my kindle. She doesn't see the writing on the wall, doesn't hear the shouts in the wind, doesn't taste the poison in the food. Difficult to like her fully. She was sympathetic and you didn't hate her, but I couldn't and wouldn't stand in her shoes.
The only thing she seemed capable to do was melting in a poo as soon as hero was near. And I'm literal here. She stops thinking and gets all hot and bothered. Guys, this isn't romance. It's not lust. This is heat or mate bond with another name. Why do authors think this is romance?
Unfortunately that lack of brain powers does not stop there. Roy had a huge sign on his head that said wrong. No I didn't guess his betrayal, but there's no cop that goes undercover for short times (4 days) and warns family to boot.
She's manipulated by all, above all the hero who destroys her life to do so. Do you think she sees it? Not. Does she reacts? Not really. And it's constant. Not a big reveal, but many. Driven by her dick, just with another name.
Plot
After the biggest one, she keeps on their plan because she gave her word. Sorry, but first this isn't the field of honor. Secondly she didn't. She actually stipulated that if what they asked of her isn't acceptable she left. Now, you're helping a monster to defeat another one. What they plan isn't any better, why keep going on? Except plot.
Ending, again plot with some magical (here scifi) help. Sorry, both needs strong world building, you don't get some magic new trinket that saves the day. It's really cheap and doesn't compute.
Worldbuilding
Interesting. But I'm not sure it's totally sound. We have powerful tech, but can't save the earth. We have a one child policy with people living up to 200, and more. In a place where food is strictly regulated and there's not enough land...
Overall this book had a very cool world and core idea that were totally marred by the need of smexy times and the like. Writing a real love story is difficult enough, with such a setting proved almost impossible.
But I think this author is one to keep one's eyes on. And I would suggest to try this book, at 0.99 you'd be a fool not to:-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2017
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2017/10/3...
Publisher: Orbit
Publishing Date: November 2017
ISBN: 9780316510561
Genre: SciFi/Romance
Rating: 2.1/5
Publishers Description: Year 2950. Humanity has survived devastating climate shifts and four world wars, coming out stronger and smarter than ever. Incredible technology is available to all, and enhancements to appearance, intelligence, and physical ability are commonplace.
In this future, Felicia Sevigny has built her fame reading the futures of others.
Review: I really should have shit-canned this novel after the first three chapters. Imagine you’re a woman that meets a dashing, rich and dangerous man, and within the first 24 hours you are having a standing orgasm while he gropes you at a restaurant and later, fall to your knees in the shower fantasizing about it. Is that really showbiz? Is that kind of unbelievable smut, entertainment? Do those interludes enhance the story line and lend relevance or intimacy to a relationship? I dunno, maybe I am a bit antiquated in that a whole lot of good story line development was wasted. Why not make the attraction unsaid and subtle for say 5 chapters or that one of them is uninterested in the other? But no, we get a tawdry love tri-bangle with the international man of mystery and a beat cop with throw up on his shirt and a pregnant wife. Gee, tough choice.
What is undeniable is that this author not only can write, but has a great attention to detail that moves the plot in a favorable way. Basically you always like where you are. It is at once interesting and inescapable in its attraction. While the characters are fairly one-dimensional (romance) the movement whisks you along so there is never a dull moment. Sure there are boners galore, fingers probing folds along with heaving breasts and Asshat….errr, Felica is a sexually unbridled and insecure dumbfuk BUT, thankfully the world building is pretty good. Mr. Perfection is fascinated with asshat….er Felicia and behaves like a jealous three year old around her. Of course he has a huge dick and she is tighter than a frogs ass.
I rather enjoyed the SciFi element but detested the Nora Roberts crap and for that it loses a star. This author could write hard science fiction and be very successful at it.
April 25, 2017
TW: CHEATING, CHILD ABUSE
Finally, an urban fantasy series that I can turn to, now that I've become disenchanted with Kate Daniels!
Felicia Sevigny is a tarot reader - actually the best tarot reader.
It seems luck follows her, whether it's good or bad luck, now that's another matter...
In a future where the government controls your fertility, Felicia finds herself blacklisted from being allowed to have a child. And she'll go to whatever lengths she needs to so she can have the future she wants.
Terrorists, political plots, the russian mob, her boyfriend, meddling relatives, and Alexei Petriv all seem to mess up her plans and contribute to reveal and overarching mystery that could decide Felicia's fate.
I have to say, I LOVE Felicia. There was never one moment - not one! - when she was tstl!
All she did and thought made sense.
Do you know how rare it is to have a main character being clever and figuring out the plot AHEAD of the reader?!
I was so thankful, you have no idea...
Then we have Alexei Petriv, the usual alpha male we see in romance novels: rich, incredibly gorgeous, amazing at everything he does... and a possessive asshole who turns into a caveman where Felicia is concerned.
But the thing is, whenever he does this, Felicia acts like a normal woman aware of red-flags and wary of creepy behaviour would: she freaks out. She calls him out on his shit. She makes it clear that his behaviour is not acceptable.
And that, too, is incredibly refreshing.
It's so wonderful when - even with a heavy dose of lust at first sight - you have the male super alpha love interest try to charm the main character and she just rolls her eyes and thinks it's dumb and corny. Like... girl, I feel you!
And the plot kept me on the edge of my seat!
I honestly did not see a lot of the twists coming!
Not to say that this is a perfect story - it involves cheating (which I abhor!), and a love triangle (ugh).
But it's all resolved quite satisfactorily by the end, so that's okay.
Anyway, I loved this book so much that I've already pre-ordered the paperback!
October 28, 2020
3.5
From the cover and description I was expecting a straight up magical UF- but no.
I got a dystopian futuristic sci-fi thriller romance with some steam and science on the side! Plus a little mysticism and tarot thrown in.
Overall fun read- and I had to give it a 3.5 for the concept.
I really liked the 'luck' aspect of the story as well as the tarot angle, and think it has a lot of potential in upcoming books.
However, I don't know if I will read on because I wasn't exactly into the romance between the main couple. Kind of frantic at times (if that makes sense) and he was a bit of a jerkwad. Also,
From the cover and description I was expecting a straight up magical UF- but no.
I got a dystopian futuristic sci-fi thriller romance with some steam and science on the side! Plus a little mysticism and tarot thrown in.
Overall fun read- and I had to give it a 3.5 for the concept.
I really liked the 'luck' aspect of the story as well as the tarot angle, and think it has a lot of potential in upcoming books.
However, I don't know if I will read on because I wasn't exactly into the romance between the main couple. Kind of frantic at times (if that makes sense) and he was a bit of a jerkwad. Also,
November 12, 2017
While the world-building in this story was certainly fascinating, I felt the plot was overwhelmed by the numerous mundane and cliched romance tropes, particularly the possessive alpha male hero and the female protagonist who has no practically no agency. I felt the story would have been much stronger if it had struck a better balance between the science fiction elements and the romance elements. Unfortunately, the cliched romance made it pretty difficult to focus on much else, and the rest of the plot fell very flat for me.
2.5/5 stars
[NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
2.5/5 stars
[NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.]
September 13, 2017
I enjoyed this sci-fi. Has from Book Pushers rec'd it to me. It's set in the future, the heroine can read tarot cards and has a "luck" gene - where she kinda knows when trouble is coming.
The hero is a wealthy russian guy - bad guy rep, but not really. He hires the heroine for a job - and then the book takes off. There are some big twists I enjoyed. Really nice voice
The hero is a wealthy russian guy - bad guy rep, but not really. He hires the heroine for a job - and then the book takes off. There are some big twists I enjoyed. Really nice voice
May 6, 2020
I was in a bit of a reading slump before I picked this book up but now I'm cured :)
This is a romance heavy sci-fi. It's a fun and easy read but it still has enough drama and depth to keep your interest.
The sci-fi aspect was done in a very refreshing way. I don't think I've seen a story like this before. Felicia is a fortune teller from a large clan of tech averse Romanis. She has a business, she's building up her life, and her dream is to have a baby which is something you dont ever see with heroines in stories like this. It's nice that she had her own goals before she even met the hero. She's a very interesting character and I liked her "gut feeling" quirk.
The romance was one of those where a really powerful guy becomes almost obsessed with the seemingly more normal heroine. It's seems to go too fast at first, but everything makes sense in context. When Alexi, a russian mobster, acts as crazy as you would expect Felicia reacts like a normal person would. She's never weak compared to him. And Alexi himself is written as his own person, not as a romance hero fantasy. Their romance is a tad bit cheesy sometimes, but it was overall very good and fun to read. Personally, I think it's hard to find a romance of this type that is done well so I was really happy to find this.
(Also, at the start of the story the heroine cheats on her boyfriend with Alexi. Normally that is a huge deal breaker for me but it actually works in this story.)
This is a romance heavy sci-fi. It's a fun and easy read but it still has enough drama and depth to keep your interest.
The sci-fi aspect was done in a very refreshing way. I don't think I've seen a story like this before. Felicia is a fortune teller from a large clan of tech averse Romanis. She has a business, she's building up her life, and her dream is to have a baby which is something you dont ever see with heroines in stories like this. It's nice that she had her own goals before she even met the hero. She's a very interesting character and I liked her "gut feeling" quirk.
The romance was one of those where a really powerful guy becomes almost obsessed with the seemingly more normal heroine. It's seems to go too fast at first, but everything makes sense in context. When Alexi, a russian mobster, acts as crazy as you would expect Felicia reacts like a normal person would. She's never weak compared to him. And Alexi himself is written as his own person, not as a romance hero fantasy. Their romance is a tad bit cheesy sometimes, but it was overall very good and fun to read. Personally, I think it's hard to find a romance of this type that is done well so I was really happy to find this.
(Also, at the start of the story the heroine cheats on her boyfriend with Alexi. Normally that is a huge deal breaker for me but it actually works in this story.)
September 25, 2019
There was a lot to like here - the year is 2950, thanks to the melting of the polar caps and numerous natural disasters only a few high altitude cities are left populated on Earth, along with Mars and Venus. One Gov rule, controlling the numbers of children born, given lack of space. But for all there are tech modifications and you can stay young and beautiful forever if you can afford it.
The world building could have been heavy handed, instead it was rather effortless and immediately sucked me in. Enter our heroine, Felicia, descended from Romani gypsies she makes a living as tarot card reader, and relying on her never wrong gut instincts.
Before you can blink Felicia's world is turned upside down, family secrets are uncovered and she is caught up in Alexei Petriv's gravitational pull - gorgeous, enigmatic and perhaps the most dangerous man in the universe, given he leads the Tsarist Russian Mob otherwise known as the government opposition party.
I enjoyed Felicia's reliance upon her tarot cards/gut, her distrust of high-tech and her inevitable romance with Alexei. Occasionally I found the romance chat a little on the hyperbole, bordering on the transcendent love side of the equation - but the overall story and our heroine, Felicia, kept and held my attention from the first to the last page.
The world building could have been heavy handed, instead it was rather effortless and immediately sucked me in. Enter our heroine, Felicia, descended from Romani gypsies she makes a living as tarot card reader, and relying on her never wrong gut instincts.
Before you can blink Felicia's world is turned upside down, family secrets are uncovered and she is caught up in Alexei Petriv's gravitational pull - gorgeous, enigmatic and perhaps the most dangerous man in the universe, given he leads the Tsarist Russian Mob otherwise known as the government opposition party.
I enjoyed Felicia's reliance upon her tarot cards/gut, her distrust of high-tech and her inevitable romance with Alexei. Occasionally I found the romance chat a little on the hyperbole, bordering on the transcendent love side of the equation - but the overall story and our heroine, Felicia, kept and held my attention from the first to the last page.
October 28, 2017
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
There are authors who blend romance and sci fi perfectly - Linna Sinclair, for example always strikes the perfect balance. Here, with Catherine Cerveny's Rule of Luck, we have the opposite: the science fiction is simplistic window dressing for a cliche alpha male lust story. Our heroine exhibits the usual TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) syndrome and the lead male spends most of the book manipulating or saving our Penelope-in-distress. Add in anachronistic current year slang and this is a huge disappointment of a book.Story: It is 2950 and Felicia is a tarot card reader professional and part of a very interesting family. When a Russian nobleman arrives demanding a read, she drops everything because he is hot and has 'magnetic blue eyes'. He soon manipulates her into helping a huge consortium change the balance of power in the human universe. She goes along because he's hot.
There are some side points about her mother being involved in a mystery, yada yada. But the story is about Felicia constantly being saved by Alexei. Perhaps because I couldn't get out of my mind Solitaire from the James Bond movie Live and Let Die, Felicia was even more insipid than written - a kitten hissing at big growling dogs. But honestly, she's pretty dense, lacks any kind of survival skills, and gets manipulated by everyone in the book. Note to romance authors: being feisty is not the same as being strong.
Most of the book was lust - no character development, no interest in the leads getting to know each other. No emotional connection or investment. Just, sex and horniness. I suppose there is a bit of a reason at the end but I would have liked our lead character to have enough strength of will to a) not cheat on her boyfriend and then not feel bad about it, and 2) be able to think about her business rather than how horny Alexei triggers her. It's difficult to root for the heroine when she's more interesting in thinking about her next meeting with Alexei rather than the boyfriend she just cheated on and who is going crazy looking for her after she goes missing.
I have to admit, it was hard not to roll my eyes through a lot of us. I think romance readers who like alpha males and 'feisty' but helpless females who need to be saved all the time will enjoy The Rule of Luck. But those interested in sci fi, character development, or actual romance over lust will find this a very unsatisfying read. This is definitely not similar to Linnea Sinclair, who actually develops strong and intelligent lead characters. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
December 21, 2017
The Rule of Luck was an enjoyable urban fantasy/sci-fi tale with some interesting elements and a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Felicia Sevigny is a tarot reader who makes her living giving readings in her own shop. She meets an interesting-slash-shady customer who wants a reading in a hurry and is willing to pay handsomely, which Felicia is most willing to take since her funds have been depleted dealing with other...issues. A simple reading should be just that - simple, yet she finds herself pulled into a dangerous network of criminals, with someone in her past at the center. Two sides want all the power and Felicia is now in the middle.
Right from the beginning, the author throws technology and terminology at the reader, leaving explanations of hows and whys until much later. The world-building and the setting left much to be desired on my part and what could have been an immersive and richly built world felt a little shallow with the author just skimming the surface rather than offering a much deeper glimpse. At the end, I sort of, kind of got the gist of this world and why much of it takes place in Africa, but I still don’t understand the entire Russian storyline and why the Russians are so prominent. Same with some of the tech - why do planes fly almost in space, how in the world does an elevator that reaches the atmosphere work, does everyone have a flight limo rather than regular cars. I’m left with more questions than answers and I’m hoping that many of them will be resolved in future books of this series, which I plan to read because I did like many of the elements presented, including the romance.
The characters were definitely more fleshed out and dimensional than the world was, and I liked how many of them were in the grey area in terms of morality. There’s conspiracy, lies, and bad behavior all around, but sometimes the reasons for said behavior were often for a noble cause. The romance was hot right from the start and this book should certainly appeal to readers who like their males alpha and their boys bad (hi, yes. this is me.).
All in all, I enjoyed The Rule of Luck for the most part, and I’m hoping that any questions and any confusion I had will be addressed and resolved in future books in this series. I’ll definitely be recommending this book and not just because of the steamy romance. 3.5 stars.
*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Felicia Sevigny is a tarot reader who makes her living giving readings in her own shop. She meets an interesting-slash-shady customer who wants a reading in a hurry and is willing to pay handsomely, which Felicia is most willing to take since her funds have been depleted dealing with other...issues. A simple reading should be just that - simple, yet she finds herself pulled into a dangerous network of criminals, with someone in her past at the center. Two sides want all the power and Felicia is now in the middle.
Right from the beginning, the author throws technology and terminology at the reader, leaving explanations of hows and whys until much later. The world-building and the setting left much to be desired on my part and what could have been an immersive and richly built world felt a little shallow with the author just skimming the surface rather than offering a much deeper glimpse. At the end, I sort of, kind of got the gist of this world and why much of it takes place in Africa, but I still don’t understand the entire Russian storyline and why the Russians are so prominent. Same with some of the tech - why do planes fly almost in space, how in the world does an elevator that reaches the atmosphere work, does everyone have a flight limo rather than regular cars. I’m left with more questions than answers and I’m hoping that many of them will be resolved in future books of this series, which I plan to read because I did like many of the elements presented, including the romance.
The characters were definitely more fleshed out and dimensional than the world was, and I liked how many of them were in the grey area in terms of morality. There’s conspiracy, lies, and bad behavior all around, but sometimes the reasons for said behavior were often for a noble cause. The romance was hot right from the start and this book should certainly appeal to readers who like their males alpha and their boys bad (hi, yes. this is me.).
All in all, I enjoyed The Rule of Luck for the most part, and I’m hoping that any questions and any confusion I had will be addressed and resolved in future books in this series. I’ll definitely be recommending this book and not just because of the steamy romance. 3.5 stars.
*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 21, 2018
I don't know why this isn't rated higher. I freaking loved it. This is a reminder to self to give books a chance that have a lower rating.
This was a 4.5 star, as a couple things irritated. I wished the chemistry would have had a slower build. Other than that can't wait for next book. Better yet.. no cliffhanger.
This was a 4.5 star, as a couple things irritated. I wished the chemistry would have had a slower build. Other than that can't wait for next book. Better yet.. no cliffhanger.
September 24, 2017
Quite enjoyed this sci fi romance. Plenty of drama and a most enjoyable read.
April 11, 2016
3.7
This took me a bit to get into but once I was in, I was hooked.
However, there are a few things that bugged me....
Not enough Tarot. There were some really good scenes with tarot but for a professional and hereditary tarot reader, Felicia would be consulting them or thinking about them a lot more.
While the world building gets 3 stars (even though it's a bit too much for me to wrap my head around because I've never been good with time/space travel and things of that nature ) oh and . The idea of government having too much power and what is the natural right of humans also gets brought up and is interwoven in everything Felicia and Alexei fight for and against. That's another .5 star.
Now for the characters:
We have Alexei, who is borderline Alpha Asshole and mostly because he was built that way. He starts to redeem himself as the book progresses and by the end you're a fan , and Felicia who is not as kick ass as she could be because she is in the shadow of said Alpha, and they have a steamy steamy chemistry. Minus the whole seemingly weaker than the male point, these two characters make sense. Especially when they are together.
In fact, the secondary characters were pretty cool too. I really enjoyed Oksana and Charlie Zero. I hope they're in the next one because they add the right dimension to the story and the characters. .
Felicia, I think, is the only one that bugged me a bit. That's mainly because she was hot-tempered and quick to judge without waiting for reasoning. Which works for most of the book, except the whole thing with Pennyworth . I did love Felicia's sass though. Her interactions with Belinkov would've had a lesser woman cursing, throwing and spitting but she handled it well and she handled it with sass and style.
The Alexei at the end, is the Alexei that is perfect for Felicia and vice versa. Both characters seemed to have grown and are right for each other based on what they went through.
Then through a series of manipulations, schemes and little betrayals (trust me, by the third time that Felicia got mad I rolled my eyes because at that point she should've expected it) we culminate to the end of the book (You need to read the whole book, not just rely on my little hints and spoilers) which has a predictable outcome in many respects but in a very unconventional and unpredictable manner (unless you paid super close attention and understand SCIENCE!).
All in all, I recommend this book. It would be a good summer read and while the sex scene is a little unrealistic (no guy can go that long), it's still pretty awesome.
I'm in line to read the next installment all ready. I just hope Felicia has a little more backbone and we get more tarot.
NetGalley and Publisher ARC in exchange for an honest (and in this case, lengthy) review)
This took me a bit to get into but once I was in, I was hooked.
However, there are a few things that bugged me....
Not enough Tarot. There were some really good scenes with tarot but for a professional and hereditary tarot reader, Felicia would be consulting them or thinking about them a lot more.
While the world building gets 3 stars (even though it's a bit too much for me to wrap my head around because I've never been good with time/space travel and things of that nature ) oh and . The idea of government having too much power and what is the natural right of humans also gets brought up and is interwoven in everything Felicia and Alexei fight for and against. That's another .5 star.
Now for the characters:
We have Alexei, who is borderline Alpha Asshole and mostly because he was built that way. He starts to redeem himself as the book progresses and by the end you're a fan , and Felicia who is not as kick ass as she could be because she is in the shadow of said Alpha, and they have a steamy steamy chemistry. Minus the whole seemingly weaker than the male point, these two characters make sense. Especially when they are together.
In fact, the secondary characters were pretty cool too. I really enjoyed Oksana and Charlie Zero. I hope they're in the next one because they add the right dimension to the story and the characters. .
Felicia, I think, is the only one that bugged me a bit. That's mainly because she was hot-tempered and quick to judge without waiting for reasoning. Which works for most of the book, except the whole thing with Pennyworth . I did love Felicia's sass though. Her interactions with Belinkov would've had a lesser woman cursing, throwing and spitting but she handled it well and she handled it with sass and style.
The Alexei at the end, is the Alexei that is perfect for Felicia and vice versa. Both characters seemed to have grown and are right for each other based on what they went through.
Then through a series of manipulations, schemes and little betrayals (trust me, by the third time that Felicia got mad I rolled my eyes because at that point she should've expected it) we culminate to the end of the book (You need to read the whole book, not just rely on my little hints and spoilers) which has a predictable outcome in many respects but in a very unconventional and unpredictable manner (unless you paid super close attention and understand SCIENCE!).
All in all, I recommend this book. It would be a good summer read and while the sex scene is a little unrealistic (no guy can go that long), it's still pretty awesome.
I'm in line to read the next installment all ready. I just hope Felicia has a little more backbone and we get more tarot.
NetGalley and Publisher ARC in exchange for an honest (and in this case, lengthy) review)
November 23, 2017
I received a free copy of Rule of Luck through Goodreads Giveaways. There’s no obligation for me to leave a review, but I am choosing to do so.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I received my copy of Rule of Luck. I knew from the description that it was more along the lines of science fiction, being set in the future with gene modifications being the norm. I also knew that the cover was absolutely stunning – though it still doesn’t quite read as a science fiction cover to me. Whatever expectations I have for this novel were certainly met, and then some.
Rule of Luck is an interesting blend of science fiction and romance, along with a dash of mystery. I know some people don’t like it when genres mix, but I personally really enjoyed it. It’s a relatively quick read, and it certainly doesn’t feel like it drags long, as the pace is even throughout.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I received my copy of Rule of Luck. I knew from the description that it was more along the lines of science fiction, being set in the future with gene modifications being the norm. I also knew that the cover was absolutely stunning – though it still doesn’t quite read as a science fiction cover to me. Whatever expectations I have for this novel were certainly met, and then some.
Rule of Luck is an interesting blend of science fiction and romance, along with a dash of mystery. I know some people don’t like it when genres mix, but I personally really enjoyed it. It’s a relatively quick read, and it certainly doesn’t feel like it drags long, as the pace is even throughout.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
February 9, 2022
A very fascinating Dystopian, futuristic, sci-fi, spicy romantic thriller! The tarot card aspect of this story was very intriguing which set Felicia Sevigny's story apart from any other sci-fi, romance I've read! This world Ms. Cerveny created was quite interesting! From the DNA manipulation to government factions just gave this story so much depth. The characters remind me of chess pieces. Each character, no matter how small or minor, has a role to play in unravelling quite a thrilling storyline. I found the chemistry between Felicia and Alexei explosive! Alexei is so good being bad! I cannot wait to read Felicia's next adventure in The Chaos of Luck!
February 9, 2016
The Rule of Luck is Catherine Cerveny's debut novel. You can tell that Cerveny has spent a lot of time thinking about and creating her future Earth. The wordlbuilding is exceptional and is not bogged down by minutiae. Cerveny gives you everything you need to understand why this future Earth is the way it is and it's fascinating.
I truly enjoyed the two main characters Felicia Sevigny and Alexei Petriv. The are both interesting and flawed. They make a wonderful, if not expected, couple. Felicia is a Tarot Card reader who really can read the cards and give advice to her clientele. Cerveny also provides insight into the Tarot and the way the cards are read that helps the reader get into the mind of Felicia. Alexei is the heir apparent to the Russian criminal enterprise that exists on Earth. He is somewhat rigid and very in control. He has his weak spots though. Their relationship starts as a professional one and progresses to more. It's not an easy road for either of them, with both of them questioning everything. Their relationship builds slowly with some difficult bumps along the way. Both Felicia and Alexei grow emotionally over the course of the novel and you can't but hope they will somehow end up together.
In addition to being a romance, The Rule of Luck deals with issues of what happens after the Earth faces catastrophic natural disasters. How do you provide resources and not overwhelm the planet? There are also issues of posthumanism, ethical and not-so-ethical science, population control, cutting edge science, and more. This is a novel with depth and gives you much to think about while being a really engaging and exciting read.
Cerveny has deftly blended Science Fiction and Romance. The writing is crisp and the novel flows beautifully. There is plenty of action and thrills as Felicia gets drawn deeper into Alexei's plans. The Rule of Luck is a compelling read with engaging characters, a terrific story and a somewhat frightening portrayal of future Earth.
I truly enjoyed the two main characters Felicia Sevigny and Alexei Petriv. The are both interesting and flawed. They make a wonderful, if not expected, couple. Felicia is a Tarot Card reader who really can read the cards and give advice to her clientele. Cerveny also provides insight into the Tarot and the way the cards are read that helps the reader get into the mind of Felicia. Alexei is the heir apparent to the Russian criminal enterprise that exists on Earth. He is somewhat rigid and very in control. He has his weak spots though. Their relationship starts as a professional one and progresses to more. It's not an easy road for either of them, with both of them questioning everything. Their relationship builds slowly with some difficult bumps along the way. Both Felicia and Alexei grow emotionally over the course of the novel and you can't but hope they will somehow end up together.
In addition to being a romance, The Rule of Luck deals with issues of what happens after the Earth faces catastrophic natural disasters. How do you provide resources and not overwhelm the planet? There are also issues of posthumanism, ethical and not-so-ethical science, population control, cutting edge science, and more. This is a novel with depth and gives you much to think about while being a really engaging and exciting read.
Cerveny has deftly blended Science Fiction and Romance. The writing is crisp and the novel flows beautifully. There is plenty of action and thrills as Felicia gets drawn deeper into Alexei's plans. The Rule of Luck is a compelling read with engaging characters, a terrific story and a somewhat frightening portrayal of future Earth.
September 29, 2018
3.5 stars
January 12, 2019
This was far from flawless, but I did really enjoy it. I plan to read the rest of the series. I think it's a decent soft sci-fi story with a strong romance element.
November 12, 2018
6/10
So after finishing this book, I stand by my original harsh criticism of its construction, but I was also treated with the realization upon reading the author's bio in the afterward that this was her first work. That explains a lot and heartens me that I felt it was getting better as it went along.
In the end, I still don't like the characters that much--especially the flat, obnoxious, boringly perfect male lead--and it is DEFINITELY not my cup of romance tea, since the male lead is constantly ignoring the female lead's requests to stop, cut it out, give me space, listen to me, let me think, allow me to explain, I just need time, etc etc etc. He just does whatever he wants and we get placated by the main character's inner dialogue saying that that's fine and she's into it, but honestly it just made me violently hate a character I already thought was dull and unlikeable.
The female lead is great though, and the science fiction stuff is really fascinating. I feel like this author does a great job of drawing a nice line in the suspension of disbelief in the reader so that she can give us soft (out of the scope of viability) science fiction and lead us through the story with it without giving that eye-rolling, wtf-are-you-kidding me feeling.
Overall, great pop sci-fi, weak romance (due to grody--yet admitted industry-standard--power-dynamic tropes I no longer have any patience for), and an eventually likeable narrator.
So after finishing this book, I stand by my original harsh criticism of its construction, but I was also treated with the realization upon reading the author's bio in the afterward that this was her first work. That explains a lot and heartens me that I felt it was getting better as it went along.
In the end, I still don't like the characters that much--especially the flat, obnoxious, boringly perfect male lead--and it is DEFINITELY not my cup of romance tea, since the male lead is constantly ignoring the female lead's requests to stop, cut it out, give me space, listen to me, let me think, allow me to explain, I just need time, etc etc etc. He just does whatever he wants and we get placated by the main character's inner dialogue saying that that's fine and she's into it, but honestly it just made me violently hate a character I already thought was dull and unlikeable.
The female lead is great though, and the science fiction stuff is really fascinating. I feel like this author does a great job of drawing a nice line in the suspension of disbelief in the reader so that she can give us soft (out of the scope of viability) science fiction and lead us through the story with it without giving that eye-rolling, wtf-are-you-kidding me feeling.
Overall, great pop sci-fi, weak romance (due to grody--yet admitted industry-standard--power-dynamic tropes I no longer have any patience for), and an eventually likeable narrator.
January 19, 2021
Quite good! Surprisingly things get very sci fi. It’s still a romance but the sci fi elements were more hardcore than I expected. I really enjoyed that!
I was not 100% taken in by the heroine but she was interesting. I think she grew on me more toward the end.
I did like the hero much better. Interestingly, the hero is already in pursuit mode from the first page. That was different and mysterious. We never have his POV so it was fun finding out what was going on and why.
P.S. OMG! This is a series! I just realised! Things are wrapped up well enough that I had the feeling this was a stand-alone! But no! There is more of them! I’m so excited now!
I was not 100% taken in by the heroine but she was interesting. I think she grew on me more toward the end.
I did like the hero much better. Interestingly, the hero is already in pursuit mode from the first page. That was different and mysterious. We never have his POV so it was fun finding out what was going on and why.
P.S. OMG! This is a series! I just realised! Things are wrapped up well enough that I had the feeling this was a stand-alone! But no! There is more of them! I’m so excited now!
January 7, 2018
Generally enjoyable, I liked how much Felicia stood up for herself and showed anger for her mistreatments at Alexei's hand. And there were a lot of them. So many in fact that, even by the end, I had a hard time letting go and rooting for them as a pair. This was exasperated by the fact that the sort of love/lust developing is based on something other than who they are as people. (Think fated mates, but not.) This always annoys me, because it makes them interchangeable with anyone else who fills that demographic.
All in all, however, I liked Cerveny's writing and the book itself. I'm not sure if I'm up for more of this series, but I'm sure interested in more of Cerveny's writing.
All in all, however, I liked Cerveny's writing and the book itself. I'm not sure if I'm up for more of this series, but I'm sure interested in more of Cerveny's writing.
June 2, 2019
Loved it, what a great series.
April 30, 2018
[4.5 stars] LOVED this book. sexy, smart, sci fi. my weakness. could be tightened up a little but altogether, great.
September 7, 2017
full review to be posted at The Book Pushers.
I must be in a sci fi kick at the moment. I was intrigued with the premise of the series in a highly technological sophisticated world and a fortune telling heroine who is genetically gifted with luck. The world building was really well thought out with different factions vying for control in the solar system that has managed to terraformed Venus, Mars and the outer planets.
The heroine was engaging and likeable and I thought her abilities contrasted in an interesting way with the futuristic tech and how that interacted with the plot which added an interesting dynamic to the story. I also enjoyed the romance between Felicia and Alexei who is heir apparent in a powerful crime based consortium that is vying to take over the system. Their scenes together really sizzled although I was not keen on the fact that Felicia was involved with a boyfriend in the book although there was a twist that didn't impact my enjoyment of the book or true romance .
Overall I really enjoyed the book and I am reading the sequel right now!
I must be in a sci fi kick at the moment. I was intrigued with the premise of the series in a highly technological sophisticated world and a fortune telling heroine who is genetically gifted with luck. The world building was really well thought out with different factions vying for control in the solar system that has managed to terraformed Venus, Mars and the outer planets.
The heroine was engaging and likeable and I thought her abilities contrasted in an interesting way with the futuristic tech and how that interacted with the plot which added an interesting dynamic to the story. I also enjoyed the romance between Felicia and Alexei who is heir apparent in a powerful crime based consortium that is vying to take over the system. Their scenes together really sizzled although I was not keen on the fact that Felicia was involved with a boyfriend in the book although there was a twist that didn't impact my enjoyment of the book or true romance .
Overall I really enjoyed the book and I am reading the sequel right now!
December 29, 2017
This was exactly what a needed, an easy, fun read! Overall I really enjoyed the slightly dystopian, mostly sci-fi setting, the strong, totally capable heroine, and the world building.
Felicia Sevigny is a tarot card reader, living in Nairobi, Kenya, one of the last few cities on Earth following the melting of the ice caps. In this new world there is a single goverenment who control everything - population, calories consumption, resources - and humans are spread throughout colonies on Mars and Venus due to the small amount of livable land still on Earth. She is a genuine tarot card reader thanks to her extremely intuitive gut urges, also known as a "luck gene".
The male hero, Alexei Petriv, is leader of what used to be a mafia organization, that seems to be going legit in order to fight back against the current world government. He is a total alpha, a little too much so most of the time, but Felicia calls him on his shit constantly which makes it bearable.
The best part is the world building! How the characters travel around the city of Nairobi, around the Earth, and from Earth to the other colonized planets. Everyone is chipped and connected to a hive-mind type internet, except for our heroine and some others, allowing for instant transfers of information, learning of languages, and identifying literally anything around you. Very cool concepts at play in this universe.
I just purchased book 2, Chaos of Luck, and can't wait to see how Felicia's adventures continue!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel.
Felicia Sevigny is a tarot card reader, living in Nairobi, Kenya, one of the last few cities on Earth following the melting of the ice caps. In this new world there is a single goverenment who control everything - population, calories consumption, resources - and humans are spread throughout colonies on Mars and Venus due to the small amount of livable land still on Earth. She is a genuine tarot card reader thanks to her extremely intuitive gut urges, also known as a "luck gene".
The male hero, Alexei Petriv, is leader of what used to be a mafia organization, that seems to be going legit in order to fight back against the current world government. He is a total alpha, a little too much so most of the time, but Felicia calls him on his shit constantly which makes it bearable.
The best part is the world building! How the characters travel around the city of Nairobi, around the Earth, and from Earth to the other colonized planets. Everyone is chipped and connected to a hive-mind type internet, except for our heroine and some others, allowing for instant transfers of information, learning of languages, and identifying literally anything around you. Very cool concepts at play in this universe.
I just purchased book 2, Chaos of Luck, and can't wait to see how Felicia's adventures continue!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel.
February 17, 2020
Wow. This was terrible. Just fucking awful. I really wanted to like this too. I love sci-fi, I love romance this should have been a win win. The characters have potential; Felicia is a taro card reader in the year 2950 which sounds like such a cool concept. Unfortunately she is cardboard stupidity. I wanted more of the card reading and less of the pathetic helpless female with zero personality. The romance with Felicia and Alexei is so poorly done. There was no build up and really no chemistry that I could tell. Sure Felicia felt drawn to Alexei because of 'luck' apparently but other than that, why? I didn't get it. At all.
Oh and the dialogue oh my God the dialogue. I can't stand shitty dialogue. I'll give you an example; so the main characters are all over each other, making out naked like and they pretty much talk through the whole thing. At one point Charlotte says "I need you. Please just take me" and Alexei's response is "I think we should get down to business." Seriously! Editor can we get an editor over here? Fuck off!
I thought that the element of luck was misused as well. I don't relate telling the future through card reading with having luck. I felt that was a weak connection that wasn't handled very well. If anything wouldn't having precognition be a better gene to exploit than luck?
In conclusion this was shit and I'm sad about it.
Oh and the dialogue oh my God the dialogue. I can't stand shitty dialogue. I'll give you an example; so the main characters are all over each other, making out naked like and they pretty much talk through the whole thing. At one point Charlotte says "I need you. Please just take me" and Alexei's response is "I think we should get down to business." Seriously! Editor can we get an editor over here? Fuck off!
I thought that the element of luck was misused as well. I don't relate telling the future through card reading with having luck. I felt that was a weak connection that wasn't handled very well. If anything wouldn't having precognition be a better gene to exploit than luck?
In conclusion this was shit and I'm sad about it.
February 1, 2016
Enjoyed it! A really good mix of sci-fi and romance - with just enough tech to give a sense of what this future is (or is not - hope Elon Musk doesn't make these kinds of mistakes with his hyperloop!) - but not so much to be a distraction. And a projection of a globally-governed society that is well drawn and believable. The first-person narrative by Felicia is engaging. She is capable, and we get to go along with her on her adventure, as she learns more about herself. Refreshing to have a tough male lead show some vulnerabilities. Great climactic twist that I did not see coming! Looking forward to the sequel!
FYI... (Jedi Kitty): Looks like the author did her homework... Felicia is the feminine form of the Latin name Felicius, a derivative of Felix - meaning "lucky, successful" in Latin. Naming her character "Lucky" would have been too cliché. ; )
FYI... (Jedi Kitty): Looks like the author did her homework... Felicia is the feminine form of the Latin name Felicius, a derivative of Felix - meaning "lucky, successful" in Latin. Naming her character "Lucky" would have been too cliché. ; )
December 9, 2018
Stumbled upon this little gem by accident and was happy I did, hard to put down.
May 8, 2019
Fun
If you don’t mind a few cliches this is a fun read. I’ll probably check out the next book too.
If you don’t mind a few cliches this is a fun read. I’ll probably check out the next book too.
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