Their journey will span the universe and back, but there’s no guarantee they’ll make it together.
Though Nick and Fieo are drawn to each other, their relationship has never been easy. Their differences go beyond their races, but they’ve managed to work together to prevent the spread of corruption, growing closer along the way. Nick still battles the effects of years of loneliness, fear, and pain but surprises everyone when he refuses to stay behind when Fieo is sent on a vital mission to find the Collectors. Fieo objects, but there’s no stopping Nick when he sets his mind to something. Over the course of their mission, it becomes clear Nick is more than anyone ever imagined, but the mystery of his past threatens to derail his future.
The search for the truth will take Fieo and Nick far from Caeorleia, to worlds both familiar and completely alien, and put stress on their already tenuous relationship. It’s a journey that will either tear them apart or finally bring them together.
Hi! I'm Alicia, also known as Cia. I'm a huge bookworm and I also write straight and gay fiction online under both names. I love to mix modern and paranormal worlds! When I'm not reading for pleasure or writing, I'm beta reading for my author friends, doing photography, or taking care of my very patient family! You can find links to all of my free online fiction through my blog.
You can find a list of my free ebooks under the author name Cia_.
This series has proven to be an interesting progression starting with The Experiment, with Seral and the human Ryker establishing the world of Caeorleia and its customs.
In Adverse Effects we saw the character building blossom as Dade and Yaske struggled to figure out who wanted them dead.
And now, in Cosmic Inception, we’ve completely moved off planet with the characters Nickolas and Fieo, introduced in book two, where Nick is able to overcome his fears and doubts that his freedom of choice to choose Fieo, is exactly that, it’s his choice, not some genetically manipulated bond.
But Cosmic Inception is so much more than than Nick's self-doubts. If you’ve been following the series and the concept of belie, you should have had a tiny inkling that this idea would show up again. And this plot devise could have gone in a very – for me – wrong direction very quickly. I was surprised and delighted when it didn’t turn out to be a conventional read at all. Yes. I’m being vague to avoid spoilers.
Nordwell did a great job character building through action rather than just words and mashing of lips and hips. Nick grew because he was forced into situations by his unknown past and it’s his past that will give him the ability to move toward being more with Fieo.
Fieo’s role in this was of unwavering support. Nick knew Fieo would always come for him, and Fieo never let Nick down. Yes, Fieo - like Seral - wanted to stash "his male" to protect and cherish, and like Ryker and Dade, Nick rebelled, stood up and demanded Fieo see him as an individual, not an object to be set upon a mantel even if cherished.
I am super impressed - none of my issues from the first two books ever came into question here. I had my very early “Oh no, no, no….” concern, but Nordwell handled that very deftly and moved it to the resolution. I'm really not wild about the concept of belie but it works for others.
I only have one item that I’m a bit uncertain about, and how the alien Hu really fit into the overall story. For myself, I didn’t feel she added as much to the story as perhaps intended. I *think* the author was perhaps trying to expound upon how unique Nick was and why the Collector and Ancients wanted him. But Hu's resolution felt rushed and crammed in more than anything else.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed the trip around the galaxy. I am a total GEEK for different aliens and I was impressed with the diversity the author came up with. I appreciated watching Caeorleian customs through the eyes of Fieo’s crew, how Fieo’s ‘bonding’ was a matter of course and everyone was happier for it when Fieo and Nick solidified that bond.
I’m going to stop here, because this review will be a short story if I don’t. This is a delightful scifi series that really developed and grew over the course of all three books.
Review cross posted at Gay Book Reviews Copy of the book provided by the author/publisher for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
This book is a spaghetti code disaster. Information is repeated over and over again; characters do as the author wants, unnaturally bending this way and that and tying themselves into knots. Cheese, while fine being used sporadically, smothers the rest of the story and adds to the already bad taste.
There is no chemistry between the MCs, only sex and some mysterious mate bond the author is pushing, but even sex is gone after about 30% or so. Nick is supposed to be a damaged character, a vulnerable but brave young man. Well, what a whiny, bitchy and overly horny little know-it-all he turned out to be. Can’t connect to either MC.
The editing is horrendous, ie same words are repeated several times within a paragraph or even one sentence. There were also instances where I wondered if the author is actually not a native speaker.
Bottom line, I don’t care for these characters, I don’t care for this book or series, and I don’t care for this author anymore.
1 skinny itsy bitsy star.
Have to give it to the artist tho, the cover is delicious.
A triumphant third act in the Caeorleia series. A grander adventure on a galactic scale that leaves me satisfied and still hungry for more. Feio and Nick are so far my favorite pairing. Their love is vibrant and essential and amazing.
Compared to both previous book in this amazing series, Cosmic Inception doesn't reach their greatness. The romance between Nick and Fieo was emotionally cold and somehow empty. Nick's past should have been more darker and sinister than it was. Plot was enjoyable just not enough. There is also Fieo, who was to undeveloped. I missed that.
WOW, I think this was my favorite of the whole series.
The cover is so beautiful, you can just see the love Fieo has for his tziu Nick.
The world-building in this series is epic and masterfully done. The plots are complex but captivating and I just wanted Nick to be happy.
It took a while for Nick to finally trust Fieo enough to "join in besedad" with him. This mating with blood exchange creates an actual bond between the lovers. Fieo's symbol also appears in Nick's heart-space so that everyone can see their joining.
We find out so much about Nick and why he is different and special. They go on a crazy journey to get answers and meet some weird aliens along the way. Fieo is amazing when he gets all possessive and starts snarling and barring his fangs *fans myself*.
This book is very well written, pulls you in and doesn't let go. Nick has his work cut out for him just trusting everyone around him, while he isn't sure about most beings his bond mate should be a sure thing . But is he. It's an interesting ride in this story just finding out. Well worth the price of admission . Really hope there is more books on Dade , Nick and Ryker and all their new families. Well done
Oh, I enjoyed this one immensely! Nick was the one character I’ve wondered about and felt bad for throughout the series and I was thrilled to finally get his story. While still dealing with the effects, both mental and physical, of being used and experimented on for years, Nick finds himself leaving his adopted home to go in search of the Collectors, an alien race with knowledge that far surpasses that of any other species. Along the way he not only finds the answers he was seeking, but a lot more, most notably concerning himself and the secrets his family had been running from. Information can either be a blessing or a danger, depending on who has it, and Nick finds it to be both as he and Fieo find themselves struggling to not only save themselves, but their entire planet.
Have I mentioned yet just how much I enjoyed this? Up until now, the most notable thing about Nick was that he’d been terribly hurt and left scarred by the treatment he’d undergone while a prisoner. He was constantly afraid and could barely stand to be in the room with anyone else. Over the course of the book, however, you get to see him undergoing several transformations as he learns to not only trust in himself but also to trust the connection he has with Fieo. (I was also glad to see these two finally come together as Fieo has been orbiting around Nick from the moment they first met.)
While the story seemed fairly straight forward at first, with the pair going from place to place in search of answers, things took several unexpected turns along the way culminating in something so completely unexpected, I was forced to keep reading. Forced, I tell you. Seriously, I was getting ready to go to sleep and then I got smacked in the face with this and there was just no way I’d have been able to put the book down at that point. I regret nothing. Finding out about Nick’s origins was certainly not what I was expecting and it added another layer to an already complex undertaking; I enjoyed every bit! Fieo was pretty much the rock that Nick leaned on throughout the story and I loved how willing he was to put his faith in Nick, even when he was afraid or didn’t understand. I was honestly surprised by how Nick just took charge at certain points though it was great to see, especially with how timid he was in the beginning. These two men just made for a great pairing and I loved how well they fit together.
This story was just full of twists and turns and I never knew what to expect as I read through it; all my expectations were pretty much just blown away. I wouldn’t recommend reading this without having read the first two book in the series, however, as each story builds on the one before it and you’ll need some context gleaned from the first two books to get the most out of the latest installment. I highly recommend you check out the entire series though; I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read and re-read the previous books but I’ve loved them every time. This was a much anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed read; I’m not sure if this is the end of the series, as it certainly could be, (though I really hope its not! Really, I’d let out three cheers and break out the pom poms for another book in this series!) but if it is the last, I’m at least walking away satisfied and happy that Nick and Fieo got their happy ending and a whole lot more. :)
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Cosmic Inception is book 3 in the Saving Caeorleia series, and while it can be read as a standalone, as I did, I suspect it'd be much better if read in order.
Nick and Fieo have been fighting to complete their bond, but now that they're thrown together on a trip that might take several cycles, they won't be able to resist each other any longer. However, there are several things that will conspire to pull them apart, and the most important of all, will be finding out who, or rather what, Nick truly is.
I really enjoy reading sci-fi books. There's something about them that calls to me, the fact that an author has the ability to create worlds/species out of thin air and make them believable is something commendable and this book was not the exception. Alicia Nordwell did a fantastic job creating not only Caeorleia, but the worlds Nick and Fieo visited on this journey and the rest of the species they came in contact with, she made it believable and realistic enough for me to be able to immerse myself completely into the storyline.
I really liked both Nick and Fieo, although I have to admit that seeing Nick go from being a traumatized boy to holding his own against some badass villains was a thing of beauty. Their chemistry was great and I just loved the way their bond came into play within the story.
If you're a fan of sci-fi, this is definitely a must-read. It's a very detailed, well-written book, with a very organic flow and an intricate plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
I have read and loved all the books in this series. But, this book was the one I was waiting for. I loved Nick's character and really wanted to see him get his HEA.
The world in this series is wonderfully imaginative, and there always seems to be something new for the characters to discover. From different foods, to different technology, there is no end to Alicia's ideas.
In this story I like that Nick has pulled in all his courage to insist he is allowed to go on the trip with Fieo. He also stands up to Fieo after a panic attack (he really puts the alien in his place) and still agrees to join with him. Nick is brave, smart and loving. Also, his courage stays strong even with all the things he finds out about himself and his family (no I'm not telling, so there).
I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning, and clear a lot of time, because once you start you won't be able to out them down. Laying supplies might be a good idea too.
2.5* I won this from DSP with others last year and as an AU, SciFi book it is not one I would normally choose. So for that reason this was a heavy going read for me - however, it was edited well and fairly pacy so if you are into this genre I'm sure it would move quite quickly. It also seemed a bit vampire-y (neck biting and drinking), a bit bonded mates and even m-preg - bits of everything thrown in as well as evil beings wanting to take over the universe and one mostly man to stop them. lots of aliens and chases. It is also book three and if this type of story is your thing, then read the earlier ones as there is definitely history that is needed to fully appreciate the story. I am more of a literal person so am in awe of people who can imagine all these worlds and string them together in a series of stories.
So far, so good... and one more star for the beautiful cover.
The best book of the series (the author said there would be at least one more book about Chip, so this shouldn't be the last time we read about Caeorleia).
When I started reading the first book, I expected something with a dark and icy cold atmosphere. It turned out to be a story full of warm and somewhat sweet characters (and some evil ones too, of course). I'm in love with the world the author's created and I want more of it.
I hope I'll get to read about Chip (and Larede?) soon.
WOW - an epic story that's quite involved, intricate, entertaining and sexy! I just don't know where authors get these ideas but I'm sure glad they do as I really enjoyed these perfectly, imperfect characters and strange new worlds.
This is the 3rd in a series of 3 (there could be more if the author wants...!), I would certainly read more!!
I enjoyed this third installment as much as the first two. The story developed well, and the characters were very engaging. I hope a fourth column will give us Chips story and a blimps of the next generation!
DNF (For now) 30%. I skimmed the ending of the second book just to get to this one and I am a little disappointed :/ Nick is great the first few chapters then suddenly Nick's character is acting EXACTLY like Ryker :/ I already read their story, I was hoping Nick would be his own unique character or at least build up to his confidence but it just came out of nowhere with no development. I then became a bit bored of reading, but it's not bad. So it's DNF for now.
I am so in love with this series it's been a while since something gripped me so hard. I couldn't put it down I was so invested in the characters. I absolutely love this world (timeline? Galaxy? Realm?)
Interesting and fast paced. Tons of unusual aliens, evil doers and those misguided but with good intentions. I’ve really enjoyed this series and this was a good end. It isn’t light and fluffy but not too traumatic either.
OMG I so hope that there will be more stories in this series as it just keeps getting better!!!! It took some time for Nick to finally trust Fieo enough to join with him but when he does, it explosive. There was so much going on in this one & I loved meeting the different aliens and the journey to find answers to Nick's past.