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Ethereals #1
Ethereal Lives
What would you do if you were the last human left in the universe?
Hearing of Earth’s pending destruction, Ax and his men decide to grab a human and sell it to the highest bidder. But he doesn’t realise what he is getting when they pick Ariane. Believing humans to be simple, docile creatures, he gets a big shock when he finally meets one.
Ariane grew up tough. She knows how to defend herself, and has no plans to go to the auction block quietly. She intends to stop at every planet, see everything, and push every button she can along the way and she’s dragging Ax along for the ride.
But Ax has a secret, and when he gets taken prisoner Ariane must decide what she wants more. Her freedom or the man she loves.
Ethereal Lives is the first book in Gem Stone's science fiction romance series. With a fantastic new universe, fun characters, steamy sex and danger at every turn it's guaranteed to keep you hooked.
Pick up a copy today and join Ariane as she discovers what's left when Earth is gone.
Hearing of Earth’s pending destruction, Ax and his men decide to grab a human and sell it to the highest bidder. But he doesn’t realise what he is getting when they pick Ariane. Believing humans to be simple, docile creatures, he gets a big shock when he finally meets one.
Ariane grew up tough. She knows how to defend herself, and has no plans to go to the auction block quietly. She intends to stop at every planet, see everything, and push every button she can along the way and she’s dragging Ax along for the ride.
But Ax has a secret, and when he gets taken prisoner Ariane must decide what she wants more. Her freedom or the man she loves.
Ethereal Lives is the first book in Gem Stone's science fiction romance series. With a fantastic new universe, fun characters, steamy sex and danger at every turn it's guaranteed to keep you hooked.
Pick up a copy today and join Ariane as she discovers what's left when Earth is gone.
277 pages, ebook
Published November 16, 2016
67 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Gem Stone
9 books14 followersGem Stone lives in England with the man of her dreams and her two children. She spends her spare time reading, writing, blogging, and talking to her pets. She is a firm believer that surprises make life worth living, you can’t pick who you fall in love with, and everyone deserves a happy ending.
If you want to know more about her, this is where she can be found:
Website: https://www.gemstoneauthor.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G3m.Stone
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GemStoneAuthor
If you want to know more about her, this is where she can be found:
Website: https://www.gemstoneauthor.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G3m.Stone
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GemStoneAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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June 27, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/27/2020)! 🎁
November 26, 2018
Hmm
Pretty juvenile at points but a fun adventure for the most part. Seemed pretty empty, some serious logic and plot holes but shrug.
Pretty juvenile at points but a fun adventure for the most part. Seemed pretty empty, some serious logic and plot holes but shrug.
December 6, 2017
So I picked this up as I needed something a bit different to what I had been reading and I didn’t really have any intention to properly review it, but I seem to have developed a guilt over not reviewing books recently. However, since it was just a book for fun I decided instead of pressuring myself into writing a very in-depth review I would just write this really quick review…
What I liked…
This was a really entertaining read, it was interesting and the descriptions of the other worlds and aliens were great but it was still pacey so it kept you really absorbed with what was going on.
The characters were great, I really liked that Arianne was feisty and the crew didn’t know what to do with her. I thought the chemistry between Ax and Arianne was great too, that it wasn’t something he was used to and that he was having to discover things about himself as well.
What could have been better…
As much as I liked Arianne at the start she did get a bit annoying after a while, her propensity towards pushing buttons and exploring on Ax’s ship was comical but when she’s in a completely new place with an element of danger it just felt a little bit like things were getting too easy for her, which in that kind of situation it wouldn’t be.
I really liked the style of alien that Ax and his crew were, I don’t want to say too much about it because it could become a bit spoilery, but I feel like this was really under utilized. A lot more could have been done with it in this story!!
Summary…
I would definitely recommend for someone who is looking for a light hearted sci-fi romance type of read. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
What I liked…
This was a really entertaining read, it was interesting and the descriptions of the other worlds and aliens were great but it was still pacey so it kept you really absorbed with what was going on.
The characters were great, I really liked that Arianne was feisty and the crew didn’t know what to do with her. I thought the chemistry between Ax and Arianne was great too, that it wasn’t something he was used to and that he was having to discover things about himself as well.
What could have been better…
As much as I liked Arianne at the start she did get a bit annoying after a while, her propensity towards pushing buttons and exploring on Ax’s ship was comical but when she’s in a completely new place with an element of danger it just felt a little bit like things were getting too easy for her, which in that kind of situation it wouldn’t be.
I really liked the style of alien that Ax and his crew were, I don’t want to say too much about it because it could become a bit spoilery, but I feel like this was really under utilized. A lot more could have been done with it in this story!!
Summary…
I would definitely recommend for someone who is looking for a light hearted sci-fi romance type of read. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
February 7, 2017
Ariane and Axe’s story is one for the stars. From the beginning, Ethereal Lives takes you on an unforgettable journey through the galaxy. Gem Stone’s descriptions of the planets and its beings is well done and places you in these unfathomable worlds. The story starts with Arianne, who is taken by Axe’s men off a peaceful beach on Earth, only to find out that Earth has been destroyed and she is the only human survivor. Axe, on the other hand is the Captain of the ship she awakes on, he’s strong and gorgeous, and he looks human. He’s also planning on selling Arianne to the next highest bidder. Before he can do that, Ariane decides that she wants to see as much of the galaxy as she can, all the while driving him crazy. Soon she finds out that Axe and his men are shape shifters and although at first shocked she quickly learns how to cohabitate with them. I liked how Ariane aggravated Axe and pushed his buttons at every turn. Axe slowly finds himself becoming attracted the curvy beauty yet doesn’t understand why. Since he’s never been in a human body for too long, now his bodily reactions to her are getting in the way and there’s nothing to do but quench his thirst for her in the best way she knows how. Axe and his team find themselves enamored by Arianne, his head says he should sell her, but his heart tells him otherwise. On top of all the chaos she’s causing, there also lies a secret that may destroy Axe’s family. The story has heart, passion, sci-fi, action and humor. An excellent start to this new series by Gem Stone.
May 8, 2018
2.5 - The heroine was wonderful and hilarious, the aliens were imaginative, and the overall plot was entertaining. I absolutely loved the story and would give it five stars. Unfortunately, I felt like I was reading a rough draft, not a polished story. There were missing words on almost every page, which was very distracting. Every book has errors, and I can overlook some, but this was excessive. I cut my rating in half because of the lack of good proofreading.
November 30, 2016
Ms. Stone has written a exceedingly creative story with exciting and enthusiastic characters who lead you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I warn you that once starting this book you can't set it down till the last page is read! The humor of these unique personalities is laugh out loud funny, the chemistry intense and the back and forth dialogue so visceral that I sighed at the strength of Ax's determination and Ariane's extraordinary independence. I am excited that this is book 1 because that means we will be treated to more of these amazing worlds and characters who sacrifice and love in unbelievable fashion! I voluntarily reviewed this ARC!
January 27, 2023
Touching Things, Explorative.
I liked the female main character. She was different: Non-size-six and insistent on exploring her surroundings, mostly through touch. Also, embodied with a helluva round house kick. I love strong women and strong women who desire to know more about their environment, even more so. She never let her adverse circumstances overcome her. She was great.
I also loved the foster child situation and how the crew begrudgingly became her family...nice...
I did have to look up a few words, as they were in British English, but it was not arduous.
I liked the female main character. She was different: Non-size-six and insistent on exploring her surroundings, mostly through touch. Also, embodied with a helluva round house kick. I love strong women and strong women who desire to know more about their environment, even more so. She never let her adverse circumstances overcome her. She was great.
I also loved the foster child situation and how the crew begrudgingly became her family...nice...
I did have to look up a few words, as they were in British English, but it was not arduous.
May 15, 2017
Ariane and Ax
Ariane is abducted by aliens what she doesn't realize is that there's no Earth to return to. She's to be sold as "The last remaining Human." This book is a clever version of "The Ransom of Red Chief."
I enjoyed Ariane, she accepted what she had to and then was able to move on with her life; she's one tough, inquisitive Human. Her crew of lovable kidnappers were really nice guys forced into becoming pirates but pirates with a code.
Ariane is abducted by aliens what she doesn't realize is that there's no Earth to return to. She's to be sold as "The last remaining Human." This book is a clever version of "The Ransom of Red Chief."
I enjoyed Ariane, she accepted what she had to and then was able to move on with her life; she's one tough, inquisitive Human. Her crew of lovable kidnappers were really nice guys forced into becoming pirates but pirates with a code.
August 23, 2021
Oh so much unexpected sass!
Kidnapping a human just before earth is destroyed was supposed to get them a pretty penny when they sold her...they should have read up a bit more beforehand lol. Making their lives hell while ingratiating herself with them makes for an interesting journey...and romance soon blossoms. You will laugh and cringe at the escapades while being taken on a rollercoaster of a adventure!!
Kidnapping a human just before earth is destroyed was supposed to get them a pretty penny when they sold her...they should have read up a bit more beforehand lol. Making their lives hell while ingratiating herself with them makes for an interesting journey...and romance soon blossoms. You will laugh and cringe at the escapades while being taken on a rollercoaster of a adventure!!
May 29, 2017
I thought this was a great book, easy to read and very engaging. It had the right mix of comedy, romance and sci-fi to keep you entertained. I read it in one day as I couldn't put it down. The characters were welcoming and I really wanted to know more about them. I'm loooingcforaard to the next book in the series, I've pre-ordered it ready!
April 26, 2021
Fantastic Read
Once I started to read I didn't want to put the book down, it had everything a strong story line as well as interesting argumentative characters, which put a smile on my face. The words gave detailed images of what was happening, as well as adding the emotional side. Well Worthing reading, excellently written with a brilliant story line.
Once I started to read I didn't want to put the book down, it had everything a strong story line as well as interesting argumentative characters, which put a smile on my face. The words gave detailed images of what was happening, as well as adding the emotional side. Well Worthing reading, excellently written with a brilliant story line.
March 3, 2019
Ethereal lives
It's a story about a kidnapping that goes unplanned . And a group of shipmates that learn about their new friendship and being human that changes how they think.love this author
It's a story about a kidnapping that goes unplanned . And a group of shipmates that learn about their new friendship and being human that changes how they think.love this author
December 4, 2019
One of the most best reads
This book is wonderful has a wonderful story and the backstory is actually plausible and love the characters Ariana an Ax really good read and the author is great as well great work
This book is wonderful has a wonderful story and the backstory is actually plausible and love the characters Ariana an Ax really good read and the author is great as well great work
Read
October 25, 2021🤔🤔🤔
Well written and has a good story line.....but the fact that earth was blown up really sucks coz even in the cosmos were not that bad/clueless to warrant earthlings to be seen as not of use....rant over
It fun to read and pass time.
Well written and has a good story line.....but the fact that earth was blown up really sucks coz even in the cosmos were not that bad/clueless to warrant earthlings to be seen as not of use....rant over
It fun to read and pass time.
May 24, 2019
True spunky heroine
Finally a spunky girl who actually is as sassy as claimed I love this chick she is adorable and her and ax are goals.
Finally a spunky girl who actually is as sassy as claimed I love this chick she is adorable and her and ax are goals.
April 25, 2020
Fun but huge plot holes and fallacies in logic.
July 29, 2024
Good Book
It’s good book and I could hardly put it down. It took me about a day and a half to read it
It’s good book and I could hardly put it down. It took me about a day and a half to read it
January 13, 2017
If you like your romantic sci-fi light and fun, then you will probably enjoy this romp of a tale. Ariane is not the kind of woman to take being kidnapped lying down and she makes it her mission to annoy her captors into submission. It’s a book that is definitely out to have fun and throws in a few interesting aliens and perilous moments along the way.
However, there were a few things that stopped me from enjoying it as much as I’d hoped.
Firstly, Ariane. At first her annoying habits were funny. I loved all the button pressing she does and the way she’s out to prove Ax and his crew completely wrong. Humans are far from simple, docile creatures and Ariane definitely succeeds in showing them that. Sadly, after a while, she just became annoying. Some of the decisions she makes later on in the book show a real lack of thought and her inability to believe in danger got on my nerves. There is hope for her, though, since she also seems to be the only one in this crew capable of forming a decent plan. I definitely appreciated her leadership qualities as the book progressed, because if any ship needs a competent leader, it’s this one.
Speaking of Ax and his crew there are times when the whole bunch of them are dumber than a box of rocks. I find it incredibly hard to believe that they’re supposed to be hiding a big secret, when they fly around the universe in the same old ship, using the same old names, but changing their appearance whenever they meet different species and also raising hell whenever they have the chance. They are the complete opposite of covert or discrete. It was the names that really got to me. Surely different species would have different naming conventions. I’d say that would be an immediate red flag when trying to blend in and make you really easy to track down.
I also felt that a certain original form was wildly underused, because surely, surely, if you’re in the middle of a fight, picking the form that won’t get you killed would be an excellent defence – even if just to move somewhere else.
Finally, I find it a really depressing thought that the entire universe might be trapped in a misogynistic patriarchal mindset that only deals in binary genders. If anyone would be open to non-binary or gender fluid ways I’d think it might be the Ethereals. Throw in that hint of homophobia and I find them rather disappointing – though the next book definitely looks set to challenge that last one (yay!).
So in all this was a mixed read for me. On the one hand it’s light and fun and easy to read, just as long as you don’t think about a lot of things too deeply or expect anything too out of the ordinary. On the other, all of the above. Overall, though, I liked it enough to want to read more – if only to see how things develop and whether Ariane eventually takes control of them all and teaches them the serious error of their narrow-minded ways.
(Review copy provided by the author.)
However, there were a few things that stopped me from enjoying it as much as I’d hoped.
Firstly, Ariane. At first her annoying habits were funny. I loved all the button pressing she does and the way she’s out to prove Ax and his crew completely wrong. Humans are far from simple, docile creatures and Ariane definitely succeeds in showing them that. Sadly, after a while, she just became annoying. Some of the decisions she makes later on in the book show a real lack of thought and her inability to believe in danger got on my nerves. There is hope for her, though, since she also seems to be the only one in this crew capable of forming a decent plan. I definitely appreciated her leadership qualities as the book progressed, because if any ship needs a competent leader, it’s this one.
Speaking of Ax and his crew there are times when the whole bunch of them are dumber than a box of rocks. I find it incredibly hard to believe that they’re supposed to be hiding a big secret, when they fly around the universe in the same old ship, using the same old names, but changing their appearance whenever they meet different species and also raising hell whenever they have the chance. They are the complete opposite of covert or discrete. It was the names that really got to me. Surely different species would have different naming conventions. I’d say that would be an immediate red flag when trying to blend in and make you really easy to track down.
I also felt that a certain original form was wildly underused, because surely, surely, if you’re in the middle of a fight, picking the form that won’t get you killed would be an excellent defence – even if just to move somewhere else.
Finally, I find it a really depressing thought that the entire universe might be trapped in a misogynistic patriarchal mindset that only deals in binary genders. If anyone would be open to non-binary or gender fluid ways I’d think it might be the Ethereals. Throw in that hint of homophobia and I find them rather disappointing – though the next book definitely looks set to challenge that last one (yay!).
So in all this was a mixed read for me. On the one hand it’s light and fun and easy to read, just as long as you don’t think about a lot of things too deeply or expect anything too out of the ordinary. On the other, all of the above. Overall, though, I liked it enough to want to read more – if only to see how things develop and whether Ariane eventually takes control of them all and teaches them the serious error of their narrow-minded ways.
(Review copy provided by the author.)
December 2, 2016
This was such a fun book! I truly enjoyed reading it, plus had many twists and turns to keep it interesting. Ariane and Ax have chemistry that is off the chart and from the moment they meet, after they kidnapped Ariane to make some coin by selling her off to to slavery. However, Ariane is quite spunky and Ariane challenges Ax. She quickly worms her way into everyone's heart, but they need the coin...this leads to a whole mess of adventures.
This book is a great love story, with tons of humor and lots of adventures. It was a great read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read this ARC and this is my honest review
This book is a great love story, with tons of humor and lots of adventures. It was a great read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read this ARC and this is my honest review
November 22, 2016
"Ethereal Lives" is this author's first book and, judging by the subtitle "Book 1", there is going to be more to come. And I, for one, cannot wait.
Gem Stone has successfully written a romantic sci-fi novel with a fair amount of comedy that had me laughing out loud on several occasions.
Science fiction novels can often be bogged down with space talk but Stone, deftly, avoids that and produces something both humourous and tender.
The characters are likeable and the story solid with never a dull moment.
I wait with anticipation the release of "Book 2" and her further output.
Gem Stone has successfully written a romantic sci-fi novel with a fair amount of comedy that had me laughing out loud on several occasions.
Science fiction novels can often be bogged down with space talk but Stone, deftly, avoids that and produces something both humourous and tender.
The characters are likeable and the story solid with never a dull moment.
I wait with anticipation the release of "Book 2" and her further output.
November 22, 2016
"Ethereal Lives" is this author's first book and, judging by the subtitle "Book 1", there is going to be more to come. And I, for one, cannot wait.
Gem Stone has successfully written a romantic sci-fi novel with a fair amount of comedy that had me laughing out loud on several occasions.
Science fiction novels can often be bogged down with space talk but Stone, deftly, avoids that and produces something both humourous and tender.
The characters are likeable and the story solid with never a dull moment.
I wait with anticipation the release of "Book 2" and her further output.
Gem Stone has successfully written a romantic sci-fi novel with a fair amount of comedy that had me laughing out loud on several occasions.
Science fiction novels can often be bogged down with space talk but Stone, deftly, avoids that and produces something both humourous and tender.
The characters are likeable and the story solid with never a dull moment.
I wait with anticipation the release of "Book 2" and her further output.
November 22, 2016
After receiving a advanced review copy of this book I've got to say it kept me gripped into the story... not normally a sci-fi person I really enjoyed reading this.. the story line is great and the characters warming and lovable... Ariane is a great character and i totally relate to her... this book gave me laughs and adventure and a few gasps... I couldn't put it down.. and can't wait for future releases
November 22, 2016
After receiving a advanced review copy of this book I've got to say it kept me gripped into the story... not normally a sci-fi person I really enjoyed reading this.. the story line is great and the characters warming and lovable... Ariane is a great character and i totally relate to her... this book gave me laughs and adventure and a few gasps... I couldn't put it down.. and can't wait for future releases
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