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Exile #2
Riven
When Shannen of House Lyon found herself wed to the alien Maarlai prince, she was certain that her marriage would be the strangest (yet most wonderful) part of her life. She did not expect to find herself thrust not only into a war, but also a quest for the crown that should have rightfully been hers.Shannen’s journey to claim her crown leads her to friends, allies, and enemies, and, when the absolutely unthinkable happens, she learns what responsibility and leadership truly entail. As Daarik works to unify the Maarlai, he remains conflicted about the task his wife is undertaking.Strong-willed as Shannen is, he regrets agreeing to her insane plot to overthrow the human king. In the end, all of prince, princess, human, Maarlai, traitors and faithful, must unite to face a foe none of them could have ever imagined. Loyalty, love, and unity are the only things that will allow them survive, but only if they are strong enough to put aside the ills of the past.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2016
38 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Vanderlinden
37 books240 followersColleen Vanderlinden is the author of the Hidden and Hidden: Soulhunter urban fantasy series, as well as the Copper Falls paranormal romance series.
The her novels Home, Nether, and Godkiller have all been finalists for RT Book Reviews’ Reviewers Choice Awards for best self-published urban fantasy novel. Her books have consistently received positive reviews, and RT Book Reviews has called her storytelling “electrifying.”
She also writes small-town contemporary romance as Ella Linden. Her book, Lost with You, won the RT Book Review Reviewers' Choice Award for best Indie or Small Press Romance in 2017.
She lives in northern Michigan with her husband, kids, demonic Basset hound, and four lazy cats. You can find out more about Colleen’s books at colleenvanderlinden.com, or follow her on Twitter.
The her novels Home, Nether, and Godkiller have all been finalists for RT Book Reviews’ Reviewers Choice Awards for best self-published urban fantasy novel. Her books have consistently received positive reviews, and RT Book Reviews has called her storytelling “electrifying.”
She also writes small-town contemporary romance as Ella Linden. Her book, Lost with You, won the RT Book Review Reviewers' Choice Award for best Indie or Small Press Romance in 2017.
She lives in northern Michigan with her husband, kids, demonic Basset hound, and four lazy cats. You can find out more about Colleen’s books at colleenvanderlinden.com, or follow her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 4, 2017
I really enjoyed the conclusion to the Exile series. In this second installment we get to see Shannon really delve into her warrior side. So far we have seen that she has a strong backbone, always thumbing her nose at social norms and doing anything she can to drive those in authority insane. (with good reason) But in this book she takes those traits on the road to attain her crown and lead her people to a better future. She is constantly underestimated by everyone she meets, because she is a woman, but she and her band of maidens truly kicked butt in each encounter that they faced. Though her goal at first I think was merely vengeance and taking her crown, we got to see her change as each challenge they faced helped her see the bigger picture and what she needed to become.
I enjoyed the rich details that Colleen included about the Maarlai culture like the connection between Daarik and Shannon through their mating bond and the effect that having a king and queen in residence would have on the people and land surrounding it.
Battle after battle Shannon and her merry maidens kicked butt and pushed to the future, hopeful of a united kingdom. Something that I think we can all agree is worth fighting for.
I enjoyed the rich details that Colleen included about the Maarlai culture like the connection between Daarik and Shannon through their mating bond and the effect that having a king and queen in residence would have on the people and land surrounding it.
Battle after battle Shannon and her merry maidens kicked butt and pushed to the future, hopeful of a united kingdom. Something that I think we can all agree is worth fighting for.
November 6, 2017
I really didn't wanted to even write a review for this book. But I had to do that. This book had so many short comings.
The thing which I disliked the most was that "Women want Marlaai" but the men doesn't like them and you can guess why the women want marlaai but because of the queen.
I very much disliked the fact that how the War king of human was portrayed in this book. They kept saying that it is because of him that all the people lost their family & relatives but it truth all he did was defend against Marlaai. What will you do when your country is attacked?? Just surrender??
I don't even know why I read this book in the very first place..
The thing which I disliked the most was that "Women want Marlaai" but the men doesn't like them and you can guess why the women want marlaai but because of the queen.
I very much disliked the fact that how the War king of human was portrayed in this book. They kept saying that it is because of him that all the people lost their family & relatives but it truth all he did was defend against Marlaai. What will you do when your country is attacked?? Just surrender??
I don't even know why I read this book in the very first place..
July 3, 2017
The first book of this duet was amazing! I thought about it for months before realizing the second book came out. But to be honest, I just couldn't get into this book. We totally miss the relationship between the h and H. That was the best part of the first book and it's the smallest part of the second book. I had such high hopes which makes this even more of a let down.
February 9, 2017
Shannen is the kind of hero every girl and grown woman wants to read about. She has intelligence, cunning, bravery and a complete sense of what is right and wrong coupled with the determination to see her plans through. Somewhere near the beginning I just couldn't see how it was all going to work for Shannen, the odds seemed to be stacked against her. I also had that sense of doom for Daarik, wondering where on earth Jarvik was going to pop up, and when he did I wasn't expecting it either! Alliances are formed, enemies are revealed and all sorts of surprises crop up. The relationship between Shannen and Daarik was powerful and endearing and pushed both of them to being greater together than apart.
I found the world a fascinating place because after all, how many of us wonder if we are alone in the the universe, just incapable of the technology that will enable us to communicate with others. And it's certainly no stretch of the imagination to think we could end up destroying Earth's wonders all on our own. This is a scenario of what happens after all of that. And despite the constant threat of failure and being surrounded by death and destruction I felt that the most important thread that this story contained was hope. Hope that we can make it better and that there is always something worth fighting for. Highly recommended, yet another winner from Colleen Vanderlinden.
I found the world a fascinating place because after all, how many of us wonder if we are alone in the the universe, just incapable of the technology that will enable us to communicate with others. And it's certainly no stretch of the imagination to think we could end up destroying Earth's wonders all on our own. This is a scenario of what happens after all of that. And despite the constant threat of failure and being surrounded by death and destruction I felt that the most important thread that this story contained was hope. Hope that we can make it better and that there is always something worth fighting for. Highly recommended, yet another winner from Colleen Vanderlinden.
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December 9, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/8/2019)! 🎁
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April 8, 2024I couldn't make it through. 🤦🏼♀️
Book one was intriguing enough, but Riven started taking some wild turns that just didn't flow well. I think if the series was longer, and the author took the time to really flesh out her world and ideas more, this series could have been exceptional. 😮💨 But I lost interest and just kinda forgot to read further.
If you like fast paced books that don't drop any heavy worldbuilding, you may appreciate how quickly thos story progresses. But sadly, it wasn't to my taste, so it's headed towards my DNF shelf.
Book one was intriguing enough, but Riven started taking some wild turns that just didn't flow well. I think if the series was longer, and the author took the time to really flesh out her world and ideas more, this series could have been exceptional. 😮💨 But I lost interest and just kinda forgot to read further.
If you like fast paced books that don't drop any heavy worldbuilding, you may appreciate how quickly thos story progresses. But sadly, it wasn't to my taste, so it's headed towards my DNF shelf.
November 18, 2017
Gaining a crown
I started and stopped this book due the what seem be a disjointed story.Unlike the first book Riven started slow and by chapter ten picks up at neck braking pace . The relationship between the two main characters Shannen and Daarik has changed not for the better. I would have rather waited for a third book,than to feel like someone was rushing to get done.
I started and stopped this book due the what seem be a disjointed story.Unlike the first book Riven started slow and by chapter ten picks up at neck braking pace . The relationship between the two main characters Shannen and Daarik has changed not for the better. I would have rather waited for a third book,than to feel like someone was rushing to get done.
July 1, 2019
Excellent read I love this world Mrs. Vanderlinden created. I would love to read more stories in this world, Maybe Renn and some of Shannens inner circle could their stories told..lol wishful thinking i know but maybe one day eh.
July 13, 2017
It was an OK read - will greatly benifit from proof - reading . The world building was marginal and loose. So, yeah, OK.
February 12, 2018
Fun story with a great heroine who doesn’t need a man to save her. She’ll save him. There were annoying typos throughout, though.
November 16, 2019
Two part series
Two quite different tales. Both really enjoyable. Strong female lead and equally strong supporters. Interesting conclusion which benefits all groups.
Two quite different tales. Both really enjoyable. Strong female lead and equally strong supporters. Interesting conclusion which benefits all groups.
February 2, 2017
I had so much fun writing Riven. This brings the Exile duology to a close, and I am so grateful to everyone who took a chance on this weird little science fiction/fantasy romance/dystopia/adventure story. This was a new type of story for me, and I loved every moment I spent with Shannen and Daarik. I hope you enjoy it!
January 16, 2017
Riven is a book full of action, war, and politics as Shannen fights to reclaim the throne that is rightfully hers from her selfish uncle, King Edwell. I never liked him, but I have to say, I kinda sorta of felt sorry for him when he discovered his family dead. Too bad he didn’t go down, too, haha! I loved the side characters Janara (who was just as strong as she was in Exile) and Camille, one of Shannen’s Maidens.
The one downside I had about this book, was that Shannen and Daarik don’t reunite until about 62% through the book. But when they do…things get sizzling!
And then of course Daarik has to go and blow their reunion by inserting himself as leader rather than an equal to his wife. *Sigh* Way to go Daarik. Open mouth, insert foot. Thankfully he learns his lesson.
Overall, a fun read and a good sequel to Exile. I only wish they had more time together rather than apart.
The one downside I had about this book, was that Shannen and Daarik don’t reunite until about 62% through the book. But when they do…things get sizzling!
And then of course Daarik has to go and blow their reunion by inserting himself as leader rather than an equal to his wife. *Sigh* Way to go Daarik. Open mouth, insert foot. Thankfully he learns his lesson.
Overall, a fun read and a good sequel to Exile. I only wish they had more time together rather than apart.
February 9, 2017
Great conclusion
I have seen a review of this book which moans about its overt feminism. That review was, in my opinion, nonsense. If anything, this is a book which celebrates how much better off we all are when we collaborate, when we get past the idea of our differences and pool our strengths. Whether that's the differences between genders, races, planets or whatever, ultimately they don't have to be something to fight over.
Plus, of course, there's a lovely romance in the middle of it. This book is Colleen doing what she does best, and I loved it.
I have seen a review of this book which moans about its overt feminism. That review was, in my opinion, nonsense. If anything, this is a book which celebrates how much better off we all are when we collaborate, when we get past the idea of our differences and pool our strengths. Whether that's the differences between genders, races, planets or whatever, ultimately they don't have to be something to fight over.
Plus, of course, there's a lovely romance in the middle of it. This book is Colleen doing what she does best, and I loved it.
December 29, 2016
Loveable characters
The Maidens are awesome! I absolutely love how all of the women are so strong in this series. If you are a male with a fragile ego, this series isn't for you. If you're a female, you will be inspired to become more politically active and less apologetic for being your true self.
The Maidens are awesome! I absolutely love how all of the women are so strong in this series. If you are a male with a fragile ego, this series isn't for you. If you're a female, you will be inspired to become more politically active and less apologetic for being your true self.
January 7, 2017
I liked Exile when it was released 6 months ago but felt a little let down by Riven. This is the first time I have not thoroughly enjoyed a book by Colleen Vanderlinden. Maybe if you read the stories back-to-back they will connect better.
January 19, 2017
Excellent!
Colleen's is my favorite writer! I love to read all kinds of books, but this lady has a talent that shows through her very imaginative stories. I love them all. I usually would never like science fiction, but because of her brilliance, I love this series!
Colleen's is my favorite writer! I love to read all kinds of books, but this lady has a talent that shows through her very imaginative stories. I love them all. I usually would never like science fiction, but because of her brilliance, I love this series!
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November 12, 2020Shannen and Daarik were separated for the majority of this book, and it focuses more on Shannen getting her crown. Good story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews