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Aurum #1
Knights
Ashlyn is desperate to leave the confines of the Citadel she has practically been imprisoned in since childhood. For her own safety. Finally able to fulfill her calling as the Erede of the realm she is determined to follow her own path. Unfortunately she is saddled with five arrogant but rather handsome Knights of the Order, who are equally determined to see her returned to the safety of the Citadel. At least she will have something nice to look at on her travels, if only she could ignore haughty attitudes.
No one more than she know’s how dangerous the job of Erede can be, after all the previous Erede was assassinated. Yet the more she tries to keep them at bay the more she realizes she needs them. Finding great joy and heartbreaking sorrow is just the beginning of her journey and she needs the Knights to face what’s coming.
No one more than she know’s how dangerous the job of Erede can be, after all the previous Erede was assassinated. Yet the more she tries to keep them at bay the more she realizes she needs them. Finding great joy and heartbreaking sorrow is just the beginning of her journey and she needs the Knights to face what’s coming.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2017
33 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 7, 2017
2.5 needs more development stars
Considering this is a new author this book is not bad. It's just lacking. There's very little character and world development. I don't feel that I really knew the characters and therefore I had a hard time believing their "love" for each other. For about 20% the book was just sex scene after sex scene.
I think the author rushed into bringing the characters together when she should have focused on development. I would have gladly passed in the sex if I could have seen their love grow.
Considering this is a new author this book is not bad. It's just lacking. There's very little character and world development. I don't feel that I really knew the characters and therefore I had a hard time believing their "love" for each other. For about 20% the book was just sex scene after sex scene.
I think the author rushed into bringing the characters together when she should have focused on development. I would have gladly passed in the sex if I could have seen their love grow.
May 31, 2017
Great book
This is a great read. If you like reverse harem books this is a good one to try. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
This is a great read. If you like reverse harem books this is a good one to try. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
March 27, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
It was an interesting story but lacking in development - development of the world, the characters, and the romance.
It was an interesting story but lacking in development - development of the world, the characters, and the romance.
December 16, 2017
Starry eyed priestess
Ash and her knights start a journey together, both literally and figuratively. Just appointed to her safety and Ash decides to visit her family, leaving the protection of the citadel. Something she hasn't been able to do for over a decade. Being chosen is a blessing but comes with great risk that leaves those in charge of her safety with the need to keep her behind the protective walls of the citadel. Along the path of their travels Ash and her knights begin a different journey, one involving hearts and minds. But corruption pervades the politics of the priestesses and senators and drags them all into several nightmare situations.
I'm not sure what the symbolism of the stars is and why it alters the chosen one's appearance so. Or what this goddess is a goddess of, or any of the rituals. Much of the priestesshood is still unknown and since it is integral to the story I feel you walk into this book uninformed. Rituals make up culture that makes up civilizations and we lack a lot of understanding of this one. Magic is left vague as is technology so I don't know how advanced this civilization is supposed to be. The story line is simplistic enough and there are a few grammatical errors that jolt some. The relationships go from wary distance to all in but considering what happens beforehand the sudden leap makes sense but I'd have liked to see her try to get to know her knights better before that. She's supposed to be about knowledge but after a week traveling knows nothing beyond their names? Characters are thrown in here or there but not much detail is given to us, hopefully rectified in the following books. I need a pecking order lol. How does the priestesshood, knights and senate all relate? The type of horse Ash has is never explained, and why does she have a horse that would allow her to get so far away from the protection of her knights? Why aren't they given similar mounts so they can protect her? See? These are the questions I need answered. The story was good, there's just a lot of holes for me. I'm giving 4 stars, though, because the concept is intriguing and it has left me curious enough to look for the next.
Ash and her knights start a journey together, both literally and figuratively. Just appointed to her safety and Ash decides to visit her family, leaving the protection of the citadel. Something she hasn't been able to do for over a decade. Being chosen is a blessing but comes with great risk that leaves those in charge of her safety with the need to keep her behind the protective walls of the citadel. Along the path of their travels Ash and her knights begin a different journey, one involving hearts and minds. But corruption pervades the politics of the priestesses and senators and drags them all into several nightmare situations.
I'm not sure what the symbolism of the stars is and why it alters the chosen one's appearance so. Or what this goddess is a goddess of, or any of the rituals. Much of the priestesshood is still unknown and since it is integral to the story I feel you walk into this book uninformed. Rituals make up culture that makes up civilizations and we lack a lot of understanding of this one. Magic is left vague as is technology so I don't know how advanced this civilization is supposed to be. The story line is simplistic enough and there are a few grammatical errors that jolt some. The relationships go from wary distance to all in but considering what happens beforehand the sudden leap makes sense but I'd have liked to see her try to get to know her knights better before that. She's supposed to be about knowledge but after a week traveling knows nothing beyond their names? Characters are thrown in here or there but not much detail is given to us, hopefully rectified in the following books. I need a pecking order lol. How does the priestesshood, knights and senate all relate? The type of horse Ash has is never explained, and why does she have a horse that would allow her to get so far away from the protection of her knights? Why aren't they given similar mounts so they can protect her? See? These are the questions I need answered. The story was good, there's just a lot of holes for me. I'm giving 4 stars, though, because the concept is intriguing and it has left me curious enough to look for the next.
January 31, 2020
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ashlyn
Ian
William
Marcus
Kier
Kye
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ash is the Aurum and has been chosen by the goddess to do her will on earth. She travels around the realm on the goddess' guidance helping to guide the citizens of the villages she visits.
Her knights are there to protect her but they could also be there to be her consorts.
Final thoughts
I liked the knights they were sexy and the chemistry was pretty good.
The actual storyline was good in theory but in practice it needed more. This was just a bit weak with the action and was more about telling you what was going to happen and not showing you action. The most action is just before the ending. Again that is fine for a first book; especially one so short but I think it needed more to make this series actually seem viable for someone to buy into it. As a KU user I'm happy I'm not paying for this book.
Its good for the reverse harem, the men seem pretty strong and I liked the way they acted with each other.
Would I read again?: I wouldn't avoid reading it again
Would I read this author again?: Possibly
Would I continue on with the series?: I think so
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ashlyn
Ian
William
Marcus
Kier
Kye
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ash is the Aurum and has been chosen by the goddess to do her will on earth. She travels around the realm on the goddess' guidance helping to guide the citizens of the villages she visits.
Her knights are there to protect her but they could also be there to be her consorts.
Final thoughts
I liked the knights they were sexy and the chemistry was pretty good.
The actual storyline was good in theory but in practice it needed more. This was just a bit weak with the action and was more about telling you what was going to happen and not showing you action. The most action is just before the ending. Again that is fine for a first book; especially one so short but I think it needed more to make this series actually seem viable for someone to buy into it. As a KU user I'm happy I'm not paying for this book.
Its good for the reverse harem, the men seem pretty strong and I liked the way they acted with each other.
Would I read again?: I wouldn't avoid reading it again
Would I read this author again?: Possibly
Would I continue on with the series?: I think so
February 9, 2017
Knights is a good, entertaining book; very solid start for a series. Ava Ryan has created an alternate world that is flushed out nicely and the characters are well developed and likable. It flowed nicely, had wonderful pace, and the story was entertaining.
Ashlyn, hand picked by the Goddess herself is the Erede, trainee of the spiritual, magical head of the realm. The story really begins after she comes of age and starts her duties as a travelling priestess. She has 5 beautiful, strong knights assigned to protect her. All of the characters have magical abilities that lend to the story. Their journey and relationships are not without difficulties. There is tragedy and danger, intrigue and suspense. There is also love and passion.
There is not a cliffhanger exactly. The story wraps up by the final page, but it does set up for further adventures. I look forward to the next book. I am hoping to get to know the knights better and to spend more time deepening the relationships.
Ashlyn, hand picked by the Goddess herself is the Erede, trainee of the spiritual, magical head of the realm. The story really begins after she comes of age and starts her duties as a travelling priestess. She has 5 beautiful, strong knights assigned to protect her. All of the characters have magical abilities that lend to the story. Their journey and relationships are not without difficulties. There is tragedy and danger, intrigue and suspense. There is also love and passion.
There is not a cliffhanger exactly. The story wraps up by the final page, but it does set up for further adventures. I look forward to the next book. I am hoping to get to know the knights better and to spend more time deepening the relationships.
June 20, 2017
I really tought i would like it but no i didn't.. sadly.
The whole story was kind of rushed , it was way to fast to allow the characters to develop. It felt like at the beginning they where like strangers (Well no shit) and the next chapter they where all in love. You didn't get to know much about the knights and how they interacted with each other. No convo with all of them so you atleast could feel something or feel a bond with one of the characters in the book. Like there is not much dialogue or scenes between the knights and the priestess even though they are always with her.
And i just want to say that the sex scenes where not that attractive, i mean the guys all jumped her when she said she loved them . Marcus was to rough, i mean i have read books with rough sex but it has to be writen good
There was no depth in
The whole story was kind of rushed , it was way to fast to allow the characters to develop. It felt like at the beginning they where like strangers (Well no shit) and the next chapter they where all in love. You didn't get to know much about the knights and how they interacted with each other. No convo with all of them so you atleast could feel something or feel a bond with one of the characters in the book. Like there is not much dialogue or scenes between the knights and the priestess even though they are always with her.
And i just want to say that the sex scenes where not that attractive, i mean the guys all jumped her when she said she loved them . Marcus was to rough, i mean i have read books with rough sex but it has to be writen good
There was no depth in
May 31, 2017
Interesting story set in a strange world with magic, horses but still having some modern day conveniences. The heroine in relatable, powerful and kindhearted which makes you want to continue.
The men are big a domineering, tender at moments. The story is the classic good vs evil and you can easily pinpoint the bad characters.
What I surely didn't like was the quick pace of the sex -
The men are big a domineering, tender at moments. The story is the classic good vs evil and you can easily pinpoint the bad characters.
What I surely didn't like was the quick pace of the sex -
June 8, 2024
2.5 stars
Ashlyn was called to be some. super mega priestess when she was only 7. She leaves her home and is trained to one day take over her duty. On her birthday she is assigned 5 knights to keep her safe as she decides to be a traveling priestess before she takes her post. During her travels she finds that there are some very disturbing things going on and corruption is everywhere.
The story itself was really interesting and I was super into it. Unfortunately the romance and spicy scenes just detracted from the story, I ended up skimming most of those. I just didn't feel any of the relationships, they were all just flat.
Ashlyn was called to be some. super mega priestess when she was only 7. She leaves her home and is trained to one day take over her duty. On her birthday she is assigned 5 knights to keep her safe as she decides to be a traveling priestess before she takes her post. During her travels she finds that there are some very disturbing things going on and corruption is everywhere.
The story itself was really interesting and I was super into it. Unfortunately the romance and spicy scenes just detracted from the story, I ended up skimming most of those. I just didn't feel any of the relationships, they were all just flat.
May 10, 2017
I'm so glad I discovered this book, there are far too few reverse harem stories out there. I like the story, it's got some great characters, including a heroine who manages to be both strong and occasionally weak - i.e. human. The book lost a star because of the editing: there are almost no breaks between paragraphs, and quite a few spelling mistakes. Not enough to prevent me from getting the next book in the series though
July 8, 2019
I managed to get through the whole book but won't be going back for more of the series. The writing felt quite disjointed and unless I missed something there was no explanation for the erede aurum and why she was so special. There were definitely areas where more detail could have been added and the story further developed.
July 20, 2017
I had a smile on my face when I finished this one. It was very satisfying.
I enjoyed the world-building and the fact that she explained just enough but did not belabor it.
It was not a perfect book but I enjoyed the ride.
I enjoyed the world-building and the fact that she explained just enough but did not belabor it.
It was not a perfect book but I enjoyed the ride.
December 16, 2017
Pleasant surpirse
Found the book by chance. Really good read. Like all of the main characters. Had some difficulty back it changed scene from one line to another. Still looking forward to the next book which I'm going to read now.
Found the book by chance. Really good read. Like all of the main characters. Had some difficulty back it changed scene from one line to another. Still looking forward to the next book which I'm going to read now.
June 5, 2018
Okay
Lots of spelling errors and kind of confusing transitions between characters and what their abilities are. Not really any explanation as to how the characters fell in love too.
Lots of spelling errors and kind of confusing transitions between characters and what their abilities are. Not really any explanation as to how the characters fell in love too.
July 11, 2020
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
April 18, 2022
What a great book!
How does this book not have more reviews? I loved everything about this story. We have a strong heroine and 5 great heroes. We have a mystery to solve and some bad guys. I have already downloaded the 2nd book.
How does this book not have more reviews? I loved everything about this story. We have a strong heroine and 5 great heroes. We have a mystery to solve and some bad guys. I have already downloaded the 2nd book.
May 28, 2017
3.75 Stars
August 21, 2018
Knights
Enjoyable. I liked the relationship building between Ashlyn and her Knights. I liked the plot. Overall I would recommended will read the next
Enjoyable. I liked the relationship building between Ashlyn and her Knights. I liked the plot. Overall I would recommended will read the next
September 5, 2018
DNF at 53%. I just couldn't ignore the MANY grammar and punctuation errors anymore.
April 3, 2021
The beginning was good, but by around half way I couldn’t finish. I couldn’t connect with the characters.
January 29, 2022
So, apparently, this is the first book by this author, and unfortunately, it shows. I wish I could have liked this book but I really didn't and there are several reasons why.
First off, there is practically no world-building, which I often find in authors who are starting out. Many just want to get the tedious world-building done so they can get on with the story and I get where they're coming from, I really do. No one wants to read three chapters on purely explaining the world and nothing else. But here's the thing: You need world-building. You just do. It doesn't have to be an entire introduction chapter at the beginning but you need more than just a quick "here's the priestess, here are some sexy guards, she's going on a road trip." That's not enough.
World-building issues aside, you need to flesh out your characters. Listen, the intent behind this book was clear from the very first page. Ashlyn is going to fall in love with all of her handsome bodyguards. That's fine. If that's the story in your head, put it to paper. But at least make it a story. A real story, with three-dimensional characters and a plot that actually is thought out and well planned. Don't just daydream of a few fun scenes you want to write and slap them together. There is absolutely no character development. None of the main characters go through any kind of fleshed-out journey. Neither is there a plot. Ashlyn gets her bodyguards, they're all a bit arrogant at first but in the very next chapter BOOM, they're all in love and start having sex.
It makes no sense, there's absolutely no thought-out plot that keeps you involved. It is just a series of events that should make us cheer for the hot guards and their love interest, and that's not enough if you publish a fantasy book.
On a final note, I don't know if anybody else was bothered by this but the picture they used for this cover is bad. Look at that woman's facial expression. Does nobody else find that a very unpleasant face? Not exactly resting bitch face but from only looking at the cover, I immediately was put off Ashlyn. There's something arrogant and superior in that face, especially the mouth, that I did not react well to.
First off, there is practically no world-building, which I often find in authors who are starting out. Many just want to get the tedious world-building done so they can get on with the story and I get where they're coming from, I really do. No one wants to read three chapters on purely explaining the world and nothing else. But here's the thing: You need world-building. You just do. It doesn't have to be an entire introduction chapter at the beginning but you need more than just a quick "here's the priestess, here are some sexy guards, she's going on a road trip." That's not enough.
World-building issues aside, you need to flesh out your characters. Listen, the intent behind this book was clear from the very first page. Ashlyn is going to fall in love with all of her handsome bodyguards. That's fine. If that's the story in your head, put it to paper. But at least make it a story. A real story, with three-dimensional characters and a plot that actually is thought out and well planned. Don't just daydream of a few fun scenes you want to write and slap them together. There is absolutely no character development. None of the main characters go through any kind of fleshed-out journey. Neither is there a plot. Ashlyn gets her bodyguards, they're all a bit arrogant at first but in the very next chapter BOOM, they're all in love and start having sex.
It makes no sense, there's absolutely no thought-out plot that keeps you involved. It is just a series of events that should make us cheer for the hot guards and their love interest, and that's not enough if you publish a fantasy book.
On a final note, I don't know if anybody else was bothered by this but the picture they used for this cover is bad. Look at that woman's facial expression. Does nobody else find that a very unpleasant face? Not exactly resting bitch face but from only looking at the cover, I immediately was put off Ashlyn. There's something arrogant and superior in that face, especially the mouth, that I did not react well to.
March 12, 2017
Enjoyable story but far too many mistakes
I was between 3 and 4 stars for this. I enjoyed the story and am curious to see where the next will go but there were so many mistakes that, for me, it distracted from the story and I found myself skimming paragraphs to read past the errors. For example, shown instead of shone - and many others, it changed from 3rd to 1st person at one point, poor grammar etc.
This is something which often bothers me so if you can get past this it is definitely worth a read.
I enjoyed Ashlyn's pureness of character and her caring nature while not being a pushover. I'm intrigued to see where her journey will lead her and what adventures await. I'm also looking forward to learning more about her knights. Their personalities could have gone into more depth in this, but as it is a first book hopefully this will be extended and they will become a little more 3D - I'm not sure I'm explaining that right!
Overall an enjoyable story that, if given a good edit, will become even better.
I was between 3 and 4 stars for this. I enjoyed the story and am curious to see where the next will go but there were so many mistakes that, for me, it distracted from the story and I found myself skimming paragraphs to read past the errors. For example, shown instead of shone - and many others, it changed from 3rd to 1st person at one point, poor grammar etc.
This is something which often bothers me so if you can get past this it is definitely worth a read.
I enjoyed Ashlyn's pureness of character and her caring nature while not being a pushover. I'm intrigued to see where her journey will lead her and what adventures await. I'm also looking forward to learning more about her knights. Their personalities could have gone into more depth in this, but as it is a first book hopefully this will be extended and they will become a little more 3D - I'm not sure I'm explaining that right!
Overall an enjoyable story that, if given a good edit, will become even better.
March 5, 2017
When Ashlyn was little a Goddess visited her in a dream and blessed her to be the next Aurum - Her Chosen one. Ever since Ashlyn was confined to the Citadel.
Now she is twenty years old and cannot take it any longer. She feels that her purpose is to be a traveling Priestess, helping people of the realm. With five Knights as a security measure Ashlyn sneaks out of Citadel to fulfill the task given her by the Goddess.
The idea for the story was relatively new and therefore managed to pique my curiosity. I don't remember reading a story like this before. A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire #1) by Jessica Cluess maybe?
Anyway, it was good. I enjoyed the writing but was slightly upset by the way the story progressed. It was slow paced and not much really happened there.
The characters were likable but I wished to know more about each of them individually.
Hope there will be a next book soon to clear things up for me.
March 8, 2017
I wasn't expecting this book to be about a girl having a relationship with her 5 knights at the same time. Weird. And it was just badly written. However, there was somewhat of an interesting premise in there. It was just ruined by the writing and 5 consorts thing.
March 6, 2017
Okay....
This was an okay read.... definitely on the more adult end of the reverse harem genre but just lacked a little character likeability.... hense "okay"
This was an okay read.... definitely on the more adult end of the reverse harem genre but just lacked a little character likeability.... hense "okay"
February 20, 2017
Omg what did i just read!!!!!
This book was absolutely amazing. Loved the characters and the ending was sooooo good!! I can not wait till the next book!
This book was absolutely amazing. Loved the characters and the ending was sooooo good!! I can not wait till the next book!
February 13, 2017
Love it, can't wait for the next one, hopefully soon.
Really creative and different than anything else I've read. Just wish it was longer, as I'm a quick read and had it completed within a day.
Really creative and different than anything else I've read. Just wish it was longer, as I'm a quick read and had it completed within a day.
February 9, 2017
Not a bad read but fairly rushed and lacked depth
The concept wasn't bad but everything else was underdeveloped, the characters, the world building and the relationships. It felt like the author focused too much on trying to get a lot of story down, different ideas and conflicts but then completely forgot about developing the component parts.
I think this could have been a pretty good read with a little more consideration.
The concept wasn't bad but everything else was underdeveloped, the characters, the world building and the relationships. It felt like the author focused too much on trying to get a lot of story down, different ideas and conflicts but then completely forgot about developing the component parts.
I think this could have been a pretty good read with a little more consideration.
February 13, 2017
Afternoon read.
It's enjoyable enough but the whole story is rushed. The plot lacks depth. The love scenes go from none to hardcore too quick.
It's enjoyable enough but the whole story is rushed. The plot lacks depth. The love scenes go from none to hardcore too quick.
March 11, 2017
Interesting.
This has a great concept and for the most part i enjoyed reading. I thought the men were a little...too aggressive for my tastes in the sex scenes. I had a lot of trouble with the editing. The paragraphs changed colors from normal black to what appears to be dark grey. I like reading with a blackout screen so that made things weird. Also, the way the dialogue was set up was wrong. There were also mixups on words like their/there which could have been easily fixed. Plot line over all was interesting. I liked her journey and how she dealt with her Alpha male protectors, knowing when to push and when to concede. I would read another book to the series.
This has a great concept and for the most part i enjoyed reading. I thought the men were a little...too aggressive for my tastes in the sex scenes. I had a lot of trouble with the editing. The paragraphs changed colors from normal black to what appears to be dark grey. I like reading with a blackout screen so that made things weird. Also, the way the dialogue was set up was wrong. There were also mixups on words like their/there which could have been easily fixed. Plot line over all was interesting. I liked her journey and how she dealt with her Alpha male protectors, knowing when to push and when to concede. I would read another book to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews