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Seventeen #5
Origins
The gifts bestowed by One not of this world, to the Man who had lived longer than most.
The Empire ruled by a King who would swallow the world in his madness.
The Warrior who chose to rise against her own kind in order to defeat him.
Discover the extraordinary beginnings of the Immortals and the unforgettable story of the Princess who would become a Legend.
In a time when sickness covers the world in shadows, Romerus, descendant of the first man and woman to walk the Earth, ventures into the desert to find a cure for his dying sons. The gifts he receives from the mysterious stranger he meets on his crusade turn his children into beings who can defeat death itself, carving a destiny that makes them Immortal kings of an empire spanning hundreds of years and thousands of leagues.
Mila, third daughter of Crovir and last-born grandchild of Romerus, knows the evil that resides in the heart of her father. When she dares challenge his increasing tyranny by sparing the life of a human governor, his twisted fear of her grows, triggering a chain of events that culminates in her witnessing his final, unforgivable sin. Accused of a crime she did not commit and forced to flee the empire of her birth, her path collides with that of an enigmatic captain who proves to be more than he claims.
As the promise of war darkens the lands, the most powerful and fearless of all the Immortals must shatter old alliances and create fresh ones in order to forge a new destiny for her kin and mankind.
The compelling fifth installment and genesis story of AD Starrling's multi-award-winning, action thriller series Seventeen.
The Empire ruled by a King who would swallow the world in his madness.
The Warrior who chose to rise against her own kind in order to defeat him.
Discover the extraordinary beginnings of the Immortals and the unforgettable story of the Princess who would become a Legend.
In a time when sickness covers the world in shadows, Romerus, descendant of the first man and woman to walk the Earth, ventures into the desert to find a cure for his dying sons. The gifts he receives from the mysterious stranger he meets on his crusade turn his children into beings who can defeat death itself, carving a destiny that makes them Immortal kings of an empire spanning hundreds of years and thousands of leagues.
Mila, third daughter of Crovir and last-born grandchild of Romerus, knows the evil that resides in the heart of her father. When she dares challenge his increasing tyranny by sparing the life of a human governor, his twisted fear of her grows, triggering a chain of events that culminates in her witnessing his final, unforgivable sin. Accused of a crime she did not commit and forced to flee the empire of her birth, her path collides with that of an enigmatic captain who proves to be more than he claims.
As the promise of war darkens the lands, the most powerful and fearless of all the Immortals must shatter old alliances and create fresh ones in order to forge a new destiny for her kin and mankind.
The compelling fifth installment and genesis story of AD Starrling's multi-award-winning, action thriller series Seventeen.
- GenresThriller
348 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2017
About the author
A.D. Starrling
44 books531 followersA.D. Starrling is a bestselling author renowned for her pulse-pounding fusion of urban fantasy, action, adventure, and supernatural suspense. With a passion for history and a gift for intricate plotting, she crafts captivating narratives that transport readers across time and continents. Her Seventeen series, featuring immortal warriors with extraordinary abilities, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global following. Her authentic research and skillful character development keep readers hooked, while her love for action movies infuses her work with electrifying combat sequences and story lines.
When she’s not busy writing, A.D. can be found eating Thai food, being tortured by her back therapists, working part-time as a doctor on a Neonatal Intensive Care unit somewhere in the UK, reading manga, and watching anime. She has occasionally been accused of committing art with a charcoal stick and some drawing paper.
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When she’s not busy writing, A.D. can be found eating Thai food, being tortured by her back therapists, working part-time as a doctor on a Neonatal Intensive Care unit somewhere in the UK, reading manga, and watching anime. She has occasionally been accused of committing art with a charcoal stick and some drawing paper.
Click FOLLOW to be notified of new releases.
Sign-up to her mailing list for a FREE BOXSET, exclusive giveaways, and special promotional offers:
➤ https://www.adstarrling.com/e0kp
Join her Facebook Reader Group for exclusive sneak peeks at her upcoming books:
➤ https://www.adstarrling.com/thesevent...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 9, 2020
3.5*
The penultimate book.
Initially I was a little peeved that this one didn’t move the story forward. It covers the origins of the immortals. And I’ll admit I did consider skipping it. But figuring I’d miss something important I battled on.
it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Once I’d got into the story I couldn’t put it down.
The writing which has been my only real problem throughout this series. Didn’t bother me as much. Either it’s better or I’ve grown used to it. As I move onto the final book I’m hoping it’s the former.
The penultimate book.
Initially I was a little peeved that this one didn’t move the story forward. It covers the origins of the immortals. And I’ll admit I did consider skipping it. But figuring I’d miss something important I battled on.
it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Once I’d got into the story I couldn’t put it down.
The writing which has been my only real problem throughout this series. Didn’t bother me as much. Either it’s better or I’ve grown used to it. As I move onto the final book I’m hoping it’s the former.
February 18, 2017
I wish I could tell you what first led me to A.D. Starrling, but I honestly don't know. I think it was fate that made me pick up the first book in this series, Hunted (f/k/a Soul Meaning) because the book was totally out of my genre and I had never heard of the author... but whatever it was that made me jump into this world of immortals, I am extremely grateful. I have been hooked on the Seventeen series from that first book... the stories are action-packed, intelligently written and never fail to get my adrenaline going. With each successive installment, Ms. Starrling has amazed me with her writing talent and ability to draw me into the story.
This story is a special one for the series... its the genesis story, both figuratively and literally. Origins literally provides us with the history of the Crovir and Bastian races, starting with the father of Crovir and Bastian himself; and figuratively you will notice some correlation to the biblical account of Genesis. Set during biblical times, you will recognize minor religious references with a story heavily inspired by ancient Sumerian civilization. I cannot imagine the level of research this story required to generate this amount of fascinating detail... but I urge you to read all the way to the end of the book where Ms. Starrling discusses what is fact and fiction with this tale. It definitely had me googling some interesting items like the Weld-Blundell Prism and the Epic of Gilgamesh. If you are new to the Seventeen series, it would be fine for you to start with this book as Origins is a prequel of sorts. If you are not new to the series, Origins offers background on all of the immortal heroes and heroines that we have met thus far - and when I say background, I mean past lives type of background.
The story is broken into three parts, starting with Romerus, father of Crovir and Bastian, as he is crossing the desert in a desperate search for a cure to combat the plague that has afflicted his village and family. This is where you will find some biblical references (these are minor for those who don't care to read about religion), which I found to be fascinating and an intriguing way to begin the immortal's saga. Following that, we move on to the rise of an empire - with both Bastian and Crovir sitting as the conquering kings, while their twelve children carry out battle orders. Then we end with a major war that threatens to topple the empire entirely.
The main focus of the story will be on these children, some more than others. I will warn you that it gets a little confusing here because, in keeping with the times, all of the children are married to a half-sibling (the blood must remain pure). In addition, those who were born to Crovir or Bastian and their half-sister are elevated, and have special supernatural powers. I had to make a chart to keep everyone straight in the beginning... Starrling did provide a family tree, but my Kindle would not let me enlarge it. If you are starting with Origins, I urge you to pay attention to all of the children as they are important for later books. Now that I have read this prequel, I really want to go back and read the other books again so I can say AH HA! That's where that came from!
Mila really steals the show of the book, and she was arguably the main focus. The youngest of Crovir's children, she is also the most beautiful and the most powerful. With an indomitable spirit and extraordinary warrior abilities, Mila was an excellent heroine. I have to say that I was super excited reading about her character because I was able to make comparisons to a later heroine in the series (who just happens to be my favorite character). Starrling always has exceptional character development in her books, but I felt like Mila had more depth than usual. I was embroiled in her struggle between family and morality, and I totally got caught up in the love story. Yes, all you romance fans, there is a little something in here for you as well. The love story between Mila and a certain character who shall remain unnamed was on an epic scale, even though it wasn't the main focus of the saga.
If I had to sum up this book in one word - I would say that it's RICH. Full of historical details and aspects, political intrigue, war, cunning, action, family strife, oppressed peoples... it's all packed in there. Many times as I sat reading this tale, I broke out in goosebumps. That is definitely the sign of a good story! I have said it in the past, and I will say it again, that I could see any one of these books translating very well to the big screen. I recommend this book/series to male and female readers alike, those who like action, history, and kickass characters.
May 25, 2023
Wow...just WOW.!!!!! Don't want it to end.....😥
OMG........
This book right here, is MAG - NIFICINT !!!!!!
I was Absolutely entranced, and could barely put this book down . Took me two days , because .. Work..... But THE rest of my days were filled with this Amazing work of Art !!!
In this book we get the ORIGINAL story of the Crovirs, and the Bastians. The wherefore ' s and the why's, and I completely understood the bloodthirsty - Ness , and vengeance that was a part of Mila , and her many brothers and sisters and cousins. Such power, and angst, and unbelievable cruelty was the backdrop of this epic story, and I was heartbroken when the end came. I could read this over , and over again ,( and I probably will 😀 ) , and NEVER get tired !!! I loved the flow , and the incredible way that it felt totally believable , and the maps helped greatly. I am still a little confused by all of the in- breeding of the Immortals, but that was the way of vast dynasties way back when, right ??
Anyway , this book was an incredible experience , and , maybe because we know what happens later, I was All in . From the very 1st word , to the very last letter, I was Utterly enthralled !!!!
Do very excited for the next, but I don't want this epic story to end.. And will most probably have a ridiculous , " book hangover " , for a while.....
OMG........
This book right here, is MAG - NIFICINT !!!!!!
I was Absolutely entranced, and could barely put this book down . Took me two days , because .. Work..... But THE rest of my days were filled with this Amazing work of Art !!!
In this book we get the ORIGINAL story of the Crovirs, and the Bastians. The wherefore ' s and the why's, and I completely understood the bloodthirsty - Ness , and vengeance that was a part of Mila , and her many brothers and sisters and cousins. Such power, and angst, and unbelievable cruelty was the backdrop of this epic story, and I was heartbroken when the end came. I could read this over , and over again ,( and I probably will 😀 ) , and NEVER get tired !!! I loved the flow , and the incredible way that it felt totally believable , and the maps helped greatly. I am still a little confused by all of the in- breeding of the Immortals, but that was the way of vast dynasties way back when, right ??
Anyway , this book was an incredible experience , and , maybe because we know what happens later, I was All in . From the very 1st word , to the very last letter, I was Utterly enthralled !!!!
Do very excited for the next, but I don't want this epic story to end.. And will most probably have a ridiculous , " book hangover " , for a while.....
January 30, 2021
Immortal warrior princess!! A. D. Starling’s Seventeen series is superb!
ORIGINS is the back story on the creation of the Immortals in the Seventeen series. A mysterious stranger gifts a father with an elixir to cure his dying sons. Bastian and Crovir are given super-human abilities and longevity and they will influence the future of humanity.
Mila is the last born daughter of Crovir and the strongest of all her kin. She has conquered many nations in the building of her father and uncle’s empire. When Mila is falsely accused of murdering their grandfather, Romerus, she must put her faith in the captain who is more than he appears to be and possibly go to battle against everything she has believed in and her family.
ORIGINS is the back story on the creation of the Immortals in the Seventeen series. A mysterious stranger gifts a father with an elixir to cure his dying sons. Bastian and Crovir are given super-human abilities and longevity and they will influence the future of humanity.
Mila is the last born daughter of Crovir and the strongest of all her kin. She has conquered many nations in the building of her father and uncle’s empire. When Mila is falsely accused of murdering their grandfather, Romerus, she must put her faith in the captain who is more than he appears to be and possibly go to battle against everything she has believed in and her family.
October 30, 2025
In a brilliant move, Seventeen pauses after the gathering of the special Immortals at the end of Legacy (book 4) to go back to the beginning in the early 4th century BCE! Here, we meet the first Immortals and the Iron Age empire they created (think Sumeria). It contains explanations for some of the rules we've seen in the earlier books and the first differentiations of the superpowers we've seen exhibited in the stories set in last 40 years. But, it is a more primitive time and the emotions and battles are more personal and more bloody. Yet, the love stories among this first generation are deeper and richer. And, it sets the scene for the denouement bound to come in Destiny, book 6.
March 11, 2017
The sons of Romerus are dying. He is a good man and travels a long way to find help for them, although the help he finds is not at all what he expected. The sons of Romerus are Crovir and Bastian, and this is their story...
Having read all the other "Seventeen" novels, I was interested to see a slight change of direction with this one where AD Starrling goes right back to the "Origins" of the Immortals and introduces the forebears of the characters we have got to know in the previous novels and novellas. Although all of the original family are mentioned, the novel really concentrates on Mila, the Warrior, and the forebear of Anna and shows us how her reputation was earned.
Apart from Mila and Aaron, this novel is less character driven than some of the others, and I did not feel I got to know anyone apart from them and Crovir particularly well. It was also quite hard to keep all the names and relationships straight (lots of marriage between cousins!) so this did add a bit to the lack of engagement with some of the characters (there is a family tree at the beginning, but it's really hard to see on a kindle).
As usual with AD Starrling there is plenty of action including a good deal of fighting. This is a big part of the story in this one and again, does mean that characterisation loses out a bit. Nevertheless, this novel is a really big part of the "Seventeen" story and is absolutely necessary to understand the beginnings and move the story on.
Although the other 4 novels in the series can really be read in any order, I would suggest not reading this until you have read the others as knowing the modern day characters will make this one much more accessible. I really enjoyed this novel and will be looking forward to the next in the series.
Having read all the other "Seventeen" novels, I was interested to see a slight change of direction with this one where AD Starrling goes right back to the "Origins" of the Immortals and introduces the forebears of the characters we have got to know in the previous novels and novellas. Although all of the original family are mentioned, the novel really concentrates on Mila, the Warrior, and the forebear of Anna and shows us how her reputation was earned.
Apart from Mila and Aaron, this novel is less character driven than some of the others, and I did not feel I got to know anyone apart from them and Crovir particularly well. It was also quite hard to keep all the names and relationships straight (lots of marriage between cousins!) so this did add a bit to the lack of engagement with some of the characters (there is a family tree at the beginning, but it's really hard to see on a kindle).
As usual with AD Starrling there is plenty of action including a good deal of fighting. This is a big part of the story in this one and again, does mean that characterisation loses out a bit. Nevertheless, this novel is a really big part of the "Seventeen" story and is absolutely necessary to understand the beginnings and move the story on.
Although the other 4 novels in the series can really be read in any order, I would suggest not reading this until you have read the others as knowing the modern day characters will make this one much more accessible. I really enjoyed this novel and will be looking forward to the next in the series.
November 1, 2020
Wow! A stunning piece of storytelling!
A deeply moving tale of early prehistoric mankind, woven around the lives of the children of the first Immortals Crovir and Bastian. Such a rich story, filled with people you both care for and hate.
I was startled to find myself crying at the loss of loved ones in the epic, final battle, so deep was my feeling for these characters.
A superb story in a superb storyline and series!
A deeply moving tale of early prehistoric mankind, woven around the lives of the children of the first Immortals Crovir and Bastian. Such a rich story, filled with people you both care for and hate.
I was startled to find myself crying at the loss of loved ones in the epic, final battle, so deep was my feeling for these characters.
A superb story in a superb storyline and series!
May 17, 2017
I really enjoyed Origins, read it on a flight from Toronto to Seattle...couldn't put it down! It is a well written story that provides excellent background for previous books in the Seventeen series. A.D. Starrling keep up the great work!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
March 20, 2023
Beginnings
The story of the first Immortals who joined with humans to banish the evils that lived in the hearts of some of the Immortals. They give rise to those in the previous books.
The story of the first Immortals who joined with humans to banish the evils that lived in the hearts of some of the Immortals. They give rise to those in the previous books.
May 20, 2023
book five in this series
I just finished reading Seventeen Series Book 5, it is already deep into the morning hour. I found it difficult once again to cease reading until it was finished. Looking forward to begin book six after breakfast tomorrow.
I just finished reading Seventeen Series Book 5, it is already deep into the morning hour. I found it difficult once again to cease reading until it was finished. Looking forward to begin book six after breakfast tomorrow.
March 4, 2024
awaiting the grand finale
The ancient battle, imprinted on each bearer of the signs, millennia later, told in full, from the genesis of the immortals to the end of the war, and the final death of Mila.
On to the final volume.
The ancient battle, imprinted on each bearer of the signs, millennia later, told in full, from the genesis of the immortals to the end of the war, and the final death of Mila.
On to the final volume.
December 22, 2017
I liked the characters and the history of where the main characters came from in Books 1-4. Really good storyline.
April 28, 2018
Fantastic
This was a great prequel. It stands alone and yet it perfectly fits as the fifth book. You want to read it fifth.
This was a great prequel. It stands alone and yet it perfectly fits as the fifth book. You want to read it fifth.
July 4, 2018
Haven't been able to put this series down. Just finished Origins and already picking up the next one.
Great read!
Great read!
November 5, 2018
A fascinating story that fully explained the start of the immortals beginnings.
December 12, 2022
Interesting to read the origins of the previous stories
June 9, 2024
Very good fantasy series. I’m almost finished with number 6, love it.
February 21, 2017
Origins takes us to the beginning of the Seventeen Series. Here we learn how the Crovir and Bastian races came to be, how the humans were ruled by Crovir and Bastian and how most of their children came to decide to end their rule. We learn about the immortals, in particular Mila, who had the special abilities that hundreds of years later were inherited by the special immortals we have met so far in the Seventeen Series. I think that if you are a fan of the Seventeen series, this is a definitely a must read because you learn so much about the background to this series. This book is the best book yet of the series. I felt a connection with the main character Mila. You could see that she was conflicted in following her father, King Crovir when he was so unjust and showed no compassion toward his subjects. There is a lot of action especially towards the end of the book where most of the battles against King Crovir’s army occurred. A.D. Starrling’s book definitely won’t disappoint and this will definitely enhance the other Seventeen series books.
February 22, 2017
I love when an author brings to life the back history of when everything got started. Having read this whole series before this one it helped with putting the pieces together and the family trees in the book show how everyone fits into the picture. A.D. Starrling really knows how to pull you into her world and keep you wanting more.
February 25, 2017
Outstanding read! Author AD Starrling again expands her literary world with this one, backfilling history with the origin, the plague and the war that separated the immortal races.. With each book she writes she further expands the work already created. I look forward to the next book
February 22, 2017
Whether it's a modern setting or a historical one, A.D Starrling never disappoints, with her intriguing characters and non-stop action. She keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Origins is a great prequel that sets up the characters from her past 4 books and had me hooked from the beginning. It's a fantastic tale of how the great war between the Bastians and the Crovirs came to be that was only hinted at in past novels.
The only issue I have with this book is the fact I finished it on the day of release and now have to wait for the next one to be written.
Origins is a great prequel that sets up the characters from her past 4 books and had me hooked from the beginning. It's a fantastic tale of how the great war between the Bastians and the Crovirs came to be that was only hinted at in past novels.
The only issue I have with this book is the fact I finished it on the day of release and now have to wait for the next one to be written.
February 17, 2017
The Seventeen Series is just amazing, I've loved every book in this series and this story exceeded my expectations. AD Starrling has written a story that evokes all sorts of emotions....just WOW. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 10, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of the books and novellas in the Seventeen Series, and they just keep on going from strength to strength. Origins is very different in that it takes the reader right back to the start of the immortal races. The beginning of the book has an almost biblical feel to it. AD Starrling has a real gift for convincing you of the possibility of these hidden immortals, and you can almost believe that this could have been in the original religious writings, but that it was taken out to keep the immortal races hidden from us mere mortals. After explaining the origin of the immortal races the book goes on to explain how an abuse of power leads to the first immortal war. Beautifully written, heart rending, exciting and harrowing I would definitely recommend this to others who love the series. I suppose it could be read as a standalone novel, but I feel it would be a far more satisfying read if you have read the other books in the series first. Highly recommended.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of the books and novellas in the Seventeen Series, and they just keep on going from strength to strength. Origins is very different in that it takes the reader right back to the start of the immortal races. The beginning of the book has an almost biblical feel to it. AD Starrling has a real gift for convincing you of the possibility of these hidden immortals, and you can almost believe that this could have been in the original religious writings, but that it was taken out to keep the immortal races hidden from us mere mortals. After explaining the origin of the immortal races the book goes on to explain how an abuse of power leads to the first immortal war. Beautifully written, heart rending, exciting and harrowing I would definitely recommend this to others who love the series. I suppose it could be read as a standalone novel, but I feel it would be a far more satisfying read if you have read the other books in the series first. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2017
An amazing story that keeps you intrigued until the last page. Follows well with the other books loved receiving this book to review. The author is fantastic
March 22, 2023
I had planned on only skimming this book just to see if there were references to present events. I don’t normally read period pieces. I wound up reading probably 90% of the book! I had to skip a lot of the stuff with Crovir because of how heinous he was. Mila was awesome. I could see a movie being made of her with Scarlett Johansson playing Mila.
April 6, 2024
Background Story
After learning a lot about the 'Special' Immortals in the previous books, we go back to the beginning and finally hear the full story that Dimitri has been searching for. The rise and fall of Crovir and Bastian is full of epic battles, love stories and heartbreak. I'm not ashamed to say it made me cry more than once
After learning a lot about the 'Special' Immortals in the previous books, we go back to the beginning and finally hear the full story that Dimitri has been searching for. The rise and fall of Crovir and Bastian is full of epic battles, love stories and heartbreak. I'm not ashamed to say it made me cry more than once
April 17, 2020
Great so far and what an imagination....wow! Awesome!
April 22, 2017
Excellent book! A very well written story giving you the background of the Bastian and Crovir family. The main story is of Mila and Aaron and the ending of a race and the beginning of another. Lots of action and sub stories and even a bit of a tear jerker. There is a lot to learn and much in depth thinking but I loved the book. Do not want to spoil it so read and think and learn!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews