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The Thresl Chronicles #1
Soldier Mine
RE-RELEASE - don't repurchase.
When Kreslan is attacked, little does he know the shape-shifting beast who saves him will completely change his life.
When Kreslan Piers is attacked in the cargo hold, he is rescued by a rare shape-shifting beast who transforms into the reincarnated leader of an entire planet. Will Kreslan be willing to give up his dream of being an ordinary soldier to partner with an extraordinary creature?
Vohne has been named by his human half, and the longer they’re together the more he’s remembering the details of their previous lives—lives he shared with Kreslan before watching him die. When they reach the Thresl home planet, Vohne has to break the news to his skittish mate that they not only does he belong to Vohne, but he is fated to be his other half for the rest of eternity.
When Kreslan is attacked, little does he know the shape-shifting beast who saves him will completely change his life.
When Kreslan Piers is attacked in the cargo hold, he is rescued by a rare shape-shifting beast who transforms into the reincarnated leader of an entire planet. Will Kreslan be willing to give up his dream of being an ordinary soldier to partner with an extraordinary creature?
Vohne has been named by his human half, and the longer they’re together the more he’s remembering the details of their previous lives—lives he shared with Kreslan before watching him die. When they reach the Thresl home planet, Vohne has to break the news to his skittish mate that they not only does he belong to Vohne, but he is fated to be his other half for the rest of eternity.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2011
26 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kell
179 books1,282 followersAmber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 9, 2015
oh my lord and butter—that was horrendous.
it was fun for a while; like the other two amber kellstory outlines books i have read this week, the premise was okay-to-pretty-good.
but the prose is terrible. comprised entirely of cliche, hysteria, and senseless blathering.
so after the lulz ended i was left a bit unmoored, and no longer impressed at how utterly devoid of storytelling magic any of it was, unto sex scenes that reminded me of saturday night live sketches, wondering if i was really gonna finish reading this smokin' hot mess just to punish myself for missing my ex.
spoilerrr: yes. yes i was.
so, my advice on this one is to avoid.
this author's books read like the confessions of a teenager with a concussion.
it was fun for a while; like the other two amber kell
but the prose is terrible. comprised entirely of cliche, hysteria, and senseless blathering.
so after the lulz ended i was left a bit unmoored, and no longer impressed at how utterly devoid of storytelling magic any of it was, unto sex scenes that reminded me of saturday night live sketches, wondering if i was really gonna finish reading this smokin' hot mess just to punish myself for missing my ex.
spoilerrr: yes. yes i was.
so, my advice on this one is to avoid.
this author's books read like the confessions of a teenager with a concussion.
December 22, 2011
I really can't understand why this book is getting such high ratings. The plot inconsistencies drove me nuts. At the beginning of the book, she stated that Thresls are cat-like creatures who only assume another form when they've bonded to a human and that this form very rarely is human-like. But later in the story all the Thresls look humanoid, even when they're not bonded yet. There were a couple more but I'd rather read a good book than spend my time listing all the stuff the author got wrong.
Another thing that got on my nerves was the fact that all problems were easily solved within a few pages and the constant bickering between the MCs.
Another thing that got on my nerves was the fact that all problems were easily solved within a few pages and the constant bickering between the MCs.
September 4, 2012
I loved the initial set up and the characters were so interesting and different but it lost me when it morphed into a convoluted reincarnation story. I felt the two MC's became very different personalities from what really attracted me in the beginning of the story. Too bad because it had an interesting hook.
September 12, 2013
hey, it's a real thing or a joke?
This title is an expanded, re-edited release
what? This is the "better" version of the book.. good Lord!
I hate to be a bitch, but I think this book deserve a bitchy review... like all women in the book. All bitches and lunatics and so,I'm authorized to be a bitch too (Yeah, it INFURIATES me a book with ALL bitches, neither one female character pleasant. Nope... all, bitches).
I didn't like:
*the world building (There is none. Facts just happened, rushed, not enough time to explain the world of the characters)
*all women were bitches... yeah I kow I already said it, but must said it again. It really bothers me.
*the Mcs are annoying
*the Mcs should be funny? I didn't laugh... no wait, not true. I laugh reading "This title is an expanded, re-edited release"
*the writing... it didn't work for me
*the "you are mine" stuff of the mating rarely annoys me... in this book it annoyed me a lot.
*all the women were bitches.... yeah again talking about it.
I like
........
thinking... trying t find something I like.... nope... nothing.
Yeah
I didn't like it
I don't think it was a pleasant reading, because of the writing and the lack of explanations.
I hate the Mcs and their talks.
Sex scenes were boring.
And of course, let's not forget... all women are bitches. Yeah... it REALLY infuriates me.
So, it's my bitchy review... 1 star
This title is an expanded, re-edited release
what? This is the "better" version of the book.. good Lord!
I hate to be a bitch, but I think this book deserve a bitchy review... like all women in the book. All bitches and lunatics and so,I'm authorized to be a bitch too (Yeah, it INFURIATES me a book with ALL bitches, neither one female character pleasant. Nope... all, bitches).
I didn't like:
*the world building (There is none. Facts just happened, rushed, not enough time to explain the world of the characters)
*all women were bitches... yeah I kow I already said it, but must said it again. It really bothers me.
*the Mcs are annoying
*the Mcs should be funny? I didn't laugh... no wait, not true. I laugh reading "This title is an expanded, re-edited release"
*the writing... it didn't work for me
*the "you are mine" stuff of the mating rarely annoys me... in this book it annoyed me a lot.
*all the women were bitches.... yeah again talking about it.
I like
........
thinking... trying t find something I like.... nope... nothing.
Yeah
I didn't like it
I don't think it was a pleasant reading, because of the writing and the lack of explanations.
I hate the Mcs and their talks.
Sex scenes were boring.
And of course, let's not forget... all women are bitches. Yeah... it REALLY infuriates me.
So, it's my bitchy review... 1 star
September 19, 2013
The pdf opened and it scared me. I mean, look at the texture of that skin. And all right up in yo' face. I almost felt like I was getting abrasion burns from the rough metal...but then it was skin. And now the imagery won't leave.
Thresl are peculiar. They come off as a weird cross between an animal, a shifter, and a bio-engineered weapon. They're regarded as either tools or pets. They seem...well, like animals.
Even Muir, the humanoid one, doesn't quite seem like a sentient human-like being. Hmm...an android, programmed for certain purposes and capable of some level of simple AI, but that's the extent of it. It's quite peculiar.
It was somewhat mitigated by the Commander-dude's comments, which seem to...sentient-ize them.
I have a bit of a problem with the diction here:
The Thresl curled next to his human, sniffing at the young man he'd chosen as his. He smelled sweet. The Thresl wanted to roll around in the man's essence until he stank of the soldier's scent. (emphasis my own)
Surely there was a more, dare I say, romantic way of putting, that?
Yes, there was.
And this whole thing. The whole once they change shapes, they stay that shape...it seems like quite an odd thing. They seem designed to cater to the needs of others, which enforces the impression that they're bioengieered weapons. I mean, before they bond and shift into a permanent form to fit the needs of their bonded, they're confined to an animal shape and appear to have sub-human intelligence? Of course, one can argue that human intelligence may not be intelligent, after all, and that animal intelligence is far superior, but that is another tangent that, if I pursue it, would lead me to a land far over the rainbow into a land of Technicolor glory from which I shall be hard-pressed to return in a timely manner.
You know, if they really can change into any shape, why didn't he just keep the tail if he was really going to miss it? I for one like tails, too, at the very least in my fiction. I mean, if you're going to have this waaaaay out there Thresl concept, why not let the dude keep his tail?
Huh. As I read, there's that "Fate" element in the choosing. Okay, so bioengineered weapons that didn't quite come out as adaptable and user-friendly as the original creators would have liked it, but not enough of a problem for them to scrap the project and start over.
And then...oh, geez. Please, narrate screams and don't onomatopoeia them. Please, for the sake of the world and posterity and the legacy of the written word.
Exhibit A:
...Kres finished up his shower and pulled open the curtain.
"Ahhh." Clutching his chest, he glared at the large man who invaded the bathing space. "You scared me."
You know, if the dude was going to take on an initial animal form, I would have loved there to be more kitty-loving. It's all right for it to happen; it would have been inadvertent kitty-loving, and then the dude suddenly snapping out of it going "*gasp* I'm supposed to be trying to get him to hate me, not like me" and we could have moved on, but the world have been a better place because there would have been kitty-loving. It's especially sad since the Vohne dude is never going to be a kitty again. He didn't even get to keep his tail *sad face*
And of course the bonding is through sex. Why didn't I see that coming? Oh wait, I did. I was just hoping it wouldn't come to that.
Ah. Revelations. . You see? Bio-engineered weapons, created for narcissists.
"Inadvertent Big Reveal" was stupid. It was like the reveal in Now You See Me. It was gimmicky and didn't make sense, in the scheme of things. If you really were going to pull that, there should have been more hints leading up to it, more tidbits thrown out, ones we would initially ignore or write off, but after the reveal, would think back on and remember we found them slightly odd at the time, though not any more so than "usual."
It seems highly unlikely that And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Ultimately, as evidenced, the whole fabrication of the Thresl, while compelling, creates a lot more problems than it solves. Unless it's like the Acorna unicorn people and space travel's what makes 'em change and stuff. That's a horrible analogy.
And Vohne's still bemoaning the loss of his tail. Why couldn't he have just kept the tail? Then neither of us would be bemoaning its lack.
The Big Reveal of
As I read on, some questions seem to be answered, although plenty of logistical questions were then raised.
I suppose I should stop analyzing into this. I suppose I would if I knew how to stop. I can't quite say it's a shame I can't stop analyzing into this.
The last fifth or so was just tedious. I lost interest somewhere...
I dunno, man. I almost want to read on just to see where this clusterfuck's heading, but at the same time, I dread the idea of having to read on and witnessing/trying to keep up with the clusterfuck.
You know, I miss series that are, you know, about the same character(s) throughout and not merely deemed a series because they're set in the same universe.
...Ah, I've been reading too much M/M.
Eh. What the hell. I'll give it 3 stars. Partly because bk 2 (I presume already who it'll be about) sounds like it's got loads of angst-fodder. Oh, I hope that one, at least, is good.
Thresl are peculiar. They come off as a weird cross between an animal, a shifter, and a bio-engineered weapon. They're regarded as either tools or pets. They seem...well, like animals.
Even Muir, the humanoid one, doesn't quite seem like a sentient human-like being. Hmm...an android, programmed for certain purposes and capable of some level of simple AI, but that's the extent of it. It's quite peculiar.
It was somewhat mitigated by the Commander-dude's comments, which seem to...sentient-ize them.
I have a bit of a problem with the diction here:
The Thresl curled next to his human, sniffing at the young man he'd chosen as his. He smelled sweet. The Thresl wanted to roll around in the man's essence until he stank of the soldier's scent. (emphasis my own)
Surely there was a more, dare I say, romantic way of putting, that?
Yes, there was.
And this whole thing. The whole once they change shapes, they stay that shape...it seems like quite an odd thing. They seem designed to cater to the needs of others, which enforces the impression that they're bioengieered weapons. I mean, before they bond and shift into a permanent form to fit the needs of their bonded, they're confined to an animal shape and appear to have sub-human intelligence? Of course, one can argue that human intelligence may not be intelligent, after all, and that animal intelligence is far superior, but that is another tangent that, if I pursue it, would lead me to a land far over the rainbow into a land of Technicolor glory from which I shall be hard-pressed to return in a timely manner.
You know, if they really can change into any shape, why didn't he just keep the tail if he was really going to miss it? I for one like tails, too, at the very least in my fiction. I mean, if you're going to have this waaaaay out there Thresl concept, why not let the dude keep his tail?
Huh. As I read, there's that "Fate" element in the choosing. Okay, so bioengineered weapons that didn't quite come out as adaptable and user-friendly as the original creators would have liked it, but not enough of a problem for them to scrap the project and start over.
And then...oh, geez. Please, narrate screams and don't onomatopoeia them. Please, for the sake of the world and posterity and the legacy of the written word.
Exhibit A:
...Kres finished up his shower and pulled open the curtain.
"Ahhh." Clutching his chest, he glared at the large man who invaded the bathing space. "You scared me."
You know, if the dude was going to take on an initial animal form, I would have loved there to be more kitty-loving. It's all right for it to happen; it would have been inadvertent kitty-loving, and then the dude suddenly snapping out of it going "*gasp* I'm supposed to be trying to get him to hate me, not like me" and we could have moved on, but the world have been a better place because there would have been kitty-loving. It's especially sad since the Vohne dude is never going to be a kitty again. He didn't even get to keep his tail *sad face*
And of course the bonding is through sex. Why didn't I see that coming? Oh wait, I did. I was just hoping it wouldn't come to that.
Ah. Revelations. . You see? Bio-engineered weapons, created for narcissists.
"Inadvertent Big Reveal" was stupid. It was like the reveal in Now You See Me. It was gimmicky and didn't make sense, in the scheme of things. If you really were going to pull that, there should have been more hints leading up to it, more tidbits thrown out, ones we would initially ignore or write off, but after the reveal, would think back on and remember we found them slightly odd at the time, though not any more so than "usual."
It seems highly unlikely that And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Ultimately, as evidenced, the whole fabrication of the Thresl, while compelling, creates a lot more problems than it solves. Unless it's like the Acorna unicorn people and space travel's what makes 'em change and stuff. That's a horrible analogy.
And Vohne's still bemoaning the loss of his tail. Why couldn't he have just kept the tail? Then neither of us would be bemoaning its lack.
The Big Reveal of
As I read on, some questions seem to be answered, although plenty of logistical questions were then raised.
I suppose I should stop analyzing into this. I suppose I would if I knew how to stop. I can't quite say it's a shame I can't stop analyzing into this.
The last fifth or so was just tedious. I lost interest somewhere...
I dunno, man. I almost want to read on just to see where this clusterfuck's heading, but at the same time, I dread the idea of having to read on and witnessing/trying to keep up with the clusterfuck.
You know, I miss series that are, you know, about the same character(s) throughout and not merely deemed a series because they're set in the same universe.
...Ah, I've been reading too much M/M.
Eh. What the hell. I'll give it 3 stars. Partly because bk 2 (I presume already who it'll be about) sounds like it's got loads of angst-fodder. Oh, I hope that one, at least, is good.
December 7, 2013
This was a really good book. It wasn't overly complicated and I loved seeing Kreslan trying to accept the fact he had a Thresl. There were some things I hadn't seen in a shifter book before that kept me interested while I was reading. One of those being that a Thresl stays in cat form until they find their bonded. Or in Kreslan and Vohne's case, their mate.
The book was kind of short, though. I would have liked a longer, fleshed out ending. It felt like I had been waiting for something incredible to happen in the end. But it didn't. It just kind of ended. Maybe if we had more Bleine after Kreslan did what he did, it would have been a better ending for me.
I also liked the possessiveness of the two MC's. If there is one thing I like in a book it would be a possessive character. When I get two, it makes the book even better for me. Plus you have the centuries of history behind the couple.
This is the start of a series. And for the first book, I had fun reading it. I'd love to see more of these two again, though. And I know there isn't another book with them yet. I will, however, read Bleine's book.
Recommended for people who like shifter books and don't really care so much about how much world building is in a book.
The book was kind of short, though. I would have liked a longer, fleshed out ending. It felt like I had been waiting for something incredible to happen in the end. But it didn't. It just kind of ended. Maybe if we had more Bleine after Kreslan did what he did, it would have been a better ending for me.
I also liked the possessiveness of the two MC's. If there is one thing I like in a book it would be a possessive character. When I get two, it makes the book even better for me. Plus you have the centuries of history behind the couple.
This is the start of a series. And for the first book, I had fun reading it. I'd love to see more of these two again, though. And I know there isn't another book with them yet. I will, however, read Bleine's book.
Recommended for people who like shifter books and don't really care so much about how much world building is in a book.
June 22, 2012
3.5 stars
I remember when Ms. Kell posted this as a blog story. I only read half then (although I'm not quite sure why) but this story is probably one of my favorites from her so far.
The story starts off strong with a bit of a spin on mates. Where Vohne is a Thresl (a strange type of cat) and can't transform to a human until he meets his mate. Kreslan is that mate and while not wanting to be mates isn't as original, I liked the way Kres and Vohne handled the mating and everything associated with it.
One of the things I liked about this story is how it deals with reincarnation. You don't find many books with that theme which was very intriguing. As I said, the story starts off very strong where we learn about Thresls and how they choose their mates. When things start to escalate towards Vohne returning home is when the book starts to get too rushed. It went from nice and slow to fast-paced and suspenseful but then changed to completely rushed and kind of chaotic and a bit cliched. I spotted who the (second) villain was as soon as they were introduced. And we don't really get to explore the feelings Kres and Vohne have for each other; it's just kind of there with no development. Which, I suppose, is typical for mates stories.
In the end, it was still a very entertaining read. Ms. Kell is definitely improving with each newer story I read of her's but I wish she'd take a bit more time and flesh out the plots by taking them a bit slower especially in the end.
I remember when Ms. Kell posted this as a blog story. I only read half then (although I'm not quite sure why) but this story is probably one of my favorites from her so far.
The story starts off strong with a bit of a spin on mates. Where Vohne is a Thresl (a strange type of cat) and can't transform to a human until he meets his mate. Kreslan is that mate and while not wanting to be mates isn't as original, I liked the way Kres and Vohne handled the mating and everything associated with it.
One of the things I liked about this story is how it deals with reincarnation. You don't find many books with that theme which was very intriguing. As I said, the story starts off very strong where we learn about Thresls and how they choose their mates. When things start to escalate towards Vohne returning home is when the book starts to get too rushed. It went from nice and slow to fast-paced and suspenseful but then changed to completely rushed and kind of chaotic and a bit cliched. I spotted who the (second) villain was as soon as they were introduced. And we don't really get to explore the feelings Kres and Vohne have for each other; it's just kind of there with no development. Which, I suppose, is typical for mates stories.
In the end, it was still a very entertaining read. Ms. Kell is definitely improving with each newer story I read of her's but I wish she'd take a bit more time and flesh out the plots by taking them a bit slower especially in the end.
November 17, 2011
I loved the premise for "Soldier Mine". I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this story and then halfway through I pause every chapter looking for the Kreslan and his Thresl I started the book with because they seemed to have vanished somewhere along the way. I did not hate this story because I do believe Mrs. Kell has a winner on her hands with her Thresl series. And with how this story ended, I expect there will be a crop of different couple potential. But Kreslan's Thresl...he was an alpha breed. And the first-half-of-the-story Kreslan came across to me as the same way, a really good soldier who wasn't missish.
SPOILER-ish: How is Kreslan blowing kisses to his Thresl when a chapter or two before he wasn't even sure if he wanted to be with his Thresl?
I don't think the story was rushed, just fell a little short with the relationship buildup between both males. And also the love scenes were...meh. Not particularly steamy and most of their scenes were too cutesy for what I expected from the characters that were first portrayed in "Soldier Mine (The Thresl Chronicles)". Now those two first-half-of-the-story males...if they carried through to the end...this would have been been some stellar work. I will try to read another story from this author though, she seems to have some cool ideas.
SPOILER-ish: How is Kreslan blowing kisses to his Thresl when a chapter or two before he wasn't even sure if he wanted to be with his Thresl?
I don't think the story was rushed, just fell a little short with the relationship buildup between both males. And also the love scenes were...meh. Not particularly steamy and most of their scenes were too cutesy for what I expected from the characters that were first portrayed in "Soldier Mine (The Thresl Chronicles)". Now those two first-half-of-the-story males...if they carried through to the end...this would have been been some stellar work. I will try to read another story from this author though, she seems to have some cool ideas.
August 28, 2011
I am in LOVE with this book.
The first few pages are a bit cliche..... army guy on a ship who is constantly taunted by the admirals homophobic asshole of a son. I was sitting there going OH NO! its going to be another one of those same old same old books.
Then it got to about page 7 and I sat up.
Hang on, I thought...this is defiantly new. Then I was hooked. It was action packed, interesting, funny, sexy and simply totally FUN.
I even took my kindle into the kitchen and read it while standing there stirring the dinner.
There was only ONE bad thing about this book that really bugged the shit out of me...it ended.
I am DIEING to read book 2 and I cannot see a due date for the sequel....I might go and pester the author now :O)
The first few pages are a bit cliche..... army guy on a ship who is constantly taunted by the admirals homophobic asshole of a son. I was sitting there going OH NO! its going to be another one of those same old same old books.
Then it got to about page 7 and I sat up.
Hang on, I thought...this is defiantly new. Then I was hooked. It was action packed, interesting, funny, sexy and simply totally FUN.
I even took my kindle into the kitchen and read it while standing there stirring the dinner.
There was only ONE bad thing about this book that really bugged the shit out of me...it ended.
I am DIEING to read book 2 and I cannot see a due date for the sequel....I might go and pester the author now :O)
March 26, 2013
Just the cheesy space romance I was in the mood for. The characters are fun, and I'm glad Amber Kell doesn't subscribe to the dominant, controlling mate, and that both characters are strong in their own right. I really liked Kreslan he could give lessons in backbone to many of the characters in other shifter type novels. This might not be great literature, but it's an enjoyable, fun read, and sometimes that's just what I want.
August 20, 2013
I want a Thresl!
September 8, 2014
rating: 1/5
Oh, boy! Where do I start?
I was seduced by the word "soldier" in title (I have a bit of a fetish for soldier love) and a description of an interesting alien species (I have a thing for aliens too).
It started decently, a bit melodramatic, the "bad guys" being one dimensionally bad and idiotic but I rolled with it to get at the gooey goodness at the core. Except it never came.
The transformation of alien to human-like lasted all of a few pages. There was no interesting ways of communicating with the alien, no time spent bonding (insta-bond?), and, what I was really hoping, no development of an alien mind thought processes to more human-like thought process. It was inta-magic biology (watch out, "insta" will be my favorite word to use in this review).
But wait! The alien was insta-bonded to our soldier-with-no-skills (who got almost beat up by idiot "bad guys"). The almost-priceless alien was on its way to some diplomat/ambassador/rich-ass-guy but had no more security than our wuss-soldier. So our pathetic-excuse-for-a-soldier and kitty-alien were transported to a training facility where we find out our kitty-alien is really an alpha-alien, but no, he's really king-alien. And our king-alien insta-bonded with our sorry-excuse-for-a-soldier because they are the reincarnation of their previous bond-mates. O.o
And now someone wants to kill the super hot, super strong king-alien-in-humanish-form (who wishes he retained his tail... and why the hell couldn't he if he could turn himself into any form he wanted?). And of course our pathetic-soldier becomes insta-warrior now that he is insta-bonded to the king-alien and becomes a bad-ass with a knife. *eye roll*
They kick ass (of course) and head to alien-shifter planet (a what? hold on... if these aliens are rare as they are usually reserved for high ranking officials and the mega-rich then why the hell would these people go back with the alien-shifters to their planet to become farmers or soldiers or holders of other crappy jobs?). They get attacked before touchdown and idiot-alien throws the idiot-soldier into an escape pod and stays on the ship as its attacked. The reasonable thing to do would be for both to either stand their ground and battle together or both to escape (especially since if one dies the other dies or goes mad or dies or gets cryo-frozen before bonding with someone new... there is a bit of plot whiplash on that issue). But this really ancient-kitty-alien-king and sort-of-soldier do the most idiotic thing ever, again. Which of course leads to more trouble and plot-hole-filled drama.
*crickets chirping*
My advice: Don't. Just don't. Take a look at that pretty cover, promise of soldiers, and enticing blurb, and then head far, far away. It was a waste of money (shit, I paid for this! maybe I'm the idiot!) that could have gone into another Lanyon novel.
Oh, boy! Where do I start?
I was seduced by the word "soldier" in title (I have a bit of a fetish for soldier love) and a description of an interesting alien species (I have a thing for aliens too).
It started decently, a bit melodramatic, the "bad guys" being one dimensionally bad and idiotic but I rolled with it to get at the gooey goodness at the core. Except it never came.
The transformation of alien to human-like lasted all of a few pages. There was no interesting ways of communicating with the alien, no time spent bonding (insta-bond?), and, what I was really hoping, no development of an alien mind thought processes to more human-like thought process. It was inta-magic biology (watch out, "insta" will be my favorite word to use in this review).
But wait! The alien was insta-bonded to our soldier-with-no-skills (who got almost beat up by idiot "bad guys"). The almost-priceless alien was on its way to some diplomat/ambassador/rich-ass-guy but had no more security than our wuss-soldier. So our pathetic-excuse-for-a-soldier and kitty-alien were transported to a training facility where we find out our kitty-alien is really an alpha-alien, but no, he's really king-alien. And our king-alien insta-bonded with our sorry-excuse-for-a-soldier because they are the reincarnation of their previous bond-mates. O.o
And now someone wants to kill the super hot, super strong king-alien-in-humanish-form (who wishes he retained his tail... and why the hell couldn't he if he could turn himself into any form he wanted?). And of course our pathetic-soldier becomes insta-warrior now that he is insta-bonded to the king-alien and becomes a bad-ass with a knife. *eye roll*
They kick ass (of course) and head to alien-shifter planet (a what? hold on... if these aliens are rare as they are usually reserved for high ranking officials and the mega-rich then why the hell would these people go back with the alien-shifters to their planet to become farmers or soldiers or holders of other crappy jobs?). They get attacked before touchdown and idiot-alien throws the idiot-soldier into an escape pod and stays on the ship as its attacked. The reasonable thing to do would be for both to either stand their ground and battle together or both to escape (especially since if one dies the other dies or goes mad or dies or gets cryo-frozen before bonding with someone new... there is a bit of plot whiplash on that issue). But this really ancient-kitty-alien-king and sort-of-soldier do the most idiotic thing ever, again. Which of course leads to more trouble and plot-hole-filled drama.
*crickets chirping*
My advice: Don't. Just don't. Take a look at that pretty cover, promise of soldiers, and enticing blurb, and then head far, far away. It was a waste of money (shit, I paid for this! maybe I'm the idiot!) that could have gone into another Lanyon novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2013
I love getting my little book loving hands on something unique. That is exactly what Amber Kell has given readers with the Thresl Chronicles. When readers first embark on this futuristic sci fi journey Kres is assigned to guard the beasts that are contained on this ship he is stationed on. He knows little about the Thresl’s. In fact that is the way it is for most humans. Thresl’s are a type of cat shifter that many want to own as a guardian. Thresl’s are often sold on the black market. For them to be the ultimate guardian they must imprint and bond with their human. It is only then that they take on their human shape. Thresl’s are not shifters in the usual sense of the word though. They only shift the one time, after they have found their human.
Vohne is more than pleased to protect the soldier that is being attacked in front of his cage. He knows there is more to this human than the others around him. Kres is his human. Vohne is more than just a Thresl in a cage waiting to be sold. Vohne protecting Kres and claiming him as his human sends them on a fascinating journey into a new life. Kres will no longer be just the soldier on guard duty and Vohne will reclaim what has been deceptively taken from him. Now with Kres at his side Vohne will reclaim what has always been rightfully theirs while uncovering the deceptions that have sent a powerful planet into wars and uprisings.
Soldier Mine and the world it is centered around are vastly interesting. There is so much that has yet to been uncovered. I am looking forward to moving on in this series. The couple for the next book has already been introduced and they are guaranteed to deliver a great story. They are going to have a major hurdle to overcome to get to their happily ever after and I am looking forward to reading Prince Claimed.
Vohne is more than pleased to protect the soldier that is being attacked in front of his cage. He knows there is more to this human than the others around him. Kres is his human. Vohne is more than just a Thresl in a cage waiting to be sold. Vohne protecting Kres and claiming him as his human sends them on a fascinating journey into a new life. Kres will no longer be just the soldier on guard duty and Vohne will reclaim what has been deceptively taken from him. Now with Kres at his side Vohne will reclaim what has always been rightfully theirs while uncovering the deceptions that have sent a powerful planet into wars and uprisings.
Soldier Mine and the world it is centered around are vastly interesting. There is so much that has yet to been uncovered. I am looking forward to moving on in this series. The couple for the next book has already been introduced and they are guaranteed to deliver a great story. They are going to have a major hurdle to overcome to get to their happily ever after and I am looking forward to reading Prince Claimed.
July 2, 2014
First, I really did enjoy the unique world that Kell built, how Thresls can only shift into their final forms from their feline one when they meet their mate, and how the forms that Thresls do take are a mirror of their mate's spirit. The premise for the book was just so unusual, at least for me, and I do love destined mates stories, so this definitely pushed one of my buttons.
Umm...this story also tumbled into the sappy and saccharine territory, like toothache-inducing sappiness. There were terms of endearment aplenty: "my love," "my treasure," "heart of mine," and so many more.
It was also somewhat silly with the very OTT villains...
and issues that were raised and solved with rapid-fire speed that would make any soap opera fanatic squeal with glee.
So, to recap:
✓ Set in interesting universe
✓ Sappy
✓Silly moments abound
And guess what? I enjoyed every minute. It just worked for me. Sure, it made me roll my eyes a few times, but I never felt like stopping. Will I continue on to the next book?
Umm...this story also tumbled into the sappy and saccharine territory, like toothache-inducing sappiness. There were terms of endearment aplenty: "my love," "my treasure," "heart of mine," and so many more.
It was also somewhat silly with the very OTT villains...
and issues that were raised and solved with rapid-fire speed that would make any soap opera fanatic squeal with glee.
So, to recap:
✓ Set in interesting universe
✓ Sappy
✓Silly moments abound
And guess what? I enjoyed every minute. It just worked for me. Sure, it made me roll my eyes a few times, but I never felt like stopping. Will I continue on to the next book?
October 3, 2011
Out of all of the Amber Kell books I've read, this one one may be the most fun-filled.
Kres and the Thresl, Vohne, were very cute. Kres is a fierce but slightly small soldier who, while being attacked, accidentally bonds with the Thresl who saves him. Right from the time the Thresl kicks some butt with Kres this story was full of action.
Long story short:
-Kres is minding his own business when fists start flying, body parts are broken, blood is spilled and a million dollar cat goes on a small killing spree.
-Kres and his million dollar cat man are minding their own business when there are some excellent explosions, a sea of smoke, guns popping and a catnapping that has nothing to do with sleeping.
-Kres decides to stop minding his own business because obviously that wasn't working out for him. His new plan of attack is to, well...attack.
-Sexy sex; Kres and Vohne have it.
-Space ship crash landings, crazy women trying to kill Kres, more bullets, assasination plots and an ancient prophecy.
All of that is packed into less than 200 pages and while there is a HEA there are also plenty of loose ends. I hope the sequel is as much of a good time as this first book.
Kres and the Thresl, Vohne, were very cute. Kres is a fierce but slightly small soldier who, while being attacked, accidentally bonds with the Thresl who saves him. Right from the time the Thresl kicks some butt with Kres this story was full of action.
Long story short:
-Kres is minding his own business when fists start flying, body parts are broken, blood is spilled and a million dollar cat goes on a small killing spree.
-Kres and his million dollar cat man are minding their own business when there are some excellent explosions, a sea of smoke, guns popping and a catnapping that has nothing to do with sleeping.
-Kres decides to stop minding his own business because obviously that wasn't working out for him. His new plan of attack is to, well...attack.
-Sexy sex; Kres and Vohne have it.
-Space ship crash landings, crazy women trying to kill Kres, more bullets, assasination plots and an ancient prophecy.
All of that is packed into less than 200 pages and while there is a HEA there are also plenty of loose ends. I hope the sequel is as much of a good time as this first book.
March 21, 2013
3.5*
I'm not normally a sci-fi/ futuristic fan, but this sounded good, so I went for it.
I liked it. Kres is a soldier who has to keep dealing with abuse and BS from another soldier who happens to be the son of an admiral. When he is volunteered to guard a Thresl , which is a cat like shifter who transforms when he bonds/mates with a human.
Ok, you guessed it, Kres is his human, and not only that Vohne ( the newly transformed Thresl) is a long lost alpha king of all Thresl .
It was a fun read, I was a bit annoyed that all cat like Thresl seemed to have disappeared after the first few pages, all of them had been transformed. And the conniving and backstabbers were all female (as far as we know) and really, Kres is locked up for the murder but the daughter just walks out of Vohne's office? He doesn't stop and have her arrested, and as fearless, brave and powerful the race is supposed to be only Kres seemed to be fighting and dealing out punishment and justice.
But, I still enjoyed it, I ignored the niggles and went along with the mate*insert growl* mine story.
I'm not normally a sci-fi/ futuristic fan, but this sounded good, so I went for it.
I liked it. Kres is a soldier who has to keep dealing with abuse and BS from another soldier who happens to be the son of an admiral. When he is volunteered to guard a Thresl , which is a cat like shifter who transforms when he bonds/mates with a human.
Ok, you guessed it, Kres is his human, and not only that Vohne ( the newly transformed Thresl) is a long lost alpha king of all Thresl .
It was a fun read, I was a bit annoyed that all cat like Thresl seemed to have disappeared after the first few pages, all of them had been transformed. And the conniving and backstabbers were all female (as far as we know) and really, Kres is locked up for the murder but the daughter just walks out of Vohne's office? He doesn't stop and have her arrested, and as fearless, brave and powerful the race is supposed to be only Kres seemed to be fighting and dealing out punishment and justice.
But, I still enjoyed it, I ignored the niggles and went along with the mate*insert growl* mine story.
October 4, 2013
This was such a fun, sexy book. I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed this! I think I was giggling hysterically all throughout it. I was looking for the second book even before I got up to 30%!
Vohne and Kreslan are such a wonderful and adorable couple. I wish this book was longer!
This truly is such a wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
ETA: hum-de-hum, the sequel has been published!
Vohne and Kreslan are such a wonderful and adorable couple. I wish this book was longer!
This truly is such a wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
ETA: hum-de-hum, the sequel has been published!
April 19, 2017
What a mess! The writing is immature, the story is full of holes and contradictions, it's all over the place trying to envelope every scenario ever possible. Characters are unbelievable and not in a good way.
Good thing the book was short and I was able to complete it for a challenge within a couple of hours.
I am going to read Lisa Henry to try and clear my head out.
Good thing the book was short and I was able to complete it for a challenge within a couple of hours.
I am going to read Lisa Henry to try and clear my head out.
March 9, 2013
4.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Whoa! Damn, what a fascinating book, what an idea and an incredible world has Ms. Kell created here. I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book.
Kreslan is a low ranking soldier who is having quite some difficulties in his current task as the spoiled, brat son of an Admiral keeps pushing his limits and abusing him every chance he got. It is like that Kreslan finds himself in another difficult position, when said brat along with two other friends of his tries to beat Kreslan to pulp, and all that would have happened but for a strange creature called a Thresl.
Thresls are cat like creatures; they bond with humans of their choice and when that happens they change form forever assimilating a more human-friendly one, creating a pair to be truly feared. Due to the rarity of their bonds they are highly wanted and at a great price, mostly for very rich people/politicians. When one of these creatures saves Kreslan from certain death, it quickly becomes obvious that his troubles have just begun. His military career is now over and Kreslan has to wrap his mind over the fact that he’ll never become a captain in a ship and have a normal life, a husband and well, whatever he has ever dreamed before is now over. He is now the mate of a Thresl who appears to be bigger and stronger than the others of his kind.
What Kreslan never imagined though is that the Thresl he is now bonded with is the very King of the all Thresls and he therefore he is the King-Mate. A very powerful position to be and an even more dangerous one, as many are willing not only to capture the King for their own agendas, but many want his death so they can take his place.
I can’t say how much in love I am with this book. I loved the Thresls as a species and more so Vohne, their king and Kreslan’s mate. The idea behind was that the species are in animalistic form until they bond with a human and shift to a human-like one, gain speech and can from there on evolve. The Thresl half not only shifts to his human’s needs but he also enhances and strengthens him. So we literally witness in this book how Vohne changes from a feral creature to a man that slowly loses that extreme violence and Kreslan on the other hand becomes stronger, more possessive and a bit more violent. The gradual transformation is perfectly balanced to the needs of the plot as things go more and more dangerous for this epic couple.
The background story is also very intriguing. The incarnations both Kreslan and Vohne have suffered over the millennia and the conspiracy behind the last hundred years that the King couldn’t reincarnate and claim his throne was fantastic. Personally I would’ve liked a bit more length in this book if only to allow some emotions to flow through. As it was, the entire story pace was bit too fast, too furious and left questions unanswered. It also left a serious hole in our pair’s relationship as they went from strangers to full blown mates killing for each other in the blink of an eye, and I being I, wanted a bit more quality time for Vohne and Kreslan.
However Soldier Mine, being the first book in the series, was extremely hooking and the need to get all the rest of the books and inhale ‘em in one go is quite strong. So going on an recommending this book to you after all the above seem a bit unnecessary yet, if you love sci-fi and cat-like creatures, intelligent shifters and great action plot, there you go, this book has it all. Enjoy!
Thommie.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Whoa! Damn, what a fascinating book, what an idea and an incredible world has Ms. Kell created here. I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book.
Kreslan is a low ranking soldier who is having quite some difficulties in his current task as the spoiled, brat son of an Admiral keeps pushing his limits and abusing him every chance he got. It is like that Kreslan finds himself in another difficult position, when said brat along with two other friends of his tries to beat Kreslan to pulp, and all that would have happened but for a strange creature called a Thresl.
Thresls are cat like creatures; they bond with humans of their choice and when that happens they change form forever assimilating a more human-friendly one, creating a pair to be truly feared. Due to the rarity of their bonds they are highly wanted and at a great price, mostly for very rich people/politicians. When one of these creatures saves Kreslan from certain death, it quickly becomes obvious that his troubles have just begun. His military career is now over and Kreslan has to wrap his mind over the fact that he’ll never become a captain in a ship and have a normal life, a husband and well, whatever he has ever dreamed before is now over. He is now the mate of a Thresl who appears to be bigger and stronger than the others of his kind.
What Kreslan never imagined though is that the Thresl he is now bonded with is the very King of the all Thresls and he therefore he is the King-Mate. A very powerful position to be and an even more dangerous one, as many are willing not only to capture the King for their own agendas, but many want his death so they can take his place.
I can’t say how much in love I am with this book. I loved the Thresls as a species and more so Vohne, their king and Kreslan’s mate. The idea behind was that the species are in animalistic form until they bond with a human and shift to a human-like one, gain speech and can from there on evolve. The Thresl half not only shifts to his human’s needs but he also enhances and strengthens him. So we literally witness in this book how Vohne changes from a feral creature to a man that slowly loses that extreme violence and Kreslan on the other hand becomes stronger, more possessive and a bit more violent. The gradual transformation is perfectly balanced to the needs of the plot as things go more and more dangerous for this epic couple.
The background story is also very intriguing. The incarnations both Kreslan and Vohne have suffered over the millennia and the conspiracy behind the last hundred years that the King couldn’t reincarnate and claim his throne was fantastic. Personally I would’ve liked a bit more length in this book if only to allow some emotions to flow through. As it was, the entire story pace was bit too fast, too furious and left questions unanswered. It also left a serious hole in our pair’s relationship as they went from strangers to full blown mates killing for each other in the blink of an eye, and I being I, wanted a bit more quality time for Vohne and Kreslan.
However Soldier Mine, being the first book in the series, was extremely hooking and the need to get all the rest of the books and inhale ‘em in one go is quite strong. So going on an recommending this book to you after all the above seem a bit unnecessary yet, if you love sci-fi and cat-like creatures, intelligent shifters and great action plot, there you go, this book has it all. Enjoy!
Thommie.
April 14, 2020
Me gustó mucho, por alguna razón ya sabía que así sería, la temática me llamaba mucho la atención y los primeros capítulos no me decepcionaron en lo absoluto, desde el principio se puede notar que la historia tiene como base un mundo muy bien desarrollado y fascinante. Me gusta el hecho de que a pesar de ser un libro breve, aún así la autora se preocupó en formar un universo interesante y unos protagonistas con los que empatizas y te hacen querer seguir leyendo su historia.
La pareja entre Kreslan y Vohne me ha gustado, o sea la historia de trasfondo que tenían le ha dado el toque perfecto para no sentir este romance como insta love y de esa forma lograr verlo de una manera más apreciativa. La actitud de ambos me ha encantado, ninguno me cayó mal e incluso me sacaron sonrisas, Vohne me hacía reír muchooo y adoro cuando los libros me ponen de buen humor.
He leído ya otros libros de Amber Kell pero siento que por el momento este es el que más me ha gustado de ella, sin duda quiero continuar con la saga porque me he quedado súper picada con la pareja siguienteeee.
La pareja entre Kreslan y Vohne me ha gustado, o sea la historia de trasfondo que tenían le ha dado el toque perfecto para no sentir este romance como insta love y de esa forma lograr verlo de una manera más apreciativa. La actitud de ambos me ha encantado, ninguno me cayó mal e incluso me sacaron sonrisas, Vohne me hacía reír muchooo y adoro cuando los libros me ponen de buen humor.
He leído ya otros libros de Amber Kell pero siento que por el momento este es el que más me ha gustado de ella, sin duda quiero continuar con la saga porque me he quedado súper picada con la pareja siguienteeee.
August 10, 2013
** This text refers to the 2013 revised edition. **
This dedication really says it all. The main interest lies in the story; the romance is only secondary at best. We do not even get particularly lurid sex scenes. I like that.
Something else I liked is how this book kept surprising me. For example, I did not see the explanation of how exactly a Thresl picks his shape coming. And even less the .
Kres and Vohne are both great, each in his own way. Very idealized, of course, but sometimes that’s simply perfect. As predicted by Vohne, they both change a little over the course of the story as well. Nothing too intricate, of course, yet still enjoyable to watch.
The intense attachment and relationship does not feel instantaneous on Kres’ side, but the moment he gives in to the physical, the rest comes crashing in really fast. Pretty much between scenes. It’s not the smoothest in terms of either romance or storytelling.
Some things don’t really make sense and a few paragraphs seem out of place or contradictory to the previous (possibly a result of editing), but I honestly can’t bring myself to care because this is still a fun ride. I guess I just have a thing for those deadly and snarky supposed weaker parts of this author’s pairings.
That’s why I am ending this on two quotations that nicely illustrate Kres.
One final word. My rating is fairly high, but that’s just because I take the “really liked it” literally. If you’re not a fan of this author’s sometimes rushed style or prefer heavy erotica or angst-laden emotions, you probably won’t enjoy this book.
To my science fiction fans who enjoy a little man love in their space adventures.
This dedication really says it all. The main interest lies in the story; the romance is only secondary at best. We do not even get particularly lurid sex scenes. I like that.
Something else I liked is how this book kept surprising me. For example, I did not see the explanation of how exactly a Thresl picks his shape coming. And even less the .
Kres and Vohne are both great, each in his own way. Very idealized, of course, but sometimes that’s simply perfect. As predicted by Vohne, they both change a little over the course of the story as well. Nothing too intricate, of course, yet still enjoyable to watch.
The intense attachment and relationship does not feel instantaneous on Kres’ side, but the moment he gives in to the physical, the rest comes crashing in really fast. Pretty much between scenes. It’s not the smoothest in terms of either romance or storytelling.
Some things don’t really make sense and a few paragraphs seem out of place or contradictory to the previous (possibly a result of editing), but I honestly can’t bring myself to care because this is still a fun ride. I guess I just have a thing for those deadly and snarky supposed weaker parts of this author’s pairings.
That’s why I am ending this on two quotations that nicely illustrate Kres.
Kres scuffed his boot on the ground then afterwards felt guilty. Some worker would probably stay up all night obsessing about that smudge on the surface of his shiny boots. Maybe he’d hide them when he got back to the room.
Kres was sick of people trying to kill him. Damn it, he’d come here to have a peaceful life with his lover, and he was going to have peace if he had to stab every one of the fuckers.
One final word. My rating is fairly high, but that’s just because I take the “really liked it” literally. If you’re not a fan of this author’s sometimes rushed style or prefer heavy erotica or angst-laden emotions, you probably won’t enjoy this book.
May 8, 2016
I have to agree with Gail. This book was just bad.
I also usually ignore Amber Kell's typical writing style that sounds like a teenage girl writing fanfiction, because her stories (mostly the shifter ones) can be kind of engaging and fun to read. I can even ignore that her characters break character all the time, and even the overly butch alpha sounds like a hormonal woman on crack sometimes.
This time I think Amber Kell went a bit too far. I just couldn't imagine a soldier (the epitome of thoughness) acting like a whiny queen bitch. Or a teenage girl. Or a kid. Whichever mood struck him.
This book was confusing, to put it kindly. There were logical errors, explosions, double crossings, more explosions, poisonings and much more, there was never a quiet moment in the whole book. Also, things just kept popping up with even some overshadowing. First, kitty bonds with the main character, and with no notice we are thrown into the being reborn part of the story.
It felt like the writer had a list of possible scenarios and twists, and as she went along with the story she kept crossing things off this list: bonding - check,
What really bugged me: instant relationships. It's kinda hard to believe the main character either becomes instant best friends or instant enemies with people he first lays eyes upon. I'm not talking about the one he is mates with, but the rest of the people around. Relationship building was totally missing.
And last but not least, I'm getting bored of the repetitive female roles: cute little sisters who instantly become bffs with the hero... and villains. Try introducing normal, kind hetero couples into the story (try a completely normal, charming housewife or a mother), or god forbid, lesbians. Psst, they really do exist!
I also usually ignore Amber Kell's typical writing style that sounds like a teenage girl writing fanfiction, because her stories (mostly the shifter ones) can be kind of engaging and fun to read. I can even ignore that her characters break character all the time, and even the overly butch alpha sounds like a hormonal woman on crack sometimes.
This time I think Amber Kell went a bit too far. I just couldn't imagine a soldier (the epitome of thoughness) acting like a whiny queen bitch. Or a teenage girl. Or a kid. Whichever mood struck him.
This book was confusing, to put it kindly. There were logical errors, explosions, double crossings, more explosions, poisonings and much more, there was never a quiet moment in the whole book. Also, things just kept popping up with even some overshadowing. First, kitty bonds with the main character, and with no notice we are thrown into the being reborn part of the story.
It felt like the writer had a list of possible scenarios and twists, and as she went along with the story she kept crossing things off this list: bonding - check,
What really bugged me: instant relationships. It's kinda hard to believe the main character either becomes instant best friends or instant enemies with people he first lays eyes upon. I'm not talking about the one he is mates with, but the rest of the people around. Relationship building was totally missing.
And last but not least, I'm getting bored of the repetitive female roles: cute little sisters who instantly become bffs with the hero... and villains. Try introducing normal, kind hetero couples into the story (try a completely normal, charming housewife or a mother), or god forbid, lesbians. Psst, they really do exist!
September 7, 2012
My immediate reaction after finishing this book was OMG I loved it, please tell me there's more. But now that I've looked over some of the other reviews and thought about the book as a whole, I revised my opinion. I still love it and will still definitely be reading any coming books of this series. This book seems like the author took two different stories and tried to make them one. Another reviewer mentioned inconsistencies and yeah there are a lot of those. There is also the fact that the characters personalities at the beginning of the book are completely different from how they are at the end. The plot has so many twists and turns that you might wonder if in the next chapter pink heffalumps were gonna try and take over the palace. After all of this what on earth could make me give it 4 stars. Honestly I have no idea. If I had to take a guess I would say I fell in love with Vohne in cat form, before all the craziness. You just sorta have to block out all that stuff and completely disregard reason and logic to love this book.
September 7, 2011
Unfortunately this one isn't very good. I can usually ignore Kell's awkward writing because the story is entertaining enough that I don't care too much, but this one feels like badly written fan fiction. Things happen out of nowhere with no particular explanation. It's as if the author was thinking: "Let's see, what happens next? I know, an explosion would be good!" and so there is an explosion, and a fight scene, and then it's never explained who those fellows were, or why or how they got there. Plus then there is Kell's disturbing tendency to mostly write female characters as villains or sisters. It's getting to the point where I just expect the female (non-sister or mother) characters to be a villain, because they usually are.
And this is disappointing, because I always snatch up Kell's stories as soon as I get get them through my usual vendors. The writing may be rough, but usually she tells an entertaining story that I enjoy. Just not this time.
And this is disappointing, because I always snatch up Kell's stories as soon as I get get them through my usual vendors. The writing may be rough, but usually she tells an entertaining story that I enjoy. Just not this time.
September 19, 2016
Overall book rating: 4 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 stars
MC1: Kreslan
MC2: Vohne
OK!!! Alians ??? Shifters ??? Reincarnation??? Who wouldn't love this. LOL
This had me on the edge of my chair... it was... different even though there's still a lot I feel I don't know. I can only imagine a Thresl "Alien cat" changing into a ... well I still don't quite know into what exactly but yeah I am just going with the flow here.
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3 stars
MC1: Kreslan
MC2: Vohne
OK!!! Alians ??? Shifters ??? Reincarnation??? Who wouldn't love this. LOL
This had me on the edge of my chair... it was... different even though there's still a lot I feel I don't know. I can only imagine a Thresl "Alien cat" changing into a ... well I still don't quite know into what exactly but yeah I am just going with the flow here.
September 23, 2011
It started out really nicely and grabbed my attention but somewhere in middle the author lost me and towards the end the book becomes a joke...
The premise is good and had a lot of potential but i felt that the author didn't know how flesh things out or create a fantasy/alien world thus dissolving strong male characters into giggling silly little girls by the end...imo.. :-\
Disappointed..!
The premise is good and had a lot of potential but i felt that the author didn't know how flesh things out or create a fantasy/alien world thus dissolving strong male characters into giggling silly little girls by the end...imo.. :-\
Disappointed..!
October 22, 2015
The first chapter or two were interesting enough, but the book steadily went downhill after that. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did, and I couldn't even look away from this train crash. And, oh my God, those dialogues! Just remembering them makes me shudder.
Awful, just awful.
Awful, just awful.
October 18, 2011
First half or so is a solid 4, but later on things get rushed and jumbled with most of the magic turning into something predictable. Still, it is a very good story, one of the best by this author.
December 17, 2015
This is an interesting book, set in an imaginative future world. Even if the basic premise (shapeshifter adapting to become the person their mate needs) is a variation on an old Star Trek idea, the actual details and additions to this imagined world made it different enough to more than hold my attention. In fact, the way this is written, I was completely mesmerized.
Kreslan, or Kres, is a soldier who is being bullied by the admiral's son and can't fight back. Until he meets a shapeshifting beast, Vohne, who protects him. Kres has no idea what hit him, nor how much his life will change, but deals with the unexpected as best he can. He is definitely not the typical hard-core soldier, but he does stand up for himself and fight when needed; this makes him very human and more likeable than a purely 'macho' soldier might be (at least for me).
Vohne is the perfect guy; strong, powerful and he has apparently more life experience than I first thought. His background and the reasons for what is happening now was interesting, and (hopefully) means there will be more stories in this series.
If you like paranormal stories with a 'different' type of shapeshifter, a bit of mystery and intrigue and two very hot men falling in love while fighting for their lives, and if you're looking for a mix between heat and a fascinating, different world, then you will probably like this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kreslan, or Kres, is a soldier who is being bullied by the admiral's son and can't fight back. Until he meets a shapeshifting beast, Vohne, who protects him. Kres has no idea what hit him, nor how much his life will change, but deals with the unexpected as best he can. He is definitely not the typical hard-core soldier, but he does stand up for himself and fight when needed; this makes him very human and more likeable than a purely 'macho' soldier might be (at least for me).
Vohne is the perfect guy; strong, powerful and he has apparently more life experience than I first thought. His background and the reasons for what is happening now was interesting, and (hopefully) means there will be more stories in this series.
If you like paranormal stories with a 'different' type of shapeshifter, a bit of mystery and intrigue and two very hot men falling in love while fighting for their lives, and if you're looking for a mix between heat and a fascinating, different world, then you will probably like this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 29, 2012
I enjoyed this story that was pretty much free from angst and just rolled along at a fast clip. I didn't feel like I got to know either character too much - but I liked what I did know. The way they could telepathically converse (not enough of that BTW..needed much more!) was funny and the sex was hot. At double the size with greater character expansion (both primary and secondary), more world building, and adding some hot rough sex to the mix this would likely be right up there with book of the year for me.
As it was I liked it but there was just not enough meat to it (pun intended) to love it. Would def. read more in the series though!
As it was I liked it but there was just not enough meat to it (pun intended) to love it. Would def. read more in the series though!
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