What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise of the Iliri #1-3
The Rise of the Iliri: Books 1-3
THE TOUGH, TREACHEROUS ROAD TO BELONGING—AN ALPHA FEMALE IN A WARRIOR FAMILY...
One part reverse harem sci fi fantasy, one part irresistible paranormal romance, the Rise of the Iliri series is an epic tale of one extraordinary woman’s quest for justice, hope, and love. In an exotic and dangerous post-apocalyptic world, a nation of terrorists under the thumb of an evil Emperor sets out to systematically destroy every race but their own. And they’re just about to succeed.
Author Auryn Hadley deftly blends heart-stopping epic adventure with the age-old struggle between good and evil, hatred and love—all through the lens of an intriguing female lead, the likes of which the fantasy genre hasn’t yet seen.
BLOODLUST, Book 1
Private Salryc Luxx is iliri, a species bred by humans long ago for protection...and entertainment. Enslaved until being conscripted into the army for biting a military officer, Sal's only goal is to fight her way into the Black Blades, an elite army unit. The Blades instantly recognize her as the perfection of exactly what she was designed to be: an unequaled killing machine, yet irresistible to every man.
Each of the Black Blades will die to protect her. Some of them will submit to the bloodlust that overtakes her in battle and can be quenched only by roughly passionate mating. Eventually, all of them will submit to her command. After months of training, she becomes the most lethal member of the unit. It will take much longer for them to teach her who she is: their destiny.
INSTINCTUAL, Book 2
Now that Sal has won her place in the Black Blades, she's struggling to find answers about how to fit in with her new family. That's a challenging assignment; it's an all-male family of seven of the fiercest warriors in existence, all of them iliri with superpowers kept secret from humans.
Sal's Black Blade commander and lover, Blaec, does his best to guide her, with the full understanding that she will eclipse him and that he must prepare her to do so. His best advice: "Listen to your instincts more and everything will work out. Our entire culture can be summed up pretty easily. We do what is natural."
For the matriarchal iliri, what is natural is that Sal is the undisputed leader of her pack. She makes everyone better; she especially makes everyone fight better.
DEFIANCE, Book 3
A kind deed on the part of Sal and her partner Cyno, helping what they take to be a wounded animal, leads to the discovery of their true nature, to strengthening and re-energizing their pack, and to a surprising alliancethat offers hope for the future. The wounded animal, they learn, is a grauor wolf, a species of ferocious warriors with language and traits nearly identical to iliri. When two of them ask to join her pack, Sal recruits them as Black Blades and the iliri are no longer the only dog in the fight for iliri freedom.
As the defiance of an entire species rises up in her, she really has no choice—she’ll just have to change the world.
One part reverse harem sci fi fantasy, one part irresistible paranormal romance, the Rise of the Iliri series is an epic tale of one extraordinary woman’s quest for justice, hope, and love. In an exotic and dangerous post-apocalyptic world, a nation of terrorists under the thumb of an evil Emperor sets out to systematically destroy every race but their own. And they’re just about to succeed.
Author Auryn Hadley deftly blends heart-stopping epic adventure with the age-old struggle between good and evil, hatred and love—all through the lens of an intriguing female lead, the likes of which the fantasy genre hasn’t yet seen.
BLOODLUST, Book 1
Private Salryc Luxx is iliri, a species bred by humans long ago for protection...and entertainment. Enslaved until being conscripted into the army for biting a military officer, Sal's only goal is to fight her way into the Black Blades, an elite army unit. The Blades instantly recognize her as the perfection of exactly what she was designed to be: an unequaled killing machine, yet irresistible to every man.
Each of the Black Blades will die to protect her. Some of them will submit to the bloodlust that overtakes her in battle and can be quenched only by roughly passionate mating. Eventually, all of them will submit to her command. After months of training, she becomes the most lethal member of the unit. It will take much longer for them to teach her who she is: their destiny.
INSTINCTUAL, Book 2
Now that Sal has won her place in the Black Blades, she's struggling to find answers about how to fit in with her new family. That's a challenging assignment; it's an all-male family of seven of the fiercest warriors in existence, all of them iliri with superpowers kept secret from humans.
Sal's Black Blade commander and lover, Blaec, does his best to guide her, with the full understanding that she will eclipse him and that he must prepare her to do so. His best advice: "Listen to your instincts more and everything will work out. Our entire culture can be summed up pretty easily. We do what is natural."
For the matriarchal iliri, what is natural is that Sal is the undisputed leader of her pack. She makes everyone better; she especially makes everyone fight better.
DEFIANCE, Book 3
A kind deed on the part of Sal and her partner Cyno, helping what they take to be a wounded animal, leads to the discovery of their true nature, to strengthening and re-energizing their pack, and to a surprising alliancethat offers hope for the future. The wounded animal, they learn, is a grauor wolf, a species of ferocious warriors with language and traits nearly identical to iliri. When two of them ask to join her pack, Sal recruits them as Black Blades and the iliri are no longer the only dog in the fight for iliri freedom.
As the defiance of an entire species rises up in her, she really has no choice—she’ll just have to change the world.
1088 pages, ebook
First published August 19, 2016
1277 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
May 18, 2018
Really enjoyed
I found this series from a book forum on FB and I'm glad I did. The story sucked me in for several days causing me to not sleep when I should be and when I could no longer keep my eyes open, I ended up dreaming of the story. (Those were interesting dreams let me tell you!) This story made me laugh, made me cry and made me feel things for these fictional characters that doesn't always happen but when it does you know you have a great story.
I found this series from a book forum on FB and I'm glad I did. The story sucked me in for several days causing me to not sleep when I should be and when I could no longer keep my eyes open, I ended up dreaming of the story. (Those were interesting dreams let me tell you!) This story made me laugh, made me cry and made me feel things for these fictional characters that doesn't always happen but when it does you know you have a great story.
May 7, 2018
Overjoyed!
I long for a really good book that you can't put down, that you take off work to read, or stay up all night to finish. This was that kind of book! And best yet, there 3 more volumes to read. I highly recommend this series, I've been telling my reader friends. Glad someone recommend it to me. I'm playing it forward. Thank you!
I long for a really good book that you can't put down, that you take off work to read, or stay up all night to finish. This was that kind of book! And best yet, there 3 more volumes to read. I highly recommend this series, I've been telling my reader friends. Glad someone recommend it to me. I'm playing it forward. Thank you!
March 17, 2020
Wow
Talk about an epic fantasy. You dint get much better than this. The story is great. The characters are incredible.
Talk about an epic fantasy. You dint get much better than this. The story is great. The characters are incredible.
April 15, 2018
It's 1.25am in the morning. Enough said about the effectiveness of Ms Hadley's writting
I really really enjoyed these books. You get caught up in the characters lives and invested in finding out what happens next. Ms Hadley is really good at world building, she also has a gift of being able to show how an ideal team is built as her characters build eschother up to overcome the situations they find themselves in. That combined with her characters likeability, means that you get invested in wanting them to succeed.
I'd recommend these books as well as the other books of hers that i have now read.
I really really enjoyed these books. You get caught up in the characters lives and invested in finding out what happens next. Ms Hadley is really good at world building, she also has a gift of being able to show how an ideal team is built as her characters build eschother up to overcome the situations they find themselves in. That combined with her characters likeability, means that you get invested in wanting them to succeed.
I'd recommend these books as well as the other books of hers that i have now read.
July 16, 2020
These books were A LOT. As far as plot and world building it was really great. This is a rh epic fantasy and the mc Sal is totally awesome. I love the whole not taking no for an answer and I’m going to change the world and save my people vibe. However Rise of the Illiri is definitely graphic and adult in every way. Not for the faint of heart either. There’s loads of action and fighting and blood lust. The “romance” is definitely there too. It’s one of those series that I don’t hate but I don’t necessarily think it’s for me. The author is super talented and really creative. It just wasn’t my thing.
February 24, 2021
A definite keeper
This is my second time through this series and it continues to speak to those disenfranchised by the powerful and entitled.
A people visually and culturally unique are being systemically enslaved, abused and exterminated. With little hope for change and seemingly too few to revolt and far less clinging to hope, a spark comes to light smelling of hope, home and change. Bigotry, bias, and hatred pervade every aspect of the Iliri lives but the spark brings hope and support in unexpected ways and places. A series hard to put down.
This is my second time through this series and it continues to speak to those disenfranchised by the powerful and entitled.
A people visually and culturally unique are being systemically enslaved, abused and exterminated. With little hope for change and seemingly too few to revolt and far less clinging to hope, a spark comes to light smelling of hope, home and change. Bigotry, bias, and hatred pervade every aspect of the Iliri lives but the spark brings hope and support in unexpected ways and places. A series hard to put down.
December 6, 2021
CAN I GIVE THIS MORE THAN 5⭐️
This series, is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. I have been sucked into this boxset for the last 4 days. Every chance I have gotten wether it have been from my phone or kindle I was sneaking in pages whenever I could. I am so obsessed with it. Off to get the next box set. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This series, is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. I have been sucked into this boxset for the last 4 days. Every chance I have gotten wether it have been from my phone or kindle I was sneaking in pages whenever I could. I am so obsessed with it. Off to get the next box set. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 29, 2025
OMG I’m halfway through book 3 and I’m so excited 😭 You HAVE to push through because I promise it gets better. Theres definitely a lot to process and adjustments you have to make but it’s worth it.
I first bought this series (before it became free on kindle) over a year ago but eventually deleted it because I lost interest. It recently came across as a recommendation again and I decided to try again. TRUST ME, you will get to that point of not being able to put the book down.
**WHAT’s HELPED ME PUSH THROUGH**
1. **SPOILER AT THE BOTTOM 🚩🚩**
2. Google who her mates are in advance to set an expectation - The Black Blades are a FAMILY, not necessarily her harem
3. The story is long but exciting and although she’s not immediately with a harem of men, it’s still spicy🌶️🌶️🌶️
4. Strong FMC, Worthy MMC’s
5. I personally can’t adapt to too much physical change in our characters so I mainly thought of her as an albino white person 😭 but you could easily flip the narrative to real life racism and have the FMC be a woman of color in a white mans world and it works just as well
🚩🚩🚩SPOILER BELOW FOR A FUTURE BOOK, SOMEWHAT INFLUENTIAL INFORMATION THAT I GATHERED FROM A PREVIOUS READER OF THE WHOLE SERIES🚩🚩🚩
6. Knowing that Blaec dies, not until book 5 they say but trust me it helps- he’s not really right for her and you’ll quickly understand that
I first bought this series (before it became free on kindle) over a year ago but eventually deleted it because I lost interest. It recently came across as a recommendation again and I decided to try again. TRUST ME, you will get to that point of not being able to put the book down.
**WHAT’s HELPED ME PUSH THROUGH**
1. **SPOILER AT THE BOTTOM 🚩🚩**
2. Google who her mates are in advance to set an expectation - The Black Blades are a FAMILY, not necessarily her harem
3. The story is long but exciting and although she’s not immediately with a harem of men, it’s still spicy🌶️🌶️🌶️
4. Strong FMC, Worthy MMC’s
5. I personally can’t adapt to too much physical change in our characters so I mainly thought of her as an albino white person 😭 but you could easily flip the narrative to real life racism and have the FMC be a woman of color in a white mans world and it works just as well
🚩🚩🚩SPOILER BELOW FOR A FUTURE BOOK, SOMEWHAT INFLUENTIAL INFORMATION THAT I GATHERED FROM A PREVIOUS READER OF THE WHOLE SERIES🚩🚩🚩
6. Knowing that Blaec dies, not until book 5 they say but trust me it helps- he’s not really right for her and you’ll quickly understand that
December 23, 2020
Amazing Fantasy With Strong Female Protaganist
I originally read these books as individual volumes and fell in love with Sal and the Black Blades. When the latest book came out I decided to re-read the books to enjoy the build up once again. This box set was a great way of doing that, as it keeps the story flowing. These first three volumes work brilliantly as a set because they follow seamlessly into each other and end at a distinct pause in the story.
Sal is a purebred Iliri female, possibly one of the last. This race is often enslaved in the CFC, the land where she was born. There is very little excuse needed to conscript Iliri into the army, where they are still treated as slaves. Sal was conscripted two years ago and as soon as she got promoted she applied to join any Elite Unit she could. She was finally given a chance to join the Black Blades, the best of the best. When she arrived she discovered that Iliri were hiding a lot from the outside world; their culture, their strength and their abilities. As a dominant purebred female Iliri she draws men to her and the Black Blades are the first people to make her believe this could be a good thing.
Sal was raised by humans and as such has no knowledge of the Iliri culture or language and her time with the Black Blades teaches her a lot, not only about her people, but about herself too. She grows stronger and helps tie the Black Blades tighter together, something that can only get them noticed and not always for good reasons.
This author is superb at world building. She weaves together clever strands of culture, history, geography and language together to craft a complete world in which the plot and characters can stand. Not only does she do this for one country, but several. Then on top of phenomenal world building, she crafts characters that we can bond with immediately, not just because we like them but because we can understand them. There are not just one or two characters created to bond with this in this series, but dozens of them of several different races. Then the plot, which glides along, forcing you to turn one more page even as your eyes start to close at 2am. I am unable to stop reading these books until forced to by the outside world or the end is reached. I get so wrapped up in Sal’s adventures I can never seem to pull myself away. As you might expect from an author who carefully constructs a complex world, the plot is flawlessly built, with politics, army tactics and social interactions all building on each other.
I cannot rate this book highly enough. If you like fantasy books, or strong female characters of any kind, I would be very very surprised
I originally read these books as individual volumes and fell in love with Sal and the Black Blades. When the latest book came out I decided to re-read the books to enjoy the build up once again. This box set was a great way of doing that, as it keeps the story flowing. These first three volumes work brilliantly as a set because they follow seamlessly into each other and end at a distinct pause in the story.
Sal is a purebred Iliri female, possibly one of the last. This race is often enslaved in the CFC, the land where she was born. There is very little excuse needed to conscript Iliri into the army, where they are still treated as slaves. Sal was conscripted two years ago and as soon as she got promoted she applied to join any Elite Unit she could. She was finally given a chance to join the Black Blades, the best of the best. When she arrived she discovered that Iliri were hiding a lot from the outside world; their culture, their strength and their abilities. As a dominant purebred female Iliri she draws men to her and the Black Blades are the first people to make her believe this could be a good thing.
Sal was raised by humans and as such has no knowledge of the Iliri culture or language and her time with the Black Blades teaches her a lot, not only about her people, but about herself too. She grows stronger and helps tie the Black Blades tighter together, something that can only get them noticed and not always for good reasons.
This author is superb at world building. She weaves together clever strands of culture, history, geography and language together to craft a complete world in which the plot and characters can stand. Not only does she do this for one country, but several. Then on top of phenomenal world building, she crafts characters that we can bond with immediately, not just because we like them but because we can understand them. There are not just one or two characters created to bond with this in this series, but dozens of them of several different races. Then the plot, which glides along, forcing you to turn one more page even as your eyes start to close at 2am. I am unable to stop reading these books until forced to by the outside world or the end is reached. I get so wrapped up in Sal’s adventures I can never seem to pull myself away. As you might expect from an author who carefully constructs a complex world, the plot is flawlessly built, with politics, army tactics and social interactions all building on each other.
I cannot rate this book highly enough. If you like fantasy books, or strong female characters of any kind, I would be very very surprised
April 28, 2018
These books were amazing!! I can't wait to dive in the next boxed set!!
July 18, 2018
I bought this series and I don't regret it. This series is great, one of the best I've read. I truly enjoyed the world building. I applaud the author for evoking so many emotions from me. The characters may not have been truly "I feel the same" and "relative" because these characters are primal. But I rooted for them, I failed with them, won with them and enjoyed these stories. The grammar and spelling errors at times were annoying. But it wasn't the worst I've seen. I'm not a huge grammar person but I did have to repeat a few of the lines and caught myself having to fill in the correct words when they were wrong. Other than that, I loved this book. They had multiple languages and I enjoyed it. However, further along in this series, and if you read my other reviews there are things in this series that I just don't like. I had to stop reading this series and it was a hard decision for me but I just couldn't anymore. I'm still a fan of this series, of this author, and of this work. I recommend this series.
Overall: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
September 14, 2020
It’s worth 4 and a half stars really but that wasn’t an option...
I don’t give out 5 star reviews because then there’s no room for improvement but this comes pretty close! I’m a big fan of Auryn Hadley’s story telling but I found this one in particular occupying my mind when I couldn’t have my kindle in my hand. It’s not as sexy as some of her other work (not that it’s not sexy!) and it’s somehow not as fraught (even when they’re facing life changing battles). What it is through and through is character driven. The fact that the leads hold themselves to a different set of rules to humans doesn’t make them feel ‘other’ and they’ve wormed their way firmly in to my head.
If you want fantasy that throws you in to another world, fills your thoughts, steals your heart and your time all while giving you a hefty reality check about they way we view and treat people we perceive as different then this series (and this author in general) is the right match for you.
I don’t give out 5 star reviews because then there’s no room for improvement but this comes pretty close! I’m a big fan of Auryn Hadley’s story telling but I found this one in particular occupying my mind when I couldn’t have my kindle in my hand. It’s not as sexy as some of her other work (not that it’s not sexy!) and it’s somehow not as fraught (even when they’re facing life changing battles). What it is through and through is character driven. The fact that the leads hold themselves to a different set of rules to humans doesn’t make them feel ‘other’ and they’ve wormed their way firmly in to my head.
If you want fantasy that throws you in to another world, fills your thoughts, steals your heart and your time all while giving you a hefty reality check about they way we view and treat people we perceive as different then this series (and this author in general) is the right match for you.
September 30, 2018
Outstanding
I really am not a fan of sci-fi or military book but in every one of my Facebook book groups, this series kept popping up! So I finally broke down and read the first the books in the Ombis edition. I have lost nights of sleep because I couldn't put the kindle away. The story line and characters deserve to be heard and enjoyed! Men or women would love this series! Seriously stop reading the review of a sleep deprived person and start read now. I will warn you though that once you get started, this books become their own drug similar to cocaine or heroin. sTART READING! Believe me it is worth it
I really am not a fan of sci-fi or military book but in every one of my Facebook book groups, this series kept popping up! So I finally broke down and read the first the books in the Ombis edition. I have lost nights of sleep because I couldn't put the kindle away. The story line and characters deserve to be heard and enjoyed! Men or women would love this series! Seriously stop reading the review of a sleep deprived person and start read now. I will warn you though that once you get started, this books become their own drug similar to cocaine or heroin. sTART READING! Believe me it is worth it
January 25, 2022
Well developed world, solid plot, and fascinating characters are all essential for enjoy a book or series of books and this hit all those points. There were a few things I wish I had more of here. The early books were light on sex scenes but as the series progressed that improved significantly. I wanted more in some areas and less in others, and there were times where I felt the editing had cut something because it felt like quite a jump. Other than those notes I finished the whole series and will read the Epilogue when it comes out.
April 3, 2018
Addiction!
I loved these books so much I couldn't put them down! I read them everywhere, even at stop signs and red lights. The characters growth and the emotions, twists, and action had me on edge, then out of nowhere, you're hit with a surprise that have you laughing or blushing. I loved it and can't wait for the next 3 books :)
I loved these books so much I couldn't put them down! I read them everywhere, even at stop signs and red lights. The characters growth and the emotions, twists, and action had me on edge, then out of nowhere, you're hit with a surprise that have you laughing or blushing. I loved it and can't wait for the next 3 books :)
June 28, 2019
Love it
I loved this so much, a friend recommended it, was a bit spectacle but I’m glad I did because it’s so good, the story and everything about it is just amazing written so well and I’m so much detail that it feels like your not just reading it but living it, I can’t fault these books because they are epically amazing and can’t to read the next volumes. A must read definitely recommend it.
I loved this so much, a friend recommended it, was a bit spectacle but I’m glad I did because it’s so good, the story and everything about it is just amazing written so well and I’m so much detail that it feels like your not just reading it but living it, I can’t fault these books because they are epically amazing and can’t to read the next volumes. A must read definitely recommend it.
March 4, 2018
Love Love Love these books!!!
There’s love and war. Politics and assassinations. Discrimination and true friendship across boundaries. Not for those who are faint of heart, unable to stomach gore, or those not open to love in all shapes and forms. If you read these, plan on spending hours and hours sucked into this world. One of the best series I have ever read.
There’s love and war. Politics and assassinations. Discrimination and true friendship across boundaries. Not for those who are faint of heart, unable to stomach gore, or those not open to love in all shapes and forms. If you read these, plan on spending hours and hours sucked into this world. One of the best series I have ever read.
Want to read
January 15, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/5/2020)! 🎁
May 11, 2021
A borring read that needs editing
No world building. Ignores basic scientific principals. Main character has no personality. All unicorns and roses. Not an adult read
No world building. Ignores basic scientific principals. Main character has no personality. All unicorns and roses. Not an adult read
August 20, 2018
Taken Over My Life
This series has seriously taken over my life. I think it’s taken me about a week to get through the first three books. I started reading the series on a whim... the authors newest RH book, Kiss of Death was heavily recommended... but for some reason... this series wasn’t. I listened to KOD on audio and loved it and knew I needed to see what else the author had to offer.
I got halfway through the first book and was hooked. The story was different from other RH and there were so many little quirks that spoke to me. I love the military theme and the MC looking like Inuyasha. The character development and world building...? Hands down. It is top notch. Just like KOD was.
There is only ONE reason I didn’t give book 2 and 3 five stars.... because book 1 was five stars. The fact that the author has left me sexually frustrated from Book 2 and 3.
I want to try to explain myself thoroughly because I know I’m starting to sound shallow. There was a review on either book 3 or 4 on Amazon... and I agreed whole heartedly with the reviewer.
The first book had everything; Romance, suspense, action, and a nice spattering of intimacy. It was a great balance. A little less sexy times then I’m used to, but it was nice and refreshing that it didn’t dominate the story.
But... book 2 and 3? All of the build up for sexy times was there. But no follow through whatsoever. Every sex scene ends before it begins. I spent the last two books insanely frustrated anytime an intimate moment ended abruptly.
Now - this wouldn’t be the end of the world usually... but the first book set up an expectation. It HAD follow through. Not much, but it was hands down there. And it was fantastic.
And not only that... what the other reviewer who I agreed with said... there is so much blood and gore in these books... like... Game of Thrones gore.... it feels cheap to not have follow through on some sex scenes, man.
This series is intelligent. The author has clearly researched the hell out of her material and she is one of the absolute best I’ve seen in a long time at world and character building.
And I’ve read KOD... and book 1 of this series... the author can write sexy scenes! With follow through! I know she can and she does it well enough.
It’s just one thing to read a book that has it all... with very adult themes... and to not have that at all. Especially when it DID have that in the first book! The abrupt cut off of sex scenes before they go anywhere, the teasing and hints of more relationships to come... it’s absolutely killing me.
I’m really hoping the next books will keep going deep into all elements of what these books could be ... and were in Book 1.
And I don’t want readers to get the wrong idea. This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I have been sucked in for over a week... four more books to go... haven’t paid attention to my family... cheered loudly after every successful battle... laughed out loud... and freaking cried.
I just wish I could have the happy adult woman tingles too when I read intimate scenes between my new favorite characters. The romance in this is fantastic... but it’s missing something very obvious and could be so much more.
There doesn’t need to be loads of sex to make it better - just some kind of follow through here and there at least.
And I honestly wouldn’t even be caring about the sexy times if I didn’t expect it... because the first book had it! You can’t miss what you never had... but I had it. And I want it back, lol.
So crossing fingers here.....
This series has seriously taken over my life. I think it’s taken me about a week to get through the first three books. I started reading the series on a whim... the authors newest RH book, Kiss of Death was heavily recommended... but for some reason... this series wasn’t. I listened to KOD on audio and loved it and knew I needed to see what else the author had to offer.
I got halfway through the first book and was hooked. The story was different from other RH and there were so many little quirks that spoke to me. I love the military theme and the MC looking like Inuyasha. The character development and world building...? Hands down. It is top notch. Just like KOD was.
There is only ONE reason I didn’t give book 2 and 3 five stars.... because book 1 was five stars. The fact that the author has left me sexually frustrated from Book 2 and 3.
I want to try to explain myself thoroughly because I know I’m starting to sound shallow. There was a review on either book 3 or 4 on Amazon... and I agreed whole heartedly with the reviewer.
The first book had everything; Romance, suspense, action, and a nice spattering of intimacy. It was a great balance. A little less sexy times then I’m used to, but it was nice and refreshing that it didn’t dominate the story.
But... book 2 and 3? All of the build up for sexy times was there. But no follow through whatsoever. Every sex scene ends before it begins. I spent the last two books insanely frustrated anytime an intimate moment ended abruptly.
Now - this wouldn’t be the end of the world usually... but the first book set up an expectation. It HAD follow through. Not much, but it was hands down there. And it was fantastic.
And not only that... what the other reviewer who I agreed with said... there is so much blood and gore in these books... like... Game of Thrones gore.... it feels cheap to not have follow through on some sex scenes, man.
This series is intelligent. The author has clearly researched the hell out of her material and she is one of the absolute best I’ve seen in a long time at world and character building.
And I’ve read KOD... and book 1 of this series... the author can write sexy scenes! With follow through! I know she can and she does it well enough.
It’s just one thing to read a book that has it all... with very adult themes... and to not have that at all. Especially when it DID have that in the first book! The abrupt cut off of sex scenes before they go anywhere, the teasing and hints of more relationships to come... it’s absolutely killing me.
I’m really hoping the next books will keep going deep into all elements of what these books could be ... and were in Book 1.
And I don’t want readers to get the wrong idea. This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I have been sucked in for over a week... four more books to go... haven’t paid attention to my family... cheered loudly after every successful battle... laughed out loud... and freaking cried.
I just wish I could have the happy adult woman tingles too when I read intimate scenes between my new favorite characters. The romance in this is fantastic... but it’s missing something very obvious and could be so much more.
There doesn’t need to be loads of sex to make it better - just some kind of follow through here and there at least.
And I honestly wouldn’t even be caring about the sexy times if I didn’t expect it... because the first book had it! You can’t miss what you never had... but I had it. And I want it back, lol.
So crossing fingers here.....
March 6, 2024
pretty good
I struggled to finish this box set. I thought it ended at 3 but there’s really 11 books. I started reading this long time ago and could only get through the first book but so many ppl recommended it on fb groups that I thought I should try again. So I did. It went the same as the first time around. It was Good, but it wasn’t Great. I could easily put the book down and go do something if needed. It didn’t Grip me like most series I read.
Sal, really grew from the first to the 3rd. It was confusing at times, grammarly speaking. Someone would answer a question, but it would be in a paragraph in Sals point of view where she’s doing stuff so it got confusing on who was answering who. Paragraphs should be situated per person on who was speaking and doing what. If someone answers a question, there should be another paragraph with that answer to show it was a different person speaking, stuff like that. We also grew to love the characters and the 3rd book had hardly any of the original characters in it. Even though it was an important piece to the series, showing how the Black Blades of Iliri were rising up. I loved the multiple point of views, I loved when Sal made a decision and stuck with it. She was so unsure of herself, like seriously. She’s been beat down to pretend like she’s human, controlling her urges and then told it’s ok to follow her instincts but then is told that she needs to pretend to be human… that was all Blaec though. He was the one that pushed her to be herself then to hide away. This combined with her slave status growing up really screwed with her mind but her flip flop change of attitude on who she should pick as first mate really started to bug me. Cyno and Blaec told her to follow her instincts and they would accept it, they said this several several times, and still she mucked things up before making the decision. She worried she would hurt the others feelings. Granted she can’t control how others feel but she should listen to them. When she did, everything worked out well, Cyno seems to be the perfect Ying to her Yang. If Sal could get a hold of her unsureness, take charge like she does on a battlefield or tactical session… I think this series would have a completely different vibe to it and would have made me enjoy it more. It got tiresome, and combined with the grammar issues, losing out on 3/4 of the main characters in book 3, it just didn’t drive me that I NEEDED to read the next page.
The plot of the story was good, lots and lots of detail. Like Lots. The blades growing in size, the drama outside the blades in the Conglomerate, and the drama inside Anglia, the new characters that were important to the Blades, it all combined for a pretty interesting story. Wish I liked it more. Not sure if I will finish the series.
I struggled to finish this box set. I thought it ended at 3 but there’s really 11 books. I started reading this long time ago and could only get through the first book but so many ppl recommended it on fb groups that I thought I should try again. So I did. It went the same as the first time around. It was Good, but it wasn’t Great. I could easily put the book down and go do something if needed. It didn’t Grip me like most series I read.
Sal, really grew from the first to the 3rd. It was confusing at times, grammarly speaking. Someone would answer a question, but it would be in a paragraph in Sals point of view where she’s doing stuff so it got confusing on who was answering who. Paragraphs should be situated per person on who was speaking and doing what. If someone answers a question, there should be another paragraph with that answer to show it was a different person speaking, stuff like that. We also grew to love the characters and the 3rd book had hardly any of the original characters in it. Even though it was an important piece to the series, showing how the Black Blades of Iliri were rising up. I loved the multiple point of views, I loved when Sal made a decision and stuck with it. She was so unsure of herself, like seriously. She’s been beat down to pretend like she’s human, controlling her urges and then told it’s ok to follow her instincts but then is told that she needs to pretend to be human… that was all Blaec though. He was the one that pushed her to be herself then to hide away. This combined with her slave status growing up really screwed with her mind but her flip flop change of attitude on who she should pick as first mate really started to bug me. Cyno and Blaec told her to follow her instincts and they would accept it, they said this several several times, and still she mucked things up before making the decision. She worried she would hurt the others feelings. Granted she can’t control how others feel but she should listen to them. When she did, everything worked out well, Cyno seems to be the perfect Ying to her Yang. If Sal could get a hold of her unsureness, take charge like she does on a battlefield or tactical session… I think this series would have a completely different vibe to it and would have made me enjoy it more. It got tiresome, and combined with the grammar issues, losing out on 3/4 of the main characters in book 3, it just didn’t drive me that I NEEDED to read the next page.
The plot of the story was good, lots and lots of detail. Like Lots. The blades growing in size, the drama outside the blades in the Conglomerate, and the drama inside Anglia, the new characters that were important to the Blades, it all combined for a pretty interesting story. Wish I liked it more. Not sure if I will finish the series.
October 11, 2018
I am in love with this series.
I love these characters.
I love this world.
I can’t say it any planer than that.
It’s been to long since the last series (hell, the last book) I could say that about. I’ve spent the last eleven days drowning myself in this world and I just can’t get enough.
Okay, okay...enough fangirling.
This review is going to be 100% spoiler free so it’s going to be very vague because I don’t want to ruin the experience for anybody.
I thought this book was going to be just another dystopian fiction, over-sexed reverse-harem that would help me pass a few hours (about the second or third sex scene) before I got bored and put it aside to find something else. Let me tell you... I was so wrong. It had everything I love in a book. Strong characters, emotion, action, and grate world building. Some may disagree, but I’m not the type to try and pick apart any and every little thing in a book. Only the parts that are just too hard to ignore. Like some would probably complain that the main character is a little too on the perfect side, but the author makes it very clear why.
The action scenes were riveting. I spent a lot of time on the edge of my seat or holding my breath.
And something I appreciate more than anything in good storytelling is knowing when sex is important enough to warrant my full attention and when it doesn’t.
The only small complaint I have is the repetitiveness. Some things get re-said to different people. If I had not read these books back to back it would’ve been less noticeable, so...
What it all comes down to is that I recommend these books to anyone who love kick-ass characters and aren’t afraid to show their feelings. Adventuring into a new world in the middle of war and on the brink of a revolution.
Reminder that this is a reverse-harem with more than one sex partner, but it is done very tastefully.
I love these characters.
I love this world.
I can’t say it any planer than that.
It’s been to long since the last series (hell, the last book) I could say that about. I’ve spent the last eleven days drowning myself in this world and I just can’t get enough.
Okay, okay...enough fangirling.
This review is going to be 100% spoiler free so it’s going to be very vague because I don’t want to ruin the experience for anybody.
I thought this book was going to be just another dystopian fiction, over-sexed reverse-harem that would help me pass a few hours (about the second or third sex scene) before I got bored and put it aside to find something else. Let me tell you... I was so wrong. It had everything I love in a book. Strong characters, emotion, action, and grate world building. Some may disagree, but I’m not the type to try and pick apart any and every little thing in a book. Only the parts that are just too hard to ignore. Like some would probably complain that the main character is a little too on the perfect side, but the author makes it very clear why.
The action scenes were riveting. I spent a lot of time on the edge of my seat or holding my breath.
And something I appreciate more than anything in good storytelling is knowing when sex is important enough to warrant my full attention and when it doesn’t.
The only small complaint I have is the repetitiveness. Some things get re-said to different people. If I had not read these books back to back it would’ve been less noticeable, so...
What it all comes down to is that I recommend these books to anyone who love kick-ass characters and aren’t afraid to show their feelings. Adventuring into a new world in the middle of war and on the brink of a revolution.
Reminder that this is a reverse-harem with more than one sex partner, but it is done very tastefully.
October 24, 2018
I read books 1-8 in quick succession so am giving a review on the series, to date.
The world building is excellent. Humans colonize a distant world, low on metals and with indigenous life. Thousands of years later, the resulting society is one of basically medieval tech, but with ceramics and resin replacing metals. Very clever extrapolation and made more interesting with the integration of the indigenous life.
The series is both a Sci-Fi/Paranormal-esque epic adventure and a romance. The heat level of the romance rises throughout the series, not hitting 'erotic' levels until about Book 7 and starting relatively low, though all well written at the heat levels they're at. I mention this because this switch/transition may surprise some readers. At times, the balance between the epic adventure and the romance is off a bit, throwing off the pacing of the overall story, but not so much as to want you to stop reading - it remains engaging throughout.
The plot, and plot twists, of the epic adventure are well done, creating a well-crafted story that could stand alone, even without the romance. There are some quibbles around how the military is organized, specifically around unit sizes and organization, but unless you have a background in the area or read a lot of military fantasy/historicals you probably won't notice. The fight scenes are well done, even if all in the contexts of small skirmishes.
Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. It's based in a wonderfully crafted world and includes some amazing elements. It's only some nits about how these elements are put together that keeps this from getting 5 stars.
The world building is excellent. Humans colonize a distant world, low on metals and with indigenous life. Thousands of years later, the resulting society is one of basically medieval tech, but with ceramics and resin replacing metals. Very clever extrapolation and made more interesting with the integration of the indigenous life.
The series is both a Sci-Fi/Paranormal-esque epic adventure and a romance. The heat level of the romance rises throughout the series, not hitting 'erotic' levels until about Book 7 and starting relatively low, though all well written at the heat levels they're at. I mention this because this switch/transition may surprise some readers. At times, the balance between the epic adventure and the romance is off a bit, throwing off the pacing of the overall story, but not so much as to want you to stop reading - it remains engaging throughout.
The plot, and plot twists, of the epic adventure are well done, creating a well-crafted story that could stand alone, even without the romance. There are some quibbles around how the military is organized, specifically around unit sizes and organization, but unless you have a background in the area or read a lot of military fantasy/historicals you probably won't notice. The fight scenes are well done, even if all in the contexts of small skirmishes.
Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. It's based in a wonderfully crafted world and includes some amazing elements. It's only some nits about how these elements are put together that keeps this from getting 5 stars.
January 1, 2020
Unique
This is a series that will have the reader totally invested in each character. Sal, is a full blood iliri, one of the last of her kind. She was born a slave and used for sex and everything in between. Eventually she went into the army and her dream to become a, Black Blade, finally in her grasp. The elite group is putting several men through their tests to pick just one. Sal, being the only woman and obviously, iliri, is being harassed by a couple of soldiers before she's even assigned a room. Being stronger, faster and more animal, then human, she has to control her instincts not to kill these guys. One of the, blades, come and break up this fight and soon realizes, Sal, has tapped into to the , Black Blade, mind link. When she tries to deny she cant hear their minds, can't remember which one, Risk, or Shift, turns his back to her and ends up tricking her by talking in her mind and she answered, thinking he said it out loud. Needless to say, Sal passes all of the trials and becomes a, Black Blade.
Highly recommend
Love this series...the only thing was there were some repetitive writing, when they would come up with an idea, it was repeated when telling the same thing to someone else and sometimes a few times. It's not a bad thing, I just found myself skimming several times.. plus I love when the writer is able to put together a, "how to plan," and then surprise the reader with more, when there doesn't seem to be a way , out!!! If that makes sense... This was an amazing read overall and can't wait to get to the next book...
This is a series that will have the reader totally invested in each character. Sal, is a full blood iliri, one of the last of her kind. She was born a slave and used for sex and everything in between. Eventually she went into the army and her dream to become a, Black Blade, finally in her grasp. The elite group is putting several men through their tests to pick just one. Sal, being the only woman and obviously, iliri, is being harassed by a couple of soldiers before she's even assigned a room. Being stronger, faster and more animal, then human, she has to control her instincts not to kill these guys. One of the, blades, come and break up this fight and soon realizes, Sal, has tapped into to the , Black Blade, mind link. When she tries to deny she cant hear their minds, can't remember which one, Risk, or Shift, turns his back to her and ends up tricking her by talking in her mind and she answered, thinking he said it out loud. Needless to say, Sal passes all of the trials and becomes a, Black Blade.
Highly recommend
Love this series...the only thing was there were some repetitive writing, when they would come up with an idea, it was repeated when telling the same thing to someone else and sometimes a few times. It's not a bad thing, I just found myself skimming several times.. plus I love when the writer is able to put together a, "how to plan," and then surprise the reader with more, when there doesn't seem to be a way , out!!! If that makes sense... This was an amazing read overall and can't wait to get to the next book...
February 13, 2021
Oh!! This series is so very good, it will keep you turning pages long after you should have gone to attend other duties.
Like all good epic sagas, the characters become like your own family members, where your heart rejoices at their victories and is filled with sorrow when something is amiss.
I have enjoyed these three episodes and look forward to the rest of the series.
#1 Bloodlust
The Iliri are a race of pale skinned paled eyed natives, that had threatened the first humans to colonize the region. Over the years the Iliri were slaughtered, caught and either domesticed as slaves or soldiers.
The Blackblade are an elite group of warriors, a group that many want to join, they are looking for a new member to join their group, but the new recruit must past various tests, to be selected.
This is about Sal, an Ilirie fullblooded female, who seeks to gain admittance to this select group.
#2 Instinctual
Not having had contact with Iliri until the blades, Sal had very little knowledge of her heritage or her people's customs.
All she knew where the human's ways. So to say she was confused, was to understate the matter. However, the Blackblades were more than willing to guide her in anything she needed help in.
She was being continually told to trust her instincts, they would not guide her astray.
#3 Defiance
So Sal and Jase are now in Anglia following their orders to secure a king that is Iliri sympathetic.
There's a whole new adventure and a new group of people to be won over, but Sal, in her usual intrepid fashion finds the way.
Like all good epic sagas, the characters become like your own family members, where your heart rejoices at their victories and is filled with sorrow when something is amiss.
I have enjoyed these three episodes and look forward to the rest of the series.
#1 Bloodlust
The Iliri are a race of pale skinned paled eyed natives, that had threatened the first humans to colonize the region. Over the years the Iliri were slaughtered, caught and either domesticed as slaves or soldiers.
The Blackblade are an elite group of warriors, a group that many want to join, they are looking for a new member to join their group, but the new recruit must past various tests, to be selected.
This is about Sal, an Ilirie fullblooded female, who seeks to gain admittance to this select group.
#2 Instinctual
Not having had contact with Iliri until the blades, Sal had very little knowledge of her heritage or her people's customs.
All she knew where the human's ways. So to say she was confused, was to understate the matter. However, the Blackblades were more than willing to guide her in anything she needed help in.
She was being continually told to trust her instincts, they would not guide her astray.
#3 Defiance
So Sal and Jase are now in Anglia following their orders to secure a king that is Iliri sympathetic.
There's a whole new adventure and a new group of people to be won over, but Sal, in her usual intrepid fashion finds the way.
December 6, 2019
4.5 stars
I enjoyed these books a lot more than I anticipated. It is rich in story, plot, and culture. The world is beyond interesting and the military dynamics are super cool. We don't often see military dynamics when reading fantasy, but these go together so well in this book that it's amazing. I may even be on a military kick after reading these books.
My only qualms with this series is that I often find myself a little lost. I'm not sure how the author could explain situations any better because she does go into detail to make things clear, but somehow stuff still doesn't come out clear to me. I had this same issue while reading Demon's Muse. I find that certain subjects are over explained and then others that I need more explanation on are almost passed over. There are a lot of "Aha" moments for characters, but since I don't follow what they are realizing I do not feel the "Aha" moment and then I'm lost.
I know that sounded like a lot of criticism, but I overall love this series. I really love the iliri as a species and I find them very interesting. I love Sal as a heroine. I love Jase. And I love the interactions humans and Iliri have whether they be good or bad.
I enjoyed these books a lot more than I anticipated. It is rich in story, plot, and culture. The world is beyond interesting and the military dynamics are super cool. We don't often see military dynamics when reading fantasy, but these go together so well in this book that it's amazing. I may even be on a military kick after reading these books.
My only qualms with this series is that I often find myself a little lost. I'm not sure how the author could explain situations any better because she does go into detail to make things clear, but somehow stuff still doesn't come out clear to me. I had this same issue while reading Demon's Muse. I find that certain subjects are over explained and then others that I need more explanation on are almost passed over. There are a lot of "Aha" moments for characters, but since I don't follow what they are realizing I do not feel the "Aha" moment and then I'm lost.
I know that sounded like a lot of criticism, but I overall love this series. I really love the iliri as a species and I find them very interesting. I love Sal as a heroine. I love Jase. And I love the interactions humans and Iliri have whether they be good or bad.
June 22, 2020
Incredible Series
This series is truly incredible. Once I picked it up I could not stop reading! I'm a sucker for RH novels and tend to consume them pretty rapidly, but this series is so mature and evolved compared to so many other books I've read that it truly took time and attention to digest it all as I read. I truly feel that this series has taught me so much so far, and while it is a fantasy story, it is also so innately human and realistic to the struggles in our world, especially today. I found myself trying to think and strategize along with the characters. I cheered when they succeeded and cried when they struggled, and begged for the injustices of their world to end. This series discusses some dark and touchy themes that we as humans grapple with on a daily basis, and I truly hope that more people will read it, because it's perspective is invaluable. If you're looking for a story with a badass FMC, complex and lovely characters, and an incredible voice for change, please read this series. And if you're not looking for those things, read it anyway. I promise you don't want to miss out on everything this author has to offer!
This series is truly incredible. Once I picked it up I could not stop reading! I'm a sucker for RH novels and tend to consume them pretty rapidly, but this series is so mature and evolved compared to so many other books I've read that it truly took time and attention to digest it all as I read. I truly feel that this series has taught me so much so far, and while it is a fantasy story, it is also so innately human and realistic to the struggles in our world, especially today. I found myself trying to think and strategize along with the characters. I cheered when they succeeded and cried when they struggled, and begged for the injustices of their world to end. This series discusses some dark and touchy themes that we as humans grapple with on a daily basis, and I truly hope that more people will read it, because it's perspective is invaluable. If you're looking for a story with a badass FMC, complex and lovely characters, and an incredible voice for change, please read this series. And if you're not looking for those things, read it anyway. I promise you don't want to miss out on everything this author has to offer!
April 9, 2023
Excellent reading
If you have read my reviews, you know how stingy I am with the stars. This book set has been updated, mainly to clarify some dialog and correct some word choices. The edits did nothing but make one of my favorite book series better.
I like to reread certain books, often spending time mentally exploring the world. Very few books are of high enough quality to entice me. I have read this series from front to back at least 20 times. I confess the first 3 are my favorites in some ways, but the next set (4 - 6) is my favorite in other ways. I cry every time Blaec breaks up with Sal. I cheer on Zep as he gradually gets closer to Sal and reluctantly falls in love. I grieve when someone dies (didn't wanna leave a spoiler, as it hasn't come up yet). I want to strangle a certain male illiri.
These books have all the feels! Ms. Hadley is an expert at drawing out our emotions. Each time I read them, it's like the first time. Except I feel like I know these people, who they are, and what they want. Ms. Hadley makes them all real to her readers.
Anyhow, I give this set the rare, coveted (prolly not) 10 unicorn rating.
🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄
If you have read my reviews, you know how stingy I am with the stars. This book set has been updated, mainly to clarify some dialog and correct some word choices. The edits did nothing but make one of my favorite book series better.
I like to reread certain books, often spending time mentally exploring the world. Very few books are of high enough quality to entice me. I have read this series from front to back at least 20 times. I confess the first 3 are my favorites in some ways, but the next set (4 - 6) is my favorite in other ways. I cry every time Blaec breaks up with Sal. I cheer on Zep as he gradually gets closer to Sal and reluctantly falls in love. I grieve when someone dies (didn't wanna leave a spoiler, as it hasn't come up yet). I want to strangle a certain male illiri.
These books have all the feels! Ms. Hadley is an expert at drawing out our emotions. Each time I read them, it's like the first time. Except I feel like I know these people, who they are, and what they want. Ms. Hadley makes them all real to her readers.
Anyhow, I give this set the rare, coveted (prolly not) 10 unicorn rating.
🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄
January 31, 2020
A very moving story that takes on major issues we have in the real world, just in a Fantasy setting. Well worth reading.
This series is very well written. It covers much ground with real world issues, such as discrimination, racism, war and its consequences, occasionally in a brutally realistic fashion.
The depth and texture of the setting, as well as the cultures and people living there is simply amazing, you can almost see, hear, smell and taste this fantasy world, I definitely felt some of what these characters felt.
If you want a great story to lose yourself in this series is one you should seriously consider, it is filled with plenty of realistic characters for you to fall in love with. These books aren't your standard cookie cutter sci-fi/fantasy stories, they are filled with real people dealing with very real issues happening in their world, these books just give you a clear window into their lives and their world.
I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I did! I'm off to start the next box set of this series!
This series is very well written. It covers much ground with real world issues, such as discrimination, racism, war and its consequences, occasionally in a brutally realistic fashion.
The depth and texture of the setting, as well as the cultures and people living there is simply amazing, you can almost see, hear, smell and taste this fantasy world, I definitely felt some of what these characters felt.
If you want a great story to lose yourself in this series is one you should seriously consider, it is filled with plenty of realistic characters for you to fall in love with. These books aren't your standard cookie cutter sci-fi/fantasy stories, they are filled with real people dealing with very real issues happening in their world, these books just give you a clear window into their lives and their world.
I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I did! I'm off to start the next box set of this series!
November 26, 2020
EPIC!!
This has to be hands down, one of the most compelling and captivating series I have read to date!
Where to begin... the characters are strong, detailed, flawed and move you to absorb the storyline even more. Sal has to be one of the most intriguing characters I have ever read. She is alluring, captivating and exotic, just when you think you have a read on her, you realise she is always more than anticipated. Her pack is just as unique, powerful, cunning, intelligent and undeniably gorgeous!
This story is so beautifully woven, intricately beautiful in its detail, truely breathtaking. It is filled with twists and turns that continually push you to read more.
This author is up there with some of the greatest authors I have ever read Tolkien, Tolstoy, Brontë and modern authors like SJ Maas, R Mead to name a few. I cannot wait to read more and possibly see this series as a screenplay. Bravo, I loved it!
This has to be hands down, one of the most compelling and captivating series I have read to date!
Where to begin... the characters are strong, detailed, flawed and move you to absorb the storyline even more. Sal has to be one of the most intriguing characters I have ever read. She is alluring, captivating and exotic, just when you think you have a read on her, you realise she is always more than anticipated. Her pack is just as unique, powerful, cunning, intelligent and undeniably gorgeous!
This story is so beautifully woven, intricately beautiful in its detail, truely breathtaking. It is filled with twists and turns that continually push you to read more.
This author is up there with some of the greatest authors I have ever read Tolkien, Tolstoy, Brontë and modern authors like SJ Maas, R Mead to name a few. I cannot wait to read more and possibly see this series as a screenplay. Bravo, I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews