The Ruler

Men of the North #2

by Elin Peer

Four hundred years in the future, women control the world but Khan Aurelius, ruler of the last free men, is determined to take back the power that has been denied men for centuries.
Outnumbered by far, he knows that women need to give up their power willingly and with one of their councilwomen as a hostage, he’s certain he can influence her with his superior male intellect. She is just a soft woman, after all.

Councilwoman Pearl has sacrificed herself to save an innocent priestess. Trapped in the Northlands, her soft voice and sugar-coated view of the world doesn’t impress Khan, who constantly challenges her by playing his mind games to corrupt her and see things his way. It’s a battle of words and wills when the two intelligent rulers clash. Will Pearl succeed in bringing enlightenment and democracy to the primitive Nmen or will Khan corrupt her with his charm first?

The Ruler is the second installment in Elin Peer’s Men of the North series that offers, drama, humor, and romance in a fabulous blend that will have you longing for more.

Don’t miss out on a great chance to escape from reality in this riveting story – get the book today!

Genres: Romance, Dystopia, Audiobook, Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2017

About the author

With a background in life coaching, Elin is easy to talk to and with over thirty-six books under her belt, fans rave about her unique writing style that has subtle elements of coaching mixed into fictional love stories with happy endings.

Elin is curious by nature. She likes to explore and can tell you about trekking through the Asian jungle, watching the sunset in the Sahara Desert, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, kayaking in Alaska, river rafting in Indonesia, and flying over Greenland in a helicopter.

She enjoys writing books with her talented daughter Pearl Beacon, whom she describes as one of the kindest and wisest people she knows.

To connect or learn more, please visit Elin at:
Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram or simply send an email to: elin@elinpeer.com

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 Stars

I liked this one, but definitely not as much as the first one.

The man vs. woman battle got a little old here and the book felt a little all over the place in certain aspects.

Full review later.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has an extremely interesting idea and plot.
Well written.

But since I read the blurb of the 1st book with the line ‘women rule the world’, I just can’t stop yearning for badass heroine.
This one was strong, but not the badass. The whole concept of 2 worlds it a bit overdone for my taste: females are pacifists and males are barbarians.

Nevertheless a very good read.

I assume my friend Kiki won’t be happy with their 1st sexy times. He almost forced himself on her, I didn’t like it. It wasn’t a rape, but it was too cavemanish for my taste.

I saw the hero this way:



He was a nice guy somewhere deep in his soul, but the things he said in the beginning… *ugh*.

The highlight of the book: he was a virgin and she wasn’t! YES! Aaaaa! Finally! Amazing!


Best quote:

“I’m not some woman from the twenty-second century drooling over muscles.”

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consider this a review for this book and the first one because they both had very similar plots but still different in their own way....

I freaking loved this book. This might just be my new favorite series. Why? Because its SMART. Recent books have made me feel like I'd lost IQ points after reading. This new author brings something new and unique; something I've been looking for over a YEAR now. The world building is fresh, and I understand enough about it to make me curious to read it.

The heroines absolutely stole the show in these books; they were smart and didn't drool over the hero's. They were both familiar with sex and didn't let the heros rule over them. The h in this book is a councilwoman so she needs to be written in a certain way for her to come off authentic, and thats exactly what this author did. I don't know how many books I've read where the h had a very prestigious job and she's the dumbest character in the book. Not in this case at all; the heroine was by far intellectually superior than the H and its refreshing to read. No tripping over their own vaginas in these books!!

The hero was just as great too! Possessive, protective, and all the rest he was your classic cave man persona BUT he also had brain (the one between his ears) that gave his character more light. He showed real emotions and actually broke down and CRIED when the heroine had to leave him. He showed emotions that other authors are usually too lazy to write about.

I've also marked the previous book and this book with virgin heros, because in my opinion they are virgins as in 'never have been with a human woman before.' There are sex bots in these books, so clearly the Nmen utilize them more than the female population, BUT there were sex bots on both sides and you read that both heroines used them regularly. See that other authors?? *EQUALITY*

Anyway...

I consider these H's virgins because they were both insecure about their first time with a real women and *ahem* acted like virgins the first time they got together with the h's *if you catch my drift.* He was worried he wasn't going to be good enough in bed when he finds out the h has more real experience than he does and i LOVED that scene.

Oh and one more thing, ALL OF THE CHARACTERS WERE ADULTS. I was going to vomit if i had to read about another 18 year old heroine and a 40 year old hero. The heroine was 33 and the hero was around 36-40. THANK GOD.

I hope everyone enjoyed this book as much as i did! I know some people will find the gender politics annoying but i found it really refreshing in romance land. I cannot wait for the next 3 books!


Extra Safety:
-Push and Pull but the H was the main chaser of the relationship
-No other partners (or sex bots) once H and h meet.
-Some light OM drama. It makes the H deliciously jealous
-No rape or abuse
-A weeks worth of separation between H and h. The Hero actually breaks down and cries because he's devastated the h had to leave

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is growing on me.

[Selly - Leggere Romanticamente · Rating 4 out of 5]

La mia recensione sul blog https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...

Il Sovrano è il secondo volume di una serie romance ambientata in uno scenario post apocalittico.
Immaginatevi 400 anni nel futuro, dopo una guerra che ha decimato la popolazione mondiale, in un mondo non più diviso in Nazioni ma considerato un’unica Madrepatria governata esclusivamente dalle donne.
L’unica eccezione sono le terre del Nord, quelle che un tempo erano chiamate Canada ed Alaska, ora territorio dei Nuomini, coloro che si sono rifiutati di sottostare al governo esclusivamente femminile.
Se avete già letto il primo volume, Il Protettore, tutto ciò non sarà per voi una novità, ma se state scoprendo soltanto ora la serie preparatevi ad immergervi in una storia dove uomini e donne hanno delle concezioni particolari del genere opposto.
Sugli uomini del Nord girano persino certe storie inquietanti che non corrispondono alla realtà dei fatti, ma vi lascerò scoprire cosa intendo leggendo.
Questo romanzo ha come protagonisti principali due figure di spicco di entrambe le realtà, e la narrazione alterna il punto di vista in prima persona di entrambi, esattamente come preferisco.
Khan è il sovrano delle terre del Nord, un uomo molto prestante e muscolo (come lo sono praticamente tutti i Nuomini) orgoglioso e intelligente.
Pearl è una consigliera, nonché figlia della presidentessa del Consiglio della Madrepatria. Offrendosi volontaria per uno scambio, Pearl passerà diverso tempo in mezzo ai Nuomini sotto la protezione proprio di Khan.
Queste due menti brillanti e ambiziose sfrutteranno il tempo a disposizione cercando di influenzarsi l’un l’altro, imparando così molte cose sulle rispettive personalità e desideri e insieme riusciranno anche a dare il via ad un progetto molto importante per tentare di riavvicinare i due territori.
La parte romantica si sviluppa per gradi, iniziando da qualche inevitabile scontro verbale (mi hanno fatto sorridere diverse volte le loro scaramucce), fino al momento in cui l’attrazione e i sentimenti tra i due prenderanno il sopravvento.
Come personaggi secondari troviamo quelli già incontrati nel precedente romanzo, più alcune interessanti aggiunte.
Questa è una lettura scorrevole e particolare, adatta a chi apprezza gli uomini Alpha e cavernicoli e cerca del romanticismo misto ad una realtà distopica fuori dagli schemi.
Con questa serie la Peer ha creato uno scenario molto originale e visto come si mettono le cose in questo libro sono molto curiosa di leggere i prossimi volumi per vedere come si evolveranno le cose.

Punto di vista: prima persona, alternato
Sensualità: presente
Caratteristiche: romantico, distopico, scenario post apocalittico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: auto-conclusivo
Voto: 4 stelle

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd in the series

I like how this series is moving along of the two different societies after a third world war called the Toxic Wars. In this dystopian society the majority of the world is mostly women and ruled by a council of women, however there are a few million men who inhabit Canada and Alaska who is ruled by a single male ruler. This book is about the male leader Kahn and a councilwoman who is taken hostage in the north named Pearl.

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 states.
Kahn and Pearl took a while to get going. The last half was much better and faster paced and I love the changes Pearl brought to the NMen community.

[Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going in, I didn't like Khan. At all. But I liked how much Pearl irritated and annoyed him and because watching him suffer soothed my soul, I decided to give this a go any way.

I liked it.
The MCs weren't my favourite couple and at times it did feels off-base-ish but I had a good time reading it.
The start did however annoy me since I was reading this with the first book still fresh in my head, there was a lot of repetition and when it's not the MCs holding your interest it can be a great deterrent.

Though it was nice to see both sides changing for the better and a lot of my own ideology in print, plus the MCs HEA, the book really got me invested in the side characters. I can't wait to read Magni's story, hope he dumps Lauren* (or whatever her name was).
I'm also quite interested to see where Finn's story goes, fingers crossed he ends up with Athena. I remembered Archer from book 1 and I really liked him in that one but seeing him in here. . . I don't know I just didn't like him as much anymore? He seemed too stand-off-ish compared to before when he seemed young, goofy and so eager and enthusiastic.

So this won't be my last Elin Peer. Can't wait to read what comes next. :D
* Apparently her name's Laura but whateves I does not likes hers.

[David Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elin has done it again! There is nothing this author can not write about and make a fantastic story! Take two rulers, each with their own agendas, add a game of chess, spice with intrigue, blend with humor and wit, then garnish with first love! The story is at once spicy and sharp! The reader gets drawn into the story so fast you lose track of time! I really felt I could see the action unfolding as I read the story. The ability to describe scenes without going into tedious long winded detail is an amazing gift! It will be very difficult to wait for the last book in the series before I start to reread them.

[Niki {Still a Widow but reading more} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I was gonna hate this one. In the first book Khan was kinda obnoxious and I thought Pearl was gonna be Christina times 10, so I was leery heading into this....but I ended up liking it better than the first one. They weren't annoyingly fighting the whole time. They built up their trust and relationship and found compromises. Pearl helped Khan open his eyes about women and overcome his insecurities. Khan helped Pearl to be free and live, to enjoy her emotions, and embrace her strengths. They are working together towards a future where men and women can live together as equals.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAN this author has pulled off some major whammies in her books and series but Khan, The Ruler of the Men of the North is completely off of the charts. There isn't magic. There are no shifters. There are only people and in the North Khan rules. Divided by a past and ignorance, false teaching, prejudice, lies and power. Pearl "sacrifices" herself and heads to the north with a head filled with all of that and more. Khan has his own preconceived notions and when this two meet it is . . . well it's oil and vinegar. But the dance these two have, the power and the intelligence and the game they play may be their biggest foe. She is not what she seems or what he thought. He will become more than he ever thought he could be when she finds out who he truly is. Maybe just maybe what was thought to be oil and vinegar is something else as well.

It is such a beautiful thing this play between these two, The strength of them both and the story we get at the same time. I love this author's mind and I love what she creates with it. Her characters always dig deep and take you on the excursion right along with them. It was such an emotional journey I found myself laughing out loud, shedding tears, clapping with excitement, but I didn't put it down until I was done. You can't help but be touched in some way.

[Dalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Più di un anno fa, in pieno lockdown e quindi con tanto tempo a disposizione per le letture, mi sono imbattuta, quasi per caso, nel primo volume di questa serie e d’impulso cominciai a leggerlo. Oggi, non saprei nemmeno dirvi cosa mi ha colpito di più nella decisione di acquistarlo se la cover o la trama. Fatto sta che, mi sono innamorata sia dell’idea da cui scaturisce la serie, sia della storia dei due primi protagonisti, dopo pochissime pagine. L’idea di un mondo governato da sole donne, dove l’uomo ha un ruolo uguale a quello che noi, sesso debole, rivestiamo tutt’oggi, è decisamente accattivante. A distanza di più di un anno posso assicurarvi di ricordare benissimo tutta la storia, per cui, quando è arrivato il secondo libro non ho esitato un attimo ad accettare di prendere parte al Review Tour. Ora, nel caso in cui vi foste perse il primo libro, che vi consiglio assolutamente di recuperare, sappiate che la storia principale intorno a cui gira tutta la serie, parte dal presupposto che 400 anni prima degli eventi narrati, la “Guerra Tossica”, ovvero una guerra combattuta a colpi di cibernetica e causata dall’ego smisurato degli uomini, ha quasi distrutto tutta l’umanità. Dalle ceneri di quel conflitto il mondo non è più diviso in Paesi e Stati ma in aree gestite dalla Madrepatria, un consiglio composto da sole donne. Restano fuori da queste aree solo le Terre del Nord, composte da quelle che una volta erano l’Alaska e il Canada, dove si sono rifugiati gli uomini che dopo il conflitto non hanno voluto sottostare al potere delle donne.

Un grosso muro divide i due “mondi” e nel primo libro c’è stato un primo tentativo, da parte della Madrepatria, di conoscere la vita e le usanze dei “Nouomini”, gli abitanti delle Terre del Nord. Inutile dirvi che ci sono scene esilaranti, tra uomini un po’ troppo rozzi, barbuti, super sexy e testardi come muli e le donne della Madrepatria che avranno il “privilegio” e il “castigo” di attraversare il confine per cercare di ammorbidirli e portarli dalla loro parte. Così è stato nel primo libro e così è successo anche in questo secondo appuntamento, dove il Sovrano Kran e la bellissima Consigliera Pearl, si combattono a suon di partite a scacchi e battibecchi, esilaranti e scoppiettanti, per cercare di portare l’uno dalla parete dell’altra e viceversa.

Convinto di essere migliore delle donne e di poter assoggettare Pearl al suo volere con poche e mirate mosse, il povero Kran, si ritroverà davanti una degna avversaria. Lui, abituato da sempre ad avere il controllo di tutto e tutti si ritrova spiazzato da questa donna pacata e arguta che lo batte ad ogni piè sospinto. A nulla valgono le sue rimostranze davanti alla pace serafica che sembra avvolgere la donna che fa e disfa il suo mondo con uno sguardo e poche parole ben piazzate.

Pearl, è cresciuta in un mondo dove la meditazione e il bene comune sono i cardini della vita così come l’ha sempre conosciuta. Per lei sacrificarsi per un bene più alto è una missione di vita ed è per questo che non esita nemmeno per un attimo a prendere il posto di un ostaggio dei Nouomini per riportare la pace tra i loro due mondi. Conoscere Kran e la sua scaltrezza se da un lato la convincono sempre più di aver preso la decisione giusta, dall’altro la spingono ad interrogarsi sul suo modo di agire e così, giorno dopo giorno, acquista una maturità nuova, più evoluta di quanto si aspettasse all’inizio.

Ho adorato questo libro non solo per il puro divertimento che è scaturito dalla lettura ma, soprattutto, per gli spunti di riflessione sul ruolo delle donne e degli uomini in una società più evoluta della nostra. Infatti, nonostante io sia convinta che a noi donne debba essere data una possibilità per dimostrare al mondo maschile che siamo capaci, forse più di loro, a gestire una grande quantità di cose in un modo più pacifico rispetto a quello usato da loro e pur vero che pensare di poter fare a meno degli uomini, in quanto esponenti di un altro sesso, è pressoché impossibile. L’uno è imprescindibile senza l’altra e l’autrice ci porta a ragionare su questa realtà dei fatti, dimostrandone la veridicità con i fatti e non solo con le idee.

Presi singolarmente sono perfetti per il ruolo che rivestono nei loro mondi ma, insieme, rappresentano un futuro che può essere migliore per la razza umana. Tra un battibecco e l’altro, un desiderarsi senza concedersi e la voglia di dare ai loro mondi una possibilità di coesistere questi due personaggi daranno vita ad un libro bello e godibile sotto ogni punto di vista. C’è passione, c’è divertimento, c’è abnegazione, c’è voglia di dimostrare che insieme tutto può migliorare e loro due si impegneranno a fondo per creare una realtà diversa e infinitamente migliore. Leggere libri come questi mi rimette in pace con il mondo e le sue brutture, mi fa sperare che davvero ci sia modo di arrivare ad avere una visione diversa delle cose, quindi, ragazze mie, se volete leggere qualcosa che sia allo stesso tempo divertente, romantico, passionale e futuristico, questo è proprio il libro che fa per voi.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nayeli - per RFS
.
«Non mi sentirei a mio agio a offenderti», sostenni.
«Bene, allora dimmi, cos’è che stai trattenendo.» Esitai. «Per l’amor del cielo, donna. Mettiti in testa che è offensivo per me essere ritenuto troppo fragile per gestire una lingua tagliente o opinioni diverse dalle mie.» (Tratto dal libro)

Mi sono immersa ancora una volta in questo bellissimo mondo distopico che vede contrapposte due nazioni: una di soli uomini, gestita secondo le loro caratteristiche considerate “naturali” (combattività, forza, virilità, meritocrazia) in un sistema analogo al capitalismo, e l’altra governata dalle donne, emancipate in una dittatura popolare femminile (che loro chiamano democrazia) abbastanza vicina a quelli che conosciamo come un primordiale regime socialista (finalizzati all’equità sociale a scapito della libertà).

L’ambientazione si respira a trecentosessanta gradi, non solo dalle differenti leggi, sistemi politici, discriminazioni e pregiudizi, ma anche nella gestualità, nelle relazioni sociali, nella filosofia di vita che i personaggi esprimono, e non ultime le loro emozioni e modalità con cui vengono esternate.

Nella Madrepatria, un’esibizione di rabbia del genere avrebbe richiesto mesi di meditazione e riequilibrio in un luogo di riflessione.

«Calmatevi, tutti e due, cazzo!» gridò Khan, battendo il pugno sul tavolo. Christina sembrava più calma di quanto lo fossi io, e, quando Khan ordinò al suo amico Finn di portare fuori Magni per sbollire un po’, mi distrassi per un istante.

«Dovrebbe farsi aiutare per comunicare meglio le sue emozioni», dissi quando entrambi se ne furono andati. «Così potremmo organizzare una cena civile senza urlare e discutere.»

Khan mi lanciò un’occhiataccia. «Forse sei tu quella che ha bisogno di aiuto.»
«Scusami?» Spalancai gli occhi, confusa.
«Magni ha comunicato le sue emozioni in modo perfettamente chiaro. Non credo che nessun altro a questo tavolo abbia dubbi sul fatto che fosse incazzato, arrabbiato e frustrato», sostenne Khan. (Tratto dal libro)

I Nuomini sono un perfetto connubio tra due aspetti. Da un lato quello virile tipicamente attribuito alla sua accezione più testosteronica (il “vero uomo”, il maschio alfa, l’istinto selvaggio di aggredire ma anche proteggere il proprio territorio; l’impulsività che può degenerare in violenza volta a predominare, alla competizione, al potere, al possesso, alla caccia; l’espressività schietta, anche volgare, senza filtri e senza giochetti)

Dall’altro mostrano anche l’effetto sovrastrutturale di una segregazione che li priva delle donne: oltre al comprensibile disagio sessuale, sono anche così desiderosi di una relazione da trovarsi irretiti al primo sguardo. Le donne sono un elemento così utopistico e agognato che alcuni non osano neppure nutrire speranze. Quando per la prima volta le incontrano li vediamo smarriti, impreparati, insicuri e destabilizzati. Per questo, se da un lato sono Maschi Alfa tutti d’un pezzo, dall’altro sono esseri che si fanno protettivi, teneri e romantici di fronte a una donna, una “preziosissima” e “rarissima” donna. Estremamente sensibili al fascino femminile e abituati a mostrare ciò che sono senza filtri, li vediamo come esseri emotivi e vulnerabili, curiosi di avvicinarle e di conoscerle meglio.

«Ci ho pensato su», disse, e la cosa mi zittì per un attimo.
Cazzo, quella donna continuava a sorprendermi.
«A volte, quando ti masturbi, mi incuriosisco.»
Il cuore iniziò a balzarmi nel petto, e sentii un’improvvisa incertezza covarmi dentro. Ero pronto a spingerla un po’ oltre e magari a rubarle un bacio, ma cosa avrei fatto se Pearl avesse effettivamente acconsentito a fare sesso con me? Non avevo alcuna esperienza, se non con i sex-bots e la mia mano destra, e il pensiero di stare con lei era sia elettrizzante che snervante. E se mi fossi messo in imbarazzo? (Tratto dal libro)

Viceversa, le donne vivono in un mondo che si ispira alla pace interiore e alla non violenza. Un mondo di pari opportunità dove, però, i maschi (beta) vengono sviliti e privati di rappresentanza. Combattono con le parole, sono molto esperte di dialettica e di sistemi di rilassamento e meditazione allo scopo di imparare a gestire i sentimenti. Questo le fa sembrare più distaccate, più fredde, razionali. Perché dal “gestire” si è passati al “mascherare” e nascondere, in particolare se si tratta di emozioni negative. Le donne devono mostrarsi sempre felici, serene; lo scambio dialettico funziona finché non ci si opinione all’opinione comune, pena l’internamento in strutture dove meditare e riflettere, per riequilibrarsi e riappacificarsi.

Anche la contrapposizione tra sistemi di governo opposti sollecita le nostre riflessioni: libertà contro equità, proprietà contro governo condiviso, scontro diretto contro opacità e manipolazione. Non c’è un sistema che vince sull’altro, eppure c’è un dialogo, un confronto, un conoscersi reciprocamente che può portare a migliorare, ad attenuare difetti, a trovare soluzioni migliori per tutti. Piccoli compromessi nella direzione dell’integrazione, del rispetto di entrambe le minoranze (o maggioranze, a seconda del punto di vista), a un nuovo inizio.

«Per attraversare l’acqua, devi prima costruire un ponte», chiarii con calma. «No, non è così», ridacchiò Khan, e si scostò una ciocca di capelli scuri dal viso. «Devi solo trovare una barca o essere un buon nuotatore.» (Tratto dal libro)

La consigliera Pearl ha grandi principi e aspirazioni; è una donna molto determinata, una guerriera con le parole. Si avventura nelle terre del Nord in uno scambio, per riportare a casa la sacerdotessa rapita da Magni alla fine del precedente episodio (un raptus come atto di protesta per riavere indietro sua moglie). Dotata di una fine intelligenza e capacità dialettica, trova pane per i suoi denti nel sovrano Khan, un uomo che nonostante modi bruti e volgari la stordisce di testosterone. Pearl finisce per apprezzare il linguaggio sboccato e il senso di leggerezza che si prova esprimendosi liberamente, in modo impulsivo.

Oltre a essere un concentrato di virilità, Kahn è un uomo affascinato dal potere, un ottimo stratega, ma anche un uomo con una grande visione per il futuro del mondo. Pearl è una fata che risveglia il suo istinto di predatore.

Entrambi i protagonisti hanno una forte componente razionale che contiene gli istinti attrattivi e fisici, e saranno proprio l’affinità cerebrale e la propensione al dialogare e all’ascoltarsi a vicenda, a stimolare il reciproco intelletto e a progettare un futuro “in grande stile” che faranno capitolare entrambi. Kahn rimarrà affascinato dalle capacità dialettiche e di compromesso di lei, in grado di risolvere le situazioni in modo più evoluto della violenza: dialogo, manipolazione, minaccia, omissione (i modi sottili della politica, insomma).

Quell’uomo era un puzzle, in cui scorci di fiori colorati e strapiombi pericolosi condividevano lo stesso riquadro. Era un po’ di tutto: acque scure e profonde, cielo azzurro e limpido. Non sapevo mai quale pezzo avrei preso, e dubitavo che avrei mai visto il quadro completo, anche se avessi messo insieme un pezzo dopo l’altro per anni. (Tratto dal libro)

Grazie al potere politico di cui dispongono e all’empatica dialettica che praticano come abitudine, Pearl e Khan si confrontano in modo aperto e schietto sui loro desideri, sulle loro differenze culturali e sulle visioni del mondo, cercando di svelare le maschere, le coperture che ognuno si racconta per giustificare il mantenimento della prevaricazione sull’altro genere e riescono a dare vita a un primo ponte tra i due mondi: una scuola con insegnanti di entrambi i mondi per conoscersi, comprendere e accettare l’altro popolo senza pregiudizi: una scuola di integrazione.

Dal punto di vista culturale i passi da fare sono senz’altro tanti e il percorso sarà lungo, e non possiamo che ipotizzare attraverso quali tappe sarà possibile arrivare a una società migliore.

Tanti sono gli stimoli che la lettura sollecita in noi, non solo sui pregiudizi di genere (reali e distopici) , ma anche sull’accettazione, sull’integrazione, sul rispetto, e soprattutto sull’importanza che assume il connubio tra uomo e donna: quello che uno può imparare dall’altro, che uno diventa grazie alla vicinanza dell’altro.

«Hai fatto sesso con lei?»

Ancora una volta, nessuna risposta.
«Oh, cavolo. È successo, non è vero? E adesso ti rifiuta. Le donne sono creature senza cuore. Le loro fiche sono come cespugli spinosi ricoperti di miele. Dolore garantito, ma troppo dolci per resistere.» (Tratto dal libro)

Fa molta tenerezza l’idea che questi uomini non abbiano mai visto delle bambine e siano privati dalla possibilità di conoscere il sesso femminile e quindi di instaurare con loro delle relazioni diverse dalla protezione, non solo paritarie ma anche di amicizia.

Se da un lato questo giustifica un po’ il loro essere rudi e bruti, ci stuzzica riflettere su quanto presenza di bambini e donne possa intenerire, equilibrare, giocare un ruolo nella formazione degli uomini.

«Ho passato gli ultimi sette giorni a meditare e riflettere, e sai cosa ho imparato?»
«Cosa?» chiese lui, mentre il lieve movimento del suo pollice, che mi accarezzava la mano posata all’altezza del suo ombelico, mi lasciava attonita.
«Che la persona con cui mi sento più a mio agio sei tu.»
«Perché?» mi domandò.
«Perché con te posso sbagliare. Con te posso essere brutta.» (Tratto dal libro)

La domanda naturale è sul rovescio della medaglia: senza la presenza di maschi alfa, le donne sono più felici? Sono più realizzate, più decise, più libere? Forse, eppure manca quel quid che stuzzichi il loro intelletto, la loro sensualità. Manca la scintilla, il guizzo della sfida che la caccia solletica, che mette alla prova la loro intelligenza, la loro dialettica, le loro abilità. Vincere su uomini femminilizzati è troppo banale, non è stimolante, e una donna forte si lascia intrigare da qualcuno che sappia giocare al suo stesso gioco ma con regole nuove, che sappia spiazzarla e le tolga il terreno da sotto i piedi perché diametralmente opposto a lei.

«Vuoi baciarmi», dissi. «Vuoi sapere come ci si sente.»
Avevo ragione, perché, non appena la baciai, lei ricambiò. L’angelo stava cadendo e le fiamme mi esplosero dentro, mentre la trascinavo più a fondo nel mio buio, premendo più forte i fianchi contro di lei e immaginando di penetrare davvero quel suo dolce corpo. (Tratto dal libro)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a "drop everything and read" kind of book. I was glued to my kindle to see what would happen next. To be honest, I didn't think I'd like this book as much as the first since neither Pearl or Khan were favorite characters of mine. I couldn't have been more wrong! They both won my heart in this book and I think I may even like it a little more than the first now. Incredible interactions and dialogue between two very different, intelligent, strong people neither of whom will give up their beliefs but who learn to compromise for each other. A smart, well written love story that will have you thinking about the characters and the world that Peer's created for them long after you finish the book. I can't wait for Book Three!

A must for all romance lovers but also for those who like dystopian or adventure stories with a romantic slant. Note: Can kind of be read as a standalone but Book One should be read first to avoid spoilers. I received an advance copy of this book but it was my pleasure to choose to leave this review.

[kookyquinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a line in this book where the hero asks the heroine how she can be so cold. I was like EXACTLY!

The heroines in this series are serious ball busters BUT I honestly feel the heroes need that - to an extent.

They're constantly making me wince and actually say "ouch" out loud lol

There's a method to the madness though and I'm happy with how each story works out.

I'm totally captivated by this world and the battle of the sexes debates that each book has contained.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second story is similar in pace and feel as the first one. The writing is a bit flat, and the philosophical concepts are presented somewhat baldly, but the characters have some depth. The story itself is enjoyable, with many secondary characters to provide perspective and flavor. There are few sex scenes, and they are fairly straight-forward, though the scene in the woods was hot.

There are more books in the series, which I will explore leisurely.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/17/2019)! 🎁

[D.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm rating this 3 stars but I'm being generous. Although the book had great parts - the heroine standing for what she believed in and fighting with the weapons she had (words and persuasion) - the hero was so underwhelming. For a supposed "ruler", everybody and their mother jerked him around. Maybe because the setup for this series is uneven to begin with - with men considered the worst of the worst - but for somebody who was in charge and was supposedly so smart and scheming, he should have found a way to stick it to the mumsies and not just wait until Pearl solved everything. And then, there were the underwhelming love scenes which didn't show him to be that good of a lover! I know he had never been with a real woman (just sex bots) but he had access to information (books, videos, etc.) to know what to do and as somebody who's trained to fight from a young age, he should have had better control of his body.

Then because the main conflict of the series got solved so easily, there were several hours dedicated to the freaking school (which is the setup for the next book in the series.) This author need to learn how to tease the following books, not feel she has to develop 50 full pages to it.

Not sure if I'll continue the series, specially once Audible Escape ends and I'll have to buy the audios.

[Wendy Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read this book for an honest review, mostly because I've read and loved all of Elin Peer's books. This was no exception! It was different, but the Men of the North series is unusual in that it's set 400 years in the future. The world building is exceptional and clever. Women rule the majority of the earth after men screwed it up one too many times. Except for the Northlands, formerly Canada and Alaska, where men are men and women are scarce.

The books began with The Protector, which is where we first met Pearl and Khan. I knew their story would be full of sparks, and it was. They're two strong personalities who believe strongly in their history and commitment to their people. They listen and have open minds--to a point--but mostly each wants to convince the other to see the opposite way of thinking.

What I really liked about the characters is that they were unusually honest with each other. If they needed to talk about stuff, they talked! It didn't mean they always agreed, or that the conversation solved things, but there wasn't a lot of saying one thing and meaning another.

I loved the love scenes, and really loved that Pearl had a little (if small) experience with "real" sex that Khan didn't have. Also that things kind of got away from him at first. How realistic is that? Actually, I found Khan a wonderful character and liked his outlook on how to rule. He beat himself up over it, but he was a far better ruler than he gave himself credit for.

I liked the character growth that Pearl went through. She started out pretending to be open-minded when, in reality, she was so sure of her own narrow way of thinking, she couldn't imagine not convincing the Nmen to fall into line. She didn't lose her convictions, but spending time with Khan and the men of the Northland, she became truly open-minded and saw things in a much deeper way. She wasn't a pushover, but she was smart and found strong ways to embrace her femininity.

This is a great series, and I've really enjoyed the opposites-attract, fish-out-of-water trope. It can be the great when done well, and Elin Peer does it the best!

[Bozena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series ❤ 😍

I might be a little bit addicted to it 😉
The second book in the series is Pearl's, the councilwoman from Motherland and Khan's the ruler of the Northlands story.
They are both the leaders of their worlds, though the Motherland doesn't have one leader, but a council of 101 women that vote as an unity.
This book and the story is unbelievable fascinating and dramatic at times.
I love the topic and the flawless writing style.
It's fast-paced and interesting to read about the world of the future.
It's definitely a page-turner and unbelievable romantic romance.
This book is funny, entertaining, sweet and swoony.
Oh...and don't forget steamy 😉
I love the unique humor and the verbal fights between the different genders about their social and cultural differences that accompanied the whole series.

It's definitely a must read for all romance lovers ❤

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are much smarter than expected!

[Mehak · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never read a more garbage book. It's like taking old school sexism and justifying it. Someone who forcibly subjects anyone to any kind of sexual acts against their will, especially when they verbally say they do not want that happening, are committing ASSAULT and it is not something 'moral' or 'redeemable'. The hero constantly reassured the heroine that he won't 'rape' her. Well, he assaults her throughout and is ridiculously sexist. Also ... He likes the idea of teenage pregnancies??? Wtf is this book???? I have no freaking idea. This is just absolute INSANITY. It's disgusting.

I'm going to add specifics that made me DNF. I know the POINT is that the hero is supposed to be disgusting, sexist, and he changes - but it's just too much, and too similar to the kind of sexism that exists right now.

-a character calls another character r*tarded as an insult. It's never addressed other than as 'foul language'

- the hero masturbates in front of the heroine when she asks him not to. That's revealing yourself in front of someone, and it's assault

-after the heroine suggests a school for boys and girls as a way to merge differences between the countries, the hero fantasizes about TEEN PREGNANCIES?? quote: "Ahh, the thought of teen pregnancies and children being created naturally made my blood flow faster."

-the hero forcibly undresses her and gropes her in the shower after tying her to him?!?!?!

WHAT THE ABSOLUTE HECJ IS THIS BOOK?
Also he farts and laughs about it. That's gross and ew. And I don't need to read about his armpit hair. That's also ew.

I also disliked the stupidity of both arguing that the men of the motherland are as masculine as the men of the north, while also simultaneously describing the men of the north as 'inherently masculine' etc etc. You're undoing all of the work you did by expanding the definition of masculinity to include other types of masculinity, by ONCE AGAIN restricting the definition back to the ooga booga cave man male definition. This book is stupid.

[Bookphenomena (Micky)]

DNF @10% Im just not feeling this and considering my feelings of just okay for book one, I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.

[Rosebud · Rating 4 out of 5]

free today on Amazon

Second in series

[Cherry Pie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Una bambina è cresciuta fino a diventare una donna forte e determinata ad abbattere i confini e a costruire ponti di amicizia in tutto il mondo. E tu, per cosa crescerai e quali sfide aiuterai a risolvere?”

Torna Elin Peer con la serie dedicata ai Nuomini. Per chi ancora non la conoscesse, è una serie distopica davvero molto carina ambientata nel futuro.

A seguito della guerra Tossica il mondo è governato da un consiglio di sole donne e gli uomini che si sono ribellati vivono nelle terre libere del Nord sotto la guida del loro sovrano Khan Aurelius.

Nel volume precedente era successo un pasticcio che ha portato ad un’azione poco nobile: il rapimento di una sacerdotessa da parte del Nord. La storia infatti riprende proprio da qui, quando la consigliera Pearl decide di offrirsi come ostaggio per effettuare lo scambio prigionieri, con la speranza di potersi infiltrare all’interno della società dei Nuomini e magari aiutarli ad evolversi e ad accettare il modello di vita della sua patria.

Per quanto siano descritti come esseri totalmente selvaggi, violenti e privi di umanità, si tratta solo di un branco di energumeni super muscolosi e pieni di testosterone fino ai capelli. Ed è davvero divertente vedere come questi giganti barbuti, forti come tori, quando hanno per le mani una donna in carne e ossa, si trasformino in ragazzini alle prime armi. Devo dire che ho sorriso parecchio delle loro insicurezze di cuore.

Rispetto al primo libro in cui praticamente tifavo per Roccia, questa volta la mia solidarietà era tutta per la consigliera Pearl. Le scene in cui sfotte e infastidisce Khan erano un vero e proprio balsamo per l’anima.

Infatti Pearl è una donna abituata a usare la retorica come arma e le parole come scudo. Insomma, un avversario decisamente in gamba per Khan! Ed è proprio grazie ai numerosi duelli che riusciranno a capire che l’unione fa la forza, e che non è affatto vero che non si possa vivere insieme senza sottomettersi all’altro. E che ne so, magari mettere le basi per qualcosa di grandioso per il futuro…

Elin è riuscita a proseguire la storia in maniera costruttiva, aggiungendo dettagli interessanti allo svolgimento della vicenda. Ho apprezzato molto i nuovi personaggi e ho trovato l’idea, che poi sarà parte delle fondamenta del volume successivo, davvero curiosa. Consigliato? Certo che sì! E un grazie speciale alla Queen per averci donato questa bellissima serie.

Cherry.
https://www.thedirtyclubofbooks.it/il...

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

SOOOO I WAS VERY SKEPTICAL ABOUT READING KHAN'S STORY BECAUSE HE WAS SUCH A DOUCHEBAG IN THE FIRST BOOK...I mean what kind of ruler tricks an innocent, righteous woman to marry one of his men just because? His cunning wasn't positive, and I couldn't stand how childish he can get. I liked this, but also didn't.

KHAN like I said, might be a ruler, but he was a dictator and his decisions aren't always nice. I'm sure, like his brother Magni, Khan had a lot of issues growing up, especially how they were treated poorly and kinda abused by their father. Khan's treatment of women are abhorrent - NOT - because he physical assaulted them, but the man seriously had zero skills in wooing a female. I might have gotten used to the typical alpha= big cock = sex God troupes from other authors. Oopsie! Well, I'm too lazy to go into detail about a character I don't care for, so yeah, as the BIG MAN of the whole series, Khan was the most unlikeable.

PEARL wasn't my type either. I'm not big on influential or political characters because we all know they always have an agenda or a stick up their ass. Pearl became a voluntary hostage because she wanted to take advantage of the situation and learn about the Men of the North. I'm still uncertain if her intentions then were good, but does attempt to bridge the divide between her people and the Nmen. Pearl was a bit too cold and indecisive; unable to make up her mind if she wanted Khan, and their first/second segg scene was....ehhh...not the best. AWKWARDDDD.

OVERALL I see what the author attempted to do by pairing these two hardheads together, but it wasn't working. Also, I've read two other books in the series and I'm beginning to believe that while the author's ideas are always a welcome, sadly the romantic and emotional tones are very, very lacking.

For example, Magni's story was bad because he never communicated with his wife apart from sex, and you'd think something huge would happen for their character and relationship growth, but NOPE.

Secondly, for Khan and Pearl, their relationship felt FORCED.

And thirdly, reflecting upon it now, the first book was great because of the idea and luckily Alexander was sweet, but in terms of romance, I still found it a bit lacking.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add 5 more stars to Peer's literary universe!

This book picks up where book 1 left off and tells the story of Pearl and Khan. It also backs up just a little and tells what was initially going on with Pearl and Khan, while they were only background characters in book 1. In the beginning, Pearl and Khan are like oil and vinegar in that they don't mix well unless they are thoroughly shaken and forced to blend. Their relationship is a constant power struggle with each wanting their ideas and way of life to dominate the world of the other. The constant clashing also makes for some sizzling chemistry between this power couple. I really liked the way that, even though they disagreed on almost everything, they found a way to develop a friendship based on mutual admiration and respect. They took their time getting to know one another, before intimacy was entered into, and that made the eventual coming together even more meaningful and satisfying.

Pearl and Khan have some common goals and share the desire to see their two worlds learn from each other and eventually unite. But, the road getting there is not going to be easy going, and they will have to content with some discontentment and uprising along the way. I am interested to see how the integrated school will play out in the next novel.

Pearl and Khan are both so headstrong and independent. But, it is a beautiful thing to behold, when they learn that true power lies in completely surrendering yourself to the other, simply because you love them and desire to please them. They learn that the ultimate power is not held by one individual but by two hearts that act in one accord.

I continue to be impressed by Peer's ability to bring a fresh and unique approach to a futuristic world, as it strives to re-integrate traditional elements of life and romance.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 3 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR PRIOR TO RELEASE THAT I DID NOT READ. HOWEVER, I ALSO PURCHASED A COPY AT MY OWN COST, WHICH I DID READ. I NOW VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THESE MANNERS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was eager to read this story, to the point where I pre-ordered it the second I finished that first book. This book was good, but I really felt that something was lacking with it.

This story focused on Khan and Pearl, and while it does go over some of the events of the previous story, it does so from a different point of view, in order to advance the story arc as a whole. Boulder and Christina do play a part in this story, but it is more of a minor one.

I liked seeing the push and pull between Pearl and Khan, but I felt that their romance was a bit lacking. There was very little to show them actually falling for each other, and I felt that each of their focus was on controlling the other one in the relationship. I did like how at the end they seemed to be working toward the same goals, though! Khan's attitude got a little old at times, but I loved the growth that Pearl underwent while in the North with Khan. I especially liked how they handled the situation with the school! Unfortunately, I had a sense of disquiet while reading it, and couldn't really put my finger on what was bothering me with the story overall.

I think that this was a good story, but something got lost in translation for me somewhere. I did enjoy it enough to pre-order the next book, but I do hope for a more enjoyable experience with that one!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is only the second book by Elin Peer that I have read, but I am finding her to be an addicting author. She has a marvelous way of writing that hooks you in, even when the content makes you roll your eyes. Or if you are like me, you don't really like the characters. I hated Khan in the first book and my opinion only slightly changed with this book. He is still just as obstinate as he was in The Protector, but this book does give him some background as to why he acts how he does. From the previous book, I felt Pearl was a little out of touch and naive, and this book cemented that.

I liked how this book ran parallel with The Protector and intertwined, but there were times when it skimmed over big events in the first book and the timing seemed off. It also kind of annoyed me how the 'Momsies', as Khan refers to them, claim to be such an advanced race, but they can be so thoughtless about really basic things, like how Northland boys shouldn't shower with girls their own age considering how rare females are. The reasons this is ok seem ridiculous and too contrived. Also, Christina seemed ditzy and really immature, a far cry from the first book. I also didn't like how long it took Pearl to realize the how the Motherlands and the Northlands were basically the same, only ran by different genders, and to want to change it, but she gets major credit for trying to enact a change. But it was hard to get past the atrocious things Khan has done in the previous book, but for whatever reason the one person who can call him on it doesn't seem to think it's so bad either.

I am kind of looking forward to the next book, but the ground work for contrived problems has already been laid by not telling the teachers they have to work together and someone hinting to the Momsie teacher she doesn't need a sexbot since there is a willing male right there. The whole series seems to want to show what a big deal women are to Northlanders and how a woman choosing a male is pretty much sacred, but it still seems like the Motherlanders are too thick to get it. It just goes to show how talented Elin Peer is: she keeps annoying me, but I can't walk away from this awesome world she has created, these flawed and sometimes moronic people who make me want to bang my head against the wall but if I did I wouldn't be able to see the next page. I received this in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those reads you just don't want to put down and having met Pearl and Khan in The Protector I couldn't wait to read their story. They turned out to be much deeper characters than I had expected, but were just as wonderful, believable and likeable as I had hoped.



Whilst this didn't have the same sexual chemistry/heat as The Protector, it focused a lot more on building relationships and compromising over differences. I loved that most of the angst in this story was not as a result of conflict between the hero and heroine but was caused by external factors. Seeing Pearl and Khan working together to overcome these barriers made one exciting, steamy and enjoyable read.

I loved that Elin Peer didn't just have 'love conquering all' but actually had Khan and Pearl both learning about the other's cultures, realising their prejudices were unfounded and working together on a better future for all. Given Khan's position in the Nmen's society anything less would have been too glib and easy, ignoring the issues that their relationship would cause.

The story flowed smoothly, was extremely well written and was really easy to read. Both the pace and the action kept my attention and really drew me into the story. Whilst I know the next book will focus on other characters, I'm really hoping Magni gets his HEA at some point too.