What do you think?
Rate this book
The Emperor's Mate
They believed humans were weak; until her.
The aliens ruling over the galaxy knew humans were compatible with their species, but they never expected to find a match quite so perfect for their Emperor.
Lena should have been nothing more than an incubator - she was supposed to have the Emperor's child, and then get back to her life.
But then, they made the mistake of threatening that child...
The Emperor's Mate is a standalone sci-fi romance following three stories - previously published as Rise, Rage, and Rule between 2015 and 2016. It has been re-edited.
Expect swear words and some adult situations.
The aliens ruling over the galaxy knew humans were compatible with their species, but they never expected to find a match quite so perfect for their Emperor.
Lena should have been nothing more than an incubator - she was supposed to have the Emperor's child, and then get back to her life.
But then, they made the mistake of threatening that child...
The Emperor's Mate is a standalone sci-fi romance following three stories - previously published as Rise, Rage, and Rule between 2015 and 2016. It has been re-edited.
Expect swear words and some adult situations.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
150 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
May Sage
143 books1,926 followersMay Sage is a USA Today Bestselling romance writer dabbling in different genres.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 16, 2018
To be honest I would have liked to give this book more stars. There are some pretty damn kickass heroines in there and yas. I love that. I am all in for that. I live for that! I forgive a lot with that. But not everything.
Unfortunately the book tried to tell and be way too much. While I liked the overall ideas of the plot and storyline it wasn‘t worked out good enough, character development was completely missing - and DAMN would it have been great if there had been one.
This could have been really good with a little more work, a little more time and a little more talent.
Unfortunately the book tried to tell and be way too much. While I liked the overall ideas of the plot and storyline it wasn‘t worked out good enough, character development was completely missing - and DAMN would it have been great if there had been one.
This could have been really good with a little more work, a little more time and a little more talent.
April 18, 2018
Audible: Narrators – Tor Thom and Charley Ongel
These narrators had a huge challenge with this audiobook as there are so many characters as well as some that speak with an accent. Both of them did an exceptional job! I never had a problem trying to figure out who was speaking because each character was so defined by Tor and Charley’ voices.
This is actually three stories in one. I really enjoyed all the characters that were introduced in each of the parts of this book. The world building was just enough to be believable without losing me to descriptions I couldn’t imagine. Each couple struggled with their own individual issues giving this book a well-rounded feel. Secondary characters are perfect, the steam factor is mid to high level, the pacing fast without ever bogging down, and the epilogues very nice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
These narrators had a huge challenge with this audiobook as there are so many characters as well as some that speak with an accent. Both of them did an exceptional job! I never had a problem trying to figure out who was speaking because each character was so defined by Tor and Charley’ voices.
This is actually three stories in one. I really enjoyed all the characters that were introduced in each of the parts of this book. The world building was just enough to be believable without losing me to descriptions I couldn’t imagine. Each couple struggled with their own individual issues giving this book a well-rounded feel. Secondary characters are perfect, the steam factor is mid to high level, the pacing fast without ever bogging down, and the epilogues very nice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
April 23, 2018
The Emperor's Mate was a fascinating Sci-Fi alien novel that I just could not put down. I really enjoyed it. This novel has separate stories in one and loved how they all blended together. While the story was Sci-fi it was so much more than just alien world. It was about finding your mate and each story had a separate couple's search for their mate. The novel was very descriptive with wonderful characters. The storyline was fast paced and action-packed.
I listened to the audible version of this novel narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. These two were able to bring the story to life and they did an excellent job of voicing the many different characters. Although the story itself is very descriptive these two were able to bring out the characters and the story so much more that I could clearly picture what was happening. I loved it.
This was an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to all sci-fi lovers.
I listened to the audible version of this novel narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. These two were able to bring the story to life and they did an excellent job of voicing the many different characters. Although the story itself is very descriptive these two were able to bring out the characters and the story so much more that I could clearly picture what was happening. I loved it.
This was an excellent read and I would highly recommend it to all sci-fi lovers.
April 14, 2018
I'm not that fond of Sci-fi and alien stories, but I promised myself this year to try reading/listening to other genres.
This is my first May Sage audio/book.
I liked the plot.The book was built up with several characters that had their own parts in the book.All this good, but each part ended to quickly, never got a clear ending to each story before the next story suddenly began, also there was a very long time gap between some of the different parts.
Tor Thom and Charley Ongel did a great job with the narrating.
This is my first May Sage audio/book.
I liked the plot.The book was built up with several characters that had their own parts in the book.All this good, but each part ended to quickly, never got a clear ending to each story before the next story suddenly began, also there was a very long time gap between some of the different parts.
Tor Thom and Charley Ongel did a great job with the narrating.
January 10, 2020
Multiple stories
This story has a few parts that follow multiple characters that know each other. The scfi romance was entertaining.
If you can't stand relationships that take years to progress, the this is not for you.
Read in KU, biblical profanity, rape
This story has a few parts that follow multiple characters that know each other. The scfi romance was entertaining.
If you can't stand relationships that take years to progress, the this is not for you.
Read in KU, biblical profanity, rape
April 13, 2018
First thank you Tor Thom and Charley Ongel for gifting me this book thru Aural Fixation on FB.
They did an excellent job narrating.
The Emperors Mate is a Sci-fi versus paranormal romance with comedy thrown in. We have humans, aliens and dragons all living and cohabiting together.
A capricious alien Emperor Calden looking and finding a snarky Mate Lena, who is human and has to prove she is cunning and smart enough to be the Empress after birthing his child several years earlier, thus him being capricious.
I have a gripe with this story, because it is entwined with several other stories and several other characters, none of these stories are complete in my mind. All these characters are sitting in my head waiting for their HEA, if that makes sense to others reading this.
I would have given this book a much better review and rating had the author given more detail to the characters in her plots.
They did an excellent job narrating.
The Emperors Mate is a Sci-fi versus paranormal romance with comedy thrown in. We have humans, aliens and dragons all living and cohabiting together.
A capricious alien Emperor Calden looking and finding a snarky Mate Lena, who is human and has to prove she is cunning and smart enough to be the Empress after birthing his child several years earlier, thus him being capricious.
I have a gripe with this story, because it is entwined with several other stories and several other characters, none of these stories are complete in my mind. All these characters are sitting in my head waiting for their HEA, if that makes sense to others reading this.
I would have given this book a much better review and rating had the author given more detail to the characters in her plots.
March 18, 2023
This is my second time reading this book. I still enjoy it. The characters I think are good but not as well developed as I would want but just enough. The world was good as well but not unique because of the whole alien mate trope. The romance was good a little too quick but again not bad enough for me to dislike it. Its a story with multiple point of views and also mini stories outside if the main one. To me they could have all been their own book which I probably would have enjoyed more but again I didn't mind enough to not read it.
Over all I enjoyed it and I'd read it again.
Over all I enjoyed it and I'd read it again.
April 11, 2018
This is my first book by May Sage, and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I am not a science fiction listener, so I started with some trepidation. The story was much more than just sci fi, but the finding of your true mate. What I really got out of this story, is that no matter whether you are alien or human, whether you are friends first or you bump into them on the street, your true match is out there. The imaginative world that Sage creates with the Craydons is vividly written, so it is easy to picture and the characters are engaging. It's interesting to see how each couple in each part finally gets together and finds their true mate. Out of the three parts, I enjoyed Calden and Lena's story the most. Lena proves herself to be a strong, smart woman and a wonderful mother, stopping at nothing to protect her child.Love seeing the mom in her come alive. Cedar in part 2 was an very interesting character and his uncertainty is endearing. I did like seeing Alec grown up in part 3, and the appearance of Lena as well.
Narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel, this team brought the story to life. There are many characters, and Tor Thom gave each man his own voice. From old to young, American to Scottish, he nailed each one and let you know by each finesse of the voice. Charley Ongel shined in this narration. I love how she gave each woman a strength through their story, Lena is a fierce warrior, Ava a little hesitant but gaining confidence and Willow some wisdom with age. The performances are wonderful.
Narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel, this team brought the story to life. There are many characters, and Tor Thom gave each man his own voice. From old to young, American to Scottish, he nailed each one and let you know by each finesse of the voice. Charley Ongel shined in this narration. I love how she gave each woman a strength through their story, Lena is a fierce warrior, Ava a little hesitant but gaining confidence and Willow some wisdom with age. The performances are wonderful.
April 12, 2018
This is the first time I read a May Sage book. I was not sure what to expect when I first started listening. I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the world and Aliens were to imagine. Ms. Sage vividly described every detail to bring the scene and characters to your minds eye. Although the book is a Sci-fi book, it is not overbearing and so farfetched that it is hard to relate to.
Lena and Calden was my favorite couple. I could relate to Lena and her motherly instincts. I loved following her growth from just a breeder to a mother. The way Calden found his mate, Lena, is like a matchmaking game, but with DNA. Calden, being a strong leader, was easily attracted to Lena, who was an equally strong woman.
Tor Thom and Charley Ongel are a perfect compliment to the story. Tor Thom distunguished the many male characters with ease. The different pitches and accents Mr Thom used were perfectly chosen for each character and how I would have imagined that character. Charley Ongel is a wonderful contrast to Mr Thom's deep baritone voice. Ms Ongel brought out each female character's attitude and emotion with her narration. Together, Mr Thom and Ms Ongel enhanced the story and created a movie within my mind's eye.
Lena and Calden was my favorite couple. I could relate to Lena and her motherly instincts. I loved following her growth from just a breeder to a mother. The way Calden found his mate, Lena, is like a matchmaking game, but with DNA. Calden, being a strong leader, was easily attracted to Lena, who was an equally strong woman.
Tor Thom and Charley Ongel are a perfect compliment to the story. Tor Thom distunguished the many male characters with ease. The different pitches and accents Mr Thom used were perfectly chosen for each character and how I would have imagined that character. Charley Ongel is a wonderful contrast to Mr Thom's deep baritone voice. Ms Ongel brought out each female character's attitude and emotion with her narration. Together, Mr Thom and Ms Ongel enhanced the story and created a movie within my mind's eye.
October 9, 2017
This as a great book for romance alien and sci-fi fan it had some awesome characters that you won't want to miss Lean and her cat were some of my favorite Lena is one badass lady with a hidden soft side that Calden the alien empeorar has a hard time getting too because he just can't seem to get out of his own way.
Really enjoyed the story and glad that it is basically three books in one so you get more of the characters without having to wait to read what happens next. While I did enjoy they story I wanted more! There where a lot of characters and while they got their HEA I would have loved to have read a little more about the couples Alek/Ava and Willow/Cedar poor Willow went through a lot and I would loved to have see her relationship with Cedar develop alittle more and maybe some babies for those couples maybe the author can revisit this series again.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Really enjoyed the story and glad that it is basically three books in one so you get more of the characters without having to wait to read what happens next. While I did enjoy they story I wanted more! There where a lot of characters and while they got their HEA I would have loved to have read a little more about the couples Alek/Ava and Willow/Cedar poor Willow went through a lot and I would loved to have see her relationship with Cedar develop alittle more and maybe some babies for those couples maybe the author can revisit this series again.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
August 22, 2019
Not worth the headache...
Okay I have been binge reading this author's paranormal and star books. So, I thought this book would be another good book even though it's about hot alien guys. Except, this was a convoluted storyline that have disjointed plot lines with multiple standalone stories. No transition phase from the mc being match as the emperor mate to tell what happened after. It was just told that the mc match as a breeder, she had a child next, and then boom she is fighting to be the empress. Dazed and confused reader for sure.
The worst was the book title doesn't match the story of the book. There was only one emperor so the other side stories in the book had nothing to do with the book title. Not the best book for this author. Disappointed and what a wasted money. This one was a dud in my option.
Okay I have been binge reading this author's paranormal and star books. So, I thought this book would be another good book even though it's about hot alien guys. Except, this was a convoluted storyline that have disjointed plot lines with multiple standalone stories. No transition phase from the mc being match as the emperor mate to tell what happened after. It was just told that the mc match as a breeder, she had a child next, and then boom she is fighting to be the empress. Dazed and confused reader for sure.
The worst was the book title doesn't match the story of the book. There was only one emperor so the other side stories in the book had nothing to do with the book title. Not the best book for this author. Disappointed and what a wasted money. This one was a dud in my option.
January 4, 2018
Saying one thing first: This is the revamped edition of the Blue Blood Trilogy the author previously published - it contains all three parts.
That said I quite liked it! Sure, some parts seemed a bit odd, especially some year jumps and scene cuts in the story, but if you know that it was previously released as three parts it makes sense again.
For me this was a page turner. I would have loved to hear more of some of the back stories, like who they busted that breeder program and Lena being pregnant, and how her father helped her and the list goes on. It does contain a few cliffhangers in that regard but the main story around the protagonists progresses nicely.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi and romance. :)
That said I quite liked it! Sure, some parts seemed a bit odd, especially some year jumps and scene cuts in the story, but if you know that it was previously released as three parts it makes sense again.
For me this was a page turner. I would have loved to hear more of some of the back stories, like who they busted that breeder program and Lena being pregnant, and how her father helped her and the list goes on. It does contain a few cliffhangers in that regard but the main story around the protagonists progresses nicely.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi and romance. :)
February 9, 2020
I'm gonna try something different and jot down one word followed by a sentence of why. Hopefully it will translate as a review.
Frustrating - there's no real ending or summary for each story it just constantly flows enticing the reader to purchase the next book.
Meh - the take on the 3 different human females is sub-par, but the alien one, heart her.
Idiots - a superior race doesn't necessarily mean intelligent.
Discombobulated - it's a good word that kinda sums up how I feel about this book.
Amusing - Xian & Beneth? The best dynamic in this series.
After the weak ending I'm not sure if I want to continue on. At this stage I may take a break from this series and catch up on another.
Frustrating - there's no real ending or summary for each story it just constantly flows enticing the reader to purchase the next book.
Meh - the take on the 3 different human females is sub-par, but the alien one, heart her.
Idiots - a superior race doesn't necessarily mean intelligent.
Discombobulated - it's a good word that kinda sums up how I feel about this book.
Amusing - Xian & Beneth? The best dynamic in this series.
After the weak ending I'm not sure if I want to continue on. At this stage I may take a break from this series and catch up on another.
November 14, 2021
It was a good book, but I found it very odd how the author kept throwing in all these little snippets of other matings into the mix! And taking them further, as in more or less “concluding” them, in such a short span of time, in another couple’s book! That’s what sequels are for!
I found the romance of the original couple itself to be alright, but, as I mentioned, all the other romances really threw me off, making it impossible to give this any more than an average, three star rating. It’s not that they weren’t good, simply that they were poorly developed (because it wasn’t their book, damnit!), and that they didn’t fit! (Because it’s not their book!)
I found the romance of the original couple itself to be alright, but, as I mentioned, all the other romances really threw me off, making it impossible to give this any more than an average, three star rating. It’s not that they weren’t good, simply that they were poorly developed (because it wasn’t their book, damnit!), and that they didn’t fit! (Because it’s not their book!)
April 26, 2018
May Sage has obviously cobbled together 3 stories without actually doing the work to make them flow together better. It was very choppy switching to the new couple.
It's a shame really because the plot was good, though I've read similar stories before, and the MCs were well done if a little stereotypical, but everything seemed rushed and the ending of each story felt underdone. It's like we were missing a couple of pages at the end of each one.
Had no problems with the switching POV as every change was well labelled.
It's a shame really because the plot was good, though I've read similar stories before, and the MCs were well done if a little stereotypical, but everything seemed rushed and the ending of each story felt underdone. It's like we were missing a couple of pages at the end of each one.
Had no problems with the switching POV as every change was well labelled.
May 1, 2019
It's very obvious that this did not start as one book. I'm still kind of on the fence about how it was done. There were peeks at interesting characters but it was hard to become engaged simply because there was a fair amount of jumping around with perspectives. I can understand why two were combined, but that story needed to be longer. The third was... honestly the third is the reason this was almost a one star. It was... nothing. There was the potential to a decent novella or even a full length and it was... nothing.
December 31, 2019
I felt the author was not really invested in the book or characters with her whole heart.
Why I like the book I would of liked it more about Calden and Lena. Why didn't they have more kids this could of been many stories but it felt rushed and jumped time 5yrs later 8yrs later then 20yrs . The only time I like jumping time is in a epilogue which we got none just a The End. The trials for Lena where laughable and not in a funny way more like what just happened was too quick and easy for Lena .
Why I like the book I would of liked it more about Calden and Lena. Why didn't they have more kids this could of been many stories but it felt rushed and jumped time 5yrs later 8yrs later then 20yrs . The only time I like jumping time is in a epilogue which we got none just a The End. The trials for Lena where laughable and not in a funny way more like what just happened was too quick and easy for Lena .
June 19, 2018
Well, if the author used those characters and tried to deepen their stories and FOCUS on one at a time... this book would make several great stories BUT unfortunately she just dumped summaries of potentially great series, glued them together rather crudely and f*cked it up disastrously by giving me a taste and potential with no finish and no depth... This world and those heroes&heroines deserved more care and love from their creator... :(
August 8, 2019
Audio book review
This is a fantastic audio . May Sage has very great imagination and she knows how to get you listing. What’s more when Tor Tnom and Charley perform the story you can’t get any better. This is a deal it’s 3 stories into one. The main couple is Lena who is human and Calden who is the Alien . All 3 stores blend in together even though one couple takes up most of it .
I can’t say enough of Tor Thom and Charley their performance is beyond spectacular.
This is a fantastic audio . May Sage has very great imagination and she knows how to get you listing. What’s more when Tor Tnom and Charley perform the story you can’t get any better. This is a deal it’s 3 stories into one. The main couple is Lena who is human and Calden who is the Alien . All 3 stores blend in together even though one couple takes up most of it .
I can’t say enough of Tor Thom and Charley their performance is beyond spectacular.
September 3, 2017
I would have liked this story a lot more if it were to stop with the Emperor and Lena.
the writing was very engaging' and there were no stone left unturned, but the story felt rushed, like we had to hear every one's tale' when i wasn't even ready to stop hearing about the first couple. should have been a lot longer book, for all the romance that got included.
the writing was very engaging' and there were no stone left unturned, but the story felt rushed, like we had to hear every one's tale' when i wasn't even ready to stop hearing about the first couple. should have been a lot longer book, for all the romance that got included.
October 14, 2017
Finished
I'm finished with May Sage. After this atrocity, I'm through with her works. Pseudo "strong"females who are the worst kind of weak, so called "chivalrous " males who are misogynists....multiple perspectives handled poorly combined with shoddy writing equals a story I don't want a resolution to since it would demean women and insult everyone.
I'm finished with May Sage. After this atrocity, I'm through with her works. Pseudo "strong"females who are the worst kind of weak, so called "chivalrous " males who are misogynists....multiple perspectives handled poorly combined with shoddy writing equals a story I don't want a resolution to since it would demean women and insult everyone.
June 1, 2018
I received a free code for the audiobook version. I did not finish this book because I felt the writing was weak. The flow was not done well. There were time jumps with no real explanation. Me not finishing this book is not a reflection on the narrators. They did a good job. I’d listen to them narrate another book but I just couldn’t get on board with this story. This was my first May Sage book.
December 5, 2017
A very interesting few concepts and promising characters but I just couldn t get into the writing style. We jump from character to character without getting to know any of them, the romance is totally absent and everything goes way to quickly. It felt very strange to me.
January 19, 2018
I didn’t finish this book because I found its timeline confusing. For example, after a few chapters the book skipped eight years into the future with no explanation of what had happened since. That being said, I did like the premise of the book, there were just too many holes in the plot.
January 29, 2018
This book!!
This book was fantastic !! I enjoyed every page.and well worth the price I felt I got my money's worth out of it. An it wasn't one of those short butt books !!which I normally won't buy I hate short reads..wonderful book May Sage...
This book was fantastic !! I enjoyed every page.and well worth the price I felt I got my money's worth out of it. An it wasn't one of those short butt books !!which I normally won't buy I hate short reads..wonderful book May Sage...
April 11, 2018
This book is fragmented into a few different stories. I liked some of the stories; however, not all of them. I did not like the jumping around and I feel that the characters were not developed fully (at lest to my liking).
May 23, 2020
I found this audio a little disjointed, I was a little confused about the time line and feel like there should of been more in the last story. It was a good storyline however and I liked the characters. Excellent narration from both Charley and Tor. Great accents from Tor.
September 11, 2017
A brilliant world with interesting characters. Loved the dragons.
December 19, 2017
I want more
The book has many couples but it time jumps a lot. I liked it though. I wish it became a series
The book has many couples but it time jumps a lot. I liked it though. I wish it became a series
January 11, 2018
Amazing book :) you must read!!
Amazing book. A complete seriers. No cliff hangers I wish it never had to end :_( but it did. Amazing character! And amazing theme and plot line.
Amazing book. A complete seriers. No cliff hangers I wish it never had to end :_( but it did. Amazing character! And amazing theme and plot line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews