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Darkness almost destroyed the galaxy a thousand years ago. He’s reborn; and Nalini just saved his life.
A captive at the mercy of the Warlord of their multi-world kingdom, Nalini has learned to hide under a mask, a lie. As far as her master sees, she’s his obedient little puppet.
Then, she meets him. The male who can obliterate the entire Galaxy.
Her world ends that day.
In the eyes of a young Seer, Kai discovers who he’s meant to be. His future is blood and death; but there’s a female by his side. A female he’d gladly destroy stars for.
If his destiny is ruling over ruins with her, so be it.
Two souls, worlds apart, under different skies. One destiny.
Warning: mature content. Strands of Starfire is a space fantasy romance with some explicit scenes.
Note that this series will only include standalone books.
A captive at the mercy of the Warlord of their multi-world kingdom, Nalini has learned to hide under a mask, a lie. As far as her master sees, she’s his obedient little puppet.
Then, she meets him. The male who can obliterate the entire Galaxy.
Her world ends that day.
In the eyes of a young Seer, Kai discovers who he’s meant to be. His future is blood and death; but there’s a female by his side. A female he’d gladly destroy stars for.
If his destiny is ruling over ruins with her, so be it.
Two souls, worlds apart, under different skies. One destiny.
Warning: mature content. Strands of Starfire is a space fantasy romance with some explicit scenes.
Note that this series will only include standalone books.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
309 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
May Sage
143 books1,921 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 20, 2018
Two children born several years apart- both discovered early they have something inside them that normal people fear and loathe. They seperately learn to survive. In time Kai grows to be the fiercest warlord in the galaxy- conquering planets no less. Nalini? By hiding her true feelings while allowing her powers to be enslaved and used by another warlord.
They're destined to be together because Kai without Nalini means utter darkness and destruction to life as we know it. But together they bring balance to the force... (oh wait that's another space opera)... but hey, that's pretty much the gist of this story too.
I'm gonna be honest, Reign actually surprised me. Nothing new has held my interest in a long time- been doing mostly re-reads in the romance genre. This one being space opera/space fantasy romance I shouldn't have been surprised that it actually held my attention- but it did. The gal is pretty kick ass (but thankfully not a bitch), and he's pretty much uber alpha so if you dont like those types of un PC H/h pairings you probably wont like it. But yeah I'm totally looking for the next installment.
They're destined to be together because Kai without Nalini means utter darkness and destruction to life as we know it. But together they bring balance to the force... (oh wait that's another space opera)... but hey, that's pretty much the gist of this story too.
I'm gonna be honest, Reign actually surprised me. Nothing new has held my interest in a long time- been doing mostly re-reads in the romance genre. This one being space opera/space fantasy romance I shouldn't have been surprised that it actually held my attention- but it did. The gal is pretty kick ass (but thankfully not a bitch), and he's pretty much uber alpha so if you dont like those types of un PC H/h pairings you probably wont like it. But yeah I'm totally looking for the next installment.
September 16, 2019
DNF 94%
I just don't care how it ends. I'm so bored.
The good:
1. The world building is actually pretty cool and was really good for scratching my star wars itch. I need more star wars romance in my life.
2. The overarching plot was decently cool and engaging and surprisingly well thought out for a book of this nature.
And that's it
The bad:
1. The author uses the words male and female and mate in place of man, woman and partner. It's a pet peeve but I f u c k i n g h a t e i t when people write like that. It was to the point that they literally wrote "old male" instead of old man which fucked me up.
2. The plot for about 75% of the book felt like a quick history documentary summary.
3. The sex was badly written. I guess it was a 5/5 on my sexiness scale due to explicit terminology, but it felt so boring and dutiful. Like one moment they're all hello stranger, the next they're shoving their fingers in each other's holes while I'm trying to keep myself awake.
4. Following on from that, instalove. The romance was okaaaay until the switch flipped and Nalini was suddenly like "yes this is twoo wuv" and blam my eyes glazed over. No real convincing chemistry.
5. Kai was such a Gary stu it was embarassing. Nalini was too, but compared to him she seemed downright normal.
6. I stopped caring enough to DNF in the second to last chapter. There were no real stakes. Kai and Nalini were just too powerful, so nothing that happened meant anything, so why should I waste my time when I know it'll end with a HEA and unconvincing googly eyes?
The extra star was for decent world building but otherwise there's really absolutely no reason for anyone to read this book. Boring, low stakes and bad romance.
I just don't care how it ends. I'm so bored.
The good:
1. The world building is actually pretty cool and was really good for scratching my star wars itch. I need more star wars romance in my life.
2. The overarching plot was decently cool and engaging and surprisingly well thought out for a book of this nature.
And that's it
The bad:
1. The author uses the words male and female and mate in place of man, woman and partner. It's a pet peeve but I f u c k i n g h a t e i t when people write like that. It was to the point that they literally wrote "old male" instead of old man which fucked me up.
2. The plot for about 75% of the book felt like a quick history documentary summary.
3. The sex was badly written. I guess it was a 5/5 on my sexiness scale due to explicit terminology, but it felt so boring and dutiful. Like one moment they're all hello stranger, the next they're shoving their fingers in each other's holes while I'm trying to keep myself awake.
4. Following on from that, instalove. The romance was okaaaay until the switch flipped and Nalini was suddenly like "yes this is twoo wuv" and blam my eyes glazed over. No real convincing chemistry.
5. Kai was such a Gary stu it was embarassing. Nalini was too, but compared to him she seemed downright normal.
6. I stopped caring enough to DNF in the second to last chapter. There were no real stakes. Kai and Nalini were just too powerful, so nothing that happened meant anything, so why should I waste my time when I know it'll end with a HEA and unconvincing googly eyes?
The extra star was for decent world building but otherwise there's really absolutely no reason for anyone to read this book. Boring, low stakes and bad romance.
June 5, 2018
I would like to thank May Sage for creating this fantasy world where it teaches us to not take anything for granted and to stand up for what we believe in.
Wording and the world-building was so good that I can't wait to read more in this world setting.
Wording and the world-building was so good that I can't wait to read more in this world setting.
dnf
May 18, 2018DNF @ 16%
I like the world building and the premise. The writing was fine. It's just not for me right now.
I like the world building and the premise. The writing was fine. It's just not for me right now.
May 8, 2018
So much potential and such a great idea, but May's writing is just not there. Also, the book was barely romantic at all and then suddenly there was a rimjob and a metal dildo shoved up her ass. Whoa. Talk about escalating quickly. It went from space opera to erotica so fast I was like, did I accidentally click onto a different book in my Kindle? And trust me, I love erotica. Hell, I love a good rimjob and dildo up the ass. But this was so unexpected and out of place compared to the rest of the book. There should have been a little more buildup or something to that. And it was the only real sex scene too, which was disapointing (although there was also a weird orgy scene that was fade to black - if you're going to go there, at least show it, geez!). Overall this felt like it should have been two or three books so we could go a lot deeper into the world and the characters, instead it felt super rushed and superficial, with a lot of telling that ruined all the suspense. May has great ideas, but I've tried a few of her books now, and her writing is just not there yet to execute them properly.
October 5, 2018
I knew going in that this was a steamy romance going in. No problem.
But here's the thing: this book took it's sweet time establishing the characters. Then the romance hits out of nowhere, the one sex scene is graphic for the sake of shock value, then the real intriguing part of the plot starts to play out as it ends.
I think the best thing about it was the narration by Shane East & Ava Erikson and that's the reason this gets 2.5 stars rounded up. What a shame. This could have really been amazing - instead, it was yawn, what! and hmmm, why did it take this long to get good? Talk about a missed opportunity!
But here's the thing: this book took it's sweet time establishing the characters. Then the romance hits out of nowhere, the one sex scene is graphic for the sake of shock value, then the real intriguing part of the plot starts to play out as it ends.
I think the best thing about it was the narration by Shane East & Ava Erikson and that's the reason this gets 2.5 stars rounded up. What a shame. This could have really been amazing - instead, it was yawn, what! and hmmm, why did it take this long to get good? Talk about a missed opportunity!
June 27, 2019
I'd probably rate this as 3.5 stars for enjoyment, but I have to give the author credit here for taking on a full length novel and attempting such an ambitious story.
Let me just get this out of the way - Nalini is the female MC and she's a brilliant idiot. Like when it comes to saving the day, she's all aces. When it comes to not assuming somebody is going to end the entire universe, not so much. This dichotomy was fucking weird. And annoying.
Moving on. Until about 65% of the way through, I had no idea where we were or where this was headed. But then things started to come together and by the end, I could look back and see how it did actually make sense. It was (again) kinda weird. It's one of those books that you enjoy more after it's over and you can consider the entirety of it.
It was big and ambitious and spanned decades. It seemed to meander for a while, but it comes together really well there at the end and you understand the path the story took. I liked it, but I had difficulty getting invested until the second half. By the end, I was hooked. The epilogue wasn't really necessary, though.
Let me just get this out of the way - Nalini is the female MC and she's a brilliant idiot. Like when it comes to saving the day, she's all aces. When it comes to not assuming somebody is going to end the entire universe, not so much. This dichotomy was fucking weird. And annoying.
Moving on. Until about 65% of the way through, I had no idea where we were or where this was headed. But then things started to come together and by the end, I could look back and see how it did actually make sense. It was (again) kinda weird. It's one of those books that you enjoy more after it's over and you can consider the entirety of it.
It was big and ambitious and spanned decades. It seemed to meander for a while, but it comes together really well there at the end and you understand the path the story took. I liked it, but I had difficulty getting invested until the second half. By the end, I was hooked. The epilogue wasn't really necessary, though.
March 12, 2018
DNF at 68%.
This one is so full of plot holes that I could see my Kindle's insides while reading.
And I was willing to let is slide. I mean, it's a romantic book. It's like expecting to hear something interesting from the pizza guy in a porn movie. No, he's the fucking pizza guy, he has dick, that's enough. But where was the bloody romance here, damn it? The two characters (pretty much the only existing characters by the 68% of this book) gave each other boners because... because they were both very good looking? because one kind of saved the other's life? destiny? magic? I don't know. There was no falling in love, no wooing, no tension, nothing.
And to top it all the writer spoils every single chapter, scene, confrontation, by giving up the outcome with some "smart" remark beforehand.
The only reason I'm not trying to get a refund on this one is so I could keep it as a reminder to never again be fooled by 5 star reviews.
This one is so full of plot holes that I could see my Kindle's insides while reading.
And I was willing to let is slide. I mean, it's a romantic book. It's like expecting to hear something interesting from the pizza guy in a porn movie. No, he's the fucking pizza guy, he has dick, that's enough. But where was the bloody romance here, damn it? The two characters (pretty much the only existing characters by the 68% of this book) gave each other boners because... because they were both very good looking? because one kind of saved the other's life? destiny? magic? I don't know. There was no falling in love, no wooing, no tension, nothing.
And to top it all the writer spoils every single chapter, scene, confrontation, by giving up the outcome with some "smart" remark beforehand.
The only reason I'm not trying to get a refund on this one is so I could keep it as a reminder to never again be fooled by 5 star reviews.
June 26, 2019
Love that cover!
Crushing the hopes of the MacHalo Buddy Read black little hearts. I think the cover is the only positive thing I can say about this book.
Have you ever read a book and skimmed through it because it wasn't that interesting? That's the best way I can describe the author's writing. She skims through her writing. I read the whole thing just to try and figure what part of the book May Sage wanted to write about and had to skim through to get to. It was the sex scene at 83% and it was horrid. That scene alone made me want to give this a 1 star rating.
So many bads. Not enough goods. Sadly, May Sage will join my blacklist.
March 6, 2018
Mish-mush
I really disliked the writing style where the author gave away next chapters by placing not so clever hints at the end of previous chapter. The book contained every cliche known to man, mixed together without rhythm nor rime and I couldn’t contain rolling my eyes. Regretted wasting my time.
I really disliked the writing style where the author gave away next chapters by placing not so clever hints at the end of previous chapter. The book contained every cliche known to man, mixed together without rhythm nor rime and I couldn’t contain rolling my eyes. Regretted wasting my time.
January 19, 2024
loved it! i need to search for more space operas 😍
December 7, 2024
Reign by May Sage is a sci-fi romance novel with a cyborg warrior MMC, a beautiful cover, and excellent narration from the audiobook. In this spoiler-free review, I will discuss the characters, plot, and overall lacklusterness. As lovely as the cover is, unfortunately, I did not enjoy Reign. This book infuriates me, and it’s not for the reason you may think.
Nalini is a not-Jedi space wizard who is one of the last of her kind due to not-order-66. To quote my favorite show, if she were a spice, she’d be flour. Nalini is entirely forgettable, with almost no character whatsoever.
Kai, Nalini’s cyborg love interest/fated mate(?), and her share a vision where she is by his side, smiling and having a jolly good old time as a planet combusts into flames by their doing. Nalini is horrified by this vision and, throughout the entire book, up to the 80% mark, avoids Kai until the two actually have a conversation. Then, she realizes he isn’t so bad after all. You have to love the miscommunication trope for almost the whole book.
Also, who is Kai again? Much like his romantic interest, he is one-dimensional, and his whole character shares the vagueness of a fortune cookie.
The plot was difficult to follow. Reign jarringly jumps from different points in time and across POVs, making my head spin. The scenes feel chopped together and do not flow in the slightest. Therefore, this sci-fi romance came across as an info dump with half-hearted ideas.
Now, I am so disappointed this book fell flat—utterly so because it could have been amazing. The ideas, as half-hearted as they felt, could have been captivating if fleshed out and executed well. I think Reign should have been two to three books for the one-dimensional cast, with the plot not moving on so quickly from one time point to the next. Just refine the characters a bit, and if we spent a little more time with them at one point in time, I feel like fleshing them out would be so natural.
Again, the world in which this book takes place seems so interesting in theory, but we barely scratch the surface. In turn, the world-building felt surface-level, with hints of interesting ideas.
Lastly, the smut was right out of left field. I would rate it a 1.5 on the scrog meter. It was open-door spice; the main couple does the nasty a couple of times near the end of the book with little kink. To be honest, it felt out of place.
In all, Reign by May Sage is a victim of great ideas and poor execution. That infuriates me because this book could have been so much more than what it was. I saw the potential for a fantastic series in Reign, but the execution sabotaged what could have been a five-star read.
World building: 2.5/5
Characters: 2/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Spice meter 1.5/5
Ending 2/5
Narration: 4/5
Overall 2 immortal wolves/5
Tropes: SLOWER burn than my grandma walking down the stairs, obsessed hero, badass heroine, found family
Favorite character: None
Favorite quote: The last sentence
Nalini is a not-Jedi space wizard who is one of the last of her kind due to not-order-66. To quote my favorite show, if she were a spice, she’d be flour. Nalini is entirely forgettable, with almost no character whatsoever.
Kai, Nalini’s cyborg love interest/fated mate(?), and her share a vision where she is by his side, smiling and having a jolly good old time as a planet combusts into flames by their doing. Nalini is horrified by this vision and, throughout the entire book, up to the 80% mark, avoids Kai until the two actually have a conversation. Then, she realizes he isn’t so bad after all. You have to love the miscommunication trope for almost the whole book.
Also, who is Kai again? Much like his romantic interest, he is one-dimensional, and his whole character shares the vagueness of a fortune cookie.
The plot was difficult to follow. Reign jarringly jumps from different points in time and across POVs, making my head spin. The scenes feel chopped together and do not flow in the slightest. Therefore, this sci-fi romance came across as an info dump with half-hearted ideas.
Now, I am so disappointed this book fell flat—utterly so because it could have been amazing. The ideas, as half-hearted as they felt, could have been captivating if fleshed out and executed well. I think Reign should have been two to three books for the one-dimensional cast, with the plot not moving on so quickly from one time point to the next. Just refine the characters a bit, and if we spent a little more time with them at one point in time, I feel like fleshing them out would be so natural.
Again, the world in which this book takes place seems so interesting in theory, but we barely scratch the surface. In turn, the world-building felt surface-level, with hints of interesting ideas.
Lastly, the smut was right out of left field. I would rate it a 1.5 on the scrog meter. It was open-door spice; the main couple does the nasty a couple of times near the end of the book with little kink. To be honest, it felt out of place.
In all, Reign by May Sage is a victim of great ideas and poor execution. That infuriates me because this book could have been so much more than what it was. I saw the potential for a fantastic series in Reign, but the execution sabotaged what could have been a five-star read.
World building: 2.5/5
Characters: 2/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Spice meter 1.5/5
Ending 2/5
Narration: 4/5
Overall 2 immortal wolves/5
Tropes: SLOWER burn than my grandma walking down the stairs, obsessed hero, badass heroine, found family
Favorite character: None
Favorite quote: The last sentence
April 22, 2018
Liked it
I liked this story. It has its flaws, but the characters really made it for me. I do enjoy a good space adventure.
I liked this story. It has its flaws, but the characters really made it for me. I do enjoy a good space adventure.
November 11, 2018
I'm not necessarily a sci-fi lover but once I saw this gorgeous cover, I had to read this book. And it was everything. I went in not knowing what to expect at all and now I crave more. May Sage created an intricate and beautiful story with extremely lovable characters, her writing style is unique, so very compelling and she won me over.
Reign started out a little confusing, I had to get used to Sage's writing and of the way she introduces a new chapter but once I got into it, which was about 2 chapters in, I was hooked. She grabbed my attention and I couldn't, wouldn't let go. Ms. Sage is a master at her craft, she also has a very singular voice and because of that her story is tattooed on my heart.
Kai and Nalini's story is quite complex and we learn to know both of them at a very young age. We follow their story throughout time and I absolutely loved that. I am not usually a big fan of flashbacks but the way the author wrote about it was so fascinating, I had to know more and it made for a crazy interesting book.
Both characters are interesting in their own way, I instantly knew I was going to love them when the author introduced them to us, when Kai was 9, Nalini was born and this is where their story truly begins. I loved loved loved loved following their journey, seeing them change, becoming less and less innocent, stronger, more powerful, it was incredible to read and it made me feel so deeply connected to them.
As I've said, Reign is a very complex story, I wouldn't know how to properly explain it without revealing too much and I'm no May Sage, I couldn't possibly do it justice but give this book a chance. It will rock your world. May's writing is something else, I think this is what will stay with me the most, her writing, it truly is magical. Kai and Nalini have a special place in a little corner of my heart, as well as all the other characters, I cannot wait to read more about them and get immersed into this world once again.
I also loved how invested the author was in the story, in this world she created. You can tell by the cover of this book who is spot on but also because she had made a freaking illustrated glossary with illustrations of each term, character sketches, anecdotes and more. We get to see a little sneak peek at the end of this book but the full glossary, who will be 150+ pages, will be available at a later date. How fucking awesome is that?! I absolutely adore this idea, and the illustrations at the end of Reign were extraordinary, you get to see what Kai's ship looks like, Sky (Kai's wolf), Nalini's ship and with each illustration comes an explanation. I will totally buy that glossary when it comes out.
So, if you want to read a great and steamy sci-fi romance with magic, an intricate story with great character development, wolves, an unusual but incredible writing style and two beautiful and seriously funny characters, please give Reign a chance!
Reign started out a little confusing, I had to get used to Sage's writing and of the way she introduces a new chapter but once I got into it, which was about 2 chapters in, I was hooked. She grabbed my attention and I couldn't, wouldn't let go. Ms. Sage is a master at her craft, she also has a very singular voice and because of that her story is tattooed on my heart.
Kai and Nalini's story is quite complex and we learn to know both of them at a very young age. We follow their story throughout time and I absolutely loved that. I am not usually a big fan of flashbacks but the way the author wrote about it was so fascinating, I had to know more and it made for a crazy interesting book.
Both characters are interesting in their own way, I instantly knew I was going to love them when the author introduced them to us, when Kai was 9, Nalini was born and this is where their story truly begins. I loved loved loved loved following their journey, seeing them change, becoming less and less innocent, stronger, more powerful, it was incredible to read and it made me feel so deeply connected to them.
As I've said, Reign is a very complex story, I wouldn't know how to properly explain it without revealing too much and I'm no May Sage, I couldn't possibly do it justice but give this book a chance. It will rock your world. May's writing is something else, I think this is what will stay with me the most, her writing, it truly is magical. Kai and Nalini have a special place in a little corner of my heart, as well as all the other characters, I cannot wait to read more about them and get immersed into this world once again.
I also loved how invested the author was in the story, in this world she created. You can tell by the cover of this book who is spot on but also because she had made a freaking illustrated glossary with illustrations of each term, character sketches, anecdotes and more. We get to see a little sneak peek at the end of this book but the full glossary, who will be 150+ pages, will be available at a later date. How fucking awesome is that?! I absolutely adore this idea, and the illustrations at the end of Reign were extraordinary, you get to see what Kai's ship looks like, Sky (Kai's wolf), Nalini's ship and with each illustration comes an explanation. I will totally buy that glossary when it comes out.
So, if you want to read a great and steamy sci-fi romance with magic, an intricate story with great character development, wolves, an unusual but incredible writing style and two beautiful and seriously funny characters, please give Reign a chance!
May 15, 2020
Dnf'd at 92%.
Kudos to the cover artist. That glorious, drool-worthy cover was the only thing that kept me reading, but at this point, even the cover isn't worth it.
I really, really wanted to like this. The ideas sounded fantastic, totally my cup-of-tea. But the writing...just no.
The entire "story" is written like a History Channel episode on triple fast-forward. It's one ginormous infodump but with only the bare minimum in terms of details. There is absolutely NO sense of plot progression. Scenes were crammed together into just a mere few paragraphs. I was willing to overlook it in the first few chapters, thinking it was just the usual opening infodump used to establish the setting/set up the story, but nope. This happened throughout.
Add to the fact that I couldn't tell you two things about any of the characters except for maybe our OTP Kai and Nalini, because the characters aren't even really characters. They just existed. Even Kai and Nalini were one-dimensional, and far too overpowered to boot.
Funny enough, the only part that did not read like an outline on steroids was the chapter-long sex scene. Hmmm...I guess I know what the priority really is, then.
Kudos to the cover artist. That glorious, drool-worthy cover was the only thing that kept me reading, but at this point, even the cover isn't worth it.
I really, really wanted to like this. The ideas sounded fantastic, totally my cup-of-tea. But the writing...just no.
The entire "story" is written like a History Channel episode on triple fast-forward. It's one ginormous infodump but with only the bare minimum in terms of details. There is absolutely NO sense of plot progression. Scenes were crammed together into just a mere few paragraphs. I was willing to overlook it in the first few chapters, thinking it was just the usual opening infodump used to establish the setting/set up the story, but nope. This happened throughout.
Add to the fact that I couldn't tell you two things about any of the characters except for maybe our OTP Kai and Nalini, because the characters aren't even really characters. They just existed. Even Kai and Nalini were one-dimensional, and far too overpowered to boot.
Funny enough, the only part that did not read like an outline on steroids was the chapter-long sex scene. Hmmm...I guess I know what the priority really is, then.
January 2, 2021
Normally books that span many years don't work for me. I don't know what it is, but I usually get bored or way too anxious to enjoy things. This is one of the first times that this format/story worked for me. The book begins when Kai is nine and Nalini is just born, and follows them through all of their major milestones and moments in their lives. I think it worked for me here because the author didn't dwell overlong on these moments, while giving me a complete look at their lives. There was so much covered, this could easily be expanded into an epic. But I would have been anxiously waiting for them to get together since they are separated (for the most part) until about the 60% mark when Nalini is about 27. I actually enjoyed the first half a bit more than the second. The ending wasn't as strong as I would have liked and the sex scene (happens close to the end) was a bit intense for my taste. Frankly all the sex-related parts of this book were a little jarring and didn't quite fit within the story well.
September 5, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Overall impression: I can definitely see myself re-reading this - what a spectacular sci-fi romance.
✅ Hero is darkness / heroine is light
✅ Fated mates
✅ Bonding
✅ Slow-burn
✅ Sci-fi romance
✅ Heroine saves hero
✅ Mage powers
✅ Intricate world-building
✅ Cool tech
✅ Interesting battle scenes
✅ Fun side characters
Overall impression: I can definitely see myself re-reading this - what a spectacular sci-fi romance.
✅ Hero is darkness / heroine is light
✅ Fated mates
✅ Bonding
✅ Slow-burn
✅ Sci-fi romance
✅ Heroine saves hero
✅ Mage powers
✅ Intricate world-building
✅ Cool tech
✅ Interesting battle scenes
✅ Fun side characters
March 12, 2018
Some typos. A lot of exposition in Chunks. Pacing is inconsistent. And it all felt rushed at the end and very clearly played out with a twilight wrap up- everyone is immortal and the teen boy falls in love with a baby wtf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
So Meh 😑...
March 23, 2018
The beginning really intrigued me into keep reading because I wanted to know more of Kai and Nalini and how the prophecy would play out. At first, the was a little confusion because the story would change tenses, as in focus on past events and the present time intermittently, but once I got the hang of the storytelling, it was very entertaining seeing both Kai and Nalini's adventure to basically saving people and the worlds/universe from the bad guys. Reading about their different paths and obstacles they each went through to get to the ending point really made the ending when things were revealed very meaningful.
Also, I'm very interested in reading the next book in the series, and maybe hopefully one day especially Gaia and Uranus' stories.
Also, I'm very interested in reading the next book in the series, and maybe hopefully one day especially Gaia and Uranus' stories.
May 24, 2021
I am going to give this a 4 JUST because the first half of this book was amazing! I was so drawn into the plot and I thought the author did such a great job of world building…. seriously the PLOT WAS AWESOME! Really unique.
However, the second half of the book took a nosedive right smack into the ground. When people start having orgies to “recharge” I got disappointed by the authors lazy method to add sex to the book. Now, this book was dripping with tension, so the sex was needed, but the way she added it in there was disjointed and weird. The last buzzkill was how quickly it was all wrapped up and rushed. It was a bummer that such a wonderfully unique book, that started off with so much potential, had such a lame second half.
However, the second half of the book took a nosedive right smack into the ground. When people start having orgies to “recharge” I got disappointed by the authors lazy method to add sex to the book. Now, this book was dripping with tension, so the sex was needed, but the way she added it in there was disjointed and weird. The last buzzkill was how quickly it was all wrapped up and rushed. It was a bummer that such a wonderfully unique book, that started off with so much potential, had such a lame second half.
March 30, 2018
Full disclaimer I found this plot hole-y af.
That’s usually like a 2/3 star kind of situation for me but in this case a) anything set in space tickles my cold dead heart and b) I thought the characterization of Kai was pretty good. And he’s got some feminist leanings so word up on that.
Those things put together plus a scrappy heroine entertained me a lot. There are definitely plot issues that pulled me out of the story a few times so if you’re a stickler for that you’ll prob want to skip this one or slug a bunch of wine with it.
That’s usually like a 2/3 star kind of situation for me but in this case a) anything set in space tickles my cold dead heart and b) I thought the characterization of Kai was pretty good. And he’s got some feminist leanings so word up on that.
Those things put together plus a scrappy heroine entertained me a lot. There are definitely plot issues that pulled me out of the story a few times so if you’re a stickler for that you’ll prob want to skip this one or slug a bunch of wine with it.
October 2, 2019
DNF @ 55%
The entire book's story is just a huge cliche shame. The hero and heroine are gary and mary stu. There's really no suspense in the fights or battles. You know they're suppose to be "together" but the book just wants them to be seperated for the ENTIRETY because it was better for drama.
This book doesn't do it for me.
July 30, 2018
Can't wait for more
As always, Ms Sage delivers. I'd have liked it if they got together sooner, but I get why it happened as it did. I loved the idea of this book being the origin of all her universes and cant wait for more.
As always, Ms Sage delivers. I'd have liked it if they got together sooner, but I get why it happened as it did. I loved the idea of this book being the origin of all her universes and cant wait for more.
October 8, 2020
Dnf....
Want to read
June 25, 2019"Darkness almost destroyed the galaxy a thousand years ago. He’s reborn; and Nalini just saved his life. A captive at the mercy of the Warlord"
alright you can stop right here and sign me in
alright you can stop right here and sign me in
August 14, 2019
a super cool, intriguing world starring a hero & heroine who are all powerful(ly) crazy about each other?? you bet your bottom dollar i was here for it every page of the way
February 12, 2020
This is quite different from the other stuff I have read from May Sage and normally I am not a reincarnation fan but I am a May Sage fan and I love sci/fi and fantasy so I had to give this a go. At the end of the book she thanks everyone for making this her best book yet and she is right, it completely is the most amazing thing of hers I have read. The characters were interesting, they were not one dimensional. They felt and experienced so many things and you were along for the ride. The plot was action-packed and moved along at a good pace giving you insight into the characters but not bogging you down. I could not put this book down. I mean I straight up intended to read a few chapters, go to bed, and read some during my free time. Next time I look up its 2 am and I need to be up and ready for my day in 4 hours...so worth it! The only thing that disappointed me was the little sentence below the blurb that said the books in this series would be stand-alone. Because I would read a series about Nalani and Kai. They are easily some of my favorite characters. I especially loved watching Nalani turn into who she was meant to be and watching her and Kai interact once she was aboard his ship. The council's reactions to the two of them were priceless. I couldn't help but laugh. A good read no matter what you are into.
May 4, 2018
Really enjoyed this story. Thank you Ms Sage, I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series now.
This is a romance between embodiments of Light and Darkness and this tale brings together the two after millennia of mismatches. The true nature of the relationship between the H, h and other characters does not become clear until the end of the book and it takes a long time for the H and the h to come together but the journey to get there is worth it.
Kai is born the bastard son and slave of the ruler of a planet - from a very young age he learns to stay out of the way of his father but one day the emergence of his capacity for magic emerges and this forces his father to order his death since anyone with the ability to command magic is instantly condemned upon the orders of the overlords of the Galaxy. A series of events results in the burgeoning of Kai's power and his escape along with some newly acquired wolflike friends. The story than takes the reader through the next 30 odd years and we watch Kai grow in power and understanding, acquiring magical friends and conquering planets (so as to eliminate slavery and free those who are magically inclined) along the way. During that growth he meets Nalini, a very young seer/mage who shows him his future. This is a double edged sword- it gives Kai something to aspire for but as Nalini was not privy to all the images that Kai saw, she is afraid of the Darkness that she feels in Kai and so is determined to stay away from him although the consequence of their meeting is the form of a mental link that transcends space. The coming together of Kai and Nalini is well crafted and although it takes a very long time before they are physically in the same space (them meet other ways along the way), their relationship as romantic partners is not consummated until the later part of the book. This does not detract anything as far as Im concerned.
I am eager to read about the next H/h and to see where this saga leads.
This is a romance between embodiments of Light and Darkness and this tale brings together the two after millennia of mismatches. The true nature of the relationship between the H, h and other characters does not become clear until the end of the book and it takes a long time for the H and the h to come together but the journey to get there is worth it.
Kai is born the bastard son and slave of the ruler of a planet - from a very young age he learns to stay out of the way of his father but one day the emergence of his capacity for magic emerges and this forces his father to order his death since anyone with the ability to command magic is instantly condemned upon the orders of the overlords of the Galaxy. A series of events results in the burgeoning of Kai's power and his escape along with some newly acquired wolflike friends. The story than takes the reader through the next 30 odd years and we watch Kai grow in power and understanding, acquiring magical friends and conquering planets (so as to eliminate slavery and free those who are magically inclined) along the way. During that growth he meets Nalini, a very young seer/mage who shows him his future. This is a double edged sword- it gives Kai something to aspire for but as Nalini was not privy to all the images that Kai saw, she is afraid of the Darkness that she feels in Kai and so is determined to stay away from him although the consequence of their meeting is the form of a mental link that transcends space. The coming together of Kai and Nalini is well crafted and although it takes a very long time before they are physically in the same space (them meet other ways along the way), their relationship as romantic partners is not consummated until the later part of the book. This does not detract anything as far as Im concerned.
I am eager to read about the next H/h and to see where this saga leads.
March 2, 2018
Wow!
I've read a number of other books by May Sage, and this one is probably going to become my favorite. It is space fantasy, not something I often read, but now I have a taste of it. It's longer than her previous books, and the characters are more involved.
The main characters are Kai and Nalini. These two have been connected since a young age, in ways neither fully realize. You get to see their origins fully developed as well as what they become, seeming like well rounded, dynamic characters. I really enjoyed their chemistry together and the push-pull between them.
The world building in this story was pretty awesome. So many worlds, races to explore, and secondary people to fill it out. There are still plenty of people that could have books devoted to them, and it would be exciting to see those, especially the ones with magic. Seeing them use their abilities in this story was fantastic! The writing, as usual, was really good, with a great plot, flowing story, and good editing. Definitely worth a read if you like space or fantasy novels!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review of the book. I also bought the book because I loved it so much.
I've read a number of other books by May Sage, and this one is probably going to become my favorite. It is space fantasy, not something I often read, but now I have a taste of it. It's longer than her previous books, and the characters are more involved.
The main characters are Kai and Nalini. These two have been connected since a young age, in ways neither fully realize. You get to see their origins fully developed as well as what they become, seeming like well rounded, dynamic characters. I really enjoyed their chemistry together and the push-pull between them.
The world building in this story was pretty awesome. So many worlds, races to explore, and secondary people to fill it out. There are still plenty of people that could have books devoted to them, and it would be exciting to see those, especially the ones with magic. Seeing them use their abilities in this story was fantastic! The writing, as usual, was really good, with a great plot, flowing story, and good editing. Definitely worth a read if you like space or fantasy novels!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review of the book. I also bought the book because I loved it so much.
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