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First Officer Ghan has entered the final stages of the Taint, the deadly disease that kills most Xelixian males by the age of forty. He is determined to bring an elusive foe to justice before his body shuts down completely.

When tragedy strikes a close ally, he finds his soulmate in an unexpected twist of fate. If only she had revealed herself sooner, she could have cured him. But now, will Ghan endure a life of agony to be by her side or will fate deal them a new hand?

501 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2018

221 people are currently reading
353 people want to read

About the author

Regine Abel

76 books2,659 followers
USA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.

​Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany Roberts.
Author 54 books5,253 followers
January 23, 2019
We got Mr. Grumpypants Ghan's story! I'm so glad he had his own HEA. I had the feels for him in the previous books.

Twist of Fate allows us to have more of a peek into the past. If you haven't read Raising Amalia, be sure to do so as there is a lot of backstory that wouldn't make sense otherwise. But you'll get hit with the feels, so have tissues! There are a bunch of the past characters who also make an appearance, and we get to see through Amalia's eyes once more. Ah Gruuk and Maheva...

This had suspense and actions, and quite a few surprises. I was not happy about one surprise in particular. And it was a big one. I won't give it away, but it really did make me mad, haha. I was seriously disappointed and it made me lose a lot of interest in this person, but only because my own expectations were in place.

As for the heroine, I had some issues with her personality, especially early on, but it thankfully it got better by the end. This is mostly a personal like/dislike when it comes to heroines for me, so if you love the strong, take charge, don't need a man kind of heroine, then you'll love her. For me, these kinds of heroines grate on my nerves at times, and her treatment of Ghan just had me up in arms. So I was happy to see her giving up some of that control later on, especially after seeing what it was doing to Ghan and their relationship.

Overall, great book, wonderful series, and highly recommend it! I'm really interested in the next generation, Vahl and Zhara. Especially Vahl.
Profile Image for Bubbles The Book Pimp.
955 reviews
April 23, 2018
THIS IS A SPOILER FREE REVIEW!!! Because #NOSPOILERS!!!

Book four in this series.

First officer Ghan, massive, miscled, stoic and severely suffering from the Taint. What little time he has left he wants to spend doing what he does best kicking ass and enjoying his beloved adoptive family which includes his adopted little sister Amalia, life long best friend and commander General Khal and Lhor ( lifelong bullseye and butt of jokes ) dubbed uncle by their children and son. He has found a comfort in them that he never thought possible.

Continuing to work alongside the mighty Turrean army to work on freeing the remaining captive Veredians, after General Khel decides to step back from leading the Xelixian army, Ghan is left working alongside Admiral Lee the Turrean military leader to focus and strategise where their enemy Varreck will next appear.
This is Ghan’s final blaze of glory and he’s not going down without a fight...until he meets Aleina and all his plans fly out the air lock....he can’t condem her to a male who is a walking death sentence.

As mentioned above this is the forth book in the series... and to fully enjoy it You really do need to read the previous books in this series, it’s a wonderfully meaty series that is rich in back story and plot... each book has a history and tells a section of the story, that needs to be read ( and enjoyed ) and believe me when I say YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

There is a full cast of fantastically constructed characters and from the moment I ‘met’ Ghan in book 1...I was hooked!! 💚💚💚 I love me a big gruff grumpy marshmellow! And his book ( and Ghan ) does not disappoint!

I freaking adore this series.. the twists in this book knocked my socks off and I could not and was not gonna put it down till I finished! I am in awe of the amount of world building that has gone into this series and this book maintains that and builds on it. I cannot wait to see what will happen next... because I don’t want to leave the Veredians yet!
Profile Image for Tiblu.
1,255 reviews49 followers
May 11, 2018
How I love thee, let me count the ways....

How I love thee, let me count the ways....
Sadly they include all the many,and I do many twists and turns here except for the biggest one of all , the wonderful immensely lovable Ghan’s mate....
Her I did not like,and while I’ll try by best not to give anything away,I just didn’t like her...
She’s a warrior like Ghan and I perfect match for him in many,many,many ways,only problem is she’s used to being in charge and control and thinks she’s ALWAYS ,ALWAYS supposed to have it ....
She treats compromises are equivalent to being submissive, huh? What?
No,seriously....
Aaaaaaaaaaaa,Noooo, compromising is about showing the other person you care about their needs as well, and that they and your relationships d their needs matter...
But Ghan starts off giving in to her,to show her how much he loves her and also a sign of his deep feelings of unworthiness of being loved by anyone especially a beautiful soulmate and she continues to take and take and take and doesn’t see til almost 75% thru the book she needs to go some giving and not just take....
But she’s a bit of a hard woman and no matter all she’s succeeded in accomplishing she’s both deeply insecure and thinks her feels are the only ones that matters at times...
Seeing first her side and oft times only seeing things from another p.o.v. when she has to...
I found her very mature and yet for being almost 40 grossly immature all at the same time...
While she did finally and almost grudgingly start to grow and change by the end of the story ( even if she did half heartily complain that Ghan no longer blindly just gave into her demands but asked for good reasons and points and discussions first , she spent too much of the story being selfish thinking only of her own needs too much of the time and closing her eyes to what he needed and at times being stubborn just for the sake of being stubborn w/him to redeem herself in my eyes ...
Honestly, she annoyed me soo much at times, especially at one point where Ghan tries to get her to give control over in the bedroom ,only in order to help her let go and relax , to just let go because he could see how the need to control everything was eating her alive inside ....
What happens this time ? She can’t and she won’t and snaps at him telling him she doesn’t need him for anything ...
gods I wanted to beat the poo out her for that .... to have a man love her soo much and to say that after all he’d given to her already ? Then call him a coward when he’s too hurt he has to leave...
Seriously I was thinking id have to quit reading and give the book a 3 Star 🌟 rating even though I knew that would be wrong ....
Whew, sorry had to get that out ....
Otherwise my only complaint is I wish could have had a p.o.v. From either Valena or Zhul and really seen from them how their family and boys were doing instead of only thru the eyes of others...
I loved how Amalia git even more family to love and one of the ppl we were all waiting for finally arrived!!!
Wooooohooooooo!
Only I wish we could have gotten their p.o.v when they met their family, I’d have soo loved to have seen things thru his eyes....
This book felt like a very well loved 💕 and thought out child,to me ... You could see that this book was precious to Ms.Abel ( like the others sure) but well loved for all the care and detail went in to this...
My only other regret is that I’m now up to date on this series instead of a couple dozen behind like I wish soo I could just dive on in and not suffer quite the book hangover I currently have...
Though I’m glad I have it because it means I had such an incredible time I didn’t want to end but I do wish there were more out there already waiting for me to eagerly devour ....

While I don’t think there will be dozens a head per say ( how can we know), we do clearly get to see that especially with what happens with the children ( I loved Zhar’s many revelations) especially her friend of there ) Ms.Abel seems to be planning us a future together...
Thank you Ms. Abel I had a marvelous time,thank you ...
I needed that ❣️
Profile Image for Bozana.
87 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2018
Awesome!

This author I'm just discovering!

Many twists and turn that I didn't see coming! Mark of awesome author.
Not dull! Kept me on the edge of my seat!

I highly recommend ready the whole series but in this order with Raising Amelia to read first, in chronological order, then the rest. It made more sense that way. So book #2 Raising Amelia should be #0.5, and it a novella length.

Well done to the Author! I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series! There has to be a next book!
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,115 reviews215 followers
February 21, 2021
Sci-Fi Romance!
M/F
Book 4- I suggest reading in order.

3.5 Stars!

I'm so glad that Ghan got his story. Well, kinda. This universe/storyline is weaved within every book. Multiple POV's thrown in. I honestly wanted more Ghan in every way imaginable. Don't get me wrong, he does get his own brand of happiness. I'm trying not to spoil.
Yet I still feel unsatisfied, in a way. He truly is a favorite character of mine, his fierce loyalty had me hooked from the beginning of this series. I'm being greedy, is all. 🤣 I didn't want to share his book with others.

I still loved the unexpected twists. Also, two races that were near extinction, finding hope within one another. A very emotional punch to the eyes, I had tears running down my face. I can't wait to read more. I guess I'm heading back to the The Braxians for Mercy's secrets.
I'll give a quick run down. There's the Western, The Veredian Chronicles and the the Eastern, The Braxian Series (darker of the two)They intertwine. You can read them separately but I'm reading in the author's suggested order. I don't want to miss anything. But they are two different series, both original and amazing.

As I've said, this author is truly talented. I've been in this universe for days and I don't want to leave, dress, function outside of reading. I'm completely and utterly addicted.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,694 reviews228 followers
May 2, 2018
Okay. I have a soft spot for Ghan. I have since the surly, grumpy First Officer was introduced in Amalia's book. Why? Because under that gruff exterior, he's a total softy. He adores Amalia and sees her as the kid sister he never had and he's transferred that adoration to her children now that she's well on her way to repopulating her people. Just kidding. She doesn't have THAT many kids. But she is amassing an impressive amount.

But let's talk about Ghan, shall we? Ghan and his special someone. Ghan, who's in the final stages of the disease that kills so many of the Xelixian males. Ghan, who might have feelings for someone, but doesn't think he's worthy.

Which huuuuurts, because he's not only worthy, he's a darn good person in general.

We get family reunions, answers about the sprawling empire built with the blood of the Veredians (or, you know, their ability to breed powerful psi children), and SO MUCH MORE. This series continues to impress with the depth and breadth of world building and I am STILL SMITTEN.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
149 reviews
November 25, 2018
Awesome

I read so many books that I give very few reviews. I know that's not fair to the authors. But Amazon requires written input with required minimum words. I don't have time or the want to deal with that every time I finish a book. I read hundreds of books a month so you can see how tedious that can get. If they would allow me to give star ratings with the option of written review I would rate every book and might be more inclined to give written reviews more. But without the choice I'm more inclined to skip reviews altogether. That being said. This series is awesome. I loved the perfect balance this book had with action and romance. Not too many points of view. The hero had just the right amount of alpha without being overbearing or abusive. And the heroine was a strong confident woman, not a weak whiny b**ch. I hope there are more stories for this world. I'm not ready for it to be over yet. But there's one thing I absolutely hate and that's sticking a story in the middle of the that jumps back into the past. In fact I hate it when books and movies produce a wonderfully complete series , and instead of something new they decide to go back to the beginning and write about some history. I also despise second generation books. They're mostly repeats of their parents with slightly different circumstances. But in in this case Raising Amalia was necessary. There were details given in that book that were needed to continue the series. So for those of you that think like I do, don't skip it or the series. And in this case I might actually read the second generation if there is one because they will have totally different problems to deal with. As long as Regine Abel can continue to write the way she does and keeps her originality and creativity strong. Awesome job. I will be looking for other books written by this author. Please keep them coming.
Profile Image for Maria Dalmau.
77 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2018
Wow! Just Wow! This is the first book I've read from this author as she's new to me, you can bet it won't be the last. I devoured this book from start to finish even though I haven't read the rest of the series which gave me pause at first thinking I would become lost and not understand, no such thing happened. The author does an amazing job and the book could stand on its own. Aleina and Ghan have such a powerful story and connection, the chemistry and love, even with all the struggles and insecurities, their love and commitment never wavered and they were so generously rewarded for their sacrifices. The author made me fall in love with all the characters in this book, but Ghan & Aleina will hold a special place because of everything they had to endure to get to their HEA.
133 reviews
May 10, 2018
Happy ending? for all

It seems that this major plot arc has come to a close or at least about to. There are a few things that need / can be wrapped up.

I am wondering about all the "Titans" and how their lives will be when they grow up. It will be interesting to see exactly how powerful they will become.... And if they we be forced to have a "Haven" for themselves.

I enjoyed the book. I hope for more of the series - love the different races and how the main characters interact.
378 reviews
August 8, 2018
I was privileged to be a beta reader for Twist of Fate by Regine Abel and I am happy to write this review. This is an amazing, romantic sci-fi saga! I have loved all of the instalments so far. I especially enjoy the alternating points of view, the world building and culture descriptions, and the rich relationships- including spicy sexiness- that are developing throughout the story arch and the continual surprises! This saga just sucks me in and holds me captive long after I finish the final page. I can’t stop thinking about it and always need a bit of time to savour the experience before I can start another story. This is most definitely an ongoing saga and although it doesn’t end in a cliff hanger, do yourself a favour and start at the beginning and read them all straight through!
61 reviews
August 3, 2018
Pieces of the puzzle are coming together

These characters and their relationships are so multi layered and complex...makes a great read. This book reveals many secrets and explains many motivations. but leaves a few loose ends. I'm hoping for more books in this series. Regine Is a talented writer, her stories are so much richer than the average novel in this genre. I was so happy that Ghan got his HEA and that we got more insight in to the past and the future of all the main characters in the series.
I highly recommend reading the series in order for an engrossing experience in an alien world and culture with engaging and complex characters.
Profile Image for Shauna.
356 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2020
Still can't stand Maheva. How she could be in love with a person who allowed and encouraged the rape of prisoners and sell her children and siblings ???? She was constantly healing rape victims....Not to mention that he forced her to have sex with other men and have their offspring!!! I don't see how or why she could love and defend a monster like him. Now Amalia and Mercy are team Gruuk??? Wtf

Loved Ghan.. So sweet and charming
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiffany Ransier.
Author 24 books1,919 followers
May 21, 2018
I’ve been waiting for this book since book 1!!! Omg I just can’t get enough of this series. Ghan and Aleina might be my favorite couple! I just love the big burly guys with soft spots. Regine Abel is great at twists, and she’s one of my favorite authors! If you haven’t started this series, do it now! If I could’ve read this book in one sitting, I would have.
Profile Image for Sophy Sorn.
1,366 reviews9 followers
May 25, 2018
Love love it!

I freaking love this series!! Omg is this the final one? Prefect ending but I would love to see more about Mercy, Kamala, and Ebyro! But most of all about Vale and Zhara!!
Profile Image for Suz.
2,293 reviews74 followers
May 21, 2019
Definitely the best in the series to date. I would have liked a bit less sex, but they were competently written and easy to flip through quickly.

The story is good, as is the world. The characters are a bit shallow but not distractingly so.

I hope to see books about the children grown. I will read them.
Profile Image for shannon  Stubbs.
1,967 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2020
Pretty good

Even though I picked up the story line in the middle, with this book, it was still enjoyable. It had enough explanation to figure out what was going on. It was a really good story.
Profile Image for Alexandra Mccabery.
164 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2018
Mr grumpy gets his happy

Loved this installment fiesty full of fun love drama and spine tingly links to her other book . Leaves you wanting oh so much more .
Profile Image for Sabrina A Kirby.
31 reviews
May 10, 2018
Great book!

Another great book in the Veredian stories. I have enjoyed them all. I liked reading Ghan’s tale. It was compelling, start to finish...
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2018
Unequivocally recommended

I totally love this author's books, this one is no different. This is Ghan's story. His taint is in the final stages and he is preparing for his death within six months time. He is going on one more mission before he turns everything over to man who will be taking his place as First Officer to Khel.
He meets Aleina, who is a first generation Veridian. She can stop his taint but she can't heal him like Amalia did with her mates. They also won't be able to have children because he isn't a part of a geminate twin.
This book is filled with exciting twists and turns. There are an abundance of surprises happening to many of the Veridians and even the Xelixians. More loved ones make their appearance. Information about the children is also revealed.
You definitely don't want to miss out on any of this series. This is one of my top ten favorite authors. So I unequivocally recommend this book as well as the whole series!

see
23 reviews
September 20, 2018
Outstanding series

This is the first series of books o have read from this author. The writing is excellent. The characters are very well written. I highly recommend this book and the prior instalments in this series.
11 reviews
January 9, 2019
AMAZING!

This book was fantastic! Didn’t move too slow or too fast, was descriptive without being boring, great character development, and AMAZING CHARACTERS AND PLOT! All of her books are fantastic you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
May 11, 2018
Too Much Talk, Not Enough Action🔪🔫💥

Adult Alpha🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 Alien Male Romance.
The book has a very interesting story to tell, but it gets lost in all the dialogue and petty side stories with a myriad of different characters. There wasn't enough action for me after the beginning chapters, where Ghan🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, a huge Alien Warrior slowly dying from the Taint, finds out the Admiral is a woman!
Profile Image for Chrissi.
1,578 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2018
I loved this book and the previous books in this series! The author has created a rich and interesting world, with fabulous characters and storyline that has so many twists and turns you may just get dizzy. A few questions remain, so I am hoping this isn't the last in the series.
Profile Image for Serena Buffaloe.
659 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2019
Each and every book just gets better , and BETTER !!!!

I can simply NOT say enough about this Author !! This entire series has me salivating for MORE !!!
This book tells the story of 1st Officer Ghan, and his fate as a Tainted. This story made me hurt for Ghan, and the rest of the Tainted, made me laugh at some of the antics of the children, and made me happy to read about old friends from the previous books. There is unrequited love and fulfillment and mysteries brought out of the shadows....
Aliena has been hiding a ginormorus secret , and when she least expects it , her life takes twists and turns that she is not quite ready for !
One of the things I love most about Regine Abel's writing , is how she includes those that came before in previous books and keeps the storyline moving like a well oiled intricate system !!
Tackling such subjects as Slavery , and a sort of Caste system, Hybrid beings and Contraband are just a few of the situations our hero's and heroines find themselves a part of. And I think that all of these stories are told Brilliantly! I also am enamoured of how new characters are woven into each and every story, and I am anxiously waiting for MORE !!! LOVE THIS SERIES !!!!
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,938 reviews72 followers
October 13, 2019
I DIDN'T ENJOY THIS AS MUCH AS ZHUL & VALENA'S STORY....MAINLY BECAUSE I WAS PERSONALLY NOT TOO CRAZY ABOUT THE MC'S HERE....OR MORE PREFERABLY LEE OR ALEINA. WHAT I DID LOVE WERE THE RECURRING CHARACTERS AND OF COURSE, THE UNRAVELING OF SECRETS THAT SURROUND THE VEREDIANS, GRUUK AND MAHEVA. OH, and you'll be happy to know that we finally get to see Amalia's Sire!!

HERO was sweet and cute. Grumpypants they called him. And why wasn't he? As a Tainted male reaching his final days, with 3 months maximum to live, he's already made plans for the moment he dies. Who knew that all this time, his mate was within reach and they've known each other for 3 years. I was stunt when his mate was revealed and like Ghan, couldn't quite get past the fact that the cyborg males he though were males....were actually Veredian females in hiding. Because of his Taint, Ghan has been a virgin for 37 years and he's also lost his sexual libido. He can't get it up and he's covered in scars. Can't blame the man for having insecurities when mated with a beautiful Veredian but it's the reason you love him all the more. I really liked Ghan. He was so thoughtful of his mate, he wanted to do everything for her short of smothering her with love, he's rational when he has to be and the neutral one in the relationship.

HEROINE wasn't my favourite kind. Why? Personally I absolutely DISLIKE RIGID and UPTIGHT heroines. Works for the Heroes but not the heroines. I don't mind a kickass heroine, but there's just something about Lee that I just didn't quite get attached to, apart from the fact that she's wayyy older than Amalia or Valena. Lee and Ghan were more of the 'watching your aunt fall in love with a man her age while you're only in your mid 20's' feel...so it was like watching your parents make out? I don't know...wasn't my thing. Anyway, Lee has been in control for so long that she's quite unable to just LET LOOSE and be herself. She's uncomfortable in her own skin, playing the Admiral for so long - the confident, sure male. While Ghan suffers from his own insecurities, Lee suffers her own, believing herself unable to provide heirs for her mate.

OVERALL I think the best part of the story surrounded around Amalia's own family. We get to see Vahl do some pretty cool stuff and the fact that her children borders the line of monsters with their super powers. It's quite scary. And we get to discover what happened between Maheva & Gruuk, and the fact that they have a daughter Mercy/Ravena. OMG it was so much going on, no wonder it was such a lenghty novel. If they made this into a TV Series, it may just be worth it.
4,236 reviews
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Twist of Fate by Regine Abel is another thrilling installment in the Veredian Chronicles, brimming with intense emotion, high stakes, and rich world-building that fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate. At the heart of this story is Ghan, a character we've come to love since his introduction in earlier books, and his struggle with the devastating Taint disease. His desperate need for survival and desire to fight till his last breath are juxtaposed against his unexpected connection with Aleina, a woman who could have saved him had they met sooner. Their love story unfolds amid battle and betrayal, and it’s as passionate as it is heartbreaking.
The characters in this series continue to be a highlight, especially Ghan. His gruff exterior hides a deeply caring soul, making him the perfect character to root for. His relationships with his adoptive family, particularly his "kid sister" Amalia and his best friend General Khal, are layered with warmth and devotion, which adds a beautiful emotional depth to the plot. Ghan’s vulnerability as he faces the Taint makes him even more relatable and engaging. His internal struggle between his love for Aleina and his belief that he is unworthy of her, due to his looming death, is profoundly moving.
Abel’s world-building is spectacular as always. The intricate details of the Veredian empire, the cultural tensions, and the history that has shaped these characters are all woven together with finesse. The twists in the plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats, especially as the larger conflict surrounding the Veredians and the Xelixian males unfolds.
Overall, Twist of Fate is an emotional rollercoaster that blends action, romance, and familial love. It’s a great addition to the series, though, as mentioned, you’ll want to read the previous books for full context and to truly appreciate the depth of the narrative. Ghan's journey is poignant and action-packed, and the book leaves you eagerly anticipating what’s next in the saga. If you’ve been following the Veredian Chronicles, you’ll definitely want to keep reading—there’s no way you’ll want to miss the next chapter in this epic story!
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,593 reviews82 followers
December 17, 2023
This was much better than the last book! We’re back in the current timeline where Veredians are being rescued and falling in love and starting new lives. This is the content I want.
Ghan is in the final stages of the taint, in constant pain and destabilising at a rapid pace. He just wants to spend the last of his time with his family, and little niece who has everyone wrapped around her finger. But his niece also has psychic powers, and she can tell something is very wrong with Ghan. His treatment didn’t go at all as expected, but offers were made that should have been long before and it definitely needs to be addressed with others. They’re all dying guys.
I love the kids in this one. Due to their combined genetics they’re growing up at a rapid pace and capable of things no child should be capable of. The prophecies surrounding them were a bit of a pace killer that seemingly came out of nowhere, but there were other characters introduced who evened things out.
The relationship between the MCs I was not a huge fan of for certain reasons. Those reasons turned out to be intentional and do get addressed, but for a while there I was very much in the this isn’t right bandwagon. They had very similar lives, and merging them was never going to be a simple affair.
There’s a good balance in here between the new couple, originals, and outside world. Politics are definitely heating up, and you can tell things are coming to a head.
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