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The Valens Legacy #8
Desperate Measures
Things are starting to heat up for Sean and for some of his allies as well. The Sacramento Vestibulum council is starting to act in ways that no one had anticipated, and the Gradatim national council is by no means standing idly by either. When several of the councils decide to ban together in a move to eradicate Sean's followers and remove him as well, Sean has no choice other than to try and teach them a painful lesson.
But those aren't all the problems that Sean now has to deal with. More and more people are counting on him as the days go by and the burdens he must shoulder are quickly growing. Between the magical work he must do, the people he must lead, the battles he has to fight, and the money he needs to earn, Sean barely has time for his wives, much less himself these days.
And if dealing with the magic users isn't enough, there are some very 'mundane' issues on the horizon that he may soon find himself dealing with as well.
WARNING: Desperate Measures contains explicit sexuality, nudity, violence, bad language, arson, robbery, attempted murder, actual murder, military style raids, mass combat, self-defense, pro-active self-defense, destruction of private property, blocking of interstate highways, vandalism, breaking and entering, secretive government officials, tantric magic, polyamory, mayhem, demons, people who aim to misbehave, gratuitous sex and violence, and a guy who just wants to send his daughter to the best cooking school in the country.
But those aren't all the problems that Sean now has to deal with. More and more people are counting on him as the days go by and the burdens he must shoulder are quickly growing. Between the magical work he must do, the people he must lead, the battles he has to fight, and the money he needs to earn, Sean barely has time for his wives, much less himself these days.
And if dealing with the magic users isn't enough, there are some very 'mundane' issues on the horizon that he may soon find himself dealing with as well.
WARNING: Desperate Measures contains explicit sexuality, nudity, violence, bad language, arson, robbery, attempted murder, actual murder, military style raids, mass combat, self-defense, pro-active self-defense, destruction of private property, blocking of interstate highways, vandalism, breaking and entering, secretive government officials, tantric magic, polyamory, mayhem, demons, people who aim to misbehave, gratuitous sex and violence, and a guy who just wants to send his daughter to the best cooking school in the country.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2018
484 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Jan Stryvant
56 books551 followersI'm new to the Harem / LitRPG thing (If I'd known more about LitRPG when I wrote Shadow, I might have incorporated more elements of that into it).
I have a FT job, so I work on this when I can. Hopefully the next one will be even better.
https://stryvant.blogspot.com/
I have a FT job, so I work on this when I can. Hopefully the next one will be even better.
https://stryvant.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 19, 2018
Rating 4.0 stars.
The story continues to move forward. In this one the magic user have decided they can't trust their lycans anymore and have gathered some 500 magic user to try and take care of business personally. We now also have a new aspect in this world: the US government. Apparently, the secret service is aware of both lycans and magic users and now are aware of Shaun. I am expecting this storyline to be more important in the next book just by looking at the cover. Almost all of his wives are pregnant now, but still ONLY the 6 of them. I would have thought it would be up to 8 by now (1 new wife per book?). I am just kidding, all of his wives have different and unique personalities and skill sets. I am just curious as to what other type of woman the author could come up with? It is still easy to read and fun. There was a little more carnage in this one and casual comments about brutality, but it did not bother me that much from the context of whom made those comments. I am glad the next book is the last one available for now, because I think I need a different story soon.
The story continues to move forward. In this one the magic user have decided they can't trust their lycans anymore and have gathered some 500 magic user to try and take care of business personally. We now also have a new aspect in this world: the US government. Apparently, the secret service is aware of both lycans and magic users and now are aware of Shaun. I am expecting this storyline to be more important in the next book just by looking at the cover. Almost all of his wives are pregnant now, but still ONLY the 6 of them. I would have thought it would be up to 8 by now (1 new wife per book?). I am just kidding, all of his wives have different and unique personalities and skill sets. I am just curious as to what other type of woman the author could come up with? It is still easy to read and fun. There was a little more carnage in this one and casual comments about brutality, but it did not bother me that much from the context of whom made those comments. I am glad the next book is the last one available for now, because I think I need a different story soon.
May 26, 2018
When you think the story can't become more awesome, the author prove you wrong! The story is going into overdrive and the humans start to become aware of what is happening. The old magic users still don't see the writing on the wall and want to keep the Lycans in chains, but I think it's going to be about the young one making changes about how they view the shapeshifter.
April 20, 2019
3 to 3.5 stars, pretty much the same as the other books.
May 28, 2018
Can't wait for the next book.
Love this series. One if my all time favorite. The only problem I have is the couple of continuity errors that have come up.
*spoilers*
The only 2 I've noticed are that Cali could make herself in heat but Sean had to do it for Deidre and then said that Dark Elves were only fertile once a year. Maybe I just missed something but it kind of confused me.
The other was when Stewart was turned Sean claimed Peg told him mages could be infected but Sean was the one that told Sheila that before she turned Peg.
Other than that I'm in love with this series.
Love this series. One if my all time favorite. The only problem I have is the couple of continuity errors that have come up.
*spoilers*
The only 2 I've noticed are that Cali could make herself in heat but Sean had to do it for Deidre and then said that Dark Elves were only fertile once a year. Maybe I just missed something but it kind of confused me.
The other was when Stewart was turned Sean claimed Peg told him mages could be infected but Sean was the one that told Sheila that before she turned Peg.
Other than that I'm in love with this series.
June 17, 2020
This is a combination review of the entire 17+ book series as I binged the entire The Valens Legacy over the about a month.
The Positives:
- The writing is really good. Often when I binge an author things like their crutch words become constant irritants that didn't happen here.
- Stryvant doesn't mess around. The plot never really stops or meanders, each story having important events that carry the narrative forward.
- There's two maybe three arcs in this series but each flow one into another smoothly so it all seams like a natural progression.
- All the arcs are entertaining and engaging I always wanted to know what would happen next or figure out the mystery.
- The Main character rides the line of being a Gary Stu never really crosses that line.
- Functional magic system and cohesive world.
The Negatives:
- The pervasive fetish portions. Even during serious portions Stryvant will often break my immersion with sexual talk or fetishes.
- Repetitive sex and romance. It does get better later in the series, but since Stryvant's fetishes don't change over the course of the book neither do these scenes. I started skipping them, but he'd often stick important plot points in the middle of them.
- The women characters tend to be on the bland side and over sexualized.
Over all I enjoyed the series.
The Positives:
- The writing is really good. Often when I binge an author things like their crutch words become constant irritants that didn't happen here.
- Stryvant doesn't mess around. The plot never really stops or meanders, each story having important events that carry the narrative forward.
- There's two maybe three arcs in this series but each flow one into another smoothly so it all seams like a natural progression.
- All the arcs are entertaining and engaging I always wanted to know what would happen next or figure out the mystery.
- The Main character rides the line of being a Gary Stu never really crosses that line.
- Functional magic system and cohesive world.
The Negatives:
- The pervasive fetish portions. Even during serious portions Stryvant will often break my immersion with sexual talk or fetishes.
- Repetitive sex and romance. It does get better later in the series, but since Stryvant's fetishes don't change over the course of the book neither do these scenes. I started skipping them, but he'd often stick important plot points in the middle of them.
- The women characters tend to be on the bland side and over sexualized.
Over all I enjoyed the series.
May 31, 2018
Yeah! Back on track:)
This story had all the enjoyable elements of the previous stories. Drama, intrigue, action and dastardly villains. Poor Sean has so much going on, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and he may finally be getting some help in running things. Sean and gang continue to rescue lycans trying to remain solvent whilst doing so. The magic users remain stubborn and push back and try to do a sneak attack on Sean and other lycans. The repercussions of this action reverberate more strongly than expected and Sean must figure out how to respond. There were some editing issues, but they were minor and did not detract from the reading.
This story had all the enjoyable elements of the previous stories. Drama, intrigue, action and dastardly villains. Poor Sean has so much going on, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and he may finally be getting some help in running things. Sean and gang continue to rescue lycans trying to remain solvent whilst doing so. The magic users remain stubborn and push back and try to do a sneak attack on Sean and other lycans. The repercussions of this action reverberate more strongly than expected and Sean must figure out how to respond. There were some editing issues, but they were minor and did not detract from the reading.
June 24, 2018
Eight books in, getting a bit repetitive.
A lot of the plot progress in this book is continuation of previous books, such as finishing the machine to generate magic items mechanically/repetitively.
Does manage to pull in most every character ever involved in the books thus far, which makes for a ton of names & characters appearing, doing, something, then move on / fading back into the background.
No new wives. Roxy and Cali have some bonding moments.
The addition of demonic summoning, and the promise of "there is never just one", leave the next book wide open. Hope we get more detail then "big and scary, run!" Oh, he goes away when his summoner dies.
A lot of the plot progress in this book is continuation of previous books, such as finishing the machine to generate magic items mechanically/repetitively.
Does manage to pull in most every character ever involved in the books thus far, which makes for a ton of names & characters appearing, doing, something, then move on / fading back into the background.
No new wives. Roxy and Cali have some bonding moments.
The addition of demonic summoning, and the promise of "there is never just one", leave the next book wide open. Hope we get more detail then "big and scary, run!" Oh, he goes away when his summoner dies.
May 29, 2018
Yes!
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!
This series is always so much fun to read. I know some people think a series shouldn't go past a certain number of books, but c'mon.... There's just so many places this one can go to and I'd be happy to follow along.
The morning sickness epidemic was a good one. I just gotta get to read about babies and toddlers all over the place. How about Sampson's daughter? Didn't she order up one sibling and move in when Roberta did? And yay for Stewart!
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!
This series is always so much fun to read. I know some people think a series shouldn't go past a certain number of books, but c'mon.... There's just so many places this one can go to and I'd be happy to follow along.
The morning sickness epidemic was a good one. I just gotta get to read about babies and toddlers all over the place. How about Sampson's daughter? Didn't she order up one sibling and move in when Roberta did? And yay for Stewart!
May 26, 2018
Stryvant made great strides in this novel for allowing his hero Sean to make a rare mistake. He misjudged a situation badly with the potential to cause tremendous trouble for his growing revolution. The moment of totally believable fallibility greatly strengthens this series. There have been too few of them. When the enemy can surprise your heroes, real tension develops and makes the whole series much more enjoyable.
June 2, 2018
Enjoyable reading for 18 and up.
Jan Stryvant is a writing machine and puts these books out so fast it's crazy. But it doesn't seem to diminish the story. Speaking of the story it does have the harem aspect to it, even if you don't like that kind of thing the story is still worth your time. I would recommend this series to any who like the werewolf and magic genre . It's a unique perspective on the subject (at least to me ) so I've enjoyed it alot.
Jan Stryvant is a writing machine and puts these books out so fast it's crazy. But it doesn't seem to diminish the story. Speaking of the story it does have the harem aspect to it, even if you don't like that kind of thing the story is still worth your time. I would recommend this series to any who like the werewolf and magic genre . It's a unique perspective on the subject (at least to me ) so I've enjoyed it alot.
June 9, 2018
Always good
Stryvant’s books are always good, and always seem too short. It doesn’t matter the actual page count, you just get sucked in so much that its never enough.
On the book itself, I’m really happy with the developments with Stewart in particular. He’s becoming a favorite of mine. I’m also enjoying the results in some of the other minor characters. This book is more about them than the main characters really, and I enjoyed it.
Stryvant’s books are always good, and always seem too short. It doesn’t matter the actual page count, you just get sucked in so much that its never enough.
On the book itself, I’m really happy with the developments with Stewart in particular. He’s becoming a favorite of mine. I’m also enjoying the results in some of the other minor characters. This book is more about them than the main characters really, and I enjoyed it.
July 18, 2018
It gets better
Well Sean is finding out that as his power and holdings grow so do his problems; and his enemies. The back stories keep growing as each of the leading characters become more real. The awakening in the "younger mage's" to their new reality has come with a humbling defeat and an education. All in all I love the whole series, which has matured, and each new chapter is eagerly awaited.
Well Sean is finding out that as his power and holdings grow so do his problems; and his enemies. The back stories keep growing as each of the leading characters become more real. The awakening in the "younger mage's" to their new reality has come with a humbling defeat and an education. All in all I love the whole series, which has matured, and each new chapter is eagerly awaited.
May 26, 2018
A truly EPIC arc sequel
This volume is your Lord of the Rings the Two Towers for your book genre. The action was well paced. Loved how the side characters are slowly being fleshed out and developed. Though i do wonder of your timeline of your series. I cant imagine all the events of these 8 volumes happened in only a span of 3 months in the in-story timeline.
This volume is your Lord of the Rings the Two Towers for your book genre. The action was well paced. Loved how the side characters are slowly being fleshed out and developed. Though i do wonder of your timeline of your series. I cant imagine all the events of these 8 volumes happened in only a span of 3 months in the in-story timeline.
May 26, 2018
Another one
It's looking like the start of a great arc I like the previous book but Sean steamrolled no longer the underdog no longer fighting for each inch. Hes an established power now he has that right again but the steam roll. It's great to see towards the end the magic users have a new low to reach and Sean a big problem to face.
It's looking like the start of a great arc I like the previous book but Sean steamrolled no longer the underdog no longer fighting for each inch. Hes an established power now he has that right again but the steam roll. It's great to see towards the end the magic users have a new low to reach and Sean a big problem to face.
May 31, 2018
Great read
Great job, solid writing, tons of action... He had started to become proactive, but this installment went backwards... Mr Stryvant it is time to start wrapping up this story line. You can always tell stories from this world but you cannot keep making money with a never ending story. In other words i am getting bored.
Great job, solid writing, tons of action... He had started to become proactive, but this installment went backwards... Mr Stryvant it is time to start wrapping up this story line. You can always tell stories from this world but you cannot keep making money with a never ending story. In other words i am getting bored.
June 4, 2018
Another Great Story
Consistently good storytelling here, in a growing world with growing characters. The action is ever present, the romance palpable (heh), and the magic very intriguing. Macro forces at work in this arc of the story; start with book one! Definitely recommended.
Consistently good storytelling here, in a growing world with growing characters. The action is ever present, the romance palpable (heh), and the magic very intriguing. Macro forces at work in this arc of the story; start with book one! Definitely recommended.
June 5, 2018
Great Continuation
This has become my go to series, I really look forward to each new book. This one picks up right after the last. I like that the newer books each deal with a new city, keeps things interesting. It was really cool seeing a demon for the first time (sounds like it won't be the last).
This has become my go to series, I really look forward to each new book. This one picks up right after the last. I like that the newer books each deal with a new city, keeps things interesting. It was really cool seeing a demon for the first time (sounds like it won't be the last).
December 14, 2018
I really like this serie. I started it as an experiment to try something different and from that moment on it seems I cannot stop reading. I am used to read john conroe, drew hayes, jim butcher, benedict jacka, ben aaronovich.
To me the stories of those writers are a significant part of my life. As of now the stories of Jan Stryvant are part of it too.
for what it is worth; I recommend!
To me the stories of those writers are a significant part of my life. As of now the stories of Jan Stryvant are part of it too.
for what it is worth; I recommend!
May 27, 2018
Another exciting chapter
Sean and company are back and hard at work freeing more lycans and facing off against more self entitled mages. I look forward to seeing what Sean and his growing group of allies accomplish next.
Sean and company are back and hard at work freeing more lycans and facing off against more self entitled mages. I look forward to seeing what Sean and his growing group of allies accomplish next.
May 30, 2018
Taking Care Of Business
Sean and his wives work as a team to protect the extended family of Lycans and others they have rescued. I like the action, humor, and romance, as well as the morality of treating all beings with respect. I look forward to the next book.
Sean and his wives work as a team to protect the extended family of Lycans and others they have rescued. I like the action, humor, and romance, as well as the morality of treating all beings with respect. I look forward to the next book.
May 30, 2018
Another outstanding book.
Lots of action , great plot and fantastic characters. Can't wait for book 9 in June. I recommend starting the series with book one and reading them in order , otherwise you may get confused by some of the plot twists.
Lots of action , great plot and fantastic characters. Can't wait for book 9 in June. I recommend starting the series with book one and reading them in order , otherwise you may get confused by some of the plot twists.
June 1, 2018
More fighting with Mages
8 books in and still going strong. Nice to be reading at this point with some well established characters. Sean continues to roll over mages and have fun with his wives. Still fresh and exciting.
8 books in and still going strong. Nice to be reading at this point with some well established characters. Sean continues to roll over mages and have fun with his wives. Still fresh and exciting.
June 1, 2018
A good sequel to the previous stories.
A good sequel to the previous stories, the characters stay consistent with good growth. This is light hearted fiction an an enjoyable beak time read.
A good sequel to the previous stories, the characters stay consistent with good growth. This is light hearted fiction an an enjoyable beak time read.
June 2, 2018
Another good addition
Well just finished the book in a day. While short it’s filled with the sex and violence paired with the touching moments that I’ve come to love from this series. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
Well just finished the book in a day. While short it’s filled with the sex and violence paired with the touching moments that I’ve come to love from this series. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
June 3, 2018
Valens does it again!
If you are a fan of action/adventure, magic, and werebeasts; you are going to love this series. It is loaded with fast-paced, action packed excitement in every chapter. Lions rule!
If you are a fan of action/adventure, magic, and werebeasts; you are going to love this series. It is loaded with fast-paced, action packed excitement in every chapter. Lions rule!
June 6, 2018
Something wicked this way comes
As you would expect, a writer's story should get better with each book in the series. This is infinitely true with Mr Stryvants work. Couldn't put it down as usual.
As you would expect, a writer's story should get better with each book in the series. This is infinitely true with Mr Stryvants work. Couldn't put it down as usual.
June 14, 2018
Great series and a fun read!
Great series, a nice plot with good chapter development. The main character is a great guy and the harem theme is written very respectfully in this series which is kind of different.
Great series, a nice plot with good chapter development. The main character is a great guy and the harem theme is written very respectfully in this series which is kind of different.
June 28, 2018
Great series
Very good example of this genre The main Characters are very well developed and stories moves at a good pace. Recommend to any that likes good action in a harlemlet fiction story
Very good example of this genre The main Characters are very well developed and stories moves at a good pace. Recommend to any that likes good action in a harlemlet fiction story
June 30, 2018
This series of books are great! As most run into a book or two in a series this long to be duds this one does not. Every story (book) has been great and you're disappointed it's done and have to wait for the next release.
I dread to see the last book as I enjoy the story.
I dread to see the last book as I enjoy the story.
July 2, 2018
Branching out and kicking butt
Another awe inspiring book to read. Once you’ve read this one you’ll get the “Branching” subject title. Jan Stryvant can weave words together and make his characters come to life. Definitely need to get this book.
Another awe inspiring book to read. Once you’ve read this one you’ll get the “Branching” subject title. Jan Stryvant can weave words together and make his characters come to life. Definitely need to get this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews