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Dozen Worlds #1
Blade's Edge
Sometimes getting in bed with the enemy gives you the edge you need...
For Zonan Silvergard Commander Taryn Penthes, an assignment to escort a group of Bariani diplomats seems routine-until the party is ambushed. And when she realizes the attacker she just killed is the Zonan Crown Prince's lover, political winds shift.
Now she's in a race to get the surviving diplomat to safety-while using whatever means necessary to find out what he knows.
Blade Von Stassos isn't all that surprised at the assassination attempt a mere fifteen minutes after he arrives in the Zonan capital. What does surprise him is the ferocious, deadly skill with which Taryn protects him. With no choice but to follow her lead, he tries to ignore the instincts telling him he's finally found a worthy consort in her. Which comes as a surprise, since he's not long on trust when it comes to women or Zonans.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Blade and Taryn first seduce each other for information, unleashing sizzling attraction that can't be denied, even if they're each other's worst enemy. As the balance of power shifts around them, the only way to stay alive is to find out who wants them dead. And why...
Contains one 150-pound housecat, political intrigue, cave sex, one homicidally inclined royal, more political intrigue, monkish eyeliner, off-planet political intrigue, blasters, and fur blankets. Author is not responsible for a sudden desire to adopt big cats, have sex underground, or purchase fur blankets.
For Zonan Silvergard Commander Taryn Penthes, an assignment to escort a group of Bariani diplomats seems routine-until the party is ambushed. And when she realizes the attacker she just killed is the Zonan Crown Prince's lover, political winds shift.
Now she's in a race to get the surviving diplomat to safety-while using whatever means necessary to find out what he knows.
Blade Von Stassos isn't all that surprised at the assassination attempt a mere fifteen minutes after he arrives in the Zonan capital. What does surprise him is the ferocious, deadly skill with which Taryn protects him. With no choice but to follow her lead, he tries to ignore the instincts telling him he's finally found a worthy consort in her. Which comes as a surprise, since he's not long on trust when it comes to women or Zonans.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, Blade and Taryn first seduce each other for information, unleashing sizzling attraction that can't be denied, even if they're each other's worst enemy. As the balance of power shifts around them, the only way to stay alive is to find out who wants them dead. And why...
Contains one 150-pound housecat, political intrigue, cave sex, one homicidally inclined royal, more political intrigue, monkish eyeliner, off-planet political intrigue, blasters, and fur blankets. Author is not responsible for a sudden desire to adopt big cats, have sex underground, or purchase fur blankets.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2009
68 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2020
This is a 0.99 book so you won't loose much more than a couple of hours.
Still whether you want to loose them it's trickier.
This is a book written by a person who is not yet an author. She has an idea of a story but she's not able to build much around it. There is no coherence, nor characterization. And world building is an offense probably. So much of what is written didn't have sense at all.
My one star is for all of those, plus a trope I honestly hate: a supposedly strong woman who is not. She's portrayed at first as a soldier, a commander with royal blood (and training), but, with few exceptions at the beginning, we are shown a stupid nit who knows nothing, is insecure and barely able, and worse in my book is hormone driven. Like all the book there's no coherence in her characterization.
Ms Roberts has a long way to go.
Still whether you want to loose them it's trickier.
This is a book written by a person who is not yet an author. She has an idea of a story but she's not able to build much around it. There is no coherence, nor characterization. And world building is an offense probably. So much of what is written didn't have sense at all.
My one star is for all of those, plus a trope I honestly hate: a supposedly strong woman who is not. She's portrayed at first as a soldier, a commander with royal blood (and training), but, with few exceptions at the beginning, we are shown a stupid nit who knows nothing, is insecure and barely able, and worse in my book is hormone driven. Like all the book there's no coherence in her characterization.
Ms Roberts has a long way to go.
July 25, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
I had never read anything by Ms Roberts. I REALLY enjoyed the main plot. The concept of it was very engrossing. However, there were parts that really should have had this book including a warning. Non-consensual sex is not cool even if your friend thinks it is what you need. Drugging someone into wanting to have sex, also not cool. Entirety of the rest of the story was great. I will look for more by this author.
I had never read anything by Ms Roberts. I REALLY enjoyed the main plot. The concept of it was very engrossing. However, there were parts that really should have had this book including a warning. Non-consensual sex is not cool even if your friend thinks it is what you need. Drugging someone into wanting to have sex, also not cool. Entirety of the rest of the story was great. I will look for more by this author.
July 31, 2019
I like finding books about other worlds and interesting characters. This book qualified on that as is showed two different societies that lived next to each other. One had a woman leader and the other a male leader. There were problems in the past between these countries though at the start of the story they were at peace with each other as they could be. I really enjoyed the interactions between the main characters. I loved the kick butt heroine and the guy being strong also with the story allowing them to use this to help each other without taking away from each other. The story had a pretty smooth flow and after I got into parts made me laugh, which for me makes a book that much better. I also liked how the characters had each other back during the story. Usually it is the hero riding to the rescue while she waits to be rescued. Here is sorta went back and forth which was refreshing. The down side for me was it was confusing at first and as the story went on there was still a couple things thrown in that made it feel like maybe had missed something. After I got into the story it wasn’t enough to distract me and since this is the first book I have read by this author I am not sure of her usual style. I would look for more books by this author. I did receive an ARC from hidden gems for an honest review. I would say for me as I did enjoy it and read it in one setting after I got better from being sick this would be a 3.5 to 4.0 star book for me.
December 22, 2020
I really like the book even if names and places where hard to pronounced and sometimes I felt a little confused on who the scene in the book was about
I liked a fact that a region or territory was ruled by women even if it was old school and everything was made by hand why the other territory everything was advanced .Off world people or aliens became obsessed with the hand made product but that's not what the biggest problem was it was twin sisters the oldest trying to kill her duplicate. Taryn the youngest twin was escorting Diplomats through there territory when her twin decided to attempt an a attack on her sister using there military. The diplomats help Taryn Survive as they go through her territory and get the diplomats home . love Flourishes and all is not what it seems. There was no epilogue and if the next book was about the same couple I would have bought it but I don't feel like reading a story about a different couple.
I liked a fact that a region or territory was ruled by women even if it was old school and everything was made by hand why the other territory everything was advanced .Off world people or aliens became obsessed with the hand made product but that's not what the biggest problem was it was twin sisters the oldest trying to kill her duplicate. Taryn the youngest twin was escorting Diplomats through there territory when her twin decided to attempt an a attack on her sister using there military. The diplomats help Taryn Survive as they go through her territory and get the diplomats home . love Flourishes and all is not what it seems. There was no epilogue and if the next book was about the same couple I would have bought it but I don't feel like reading a story about a different couple.
March 1, 2022
I've had this on my tbr for so long, but kept putting it off because I was worried it would be disappointing.
Well, dear reader, it was indeed disappointing.
I found both characters disappointing, I found the world building disappointing and I found the story disappointing. Our hero takes advantage of out heroine when she's drunk. He lies to her consistently throughout the entire story. Pretty much all the characters lie to her. She's not anymore likable. And tbh, if a guy starts calling me vixen I think I'd let him be killed.....
That plus we get this cool ass matriarchy, something we never freaking get in any fantasy/sci fi worlds, but its basically completely failing. Then you get the kingdom run by men doing just fine and helping the poor prideful woman rulers by smuggling food into their country. wtf. So incredibly disappointing.
Well, dear reader, it was indeed disappointing.
I found both characters disappointing, I found the world building disappointing and I found the story disappointing. Our hero takes advantage of out heroine when she's drunk. He lies to her consistently throughout the entire story. Pretty much all the characters lie to her. She's not anymore likable. And tbh, if a guy starts calling me vixen I think I'd let him be killed.....
That plus we get this cool ass matriarchy, something we never freaking get in any fantasy/sci fi worlds, but its basically completely failing. Then you get the kingdom run by men doing just fine and helping the poor prideful woman rulers by smuggling food into their country. wtf. So incredibly disappointing.
May 19, 2021
Blade's Edge was a fast-paced thrill ride from the very start. While some of the villains were predictable, there were plenty of plot twists to keep my glued to my Kindle. Very good character relationships and world building; although many scenarios are based on manipulation and deceit.
Note: if this book had been set on Earth, I would not have enjoyed the use of alcohol or drugs to encourage consensual sex, but I gave it a pass since we are dealing with aliens who wouldn't necessarily have the same moral code as humans. Be aware this book may contain triggers for some readers.
I'll look for more books by this author.
Note: if this book had been set on Earth, I would not have enjoyed the use of alcohol or drugs to encourage consensual sex, but I gave it a pass since we are dealing with aliens who wouldn't necessarily have the same moral code as humans. Be aware this book may contain triggers for some readers.
I'll look for more books by this author.
March 26, 2020
Some interesting stuff, some bits that felt like flotsam, not fleshed out. Overall it ended up like very pulpy silly thing mixed with a cursory romance. The mother queen was irritating- her teen kid tried to kill her twin sister and almost succeeded and she did nothing? Wacko. There were more instanecs of squick, dubcon, hero who i otherwise liked not taking no for an answer etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2020
Wow
I stopped reading when the evil twin was drugged and being raped by an outworlder at the same time the good twin was being”seduced” while drunk by the so called hero who was trying to get her pregnant for political reasons. No I’m not kidding, I honestly couldn’t have come up with this peculiarly appalling plot.
I stopped reading when the evil twin was drugged and being raped by an outworlder at the same time the good twin was being”seduced” while drunk by the so called hero who was trying to get her pregnant for political reasons. No I’m not kidding, I honestly couldn’t have come up with this peculiarly appalling plot.
October 11, 2025
I don't often read about "other-wordly" romances, but I would have to say I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed both Blade and Taryn's characters, the plot, the description of all the differences between the worlds, and all the different POVs. It's not too often that you read about a bad-ass female, so Taryn was really enjoyable to read about. I would want to read more from this eries.
July 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well written and the plot had plenty of twists and plenty of action to keep you engaged. With a twisty plot, its easy to get lost, however this wasn't a problem in this book and the action scenes were fantastic!
June 24, 2019
Action!
Easy, entertaining read. Story had a simple plot, and the writing was good. Taryn and Blade's romance needed more development.
Easy, entertaining read. Story had a simple plot, and the writing was good. Taryn and Blade's romance needed more development.
March 31, 2020
An enjoyable read.
April 16, 2020
Loved
The characters were absorbing and full. The story was as well. The romance factor was fresh and adventure factor was twisty.
The characters were absorbing and full. The story was as well. The romance factor was fresh and adventure factor was twisty.
July 20, 2010
This is my first book by Val Roberts and overall I was pretty impressed.
What worked for me:
I loved the idea of a matriarchal society. Their emphasis on tradition and distrust of technology bothered me a tiny bit, because I felt like it stemmed from an old stereotype that men are more likely to be technogeeks than their female counterparts, but that's just my own personal quirk.
The sexual freedom of the females made sense when you consider that "subjugating oneself to a mate" is probably the most historically significant factor in keeping women oppressed, but I admit the serial monogamy was a bit depressing -- I'm an old fashioned gal at heart and like the idea of lasting love, but it really fit in that society.
I loved that our heroine was a warrior, and had a deep sense of honor which governed the majority of her decisions. It takes a strong woman to put up with some of the crap that'd been handed to her, but Taryn was truly royal down to her fingertips.
I also enjoyed all the secondary romances in the story, even if some of them were a bit.. unconventional.
I also adored that our heroine had a deep fear of flying, because I can SO relate :)
What didn't work for me:
I didn't like that everyone was plotting against Taryn -- her sister, the hero, some random people who really had nothing to do with her, but most of all, her best friend.
I definitely understand the motivations, both political and personal, but it was disheartening to see her manipulated over and over again by those she should have been able to trust. Conspiring to have her fall in love? Sure, no problem. Conspiring to get her unwittingly knocked up? That's messed up.
I think it would've been so much more satisfying had they merely been plotting to form an alliance between the two kingdoms, rather than actively trying to get her pregnant -- getting her drunk, slipping her fertility drugs, etc.
I also didn't like that the hero intentionally removed her scar without discussing it with her, and then lied to her in the end and said it was an accident, when at the time of injection it clearly said he was thinking that there was a "side benefit" which I took to mean that he knew bloody well that the treatment would remove her scar.
Overall though, it was a good story. Their sexual relationship progressed a little rapidly for my tastes, but it fit well into the context of the story (and quite frankly, the steamy bits were nice and hot).
3 Stars
What worked for me:
I loved the idea of a matriarchal society. Their emphasis on tradition and distrust of technology bothered me a tiny bit, because I felt like it stemmed from an old stereotype that men are more likely to be technogeeks than their female counterparts, but that's just my own personal quirk.
The sexual freedom of the females made sense when you consider that "subjugating oneself to a mate" is probably the most historically significant factor in keeping women oppressed, but I admit the serial monogamy was a bit depressing -- I'm an old fashioned gal at heart and like the idea of lasting love, but it really fit in that society.
I loved that our heroine was a warrior, and had a deep sense of honor which governed the majority of her decisions. It takes a strong woman to put up with some of the crap that'd been handed to her, but Taryn was truly royal down to her fingertips.
I also enjoyed all the secondary romances in the story, even if some of them were a bit.. unconventional.
I also adored that our heroine had a deep fear of flying, because I can SO relate :)
What didn't work for me:
I didn't like that everyone was plotting against Taryn -- her sister, the hero, some random people who really had nothing to do with her, but most of all, her best friend.
I definitely understand the motivations, both political and personal, but it was disheartening to see her manipulated over and over again by those she should have been able to trust. Conspiring to have her fall in love? Sure, no problem. Conspiring to get her unwittingly knocked up? That's messed up.
I think it would've been so much more satisfying had they merely been plotting to form an alliance between the two kingdoms, rather than actively trying to get her pregnant -- getting her drunk, slipping her fertility drugs, etc.
I also didn't like that the hero intentionally removed her scar without discussing it with her, and then lied to her in the end and said it was an accident, when at the time of injection it clearly said he was thinking that there was a "side benefit" which I took to mean that he knew bloody well that the treatment would remove her scar.
Overall though, it was a good story. Their sexual relationship progressed a little rapidly for my tastes, but it fit well into the context of the story (and quite frankly, the steamy bits were nice and hot).
3 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2019
Having read a fair amount of science fiction when I was younger, I have to say I like the modern trend within the genre so much better. I love sci-fi with strong female characters and where there is a good gender balance. I have come to really enjoy, as well, sci-fi romances, which didn’t exist back in the day. It was more guy, “buddy” sci-fi. This book had so much going on that I love to see in a space opera: political intrigue, lots of action, culture clash, characters who make a big story personal, and of course, a little romance. I thought it was cool, too, that romance didn't just exist between the hero and heroine. The author showed the loving relationship between an older couple as well; what a delight! There is so much going on in this book, but the author is able to give each character presence and voice as well as strong motivations, goals, and conflicts. I felt immersed in the world pretty quickly and didn't want to stop until I got to the end. This world is so complex and the character so fascinating it is perfect for a series; I look forward to digging into the next book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
September 21, 2013
I always know a well written book by how many times I want to read it. This is at least the 3rd time and it just keeps getting better.
Prince (Princess) Commander Taryn Penthes, Silverguard Officer is sent on escort duty the day that disguised Negotiator Crown Prince Blademir von Stassos comes to town for trade talks.
There is an ambush and Taryn must get Blade and the rest of their party back over the border. Along the way Taryn's twin sister the Crown Prince (Princess) Talyn Penthes tries to have her killed. She has other plans for Blade and is so spoilt that she believes her own fantasy.
Blade has been looking for a wife and is immediately smitten by Taryn who is a very accomplished swordswoman and strategist. Blade decides he isn't letting her go and then spends the journey fighting off Silverguard attacks and persuading Taryn she is the one.
Prince (Princess) Commander Taryn Penthes, Silverguard Officer is sent on escort duty the day that disguised Negotiator Crown Prince Blademir von Stassos comes to town for trade talks.
There is an ambush and Taryn must get Blade and the rest of their party back over the border. Along the way Taryn's twin sister the Crown Prince (Princess) Talyn Penthes tries to have her killed. She has other plans for Blade and is so spoilt that she believes her own fantasy.
Blade has been looking for a wife and is immediately smitten by Taryn who is a very accomplished swordswoman and strategist. Blade decides he isn't letting her go and then spends the journey fighting off Silverguard attacks and persuading Taryn she is the one.
March 16, 2020
*** 3 1/2 *** Another surprise new author for me.
Taryn unknowingly saves Blade from what she believes is an assassination attempt on his life. They have to reach safe ground. Along the way, they find out more about one another while dodging attacks.
I liked Taryn and Blade. I felt as though there were many different layers to the storyline to keep it interesting. Unfortunately I’m not continuing on in the series. Taryn and Blade’s story ended on a good note and the next book in the series is her sisters and I didn’t much like her.
Taryn unknowingly saves Blade from what she believes is an assassination attempt on his life. They have to reach safe ground. Along the way, they find out more about one another while dodging attacks.
I liked Taryn and Blade. I felt as though there were many different layers to the storyline to keep it interesting. Unfortunately I’m not continuing on in the series. Taryn and Blade’s story ended on a good note and the next book in the series is her sisters and I didn’t much like her.
July 20, 2019
I received this book free as an ARC reader.
It started off ok. Backwards society in a space faring setting. But it lost me about a third of the way with what amounts to twin rapes. Loaded with male heavy-handedness and sexual domination, the rest of a fairly interesting story was obscured. The heroine was even “married”, or bonded, while under sedation. From the very moment Taryn saves Blade’s life, she loses all control over her own.
It started off ok. Backwards society in a space faring setting. But it lost me about a third of the way with what amounts to twin rapes. Loaded with male heavy-handedness and sexual domination, the rest of a fairly interesting story was obscured. The heroine was even “married”, or bonded, while under sedation. From the very moment Taryn saves Blade’s life, she loses all control over her own.
August 11, 2014
Exactly my kind of summer brain candy.
January 22, 2019
Very enjoyable and thought provoking about history and taught prejudices. A lot of action, intrigue and humor.
October 24, 2019
x-rated. Doesn't this villainess ever pause to breathe between rants? Between smiles, gasps, and holding breaths, we cheer on the perfect-ish couple and loyal friends fighting for their lives.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews