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Xian Warriors #2
Legion
He gave her his soul, but she couldn’t hold it.
Ayana has devoted her life training to join the Vanguard, an elite intergalactic military force dedicated to fighting back the Kryptids who nearly destroyed Earth. Only the most powerful psychics are chosen. Yet while her power is unrivaled, she’s unable to perform the most crucial task of soulcatching, even when the Warrior she’s fantasized over for years freely offers her his soul.
Legion is mesmerized by the beauty of Ayana’s aura. The instant his mind touches hers, he recognizes his soulmate. Although she’s Hollow, unable to hold a Warrior’s soul, a strange spark within her could help turn the tide in this bloody war. When a traitor infiltrates their ranks, intent on destroying them from within, Legion is torn between his duty as leader of the Vanguard and the need to protect his mate.
Will he lose the woman who owns his soul before they could even start a life together?
Ayana has devoted her life training to join the Vanguard, an elite intergalactic military force dedicated to fighting back the Kryptids who nearly destroyed Earth. Only the most powerful psychics are chosen. Yet while her power is unrivaled, she’s unable to perform the most crucial task of soulcatching, even when the Warrior she’s fantasized over for years freely offers her his soul.
Legion is mesmerized by the beauty of Ayana’s aura. The instant his mind touches hers, he recognizes his soulmate. Although she’s Hollow, unable to hold a Warrior’s soul, a strange spark within her could help turn the tide in this bloody war. When a traitor infiltrates their ranks, intent on destroying them from within, Legion is torn between his duty as leader of the Vanguard and the need to protect his mate.
Will he lose the woman who owns his soul before they could even start a life together?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
602 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Regine Abel
69 books2,650 followersUSA 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.
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 177 reviews
April 28, 2021
I read Doom and was not sure how I felt about it. But then I read the short story "Reaper" in Pets in Space 5 and decided I would give the Xian Warriors series another chance. I am so glad I did because Legion was an amazing story.
I saw a review where someone DNF because they felt there was too much mention of race. And after reading it I want to point out that all those sci-fi romances where the heroine's hair is the colour of the sun's rays and her eyes are the colour of a clear sky are also all about race. But we have been conditioned to see that race as the norm. As a Black woman that has had several negative race related experiences reading sci-fi romance, it was a pleasure to actually be seen and portrayed accurately. I felt to my soul that Ayana worried about hair relaxer and threatened death to anyone that exposed her hair to water. And I think the idea that the skill set of a POC could be so frequently overlooked is just a reflection of our current society. This book is a must read if you want to get a better understanding of our world and the expereince of POC in it while at the same time getting sucked into another time and place.
I saw a review where someone DNF because they felt there was too much mention of race. And after reading it I want to point out that all those sci-fi romances where the heroine's hair is the colour of the sun's rays and her eyes are the colour of a clear sky are also all about race. But we have been conditioned to see that race as the norm. As a Black woman that has had several negative race related experiences reading sci-fi romance, it was a pleasure to actually be seen and portrayed accurately. I felt to my soul that Ayana worried about hair relaxer and threatened death to anyone that exposed her hair to water. And I think the idea that the skill set of a POC could be so frequently overlooked is just a reflection of our current society. This book is a must read if you want to get a better understanding of our world and the expereince of POC in it while at the same time getting sucked into another time and place.
February 2, 2022
I need more romanceeeeeee or some angst, of any kind. Damn it. 👿👿 I am not giving this shit up.😤
August 29, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed Legion! Ayana was a wonderful heroine, and loved her first 'meeting' with Legion. This is action packed with so many interesting secondary characters that I can't wait to read more about. Especially Bane. Looking forward to more!
November 15, 2018
Mostly good
It was a good story, it was just one aspect that I disliked but would not prevent most from enjoying it. The aspect of being encouraged to be intimately involved with the soul catcher even though knowing any time their soul mate could come & their soul catcher would be left heart broken. That left a bad after taste to me. Other than that it was a sweet story of them getting to know each other, their love increasing. Not sure I would want to read another, since they would always be already intimately involved with their soul catcher for years. I’m possessive that way.
It was a good story, it was just one aspect that I disliked but would not prevent most from enjoying it. The aspect of being encouraged to be intimately involved with the soul catcher even though knowing any time their soul mate could come & their soul catcher would be left heart broken. That left a bad after taste to me. Other than that it was a sweet story of them getting to know each other, their love increasing. Not sure I would want to read another, since they would always be already intimately involved with their soul catcher for years. I’m possessive that way.
December 4, 2023
Look, I love Regine Abel. But the Xian Warriors series, I just can't get into. Maybe it's because it seems repetitive? But nonetheless, it was written well, I just don't think I'll continue this series.
September 24, 2019
I LOVED the Concept and the imagination that went into this,but I _didn't_ love the story...
A good well crafted story but ..... Well if I can be honest ?
I liked it but it felt kinda preachy and heavy handed at times...
I’m a woman but not a woman of color but a woman....
Now while I don’t know what it’s like to live the life of a woman like Ayana or any woman of color,I do know what it's like to feel limited in my choices and to be made to feel like I'm not good enough... There are times it would be nice if I could have said they were just ignorant assholes who made me hate myself because of my skin tone, not making light ( no pun) of anyone else’s plight..
Instead i was taught to hate everything about myself.... and as such I'd have preferred a book that had felt broader and
had felt it were speaking to women as a whole and not telling me I would understand what it was like to feel not good enough or second best just because my skin _wasn't_ darker.....
And no offense to Ayana ( who btw on the cover looks like she’s maybe Zendaya’s twin right ?) but I’m 20 years older and still trying to deprogram the self loathing inside of me, and while that’s my burden to bear, this is just my way of trying to say right or wrong I wish the h could have been , or could have felt like it was an every woman’s problem not just a select few....
Every time I thought I was getting lost in the story and starting to feel her struggle,it was like I NEEDED to be reminded she was of color ,and I felt like instead of feeling empowered I felt preached at....
and while I know some things need to be highlighted soo we know and understand,things we might not have previously known or understood, I still feel like the message can be done in a way where any woman can be lifted up no matter what’s been beating her down...
I read these kinda books as an escape, where all the issues that are weighing me down normally can’t invade or hurt me and in that escape hopefully I can find something to feed my soul my spirit to keep me going and hopefully moving forward another day...
In my opinion this is well thought out and imaginative,but still a bit preachy and repetitive at times both with Ayana’s struggles and w/the hybrids .... more subtlety maybe ?
Deep sigh..
Don’t know but it felt like one minute I’m getting turned on by the chemistry between Legion and Ayana,next I’m being overwhelmed by you wouldn’t understand what it’s like ...........,then interesting plot,some flirting ,the more you just won’t get it unless your .........
And while I liked Legion and Ayana together, after a while they went w/fun and flirty w/a slight edge to sickeningly sweet ( think Hallmark movie but with plenty of sex) and kinda sappy and while the epilogue was nice after the idea 💡 kept being put out there I gotta be honest I kinda expected a baby announcement,felt weird there wasn’t one ..... also expected maybe Legion to surprise Ayana with maybe a visit from her family ....... seemed a toss up between the two....
I love Ms.Abels “Veredian” series ( sorry if I didn’t spell that right ) but while a good job was done I didn’t have fun...
I'm sorry if any of this comes off sounding to harsh I just needed to say how this book made me feel......
Thank you.....
A good well crafted story but ..... Well if I can be honest ?
I liked it but it felt kinda preachy and heavy handed at times...
I’m a woman but not a woman of color but a woman....
Now while I don’t know what it’s like to live the life of a woman like Ayana or any woman of color,I do know what it's like to feel limited in my choices and to be made to feel like I'm not good enough... There are times it would be nice if I could have said they were just ignorant assholes who made me hate myself because of my skin tone, not making light ( no pun) of anyone else’s plight..
Instead i was taught to hate everything about myself.... and as such I'd have preferred a book that had felt broader and
had felt it were speaking to women as a whole and not telling me I would understand what it was like to feel not good enough or second best just because my skin _wasn't_ darker.....
And no offense to Ayana ( who btw on the cover looks like she’s maybe Zendaya’s twin right ?) but I’m 20 years older and still trying to deprogram the self loathing inside of me, and while that’s my burden to bear, this is just my way of trying to say right or wrong I wish the h could have been , or could have felt like it was an every woman’s problem not just a select few....
Every time I thought I was getting lost in the story and starting to feel her struggle,it was like I NEEDED to be reminded she was of color ,and I felt like instead of feeling empowered I felt preached at....
and while I know some things need to be highlighted soo we know and understand,things we might not have previously known or understood, I still feel like the message can be done in a way where any woman can be lifted up no matter what’s been beating her down...
I read these kinda books as an escape, where all the issues that are weighing me down normally can’t invade or hurt me and in that escape hopefully I can find something to feed my soul my spirit to keep me going and hopefully moving forward another day...
In my opinion this is well thought out and imaginative,but still a bit preachy and repetitive at times both with Ayana’s struggles and w/the hybrids .... more subtlety maybe ?
Deep sigh..
Don’t know but it felt like one minute I’m getting turned on by the chemistry between Legion and Ayana,next I’m being overwhelmed by you wouldn’t understand what it’s like ...........,then interesting plot,some flirting ,the more you just won’t get it unless your .........
And while I liked Legion and Ayana together, after a while they went w/fun and flirty w/a slight edge to sickeningly sweet ( think Hallmark movie but with plenty of sex) and kinda sappy and while the epilogue was nice after the idea 💡 kept being put out there I gotta be honest I kinda expected a baby announcement,felt weird there wasn’t one ..... also expected maybe Legion to surprise Ayana with maybe a visit from her family ....... seemed a toss up between the two....
I love Ms.Abels “Veredian” series ( sorry if I didn’t spell that right ) but while a good job was done I didn’t have fun...
I'm sorry if any of this comes off sounding to harsh I just needed to say how this book made me feel......
Thank you.....
August 22, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable science fiction romance with aliens, psychics, and enemy bug aliens!
July 20, 2020
You got me!
Wow! I almost cried! God I just knew! Anyway!
This was such a great story! Off to book 3 now!
Wow! I almost cried! God I just knew! Anyway!
This was such a great story! Off to book 3 now!
July 16, 2021
Quick(ish) Review - Xian Warrior series (spoilery, you've been warned)
Overview of series: I have mixed feelings on this series, but it's the worldbuilding that keeps me coming back. It's an interesting concept, a race of warrior hybrids, made up of Kryptid(giant bug)/dragon/human whose souls can be transferred to Shells, so they can face incredibly dangerous battles, die and still come back in a new Shell. So much of the way the heroines interact with them is due to their psychic powers, which manifest differently depending on their ethnic backgrounds (Caucasian women are Vessels, Black/Brown women are Portals and Asian women are Shields). It's a touchy subject, to break down their powers based on race, but by the same token, I'm not upset at exploring a world where differences are acknowledged and celebrated rather than trying to homogenize everyone's experience. If nothing else, I find it a unique way to look at this 'verse and to build this big conflict of good vs evil with Kryptid General Khutu, the Big Bad of the series, who's hell bent on galaxy domination, of course.
When it comes to the romance, that's where the biggest issues I have with the series comes into play. One of the foundations of this 'verse is the heroes know immediately if the heroine is their soulmate. Now, I can get down with insta-love on occasion, but I want that to be the beginning, not the end all-be all of their stories. Too many go straight to forever love, and I'd rather watch them work for it. But I'll go more into that below.
This is a very hetero-specific series, which I find limiting, and there's moments when the sex scenes happen that aren't as sexy as intended (feeling any kind of fire/burning during sex isn't my bag, but hey YMMV).
Book-specific
Legion: Fave so far, liked their individual journeys a lot and I thought their romance felt the most natural and well thought out.
So in closing, I'm kind of middle of the road on this series because of the romance aspect, even if I am fascinated with the world it inhabits.
Overview of series: I have mixed feelings on this series, but it's the worldbuilding that keeps me coming back. It's an interesting concept, a race of warrior hybrids, made up of Kryptid(giant bug)/dragon/human whose souls can be transferred to Shells, so they can face incredibly dangerous battles, die and still come back in a new Shell. So much of the way the heroines interact with them is due to their psychic powers, which manifest differently depending on their ethnic backgrounds (Caucasian women are Vessels, Black/Brown women are Portals and Asian women are Shields). It's a touchy subject, to break down their powers based on race, but by the same token, I'm not upset at exploring a world where differences are acknowledged and celebrated rather than trying to homogenize everyone's experience. If nothing else, I find it a unique way to look at this 'verse and to build this big conflict of good vs evil with Kryptid General Khutu, the Big Bad of the series, who's hell bent on galaxy domination, of course.
When it comes to the romance, that's where the biggest issues I have with the series comes into play. One of the foundations of this 'verse is the heroes know immediately if the heroine is their soulmate. Now, I can get down with insta-love on occasion, but I want that to be the beginning, not the end all-be all of their stories. Too many go straight to forever love, and I'd rather watch them work for it. But I'll go more into that below.
This is a very hetero-specific series, which I find limiting, and there's moments when the sex scenes happen that aren't as sexy as intended (feeling any kind of fire/burning during sex isn't my bag, but hey YMMV).
Book-specific
Legion: Fave so far, liked their individual journeys a lot and I thought their romance felt the most natural and well thought out.
So in closing, I'm kind of middle of the road on this series because of the romance aspect, even if I am fascinated with the world it inhabits.
March 2, 2020
2.5 not what I’m used to when reading Gina Abel, it felt a little bit YA/teenage for my tastes. Hopefully the next one will be a little more grown up
June 5, 2021
I can understand why many love this series!
A good start, the heroine is fabulous too! 😍
❤️❤️❤️
A good start, the heroine is fabulous too! 😍
❤️❤️❤️
April 2, 2023
☆ 2.5 ☆ Bane realmente es un personaje que se hace notar y te deja con mucha intriga...
October 28, 2018
Soulmate💘, Soul Catcher, Auras👻, Its All Here
Alpha Alien🐺🔪🔫🍆🌋 Sci-fi meets Paranormal👻 in this XXX Romance Space Adventure!
THE Commanding Xian Warrior is Legion🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, a huge Golden Scaled Man with strong powers of telepathy, the ability to see auras, and just plain 💪Strong, ripped and sexy all over.
The Xian🐺🔪🔫 are extremely organized in their single minded quest to defeat and annihilate the Kryptid🐜, the insectoid like enemy of all humanoid peoples in the galaxy.
Since saving 🌎 Earth from the invasion of the Kryptid🐜, the Xian Warriors🐺🔪🔫 had realized that human women, with slight alien gene modification, could be trained to be soul catchers and are adept at seeing auras.
That is, when a warrior was killed, his soul could be caught by his soulcatcher, and transferred later into another Xian🐺🔪🔫 Warrior's body. Human women💃💋 also make ideal mates.
Ayana💃💋, is one such human woman to be trained. In fact she has the highest mental capacity in years the Xian 🐺🔪🔫have found. During her testing, Legion🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 exchanges telepathy with her from Earth🌍 to his planet of Khepri, across billions of light years!
Ayana💃💋 as a black woman, is not supposed not be genetically gifted with the ability to be a soulcatcher, but Legion🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 has made up his mind she will be his bonded mate anyway. Ayana💃💋 doesn't have a clue about his intentions yet, but when he takes over her training from Raven🐺🔪🔫, she knows something is up.
I'm a big sucker for Sexy Alpha🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 Alien Males!
Alpha Alien🐺🔪🔫🍆🌋 Sci-fi meets Paranormal👻 in this XXX Romance Space Adventure!
THE Commanding Xian Warrior is Legion🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, a huge Golden Scaled Man with strong powers of telepathy, the ability to see auras, and just plain 💪Strong, ripped and sexy all over.
The Xian🐺🔪🔫 are extremely organized in their single minded quest to defeat and annihilate the Kryptid🐜, the insectoid like enemy of all humanoid peoples in the galaxy.
Since saving 🌎 Earth from the invasion of the Kryptid🐜, the Xian Warriors🐺🔪🔫 had realized that human women, with slight alien gene modification, could be trained to be soul catchers and are adept at seeing auras.
That is, when a warrior was killed, his soul could be caught by his soulcatcher, and transferred later into another Xian🐺🔪🔫 Warrior's body. Human women💃💋 also make ideal mates.
Ayana💃💋, is one such human woman to be trained. In fact she has the highest mental capacity in years the Xian 🐺🔪🔫have found. During her testing, Legion🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 exchanges telepathy with her from Earth🌍 to his planet of Khepri, across billions of light years!
Ayana💃💋 as a black woman, is not supposed not be genetically gifted with the ability to be a soulcatcher, but Legion🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 has made up his mind she will be his bonded mate anyway. Ayana💃💋 doesn't have a clue about his intentions yet, but when he takes over her training from Raven🐺🔪🔫, she knows something is up.
I'm a big sucker for Sexy Alpha🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫 Alien Males!
April 29, 2025
I enjoyed Ayana and her people pleasing anxious personality. Her friend was so awesome, reminding her that she shouldn’t be responsible for meeting other people’s expectations. She and Legion had a fun banter. The story was intense and dark and spicy.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: genocide, violence, gore, murder, death, grief, abduction and captivity of side characters, soul death, discussion of torture, bug attack
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: genocide, violence, gore, murder, death, grief, abduction and captivity of side characters, soul death, discussion of torture, bug attack
February 13, 2019
LOVED IT !!!!!!!!
I have been a fan of REGINE ABEL'S since I saw the SONHADRA book UNFROZEN had a woman of color. I like sci-fi \ paranormal , and like even more that all cultures are represented. Soon after I read VERIDIAN CHRONICLES, and then the BRAXIANS , and ICED and then I just bought her whole collection !!!
Best decision EVA' !!!!!
This book is a about a woman of HATIAN descent ( btw -- U will get hangrry when RA describes the Food. 🍛 🍲🍲🍢🍡🍠🍌🍆🍓🍇🍒🍒🍋🍑🍐🍊🍉🌿🍁🍁🌾🌴🌽 ))
She has been train almost her whole life for a position in the Vanguard Coalition , and the day has come for testing . Her scores are the highest ever , but she knows that sometimes that isn't enough. Growning up she has been told. " you Have to Be Better ... Know More......Do more ..!!
All steps to here . She wants to be a Soul Catcher - Women who work thisclose to the Xian Warriors.
She also wants to work with one Particular WARRIOR ,LEGION , who is the "Face" of the Warriors. But she doesn't have the necessary organ to indeed "Catch " a soul. When a warrior "dies* , his Soul Catcher catches his Soul and holds it, until she can transfer it into a Shell. The warrior retains his personality and expert and memories.
Neat , right ??
Ayanna has sensory abilities that allow her to communicate Vast distances. BEST . During her first testing experience she actually is able to interact with LEGION . He is light YEARS away , but to her , he is in the room With her !!! Out of all the Aspirants, Ayanna alone has the highest score !! Her fate is sealed and she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime !!
Legion has been the Face of the Xian Warriors along with his brother in arms for a very LONG time . As the "Leader " he oversees all aspects of his warriors as well as the women recruited for service. He thought he would do a mental "drive-by " , and got WAYYYYY more then he expected !!! The Aspirant Ayanna is much , much more then even She knows !!!
And he needs to find out What.......
What happens next is an adventurous, suspenseful, story that is STILL running rampart through my brain !!
If you don't LOVE this story, there is something wrong with you !!!!!!
...
I have been a fan of REGINE ABEL'S since I saw the SONHADRA book UNFROZEN had a woman of color. I like sci-fi \ paranormal , and like even more that all cultures are represented. Soon after I read VERIDIAN CHRONICLES, and then the BRAXIANS , and ICED and then I just bought her whole collection !!!
Best decision EVA' !!!!!
This book is a about a woman of HATIAN descent ( btw -- U will get hangrry when RA describes the Food. 🍛 🍲🍲🍢🍡🍠🍌🍆🍓🍇🍒🍒🍋🍑🍐🍊🍉🌿🍁🍁🌾🌴🌽 ))
She has been train almost her whole life for a position in the Vanguard Coalition , and the day has come for testing . Her scores are the highest ever , but she knows that sometimes that isn't enough. Growning up she has been told. " you Have to Be Better ... Know More......Do more ..!!
All steps to here . She wants to be a Soul Catcher - Women who work thisclose to the Xian Warriors.
She also wants to work with one Particular WARRIOR ,LEGION , who is the "Face" of the Warriors. But she doesn't have the necessary organ to indeed "Catch " a soul. When a warrior "dies* , his Soul Catcher catches his Soul and holds it, until she can transfer it into a Shell. The warrior retains his personality and expert and memories.
Neat , right ??
Ayanna has sensory abilities that allow her to communicate Vast distances. BEST . During her first testing experience she actually is able to interact with LEGION . He is light YEARS away , but to her , he is in the room With her !!! Out of all the Aspirants, Ayanna alone has the highest score !! Her fate is sealed and she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime !!
Legion has been the Face of the Xian Warriors along with his brother in arms for a very LONG time . As the "Leader " he oversees all aspects of his warriors as well as the women recruited for service. He thought he would do a mental "drive-by " , and got WAYYYYY more then he expected !!! The Aspirant Ayanna is much , much more then even She knows !!!
And he needs to find out What.......
What happens next is an adventurous, suspenseful, story that is STILL running rampart through my brain !!
If you don't LOVE this story, there is something wrong with you !!!!!!
...
March 19, 2020
DNF 30%
The author was more interested in focusing on the skincolour of the main character, than actually telling the story.
This ended up in my Yuck! folder.
The author was more interested in focusing on the skincolour of the main character, than actually telling the story.
This ended up in my Yuck! folder.
August 7, 2018
When Earth came under threat from the Insectoid Kryptid invaders..... The Xian Warriors came to the rescue, together they formed a coalition..to fight back...the Xian force didn't want our soldiers...they needed ESP enhanced humans who would provide aid alongside them....as part of the Xian Vanguard.... as technicians, operators and as Soulcatchers.
Ayana has been training for as long as she can remember to be able to join the vanguard, she has the skills but will never make it as a soul catcher, no one of Black or Asian ethnicity has ever been a soul catcher...
Called to Ayana's brilliant aura, Legion..the unofficial/official leader of the Xian Vanguard finds himself drawn to her like a moth to the brightest of flames. he recognises her as more than just another recruit, she is his soulmate.
So there was me...excited at the prospect of this collaboration between two brilliant sci fi authors...I didn't know what to expect, I purposely read no blurb...
I was prepared to like the story because for me..no one writes sci-fi romance better than Regine Abel...so no pressure....
I was literally gripped from the first Page, The history and back story that was revealed was compelling, the story mind-bendingly original and action packed...I wanted to know more about the genetics and creator of the vanguards, their Shells and the anomaly..but enough about that because I'm straying into #spoilerville...
Ayana and Legion had fantastic chemistry. Their interaction and exchanges both funny and touching and filled with heat. Both characters are a wonderful blend of sassiness, longing, confidence and emotion.
I'm hoping there will be a number of books in this series because there are a number of side characters whose ( tormented ) histories/stories I want to know.....HINT HINT AUTHOR PEEPS.
Ayana has been training for as long as she can remember to be able to join the vanguard, she has the skills but will never make it as a soul catcher, no one of Black or Asian ethnicity has ever been a soul catcher...
Called to Ayana's brilliant aura, Legion..the unofficial/official leader of the Xian Vanguard finds himself drawn to her like a moth to the brightest of flames. he recognises her as more than just another recruit, she is his soulmate.
So there was me...excited at the prospect of this collaboration between two brilliant sci fi authors...I didn't know what to expect, I purposely read no blurb...
I was prepared to like the story because for me..no one writes sci-fi romance better than Regine Abel...so no pressure....
I was literally gripped from the first Page, The history and back story that was revealed was compelling, the story mind-bendingly original and action packed...I wanted to know more about the genetics and creator of the vanguards, their Shells and the anomaly..but enough about that because I'm straying into #spoilerville...
Ayana and Legion had fantastic chemistry. Their interaction and exchanges both funny and touching and filled with heat. Both characters are a wonderful blend of sassiness, longing, confidence and emotion.
I'm hoping there will be a number of books in this series because there are a number of side characters whose ( tormented ) histories/stories I want to know.....HINT HINT AUTHOR PEEPS.
August 9, 2018
Sci-Fi Goodness
I was so intrigued by this books premise, I stopped reading another book to DEVOUR this one. I love everything Author Juno Wells has a hand in and this collaboration with Author Regine Abel, was no exception.
The idea of soul catchers is an intriguing one. This story was set up amazingly well, with such interesting forays into the mind, body and soul connection that is satisfied the inner sci-fi geek in this reader.
I was pulled into the soul mate bond between our protagonists and I felt that the romance was pure and unrushed which made for a much more rewarding reading experience. I am excited about continuing this series in the future.
I was so intrigued by this books premise, I stopped reading another book to DEVOUR this one. I love everything Author Juno Wells has a hand in and this collaboration with Author Regine Abel, was no exception.
The idea of soul catchers is an intriguing one. This story was set up amazingly well, with such interesting forays into the mind, body and soul connection that is satisfied the inner sci-fi geek in this reader.
I was pulled into the soul mate bond between our protagonists and I felt that the romance was pure and unrushed which made for a much more rewarding reading experience. I am excited about continuing this series in the future.
December 14, 2025
I liked this book a lot more than the first book.
The story about the Xian Warriors - Vanguard vs. Kryptids continued. Yeah, there's a lot of romance, but I like it.
As with the first book - Legion's book also still has that weird writing style - but here it was less prominent. Only parts of the book were written in the documentary with actors - re-telling style.
I deducted one star for the writing style.
Ayana was a great character and it was exciting to see her finding and getting a handle on her psychic talent. I also liked the development of hers and Legion's relationship.
4 stars
The story about the Xian Warriors - Vanguard vs. Kryptids continued. Yeah, there's a lot of romance, but I like it.
As with the first book - Legion's book also still has that weird writing style - but here it was less prominent. Only parts of the book were written in the documentary with actors - re-telling style.
I deducted one star for the writing style.
Ayana was a great character and it was exciting to see her finding and getting a handle on her psychic talent. I also liked the development of hers and Legion's relationship.
4 stars
August 7, 2018
Ayana is highly psychic, human, and wants to be a part of the Vanguard with the Xian warriors. Legion is the leader of the Xian warriors. The attraction between these two is electric and all consuming. Will their enemies keep them apart? A wonderful sci-fi read! I am looking forward to more books in this series.
September 15, 2019
Discovering treasure
I don't know why, but I somehow read the second book in this series first, which I usually try to avoid at all costs because I hate backtracking. This book, even though it was the first, was very enjoyable because I didn't feel like I was reading things again. This is the mark of a great series. Great world building, great characters, and great writing.
I don't know why, but I somehow read the second book in this series first, which I usually try to avoid at all costs because I hate backtracking. This book, even though it was the first, was very enjoyable because I didn't feel like I was reading things again. This is the mark of a great series. Great world building, great characters, and great writing.
September 21, 2018
Oh hell yeah! I loved this book! The character building is amazing! There is such challenge in the characters stories and they work together to get to their HEA! It was a wonderful story and a great trip to take. I am so excited to read any new book in this series!
October 6, 2019
Loved this author but didn't love this book and I am not sure why. The setting is interesting, alien H and h has special powers waiting to be revealed, and I found myself struggling to care about either of them. Might try it again in a few months, because it had everything I like.
August 31, 2018
"Nevertheless, she persisted" - and so should the reader
Xian Warriors features a nail-bitingly suspenseful plot, a really beautiful - and hot - love story, succinct but marvelously detailed world-building, swoon-worthy genetically engineered males, and a hero whose strength, honesty, and steadfast devotion will melt your heart (and your e-reader). It centers on a Haitian-born Canadian heroine who finally outgrows her self-limiting racially-rooted POV. It seems that psionically gifted Ayana will not ever become a top-level Vanguard team member because she isn't a Soul-catcher. No black- or brown-skinned women are. Still, her formidable psychic power gives her top scores and she's admitted to the Vanguard training program. While in training, the Xian warriors flock to her powerful aura - none more than Legion, the legendary "face of the Vanguard" who recognizes her as his soul-mate. The trainers and Legion all work to discover what the "void" in Ayana's psyche disguises - a hitherto unseen talent that could be a game-changer in the war against Kryptid conquest. As sensitive to racial issues as Americans are, this book is initially a tough read - i quit after the first chapter because I found the focus on human skin color and ethnicity very painful. But my curiosity, and the otherwise appealing elements of the novel, won out. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and I'm damned glad I did. This isn't a story where racism limits opportunity. It's a story in which beings of all species, including the hybrids and the genetically engineered, demonstrate the power of open-mindedness, shared challenges met with cooperation and ingenuity, and seeing individuals for who they are. This is the power that defeats racism, species-ism, and genocide. This is our heroine's legacy to her world, and ours.
Xian Warriors features a nail-bitingly suspenseful plot, a really beautiful - and hot - love story, succinct but marvelously detailed world-building, swoon-worthy genetically engineered males, and a hero whose strength, honesty, and steadfast devotion will melt your heart (and your e-reader). It centers on a Haitian-born Canadian heroine who finally outgrows her self-limiting racially-rooted POV. It seems that psionically gifted Ayana will not ever become a top-level Vanguard team member because she isn't a Soul-catcher. No black- or brown-skinned women are. Still, her formidable psychic power gives her top scores and she's admitted to the Vanguard training program. While in training, the Xian warriors flock to her powerful aura - none more than Legion, the legendary "face of the Vanguard" who recognizes her as his soul-mate. The trainers and Legion all work to discover what the "void" in Ayana's psyche disguises - a hitherto unseen talent that could be a game-changer in the war against Kryptid conquest. As sensitive to racial issues as Americans are, this book is initially a tough read - i quit after the first chapter because I found the focus on human skin color and ethnicity very painful. But my curiosity, and the otherwise appealing elements of the novel, won out. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and I'm damned glad I did. This isn't a story where racism limits opportunity. It's a story in which beings of all species, including the hybrids and the genetically engineered, demonstrate the power of open-mindedness, shared challenges met with cooperation and ingenuity, and seeing individuals for who they are. This is the power that defeats racism, species-ism, and genocide. This is our heroine's legacy to her world, and ours.
July 28, 2018
Hoo-boy. Legion and Ayana have sparrrrrrks. The type that light up a universe and keep people on their toes. Not that other people are in their relationship or anything, but the two of them make waves just by being and being together makes those waves even bigger.
It's GLORIOUS.
As the first black woman who qualified for the Vanguard, Ayana already has a lot of expectations to live up to. Having feelings for the Warrior who's the face of the Vanguard AND having those feelings returned complicates an already complicated issue. In the best way, of course. Because Ayana and Legion are definitely meant for one another.
Throw in Ayana off-the-charts power and the peculiar spark she carries within her and you have the recipe for great things.
I'm seriously loving this world and the dangers the Xian Warriors are fighting to protect it from. It's complex and deadly and hopeful all at the same time. Ayana's abilities give the Warriors more of a chance against their enemies and there are EVENTS waiting to unfold. I can feel them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
It's GLORIOUS.
As the first black woman who qualified for the Vanguard, Ayana already has a lot of expectations to live up to. Having feelings for the Warrior who's the face of the Vanguard AND having those feelings returned complicates an already complicated issue. In the best way, of course. Because Ayana and Legion are definitely meant for one another.
Throw in Ayana off-the-charts power and the peculiar spark she carries within her and you have the recipe for great things.
I'm seriously loving this world and the dangers the Xian Warriors are fighting to protect it from. It's complex and deadly and hopeful all at the same time. Ayana's abilities give the Warriors more of a chance against their enemies and there are EVENTS waiting to unfold. I can feel them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 21, 2023
I liked the pacing and story of this book better than the first one. Although I was a little disappointed that it jumped at least 25 years from book one, I was happy to see Legion find his HEA.
I was a little put off by the concept of different color skinned humans having different abilities, and I was especially concerned about the generalization thatAsians = brown-skinned. No, not all Asians have brown skin... edit: After reading the 3rd book's introduction, I realized black- and brown-skinned humans were lumped together, and Asians were deemed a different group. Once again, that was still problematic, since there are brown-skinned Asians... Race/skin color seemed to play a little too much in this book, and I would have preferred a different tactic to distinguish humans with special abilities.
I still enjoy the universe though and will continue onwards with the next book.
Romance:
I was a little put off by the concept of different color skinned humans having different abilities, and I was especially concerned about the generalization that
I still enjoy the universe though and will continue onwards with the next book.
Romance:
July 26, 2018
Wow what a story this was just a perfect beginning to Xian Warriors series. Legion and Ayana are just the perfect couple I like the elements in the series. I definitely need to know more of the xians and the hybirds too they seem interesting as well and the soulcatchers they are amazing. I just hope we get to read so many of the characters that we had in this book.It was a great read I definitely enjoy the world build up the species we have here and so many things that the story brought us.
August 8, 2018
Unique Universe
Love the uniqueness of the aliens in the series.
The Heroine wasn't overpowered and actually had some brains! I loved it when she actually worked things out and didn't jeopardize anything. I loved how she didn't allow jealousy to ruin what she had with Legion.
Legion was kinda egotistical in the beginning but he grew on me.
A great way to start a new series. Can't wait to read more.
Love the uniqueness of the aliens in the series.
The Heroine wasn't overpowered and actually had some brains! I loved it when she actually worked things out and didn't jeopardize anything. I loved how she didn't allow jealousy to ruin what she had with Legion.
Legion was kinda egotistical in the beginning but he grew on me.
A great way to start a new series. Can't wait to read more.
August 8, 2018
Regine Abel has shared her magical imaginings with us once again in an all new universe! Legion is a wonderful mix of humor, down to earth practicality (don't mess with a black woman's shower cap no matter how sexy things are getting!), suspense and chemistry that is both tender and compelling. The scifi story line is intriguing and the relationships have a sincerity that is very appealing. As usual, I could hardly bear to put this book down and it haunted me for days after.
August 25, 2018
I loooooooooved this book!
Interesting plot? ✅
Sexy Alien looking Alien? ✅✅
Oh how I didn't want this book to end!
Ayana has special abilities.
Legion is the face of the Vanguard.
Together they kick some Kryptid ass!
There was so much awesomeness in this book I don't want to spoil it, so just read it.
I'm still speechless. A top favorite for me.
Interesting plot? ✅
Sexy Alien looking Alien? ✅✅
Oh how I didn't want this book to end!
Ayana has special abilities.
Legion is the face of the Vanguard.
Together they kick some Kryptid ass!
There was so much awesomeness in this book I don't want to spoil it, so just read it.
I'm still speechless. A top favorite for me.
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