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Ice Planet Barbarians #11
Barbarian's Choice
I might be the only unmated female in my tribe, but it doesn’t mean I’ve given my heart. I’m waiting. I want resonance, and I won’t settle for anything less.
But when an alien ship lands and a handsome stranger steps out, I know he’s the one. His name’s Mardok and he’s fascinatingly different – and distractingly appealing. But Mardok can’t stay on the ice planet, and he says he can take me with him.
Now, I must make a choice. Do I stay and lose my mate forever? Or do I follow him to the stars and leave behind everything I know?
But when an alien ship lands and a handsome stranger steps out, I know he’s the one. His name’s Mardok and he’s fascinatingly different – and distractingly appealing. But Mardok can’t stay on the ice planet, and he says he can take me with him.
Now, I must make a choice. Do I stay and lose my mate forever? Or do I follow him to the stars and leave behind everything I know?
Audible Audio
First published December 11, 2016
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About the author
Ruby Dixon
161 books19.9k followersRuby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,987 reviews
August 7, 2022
5 Farli and Mardok Stars
May have mild spoilers
Wow there was some really big twist in this book. Like 3 big twist. I can't wait to see what it all means for the tribe on Not-Hoth. Mardok was totally new to the gang and he brought a lot of good changes to the tribe. Especially for Harlow, Rukh, and Lila. This book went nothing like what I thought it was going to go. Still I really liked it.
Mardok was a sexy ex-soldier turned mechanic. A loner with no family. He had a dark past and had a deep fear of being left behind. I loved how protective and accepting of Farli and her tribe he was. He never looked down on her or acted like she was less for the way she lived. He was giving and did what was right even if it hurt him. He was not who I pictured Farli with when starting this book, but I fell in love with him. He was perfect for Farli. Farli was the same bubbly Farli we readers have watched grow up since book 1. She was sweet, loving, very innocent, but still very smart. I loved how independent Farli was. She was a hunter for her tribe. She could take care of herself and could run with the big boys of the tribe.
Farli and Mardok were very cute together. Both really wanted to make the other happy. Both accepted the differences in the other and didn't try to change them. They were more sweet than smoking hot. I didn't like Mardok's shipmates. I thought they were jerks. They did have good moments too. Still I would be good to never see them again lol. The ending was a bit of a cliffy and I can't wait to see what Bek started.
May have mild spoilers
Wow there was some really big twist in this book. Like 3 big twist. I can't wait to see what it all means for the tribe on Not-Hoth. Mardok was totally new to the gang and he brought a lot of good changes to the tribe. Especially for Harlow, Rukh, and Lila. This book went nothing like what I thought it was going to go. Still I really liked it.
Mardok was a sexy ex-soldier turned mechanic. A loner with no family. He had a dark past and had a deep fear of being left behind. I loved how protective and accepting of Farli and her tribe he was. He never looked down on her or acted like she was less for the way she lived. He was giving and did what was right even if it hurt him. He was not who I pictured Farli with when starting this book, but I fell in love with him. He was perfect for Farli. Farli was the same bubbly Farli we readers have watched grow up since book 1. She was sweet, loving, very innocent, but still very smart. I loved how independent Farli was. She was a hunter for her tribe. She could take care of herself and could run with the big boys of the tribe.
Farli and Mardok were very cute together. Both really wanted to make the other happy. Both accepted the differences in the other and didn't try to change them. They were more sweet than smoking hot. I didn't like Mardok's shipmates. I thought they were jerks. They did have good moments too. Still I would be good to never see them again lol. The ending was a bit of a cliffy and I can't wait to see what Bek started.
June 7, 2017
Keffing amazing!!!
Mardok is an ex-soldier, far too serius and far too damaged. He is unhappy with his life as a mechanic and security on a long-haul space-freighter. He needed to land on the ice planet in order to fix some broken parts of the ship and then Farli found the ship and resonated with him.
Mardok really likes Farli, but he hates the planet.
I’ve seen a lot of places. Nothing has felt even close to home…not even the ship I’m on now. Sometimes I don’t feel as if I have a place anywhere.
One thing’s for sure, though—if I had to pick a new homeworld, this sure as shit wouldn’t be it.
I loved Mardok and Farli’s story. They are cute together. Mardok is the same species as the Sa-khui. Thus, this is the perfect apportunity for the readers to learn
-from which planet Sa-khui come from and how much advanced their civilization really is
-how many years the Sa-khui are inhabitants of the ice planet
It will also be the perfect apportunity for Mardok and his ship-mates to help the Sa-khui. They will correct many things and cure many people.
The book corresponds to a new beginning for the life of out beloved blue barbarians.
I did not expect Farli to be such a tease, but I truly enjoyed her sense of humor:
“Woman, you are entirely too much of a tease. Be serious for a moment.”
Be serious? He is already far too serious for the both of us. Besides, I like making him smile. “If you are asking where kits come from, I know already.” He relaxes against me, and so I cannot help but add, “They come from the magic basket.”
“Uh…what?”
“Yes,” I say firmly, doing my best not to laugh. I avoid looking him in the eye as I trail my fingers up and down his abdomen. Such a nice, firm, flat abdomen. “When a khui sings to another khui, it tells the mated pair that it is time to make a magic basket. They work for any days and nights to make the basket as perfectly woven as they can, and when they are done, they put the basket out in the snow. They wait for the suns to fill the basket up with light.”
“Gods help me,” he whispers.
I smother my giggles, continuing in a choked voice. “Then, when the basket is full, the male sa-khui takes out his cock and fills the basket with his seed—”
“What?”
A giggle-snort escapes me, because I cannot hold it back any longer.
Mardok is an ex-soldier, far too serius and far too damaged. He is unhappy with his life as a mechanic and security on a long-haul space-freighter. He needed to land on the ice planet in order to fix some broken parts of the ship and then Farli found the ship and resonated with him.
Mardok really likes Farli, but he hates the planet.
I’ve seen a lot of places. Nothing has felt even close to home…not even the ship I’m on now. Sometimes I don’t feel as if I have a place anywhere.
One thing’s for sure, though—if I had to pick a new homeworld, this sure as shit wouldn’t be it.
I loved Mardok and Farli’s story. They are cute together. Mardok is the same species as the Sa-khui. Thus, this is the perfect apportunity for the readers to learn
-from which planet Sa-khui come from and how much advanced their civilization really is
-how many years the Sa-khui are inhabitants of the ice planet
It will also be the perfect apportunity for Mardok and his ship-mates to help the Sa-khui. They will correct many things and cure many people.
The book corresponds to a new beginning for the life of out beloved blue barbarians.
I did not expect Farli to be such a tease, but I truly enjoyed her sense of humor:
“Woman, you are entirely too much of a tease. Be serious for a moment.”
Be serious? He is already far too serious for the both of us. Besides, I like making him smile. “If you are asking where kits come from, I know already.” He relaxes against me, and so I cannot help but add, “They come from the magic basket.”
“Uh…what?”
“Yes,” I say firmly, doing my best not to laugh. I avoid looking him in the eye as I trail my fingers up and down his abdomen. Such a nice, firm, flat abdomen. “When a khui sings to another khui, it tells the mated pair that it is time to make a magic basket. They work for any days and nights to make the basket as perfectly woven as they can, and when they are done, they put the basket out in the snow. They wait for the suns to fill the basket up with light.”
“Gods help me,” he whispers.
I smother my giggles, continuing in a choked voice. “Then, when the basket is full, the male sa-khui takes out his cock and fills the basket with his seed—”
“What?”
A giggle-snort escapes me, because I cannot hold it back any longer.
March 18, 2022
I think this was my favorite of the series so far, because we actually get a lot of new Lore. How this species ended up on this abandoned planet has always been a question, and them being there for 300 years made zero sense. So getting some clarity and some new sci fi elements? Incredible. And obviously the romance was spicy. These little books bring me so much joy.
June 24, 2022
es re gracioso porque en los primeros libros yo estaba tipo "mira si vas a querer quedarte en ese planeta de mierda toda congelada hermana noooo" y ahora me pase todo el libro "COMO QUE NO TE QUERES QUEDAR EN EL PLANETA CON TU MATE TE VOY A CAGAR A TROMPADAS HACETE HOMBRE"
muy bueno recomiendo
muy bueno recomiendo
December 27, 2023
I was looking forward to Farli's story but never I imagined it would be this different! I mean I was so happy with our tribe that never it occurred to me that we needed more space travellers to be added to it. But maybe Ruby is right, Farli is special and we needed a special Hero for her!
OK, so at the start I mentioned, 'Never I imagined it would be this different!' but if you look at it from another perspective it is the same story of Georgy and Vektal but completely role reversal. The only difference is that Georgy is more like stuck on this ice planet whereas Mardok has the choice to leave it. What choice would he make? Would he convince Farli to come with him and ask her to leave behind everything she had ever known and loved or would he stay with Farli and leave behind the comfortable lifestyle HE has known all this life? Would he be able to get past his dark past and concentrate on his future with Farli?
This book is not with easy decisions but it worked out for the best. Also fun fact is that we got answers to some questions like - For how long (actually) Sakh people are stranded on the strange planet? or more fun like - what is the biological purpose of spur? Ah! now I have your attention, don't I? *Giggle* No I'm not going to provide answers, you have to find out on your own.
It also provides answers to more questions like -
Where do Sakh people come from? While these couple of people are stranded on this planet what happened to their original planet?
Also, are Georgie and the crew the only members who are being abducted from Earth? What is more of the story of aliens who are kidnapping them to sell them in the slave market?
These are more deep and dark questions and I'm glad Ruby started touching on these topics as well...
OK, so at the start I mentioned, 'Never I imagined it would be this different!' but if you look at it from another perspective it is the same story of Georgy and Vektal but completely role reversal. The only difference is that Georgy is more like stuck on this ice planet whereas Mardok has the choice to leave it. What choice would he make? Would he convince Farli to come with him and ask her to leave behind everything she had ever known and loved or would he stay with Farli and leave behind the comfortable lifestyle HE has known all this life? Would he be able to get past his dark past and concentrate on his future with Farli?
This book is not with easy decisions but it worked out for the best. Also fun fact is that we got answers to some questions like - For how long (actually) Sakh people are stranded on the strange planet? or more fun like - what is the biological purpose of spur? Ah! now I have your attention, don't I? *Giggle* No I'm not going to provide answers, you have to find out on your own.
It also provides answers to more questions like -
Where do Sakh people come from? While these couple of people are stranded on this planet what happened to their original planet?
Also, are Georgie and the crew the only members who are being abducted from Earth? What is more of the story of aliens who are kidnapping them to sell them in the slave market?
These are more deep and dark questions and I'm glad Ruby started touching on these topics as well...
March 7, 2022
Eh this was pretty boring and I think I'm officially done with this series. I did enjoy how there were other aliens who landed on their planet and that's who Farli finally resonated with. But nothing about this book really made me care and I wasn't in love with the romance. Their conflict was how it would work since Mardok was from another planet and planned to go home, but I didn't really care about how they would be together. Farli just felt very naive and innocent and nothing about their romance really drew me in.
September 5, 2022
Farli’s story!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😠😘🤓😉🥰
The heroine: Farli - she is one of the Sa’Khui tribe, she was a teenager when the first human females landed. She has a D’Visti pet, which are a large animal the men hunt for food. She has seen all the men in her tribe find human mates and now she wants to resonate with a male.
The Hero: Mardok - He used to be a soldier and is now a mech on a spaceship. He is a Messakah and is blue like Farli, but he is not from the Ice Planet. He has a bionic arm, face tattoos and large horns. He and his crew land on the Ice planet and need to make repairs to their ship.
The Story: When Farli is out on a hunt with her pet Chompy, she comes across the ship and immediately sees Mardok, and she begins to resonate. They don’t speak a common language and when Chompy comes running towards them, Mardok shoots him. He doesn’t quite know what to do when Farli is crying so he takes the pet to the med bay of his ship.
Mardok is immediately taken by Farli. He loves the fact that she is bright and optimistic and always smiling. He is a former soldier who still suffers from some PTSD from a time when he and his fellow soldiers were abandoned on a war torn planet. So when Farli tells him that he is her mate and she wants him to stay on the cold and unforgiving planet, he sees it as being abandoned again with no way to escape.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. The narrators are Mason Lloyd and Hollie Jackson who both do a great job and who have done the narration for most of this series. I like this series because I have been able to skip around since I get the audiobooks on the Libby app and I have had to put them on hold, they don’t become available in order. There have been some plot points that are throughout the series that I have known about before they happen, but even when that happens, it ends up being nice to see what took place, and hasn’t been a big deal.
I have been waiting for this story as I knew of Mardok and the fact that he worked on a spaceship and he loves all the tech that can be gathered from any ship that lands on the ice planet so it was really nice to hear this story. Plus it was nice to see Farli all grown up. The world building was terrific and the characters were great. I like how sweet and light Farli is, she is all sunshine and rainbows, and it was a nice change from some of the other whiny females.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙💜❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 😠😘🤓😉🥰
The heroine: Farli - she is one of the Sa’Khui tribe, she was a teenager when the first human females landed. She has a D’Visti pet, which are a large animal the men hunt for food. She has seen all the men in her tribe find human mates and now she wants to resonate with a male.
The Hero: Mardok - He used to be a soldier and is now a mech on a spaceship. He is a Messakah and is blue like Farli, but he is not from the Ice Planet. He has a bionic arm, face tattoos and large horns. He and his crew land on the Ice planet and need to make repairs to their ship.
The Story: When Farli is out on a hunt with her pet Chompy, she comes across the ship and immediately sees Mardok, and she begins to resonate. They don’t speak a common language and when Chompy comes running towards them, Mardok shoots him. He doesn’t quite know what to do when Farli is crying so he takes the pet to the med bay of his ship.
Mardok is immediately taken by Farli. He loves the fact that she is bright and optimistic and always smiling. He is a former soldier who still suffers from some PTSD from a time when he and his fellow soldiers were abandoned on a war torn planet. So when Farli tells him that he is her mate and she wants him to stay on the cold and unforgiving planet, he sees it as being abandoned again with no way to escape.
This book was told in dual points of view via dual narration. The narrators are Mason Lloyd and Hollie Jackson who both do a great job and who have done the narration for most of this series. I like this series because I have been able to skip around since I get the audiobooks on the Libby app and I have had to put them on hold, they don’t become available in order. There have been some plot points that are throughout the series that I have known about before they happen, but even when that happens, it ends up being nice to see what took place, and hasn’t been a big deal.
I have been waiting for this story as I knew of Mardok and the fact that he worked on a spaceship and he loves all the tech that can be gathered from any ship that lands on the ice planet so it was really nice to hear this story. Plus it was nice to see Farli all grown up. The world building was terrific and the characters were great. I like how sweet and light Farli is, she is all sunshine and rainbows, and it was a nice change from some of the other whiny females.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
May 7, 2019
Ah... I love these books once in a while :) This one was awesome. Two blue horned aliens getting it on, what can be better?
still lurve them. #dontcare
still lurve them. #dontcare
May 25, 2022
Wow, definitiv ein Jahreshighlight!
February 7, 2017
I love these blue aliens and their ice planet and I've been waiting for Farli's story for so long! I figured that she'd end up with one of the unmated males. so it came as a surprise when instead she ends up with a male from the stars. It kind of felt like cheating on the tribe to be honest, with Farli being th e only pureblood remaining female that isn't mated already. Still Mardok was a likeable character and I got invested in their relationship . He had an interesting past and it was fascinating to see the struggle he went through. He is a noble man and a good match for Farli.
However, the ending of the book left a bad taste in my mouth. And while I will read the next book and the ones that follow (most likely) I will always feel bad about what happens and part of the magic will be gone forever.
October 3, 2024
*4.5 stars*
Adored this one! Farli was really the perfect mix of adorable and fierce. I loved getting her story after all this time. I also was very excited at how Barbarian's Choice advanced the plot of the whole IPB universe. I knew something like this was coming, but *whew*. I'm beyond excited to see what happens next. Another amazing romance that kept me up all night.
Adored this one! Farli was really the perfect mix of adorable and fierce. I loved getting her story after all this time. I also was very excited at how Barbarian's Choice advanced the plot of the whole IPB universe. I knew something like this was coming, but *whew*. I'm beyond excited to see what happens next. Another amazing romance that kept me up all night.
August 24, 2024
4 ⭐ I keffing love Farli and Mardok!
Bonus: We finally learn the biological purpose of the spur 😏
Summary:
When the humans first arrived on Not-Hoth, Farli was nothing more than a gangly teenage girl. But after many seasons, Farli has blossomed into a beautiful Sa-khui woman. She is also the only single, full blooded Sa-khui female left, and therefore, has a lot of suitors. However, Farli is only interested in a mate through resonance.
One day, while out hunting with her pet dvisti, Chahm-pee, Farli sees an alien ship land in the distance and decides to check it out. As she gets closer, she notices a handsome stranger working on the outside of the ship, and almost instantly her khui thrums with the song of resonance. However, his chest remains silent.
Mardok is a Sa-khui male, ex-soldier, and mechanic on The Tranquil Lady. He suffers from PTSD from a galactic war and prefers to be alone. When his ship makes an emergency landing on an uninhabited ice planet due to mechanical problems, he heads outside to fix the engine. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to find anyone, let alone a beautiful, mostly-naked Sa-khui female out in the snow. Almost instantly, Mardok feels a violent surge of possessiveness and sexual attraction towards her.
Even though they are both Sa-khui, they do not speak the same language. So Mardok brings Farli on the ship to upload a language file to his aural implant. Once they can communicate, Farli explains that he is her mate and must get a khui to live on Not-Hoth with her. However, Mardok's greatest fear is getting left behind, and the thought of being stranded on an ice planet makes him panic. Instead, he offers to take Farli with him.
Does Farli leave everything she knows and follow Mardok to the stars? Or does she stay and lose her mate forever?
My Thoughts:
Farli is an extremely loveable character. Typically, I find naive heroines annoying, but it only made Farli more endearing. She is so pure, innocent, and curious. There's not a mean bone in her body, and her kindness will make your heart melt. She is perfection.
Mardok is a big, sexy Mesakkah male with a lot of emotional struggles. In most of Ruby Dixon's IPB stories, the woman overcomes a personal challenge, so it was a welcome change to have the male work through some trauma instead.
The romance is exceptionally sweet. Farli is innocent but oh so determined to be with her mate, and Mardok is hesitant because he doesn't want to take advantage of such a sweet person. Their personalities complement each other really well, and they make an adorable couple.
I LOVE the focus on world building! We are introduced to new visitors from other planets, learn about Sa-khui/Mesakkah history, and even get some answers to important questions like 'how long has the sa-khui been stranded on Not-Hoth' and 'what the heck is the biological purpose of a spur?' 😉
Overall, Barbarian's Choice is another favorite for me in the Ice Planet Barbarians series. The storyline is different, the main couple is entertaining, and the in-depth world building is intriguing.
Ice Planet Barbarian Books + Ratings
💎 = Favorites
1. Ice Planet Barbarians - 4.5/5 💎
1.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Vektal & Georgie - 3/5
2. Barbarian Alien - 4/5
2.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz - 4/5
3. Barbarian Lover - 5/5 💎
3.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Aehako & Kira - 3.5/5
4. Barbarian Mine - 4.5/5 💎
4.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Rukh & Harlow - 4.5/5 💎
5. Ice Planet Holiday - 4/5
6. Barbarian’s Prize - 4/5
7. Barbarian’s Mate - 4/5
7.1. Having The Barbarian’s Baby- 3/5
7.2. Ice Ice Babies - 3.5/5
8. Barbarian’s Touch - 4/5
8.5. Calm - 3/5
9. Barbarian’s Taming - 4.5/5 💎
9.5. Aftershocks - 3.5/5
10. Barbarian’s Heart - 4.5/5 💎
11. Barbarian’s Hope - 4/5
12. Barbarian’s Choice - 4.5/5 💎
13. Barbarian’s Redemption - 4/5
14. Barbarian’s Lady - 5/5 💎
15. Barbarian’s Rescue - 3/5
16. Barbarian’s Tease - 3.5/5
16.5. The Barbarian Before Christmas - 3/5
17. Barbarian’s Beloved - 4.5/5 💎
17.5. Barbarian’s Valentine - 3.5/5
18. Barbarian’s Seduction - 4/5
19. Barbarian’s Treasure - 3/5
20. Barbarian’s Bride - 3.5/5
Bonus: We finally learn the biological purpose of the spur 😏
Summary:
When the humans first arrived on Not-Hoth, Farli was nothing more than a gangly teenage girl. But after many seasons, Farli has blossomed into a beautiful Sa-khui woman. She is also the only single, full blooded Sa-khui female left, and therefore, has a lot of suitors. However, Farli is only interested in a mate through resonance.
One day, while out hunting with her pet dvisti, Chahm-pee, Farli sees an alien ship land in the distance and decides to check it out. As she gets closer, she notices a handsome stranger working on the outside of the ship, and almost instantly her khui thrums with the song of resonance. However, his chest remains silent.
Mardok is a Sa-khui male, ex-soldier, and mechanic on The Tranquil Lady. He suffers from PTSD from a galactic war and prefers to be alone. When his ship makes an emergency landing on an uninhabited ice planet due to mechanical problems, he heads outside to fix the engine. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to find anyone, let alone a beautiful, mostly-naked Sa-khui female out in the snow. Almost instantly, Mardok feels a violent surge of possessiveness and sexual attraction towards her.
Even though they are both Sa-khui, they do not speak the same language. So Mardok brings Farli on the ship to upload a language file to his aural implant. Once they can communicate, Farli explains that he is her mate and must get a khui to live on Not-Hoth with her. However, Mardok's greatest fear is getting left behind, and the thought of being stranded on an ice planet makes him panic. Instead, he offers to take Farli with him.
Does Farli leave everything she knows and follow Mardok to the stars? Or does she stay and lose her mate forever?
My Thoughts:
Farli is an extremely loveable character. Typically, I find naive heroines annoying, but it only made Farli more endearing. She is so pure, innocent, and curious. There's not a mean bone in her body, and her kindness will make your heart melt. She is perfection.
Mardok is a big, sexy Mesakkah male with a lot of emotional struggles. In most of Ruby Dixon's IPB stories, the woman overcomes a personal challenge, so it was a welcome change to have the male work through some trauma instead.
The romance is exceptionally sweet. Farli is innocent but oh so determined to be with her mate, and Mardok is hesitant because he doesn't want to take advantage of such a sweet person. Their personalities complement each other really well, and they make an adorable couple.
I LOVE the focus on world building! We are introduced to new visitors from other planets, learn about Sa-khui/Mesakkah history, and even get some answers to important questions like 'how long has the sa-khui been stranded on Not-Hoth' and 'what the heck is the biological purpose of a spur?' 😉
Overall, Barbarian's Choice is another favorite for me in the Ice Planet Barbarians series. The storyline is different, the main couple is entertaining, and the in-depth world building is intriguing.
Ice Planet Barbarian Books + Ratings
💎 = Favorites
1. Ice Planet Barbarians - 4.5/5 💎
1.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Vektal & Georgie - 3/5
2. Barbarian Alien - 4/5
2.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz - 4/5
3. Barbarian Lover - 5/5 💎
3.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Aehako & Kira - 3.5/5
4. Barbarian Mine - 4.5/5 💎
4.5. Ice Planet Honeymoon: Rukh & Harlow - 4.5/5 💎
5. Ice Planet Holiday - 4/5
6. Barbarian’s Prize - 4/5
7. Barbarian’s Mate - 4/5
7.1. Having The Barbarian’s Baby- 3/5
7.2. Ice Ice Babies - 3.5/5
8. Barbarian’s Touch - 4/5
8.5. Calm - 3/5
9. Barbarian’s Taming - 4.5/5 💎
9.5. Aftershocks - 3.5/5
10. Barbarian’s Heart - 4.5/5 💎
11. Barbarian’s Hope - 4/5
12. Barbarian’s Choice - 4.5/5 💎
13. Barbarian’s Redemption - 4/5
14. Barbarian’s Lady - 5/5 💎
15. Barbarian’s Rescue - 3/5
16. Barbarian’s Tease - 3.5/5
16.5. The Barbarian Before Christmas - 3/5
17. Barbarian’s Beloved - 4.5/5 💎
17.5. Barbarian’s Valentine - 3.5/5
18. Barbarian’s Seduction - 4/5
19. Barbarian’s Treasure - 3/5
20. Barbarian’s Bride - 3.5/5
November 4, 2020
Farli was an awesome heroine, and it was exciting to see how she has grown from the teenage girl we first met to a brave hunter who is unafraid to go for what she wants. The romance itself was only OK in this one, but I'm excited for this time jump that's going to set up new adventures for our ice planet friends
February 6, 2017
As I was expecting this is a cute, Blue Barbarian style, story!
I liked the way Farli is behaving. She's naive, but in a cute way. Usually I hate naive heroines, but Farli was endearing.
Mardok was a little bit an idiot in his reticence, but I could sympathize knowing where he lived before. I know that I would hate it with vengeance!!!
I also liked the new plot inserted in the book: how much time has passed since the first Sakhs crashed on the Ice planet? Why there's no trace of that first lost ship? What haeppend?
I hope Ms. Dixon explores ll that in her next books! I know that I would love to read them!
I liked the way Farli is behaving. She's naive, but in a cute way. Usually I hate naive heroines, but Farli was endearing.
Mardok was a little bit an idiot in his reticence, but I could sympathize knowing where he lived before. I know that I would hate it with vengeance!!!
I also liked the new plot inserted in the book: how much time has passed since the first Sakhs crashed on the Ice planet? Why there's no trace of that first lost ship? What haeppend?
I hope Ms. Dixon explores ll that in her next books! I know that I would love to read them!
July 3, 2023
“If I stay here, I leave behind everyone and everything I have ever known.”
“If I go with you, I do the same.”
Summary:
Farli’s story at last! Barbarian’s Choice is an interesting digression from the series’ earlier books in that it takes place ≈ 8 years after the humans crashed on Not-Hoth (or, officially, Kopan VI, as we finally learn!). The humans and sa-khui are now fully settled—both on the “ice planet” and into Croatoan, the village established post-earthquake.
Farli, who was a teenager in previous books, has grown into a skilled, independent hunter. All the unattached sa-khui males fawn over and proposition her, but Farli has no interest in casual hookups; she’s waiting for resonance. While hunting, Farli observes a spacecraft land and goes to investigate. She is stunned to discover that 1) the alien visitors look sa-khui, and 2) she’s resonating to one of them.
Mardok is a war veteran now working as mechanic and security on The Tranquil Lady, a small cargo transport ship. Mardok belongs to the mesakkah people—from whom the sa-khui apparently descend. His ship was forced to land on Kopan VI to fix a mechanical issue enroute to a remote planet delivery. Encountering Farli on a documented uninhabited planet, Mardok and his crew decide to meet with Farli’s people to see if they need rescue.
Despite the one-sided resonance (given that Mardok has no khui), Mardok is immediately and undeniably drawn to Farli. This strange female wants a future with him and, though interested, Mardok is terrified of being abandoned on this inhospitable planet. Farli could go with Mardok to the mesakkah Homeworld and Cap City—but that would mean forever leaving her family and everything she has ever known. Moreover, leaving Kopan VI, Farli would lose her khui—can these two virtual strangers make a life together without resonance?
My Feelings:
Conflicted! I LOVED the early IPB books, but the later ones have been either outright terrible or disappointingly mid. As the series goes on, the plots have been repetitive, the problematic things bother me more and more, and the spice level has held at an unimpressive 2-3/5 🌶️. The indulgent fantasy that made the first books so captivating is no longer novel. Farli’s book had a lot of potential to reinvigorate the series.
In Barbarian’s Choice, Dixon significantly expands the world building. I loved getting a wider picture of this universe, interplanetary society, the mysterious history behind how the sa-khui came to be on Kopan VI. At this point, that is what is keeping me hooked on this series—every time I’m ready to quit, I’m drawn back in because I want to know the planet’s and people’s history.
Idk. If I keep reading, it’s for the world building, not the relationships. Maybe it’s time for me to branch out into Dixon’s other books.
Rating: 2 stars.
Star Criteria:
1: Entertaining? Yes.
2: Creative? Yes.
3: Educational value? There’s some sciencey stuff, but nothing that’s really going to help you win trivia or anything.
4: Offers underrepresented perspective? No.
5: Innovative? No.
“If I go with you, I do the same.”
Summary:
Farli’s story at last! Barbarian’s Choice is an interesting digression from the series’ earlier books in that it takes place ≈ 8 years after the humans crashed on Not-Hoth (or, officially, Kopan VI, as we finally learn!). The humans and sa-khui are now fully settled—both on the “ice planet” and into Croatoan, the village established post-earthquake.
Farli, who was a teenager in previous books, has grown into a skilled, independent hunter. All the unattached sa-khui males fawn over and proposition her, but Farli has no interest in casual hookups; she’s waiting for resonance. While hunting, Farli observes a spacecraft land and goes to investigate. She is stunned to discover that 1) the alien visitors look sa-khui, and 2) she’s resonating to one of them.
Mardok is a war veteran now working as mechanic and security on The Tranquil Lady, a small cargo transport ship. Mardok belongs to the mesakkah people—from whom the sa-khui apparently descend. His ship was forced to land on Kopan VI to fix a mechanical issue enroute to a remote planet delivery. Encountering Farli on a documented uninhabited planet, Mardok and his crew decide to meet with Farli’s people to see if they need rescue.
Despite the one-sided resonance (given that Mardok has no khui), Mardok is immediately and undeniably drawn to Farli. This strange female wants a future with him and, though interested, Mardok is terrified of being abandoned on this inhospitable planet. Farli could go with Mardok to the mesakkah Homeworld and Cap City—but that would mean forever leaving her family and everything she has ever known. Moreover, leaving Kopan VI, Farli would lose her khui—can these two virtual strangers make a life together without resonance?
My Feelings:
Conflicted! I LOVED the early IPB books, but the later ones have been either outright terrible or disappointingly mid. As the series goes on, the plots have been repetitive, the problematic things bother me more and more, and the spice level has held at an unimpressive 2-3/5 🌶️. The indulgent fantasy that made the first books so captivating is no longer novel. Farli’s book had a lot of potential to reinvigorate the series.
In Barbarian’s Choice, Dixon significantly expands the world building. I loved getting a wider picture of this universe, interplanetary society, the mysterious history behind how the sa-khui came to be on Kopan VI. At this point, that is what is keeping me hooked on this series—every time I’m ready to quit, I’m drawn back in because I want to know the planet’s and people’s history.
Idk. If I keep reading, it’s for the world building, not the relationships. Maybe it’s time for me to branch out into Dixon’s other books.
Rating: 2 stars.
Star Criteria:
1: Entertaining? Yes.
2: Creative? Yes.
3: Educational value? There’s some sciencey stuff, but nothing that’s really going to help you win trivia or anything.
4: Offers underrepresented perspective? No.
5: Innovative? No.
May 9, 2024
Opening a IPB book: depression = gone
December 14, 2017
4.5 This is what I needed Stars
I always go back to this series. I can’t explain what I love about this series, some books are better than others, but after the last book I needed a break. I was hesitant in reading this one because the Heroine is alien too. I know, two aliens right? Anyhow, I was REALLY surprised on how much I liked this one.
We have been reading about Farli for awhile now. She’s finally grown into a woman, but she doesn’t want any of the men in the tribe. You should never settle! Until one day some aliens crash lands on her planet.
Have you ever started watching a TV series and really like the first few seasons, but after awhile it starts to get dull until someone dies or a new character comes along? This is what I feel like happened. A new character comes alone and Mardox is a breath of fresh air!
Breathe it in ladies.
I really liked the premise of this book and I love reading about the relationship between Farli and Mardox. I loved how young and innocent Farli was and I love how different Mardox was.
Gah, Mardox was the star of this book. He brought something new, fresh and just something different to the series. YES! I liked that he was alien too and the two aliens happened to work out in my favor. I really enjoy their story.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you want to bounce around in the series, you can read this one because it’s one of my top favs.
I always go back to this series. I can’t explain what I love about this series, some books are better than others, but after the last book I needed a break. I was hesitant in reading this one because the Heroine is alien too. I know, two aliens right? Anyhow, I was REALLY surprised on how much I liked this one.
We have been reading about Farli for awhile now. She’s finally grown into a woman, but she doesn’t want any of the men in the tribe. You should never settle! Until one day some aliens crash lands on her planet.
Have you ever started watching a TV series and really like the first few seasons, but after awhile it starts to get dull until someone dies or a new character comes along? This is what I feel like happened. A new character comes alone and Mardox is a breath of fresh air!
Breathe it in ladies.
I really liked the premise of this book and I love reading about the relationship between Farli and Mardox. I loved how young and innocent Farli was and I love how different Mardox was.
Gah, Mardox was the star of this book. He brought something new, fresh and just something different to the series. YES! I liked that he was alien too and the two aliens happened to work out in my favor. I really enjoy their story.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you want to bounce around in the series, you can read this one because it’s one of my top favs.
February 25, 2017
I really wanted Farli to have an amazing hero. For some reason I didn't fully connect with the one she got, Mardok. He didn't seem very alpha and he pushed away.. those just kinda hurt. But I love this series so much. I absolutely adore how this tribe is such a fabulous family. I also really cherished the ending . So glad he stepped up. Also it left room with what Bek does to really open so many doors for future stories..
April 11, 2023
I don't know how I've made it this far into the series or why I still want to continue. I either hate myself or I'm falling into a deep depression.
April 18, 2024
2.5 ☆
Unimpressed. Also, it was said too many times how innocent and how much she acts like a child.
“Childlike wonder”
“Innocent touches”
“Untamed”
“Like a kit”
“Like a toddler”
Unimpressed. Also, it was said too many times how innocent and how much she acts like a child.
“Childlike wonder”
“Innocent touches”
“Untamed”
“Like a kit”
“Like a toddler”
May 7, 2023
Still going strong! Still enthralled with these big blue barbarians!
December 19, 2016
Farli and Mardok, these two were just adorable. I love how I got to watch Farli grow into her adulthood throughout this series. I fell in love with her on an adolescent level and then got to fall in love with her as a woman in this book. I was really hoping she was going to somehow meet a human man…but no such luck. If I had a second choice picked out, Mardok would be it. I love how he tried to fight his feelings for Farli and even though he was resonating with her because he wasn’t from her planet, he still was deeply deeply in love with her. I love how he never forced her into doing anything, especially at the end of the book. I loved his turmoil when trying to decide his fate and it just made me fall in love with him even more. I was a little disappointed on how the book ended….Bek…I had such high hopes for you. I wanted him to redeem himself from all the bad he did before. I don’t like the path he is starting to take.
December 20, 2016
Loved this book, but what else is there to expect from this author and this series, and Christmas came early with the ending of this book. I couldn't be any happier! I loved Farli in this book we've been waiting a while for this book and Farli lives up to everything we expected. I love how the hero is introduced to us proving yet again Ms. Dixon can pull thing out of her bag we will never guess. I loved this book from beginning to end, and I can't wait for what comes next, and the next book can't come quick enough. I can't recommend this book enough.
August 22, 2022
Mardok was the hottest alien boyfriend, dayum! And I loved to see Farli as main protagonist at last. She was so endearing and eager, that combination created a very unique situation.
I was so anxious thinking they were going to leave, gah! But at the same time… food, beaches, cities, technology… it’s a tough decision 😅
I don’t know how I feel about Bek and what he did tbh. His book is next so let’s see what happens.
I was so anxious thinking they were going to leave, gah! But at the same time… food, beaches, cities, technology… it’s a tough decision 😅
I don’t know how I feel about Bek and what he did tbh. His book is next so let’s see what happens.
September 21, 2019
I was so excited to see Farlie had her own book. And it was awesome to get more insight about the tribes ancestors
His laughter feels like a caress, and I hate that I am up here on this platform and he is down there. Why can we not be in the furs together? I will gladly sweat in this heat if it means I can touch him. He is just below me, and if I were on the ground, we would be close enough to touch.
On impulse, I move to the edge of the bed and then roll off the side. I land on his chest, and my forehead knocks into his. My khui’s song increases.
“Ooof,” he groans, and then touches my arm. “Are you okay, Farli? Did you fall off?”
“I wanted to visit,” I say.
Farli, I shouldn’t be here.” He very gently tries to pry me off of him. “I’m flattered—hell, I’m attracted to you like crazy, too, but we can’t do this.”
I ignore his words, focusing on what I like. “You are attracted to me, too?” It makes me wiggle with pleasure.
He groans, and his hands go to my shoulders, as if trying to hold me still. “Stop moving like that. You’re going to kill me.”
I giggle. I have no idea what he just said, but I like the wonder in his voice. “It was a good mouth-mating, yes? I liked it. We should do it more.”
He groans. “Have mercy. I won’t be able to control myself if you do that again. Give me a moment to compose myself.” His hands stroke my mane again and then slide down my sides. “Gods, you are really, really naked.”
We’re at an impasse. I tell myself maybe I should consider staying here on the ice planet, but the thought makes me shudder. Left behind? Watch the ship depart, knowing I’ve been abandoned for good? The thought makes me sick in my gut. Staying here is a one-way ticket.
His laughter feels like a caress, and I hate that I am up here on this platform and he is down there. Why can we not be in the furs together? I will gladly sweat in this heat if it means I can touch him. He is just below me, and if I were on the ground, we would be close enough to touch.
On impulse, I move to the edge of the bed and then roll off the side. I land on his chest, and my forehead knocks into his. My khui’s song increases.
“Ooof,” he groans, and then touches my arm. “Are you okay, Farli? Did you fall off?”
“I wanted to visit,” I say.
Farli, I shouldn’t be here.” He very gently tries to pry me off of him. “I’m flattered—hell, I’m attracted to you like crazy, too, but we can’t do this.”
I ignore his words, focusing on what I like. “You are attracted to me, too?” It makes me wiggle with pleasure.
He groans, and his hands go to my shoulders, as if trying to hold me still. “Stop moving like that. You’re going to kill me.”
I giggle. I have no idea what he just said, but I like the wonder in his voice. “It was a good mouth-mating, yes? I liked it. We should do it more.”
He groans. “Have mercy. I won’t be able to control myself if you do that again. Give me a moment to compose myself.” His hands stroke my mane again and then slide down my sides. “Gods, you are really, really naked.”
We’re at an impasse. I tell myself maybe I should consider staying here on the ice planet, but the thought makes me shudder. Left behind? Watch the ship depart, knowing I’ve been abandoned for good? The thought makes me sick in my gut. Staying here is a one-way ticket.
May 15, 2019
Guau! esta novela fue una autentica sorpresa, no imaginaba que la historia de Farli iba a hacerme pasar un momento tan agradable.
Barbarian' s Choice no solo tiene una trama interesantisima y diferente a la de los libros anteriores sino que ademas tiene una pareja protagonista con una quimica explosiva que te conquista desde su primera escena.
Mardok y Farli fueron dos personajes geniales a los que le tome mucho cariño, tambien me gusto que el desarrollo de esta lectura fuera diferente a la de sus predecesoras, pero lo que realmente me encanto fue el nuevo giro que introduce la autora, fue totalmente sorprendente.
En resumen, Barbarian' s Choice me sorprendio gratamente, no solo debido a su trama sino tambien por la evolucion taaan impresionante que ha ido desenvolviendo Rubi Dixon con el paso de las novelas.
Una de mis partes favoritas de esta saga, se me paso en un instante.
4 Estrellas!!
February 7, 2017
But what about the honeymoon?
This was good, but it just wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be since we are FINALLY getting Farli's story! Mardok wasn't as dynamic or alpha or exotic as expected. He was just too troubled. Plus, I felt let down about the whole khui thing. But still, it looks like there will be more blue-skinned barbarians getting mates in the future, and I'm all in!
This was good, but it just wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be since we are FINALLY getting Farli's story! Mardok wasn't as dynamic or alpha or exotic as expected. He was just too troubled. Plus, I felt let down about the whole khui thing. But still, it looks like there will be more blue-skinned barbarians getting mates in the future, and I'm all in!
July 21, 2025
Summary:
I have finished Barbarian’s Choice and I’m giving it ★★★★½ though let me tell you, that last chapter made me want to launch this book into orbit. I get it, Ruby. I get it. It was necessary. It builds lore. You’re the writer and I’m not. But I reserve the right to be mad. And honestly? I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive Bek. That was a personal attack.
Now that I’ve screamed into the void: this book was excellent. One of the most interesting instalments yet. The lore is coming in hot, the stakes are high, and the romance? YES. If you’re not still reading this series for Georgie and Vektal (and really why aren’t you?) you should be reading it for Farli and Mardok. Trust me.
Characters:
Farli:
Our girl is the eldest unmated female in the tribe and feeling the pressure from all sides. Everyone expects her to settle down with one of the four available hunters like it’s speed dating night in the caves. But Farli wants RESONANCE, and when Mardok crashes into her life (literally, spaceship-style), she decides she’s going after what she wants. Her determination, curiosity, and kindness made her so easy to root for, and it was so refreshing to watch her be the one doing the pursuing.
Mardok:
Tech-savvy, grumpy-ish, and entirely confused about why he’s catching feelings in the middle of a snowstorm. He’s used to advanced everything, technology, medicine, clothes, and yet this bright, beautiful alien girl completely knocks him off balance. He never once judges Farli or underestimates her, and his quiet respect and genuine affection made him such a solid, swoony addition to the series.
Overall Thoughts:
Okay, now this is important: the description of this book? A little misleading. It makes it seem like the story goes in one direction, and it doesn’t. That’s all I’ll say because spoilers, but just know it’s a twist and it’s a good one. This was one of the most satisfying romances in the whole series. It’s got emotional payoff, a unique dynamic, and a heroine who knows what she wants and goes for it.
And then… that ending. That final chapter. Ruby, I’m holding a grudge.
Rating:
★★★★½
I have finished Barbarian’s Choice and I’m giving it ★★★★½ though let me tell you, that last chapter made me want to launch this book into orbit. I get it, Ruby. I get it. It was necessary. It builds lore. You’re the writer and I’m not. But I reserve the right to be mad. And honestly? I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive Bek. That was a personal attack.
Now that I’ve screamed into the void: this book was excellent. One of the most interesting instalments yet. The lore is coming in hot, the stakes are high, and the romance? YES. If you’re not still reading this series for Georgie and Vektal (and really why aren’t you?) you should be reading it for Farli and Mardok. Trust me.
Characters:
Farli:
Our girl is the eldest unmated female in the tribe and feeling the pressure from all sides. Everyone expects her to settle down with one of the four available hunters like it’s speed dating night in the caves. But Farli wants RESONANCE, and when Mardok crashes into her life (literally, spaceship-style), she decides she’s going after what she wants. Her determination, curiosity, and kindness made her so easy to root for, and it was so refreshing to watch her be the one doing the pursuing.
Mardok:
Tech-savvy, grumpy-ish, and entirely confused about why he’s catching feelings in the middle of a snowstorm. He’s used to advanced everything, technology, medicine, clothes, and yet this bright, beautiful alien girl completely knocks him off balance. He never once judges Farli or underestimates her, and his quiet respect and genuine affection made him such a solid, swoony addition to the series.
Overall Thoughts:
Okay, now this is important: the description of this book? A little misleading. It makes it seem like the story goes in one direction, and it doesn’t. That’s all I’ll say because spoilers, but just know it’s a twist and it’s a good one. This was one of the most satisfying romances in the whole series. It’s got emotional payoff, a unique dynamic, and a heroine who knows what she wants and goes for it.
And then… that ending. That final chapter. Ruby, I’m holding a grudge.
Rating:
★★★★½
July 13, 2025
Drama & suspense ✔️ Funny & cute✔️ Female Barbarian being direct & naughty talk✔️
Farli’s an interesting gal, Mardok was perfect amount of (jealous) protector even without the “cootie” 💙🪱💙
This one’s definitely interesting & different, I’ll admit-I was worried The Captain was gonna screw over the Tribe, but glad he was honourable that way at least 😉
I don’t like Trakan 😡 I was hoping a Metlak would beat the crap outta him😉
I’m kinda glad Captain couldn’t take the ship with the red light that was basically killing the “Sky-Claw” creatures for the barbarians in an odd way!
😮Bek!! Did not know you were so crafty!! As always, still thinking of your dear tribesmen⭐️
I would have asked for them to leave a few blasters 💥🔫, and some tools!!
Farli’s an interesting gal, Mardok was perfect amount of (jealous) protector even without the “cootie” 💙🪱💙
This one’s definitely interesting & different, I’ll admit-I was worried The Captain was gonna screw over the Tribe, but glad he was honourable that way at least 😉
I don’t like Trakan 😡 I was hoping a Metlak would beat the crap outta him😉
I’m kinda glad Captain couldn’t take the ship with the red light that was basically killing the “Sky-Claw” creatures for the barbarians in an odd way!
😮Bek!! Did not know you were so crafty!! As always, still thinking of your dear tribesmen⭐️
I would have asked for them to leave a few blasters 💥🔫, and some tools!!
May 29, 2022
It's a amazing how so far in the series she makes a couple's romance feel "fresh" and unique in its own right. 4.5 stars one of my favorites I think
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