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Toxic
Lexi isn't your normal Malok. She craves adventure and freedom from the mundane life forced upon her. 100 years ago, the first drop of acid rain fell. Maloks fled to the mountains, building a new way of life—a desolate life—a life Lexi knows all too well.
Lexi has a plan, her ticket out of this miserable existence, becoming a ranger. Aron, her partner, believes she’s not strong enough to fight alongside him. Lexi will stop at nothing, no matter what the danger, to achieve her independence, even if that means defying him.
Amidst everything, Marcus, Lexi’s childhood best friend makes a sudden return. Before she can rejoice in a reunion, her happiness is crushed when she sees Mae, the bully that had terrorized her in her teens. Marcus was aware of the mental abuse Lexi had suffered and yet the person she loved and the person she hated the most, stand before her, together.
Lexi has a plan, her ticket out of this miserable existence, becoming a ranger. Aron, her partner, believes she’s not strong enough to fight alongside him. Lexi will stop at nothing, no matter what the danger, to achieve her independence, even if that means defying him.
Amidst everything, Marcus, Lexi’s childhood best friend makes a sudden return. Before she can rejoice in a reunion, her happiness is crushed when she sees Mae, the bully that had terrorized her in her teens. Marcus was aware of the mental abuse Lexi had suffered and yet the person she loved and the person she hated the most, stand before her, together.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2019
About the author
Karen J. Mossman
38 books207 followersKaren J. Mossman is an author with Norns Triad Publications. She is also:
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She lives in Anglesey, a small island off north Wales with her husband and two dogs.
Find our more about her and her books here - https://nornstriad.com/authors/karen-...
* Proofreader
* Avid Reader
* Book Reviewer
* Book Blogger
* Promoter
* Graphic Artist
* Editor
She lives in Anglesey, a small island off north Wales with her husband and two dogs.
Find our more about her and her books here - https://nornstriad.com/authors/karen-...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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April 26, 2019Electric Eclectic Books offers a unique collection of novelettes and I have read many of them. Their latest offerings are the same story by two of their authors, one is an adult version and the other a romantic version. The less graphic version of Toxic: An Electric Eclectic Book by author Karen Mossman takes a softer look at a dystopian society where humans, now known as Maloks, have been forced to live inside a mountain called Mt. Elta. Due to extreme carelessness, Earth has been reduced to a polluted ruin.
Lexi lives in a world of rules designed to keep the Maloks safe. However, there are some who have disobeyed those rules, Outcasts, and become addicted to a substance called Dozax made from a plant called Terra. Once caught they were sent away by the governing committee to the Outlands. The plant has amazing healing properties, but the “outcasts” use it for recreational purposes, eventually becoming hooked on it. Despite the dangers of the world outside the mountain Lexi loves to venture out.
Lexi is a medic, but she wants a more adventurous role as a ranger. However, her boyfriend Aron doesn’t believe she is strong enough to fulfill the duties of a ranger. Aron is a ranger himself, and while he loves Lexi, he treats her like a child. Their relationship is unsatisfying for Lexi. She hungers for passion, but Aron is a boring lover. She dreams of a friend from her youth, Marcus, who has gone to live elsewhere. Though they only shared one kiss, he excited her. Lexi regrets not telling Marcus how she felt.
Lexi is also different from other Maloks. Born with blue eyes, doctors predicted she would go blind. However, an operation saved her sight. Lexi is also a sensitive; she is often aware of things others aren’t. Because of her differences, she is bullied by a girl named Mae when she is a child. Marcus encourages her to be brave and confident.
When Lexi enters the Ranger training program surprises begin. Marcus is back as a Commander and he is assisted by her old nemesis, Mae. Heartbroken to see them as a couple Lexi resigns herself to the loss of her past relationship.
When the Maloks locate the hiding place of the Outcasts a battle ensues. This is the most exciting part of the book. During the fighting, Lexi learns how strong she is. She finds out that things are not always what they appear at first glance and people can change.
This is a sweet love story wrapped in the tragic consequences of a world population that ignored the warning signs of disaster. I’d love to see a sequel to this story.
Lexi lives in a world of rules designed to keep the Maloks safe. However, there are some who have disobeyed those rules, Outcasts, and become addicted to a substance called Dozax made from a plant called Terra. Once caught they were sent away by the governing committee to the Outlands. The plant has amazing healing properties, but the “outcasts” use it for recreational purposes, eventually becoming hooked on it. Despite the dangers of the world outside the mountain Lexi loves to venture out.
Lexi is a medic, but she wants a more adventurous role as a ranger. However, her boyfriend Aron doesn’t believe she is strong enough to fulfill the duties of a ranger. Aron is a ranger himself, and while he loves Lexi, he treats her like a child. Their relationship is unsatisfying for Lexi. She hungers for passion, but Aron is a boring lover. She dreams of a friend from her youth, Marcus, who has gone to live elsewhere. Though they only shared one kiss, he excited her. Lexi regrets not telling Marcus how she felt.
Lexi is also different from other Maloks. Born with blue eyes, doctors predicted she would go blind. However, an operation saved her sight. Lexi is also a sensitive; she is often aware of things others aren’t. Because of her differences, she is bullied by a girl named Mae when she is a child. Marcus encourages her to be brave and confident.
When Lexi enters the Ranger training program surprises begin. Marcus is back as a Commander and he is assisted by her old nemesis, Mae. Heartbroken to see them as a couple Lexi resigns herself to the loss of her past relationship.
When the Maloks locate the hiding place of the Outcasts a battle ensues. This is the most exciting part of the book. During the fighting, Lexi learns how strong she is. She finds out that things are not always what they appear at first glance and people can change.
This is a sweet love story wrapped in the tragic consequences of a world population that ignored the warning signs of disaster. I’d love to see a sequel to this story.
July 13, 2020
Very well written novelette of romance and survival in another time. I always marvel how some authors can bring to life characters and surroundings is a world that exists only in their mind. A recommended read.
May 21, 2019
This is a very gripping book of past and present love, betrayal, struggles and victories.
What one woman does to show to her partner and friends let a lone herself what she is truly made of.
She has suffered mental abuse but is stronger then they think.
It shows you things can change, so can people and that not everything as it may appear at first glance. So don't be to hasty in your choices you make because you could be making a dreadful mistake.
I recommend this short story. it truly is worth the read.
What one woman does to show to her partner and friends let a lone herself what she is truly made of.
She has suffered mental abuse but is stronger then they think.
It shows you things can change, so can people and that not everything as it may appear at first glance. So don't be to hasty in your choices you make because you could be making a dreadful mistake.
I recommend this short story. it truly is worth the read.
June 25, 2026
Although only a short story, the author did a nice job of building the world, and I found it very easy to get into. I quite enjoyed the whole system that the rangers lived by, and the description of the base and how everyone worked and trained together was well done. I really got immersed in the attack scene; it gave me some of Starship Trooper vibes, and I loved it.
One thing in particular I would have loved to have seen more of would be the main character, Lexi, and Mae, the girl who used to bully her. There was so much good back-and-forth banter between the two, and I feel this would have turned into a great, love/hate kind of friendship. I would also love to have seen more of Marcus. He did have quite an endearing presence. I would be nice to explore him and his relationship with Lexy before and during the present timeline.
All in all, the story was an enjoyable, well-written read. I would definitely read another book by the author, and if she ever decides to expand on this piece, I would absolutely want to read it.
One thing in particular I would have loved to have seen more of would be the main character, Lexi, and Mae, the girl who used to bully her. There was so much good back-and-forth banter between the two, and I feel this would have turned into a great, love/hate kind of friendship. I would also love to have seen more of Marcus. He did have quite an endearing presence. I would be nice to explore him and his relationship with Lexy before and during the present timeline.
All in all, the story was an enjoyable, well-written read. I would definitely read another book by the author, and if she ever decides to expand on this piece, I would absolutely want to read it.
July 3, 2026
Set in a future devastated by war and acid rain, Toxic is at heart a romance story. Lexi is in a stilted and strained relationship with Aron within the mountain community humans now live in. Though safe from the acid rain, the community have other dangers to deal with in the form of 'feral' humanoids that somehow survive on the outside. Lexi's world is thrown into chaos when her old flame Marcus arrives at the community as their new governor, alongside her old arch enemy and bully, Mae. The romance storyline is dealt with really well, woven expertly with the war the community is preparing for. Lexi has jealousy, old rivalries and wounds to deal with, all while she trains to fight for her community's very survival. I enjoyed the storyline very much and felt the world-building was also excellently done. Lexi was a great protagonist and I think this makes a perfect short read for anyone who enjoys romance and post-apocalyptic stories.
January 12, 2026
Toxic (Kindle Edition)
by Karen J. Mossman
An apocalyptic fiction romance, that has a unique premise. Containing some elements of H. G. Wells the Time Machine. This book shows some advance in the lore. That the idea that we polluted our environment beyond human compacity is interesting. That natures response is a plant of phenomenal properties is hopeful. The resilience of humanity shows that division even affect this dark future.
December 7, 2025
A slightly different type of read for me but I enjoyed it. Interesting characters and a forced way of life due to acid rain. Not sure I would ever survive this lifestyle myself. Some action but fairly short scene, full on while it lasted though. Not read this author before but I know she writes other genres as well so worth checking her out.
December 7, 2025
This is the first time I've read anything by this author.
I found it a nice easy read. Loved the connection between the characters.
I found it a nice easy read. Loved the connection between the characters.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews