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Men of the North #0
Forbidden Letters
Curiosity has the ability to turn the smartest person into a reckless fool.
"Few dared live as close to the border as us. Not even the long-standing peace treaty between our two nations could make people forget how the savage Men of the North used to hunt down and kidnap women here."
If only Devina hadn’t been so damned curious by nature, she would have never picked up that letter thrown across the Northern wall. Now, she is horrified to see that it’s from a teenage girl who is only weeks away from being auctioned off in a bridal tournament. With no time to waste, Devina is determined to help the girl escape, even if it means putting herself in danger.
Forbidden Letters is a stand-alone prequel to Elin Peer’s wildly popular dystopian romance series, Men of the North.
The entire series is out, so if you like binge reading there will be no waiting for the next installment.
Get this book and see why readers are raving about the masterful dialogue and unexpected plotline.
"Few dared live as close to the border as us. Not even the long-standing peace treaty between our two nations could make people forget how the savage Men of the North used to hunt down and kidnap women here."
If only Devina hadn’t been so damned curious by nature, she would have never picked up that letter thrown across the Northern wall. Now, she is horrified to see that it’s from a teenage girl who is only weeks away from being auctioned off in a bridal tournament. With no time to waste, Devina is determined to help the girl escape, even if it means putting herself in danger.
Forbidden Letters is a stand-alone prequel to Elin Peer’s wildly popular dystopian romance series, Men of the North.
The entire series is out, so if you like binge reading there will be no waiting for the next installment.
Get this book and see why readers are raving about the masterful dialogue and unexpected plotline.
Audible Audio
First published July 1, 2019
478 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Elin Peer
71 books856 followersWith a background in life coaching, Elin is easy to talk to and with over thirty-six books under her belt, fans rave about her unique writing style that has subtle elements of coaching mixed into fictional love stories with happy endings.
Elin is curious by nature. She likes to explore and can tell you about trekking through the Asian jungle, watching the sunset in the Sahara Desert, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, kayaking in Alaska, river rafting in Indonesia, and flying over Greenland in a helicopter.
She enjoys writing books with her talented daughter Pearl Beacon, whom she describes as one of the kindest and wisest people she knows.
To connect or learn more, please visit Elin at:
Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram or simply send an email to: elin@elinpeer.com
Elin is curious by nature. She likes to explore and can tell you about trekking through the Asian jungle, watching the sunset in the Sahara Desert, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, kayaking in Alaska, river rafting in Indonesia, and flying over Greenland in a helicopter.
She enjoys writing books with her talented daughter Pearl Beacon, whom she describes as one of the kindest and wisest people she knows.
To connect or learn more, please visit Elin at:
Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram or simply send an email to: elin@elinpeer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
September 26, 2019
From opposite sides of the Wall
stars.
I’m amazed that with So many books in this series, author Elin Peer continues to deliver high quality story telling complete with a well developed plot, fleshed out characters and an emotional appealing romance.
Forbidden Letters is a prequel giving us some background into the further breakdown of relations between the Mothlanders and Nman due to some prejudices due to the war. What a subtle commentary on societal prejudices and stereotypes but written without a heavy-handed dose of her opinion. I didn’t feel like it was preachy at all.
Devina and Tyton are one of my favorite couples in this series. They were both brave and flexible despite their societal views at that time. Tyton reminded me of Alexander Boulder, Christina’s husband, because he was protective without being overbearing or aggressively alpha.
Tyton’s Family was exactly what Devina needed and I love their journey to love as it was full of twist and turns. The story flowed so well, the pacing was perfect and the story left me feeling really happy at the end.
I recommend that readers DON’T start with this one. I believe I enjoyed it more having read the other stories in order first.
stars.
I’m amazed that with So many books in this series, author Elin Peer continues to deliver high quality story telling complete with a well developed plot, fleshed out characters and an emotional appealing romance.
Forbidden Letters is a prequel giving us some background into the further breakdown of relations between the Mothlanders and Nman due to some prejudices due to the war. What a subtle commentary on societal prejudices and stereotypes but written without a heavy-handed dose of her opinion. I didn’t feel like it was preachy at all.
Devina and Tyton are one of my favorite couples in this series. They were both brave and flexible despite their societal views at that time. Tyton reminded me of Alexander Boulder, Christina’s husband, because he was protective without being overbearing or aggressively alpha.
Tyton’s Family was exactly what Devina needed and I love their journey to love as it was full of twist and turns. The story flowed so well, the pacing was perfect and the story left me feeling really happy at the end.
I recommend that readers DON’T start with this one. I believe I enjoyed it more having read the other stories in order first.
March 15, 2023
Purchase Amazon November 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
Just to remind everyone, I round Down
Not up!
The pace was a bit slow but I did enjoy it.
I will be reading more of this series this year. 2023.
It's interesting.
I expect it to get much better as the series continues.
This is the 'Beginning' story
The next is the actual first book of the series.
It is Slow Burn.
But, when it does finally get hot, it meets all my adult loving needs 😊
There were also a couple of areas that seemed to contradict themselves. Especially the rules for 'His' side of the Wall.
Both sides have good and bad.
Hopefully, the next book will meet my expectations. They are THAT high. 😂😂
3.5 Stars
Just to remind everyone, I round Down
Not up!
The pace was a bit slow but I did enjoy it.
I will be reading more of this series this year. 2023.
It's interesting.
I expect it to get much better as the series continues.
This is the 'Beginning' story
The next is the actual first book of the series.
It is Slow Burn.
But, when it does finally get hot, it meets all my adult loving needs 😊
There were also a couple of areas that seemed to contradict themselves. Especially the rules for 'His' side of the Wall.
Both sides have good and bad.
Hopefully, the next book will meet my expectations. They are THAT high. 😂😂
June 16, 2019
What can I say but that this was my favorite in The Men of the North series! Ms. Peer had me laughing. And, yes, she had me crying! Per her usual, she had fantastic dialogue, wonderful characters, a wonderful story! Done for her fans who cried that TEN stories would not be enough, she listened! Sorry, but I think her fans need to continue the outcry of MORE MEN OF THE NORTH! PLEASE AND PRETTY PLEASE!
July 13, 2019
Quite simply this is Elin Peer at her very best
Whilst we've actually seen the end of the Men of the North series, this prequel gives us some insight into how and why the Motlanders and the Northmen grew so far apart. Elin's narrative is not only that of a love story but also a warning of how divided we can become over the simplest of issues. I adored this story and, if like me, you have read the rest of the series, it was so enlightening. It shows a time when the differences between the two nations were actually much less. A missed opportunity to build bridges rather than walls. Knowing the love of two very wonderful people led to even more suspicion, distrust and a worsening of relations between the Motherlands and the North was, at times, heartbreaking. A rather chilling analogy to so much of human history where something good has been twisted into something to fear.
Forbidden Letters is a beautiful story of love across the divide but also a warning of what happens when we allow prejudice and fear to lead our decision making. Whilst it is an amazing work of fiction, it also draws some eerie and foreboding parallels to the political situation in so many countries at the moment, my own included. Yet at no point does this ever feel as though the author is trying to force her views on us, but it does open ones eyes and elicit deeper contemplation at times. It's also one heck of an emotion packed, full of feels love story.
For some reason Devina reminded me of Christina, though she was a much 'freer' Motlander due to living in a different era. She had the caring-sharing ethos of the Motherlands, but was much less of a conformer to societal expectations and so much more of a free thinker. Tyton was perhaps more like Finn, a much milder N'man than some of the later protagonists. I totally and utterly fell in love with this pair, thankfully they get a much better ending than Romeo and Juliet did, even though I consider their love story to be just as wonderful as that of the star-crossed lovers.
This book took me through the gamut of emotions with a story that has carved itself a special place within my heart. I won't quote them, because of spoilers, but some of those lines in the epilogue were like a punch to the gut. I could feel them squeezing my heart!
I really can't recommend this book enough. The writing, the story, the pace and the characters do not disappoint but are all outstanding.
Whilst we've actually seen the end of the Men of the North series, this prequel gives us some insight into how and why the Motlanders and the Northmen grew so far apart. Elin's narrative is not only that of a love story but also a warning of how divided we can become over the simplest of issues. I adored this story and, if like me, you have read the rest of the series, it was so enlightening. It shows a time when the differences between the two nations were actually much less. A missed opportunity to build bridges rather than walls. Knowing the love of two very wonderful people led to even more suspicion, distrust and a worsening of relations between the Motherlands and the North was, at times, heartbreaking. A rather chilling analogy to so much of human history where something good has been twisted into something to fear.
Forbidden Letters is a beautiful story of love across the divide but also a warning of what happens when we allow prejudice and fear to lead our decision making. Whilst it is an amazing work of fiction, it also draws some eerie and foreboding parallels to the political situation in so many countries at the moment, my own included. Yet at no point does this ever feel as though the author is trying to force her views on us, but it does open ones eyes and elicit deeper contemplation at times. It's also one heck of an emotion packed, full of feels love story.
For some reason Devina reminded me of Christina, though she was a much 'freer' Motlander due to living in a different era. She had the caring-sharing ethos of the Motherlands, but was much less of a conformer to societal expectations and so much more of a free thinker. Tyton was perhaps more like Finn, a much milder N'man than some of the later protagonists. I totally and utterly fell in love with this pair, thankfully they get a much better ending than Romeo and Juliet did, even though I consider their love story to be just as wonderful as that of the star-crossed lovers.
This book took me through the gamut of emotions with a story that has carved itself a special place within my heart. I won't quote them, because of spoilers, but some of those lines in the epilogue were like a punch to the gut. I could feel them squeezing my heart!
I really can't recommend this book enough. The writing, the story, the pace and the characters do not disappoint but are all outstanding.
January 5, 2023
My favorite of the series. This happens right before the Motlanders start censoring romance novels and forbid speech that doesn't "conform". 2273 says the book.
Here the nMen are feared but not to the point of the later books. People still talk about them and emotions are not stunted quite yet by the ridiculous censorship of book and talk. Actually this is the book that sets that in motion and gives us a little more insight into the Motlanders "reasoning".
The two are great together after their rocky beginning. There is a lot of emotion as they realize that they cannot be together on either side. His family is great and it is really what she needs.
Here the nMen are feared but not to the point of the later books. People still talk about them and emotions are not stunted quite yet by the ridiculous censorship of book and talk. Actually this is the book that sets that in motion and gives us a little more insight into the Motlanders "reasoning".
The two are great together after their rocky beginning. There is a lot of emotion as they realize that they cannot be together on either side. His family is great and it is really what she needs.
Want to read
November 1, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/1/2019)! 🎁
October 24, 2024
Intriguing concept, poor execution! Dnf!
July 9, 2019
It pains me to rate this 4 stars but this one just didn't meet my expectations. I felt it was to similar to the old Romeo and Juliet in the sense two people from different paths of life who cant be together. And I think that why I was let down by it.
I loved the story in a story vibe that it had going on it. I loved the correlation between the two tales. While the plot kept me reading because I had to know the ending ( that is a good thing when you have to know the ending) I cant say I was so pleased with it.
I think this will be great for those new to the series, but for me given that I read the entire series, I was holding out for a different ending than the others. But it followed the same path. I was eager for more.
I also found the intimate scenes be lacking. While they were well written I just felt like that extra umph that was received in the other 10 books just wasn't as comparable.
I however did love finding out more about the NWomen and the hidden strengths they have over their men. I devoured the more in depth look into both worlds, the pros and cons showed more vividly in the prequel more so than any other book.
I loved the story in a story vibe that it had going on it. I loved the correlation between the two tales. While the plot kept me reading because I had to know the ending ( that is a good thing when you have to know the ending) I cant say I was so pleased with it.
I think this will be great for those new to the series, but for me given that I read the entire series, I was holding out for a different ending than the others. But it followed the same path. I was eager for more.
I also found the intimate scenes be lacking. While they were well written I just felt like that extra umph that was received in the other 10 books just wasn't as comparable.
I however did love finding out more about the NWomen and the hidden strengths they have over their men. I devoured the more in depth look into both worlds, the pros and cons showed more vividly in the prequel more so than any other book.
June 24, 2019
From beginning to end this prequel grabbed me in. I devoured this story chapter by chapter and loved everything I read. Devina and Tyton have debth and are great characters. If you are just finding the series, start here to get a better understanding of the world. I read after the series was over and now wish it was my introduction. Elin Peer did it again and gave her readers another fabulous Men of the North.
June 29, 2019
Excellent story! I found myself spellbound from beginning to end. Forbidden Letters captivated my senses while telling an unconventional love story about the first Motlander, Devina and her Nman, Tyton. It is clear from the onset that both are seeking refuge for the same reason - the need to be wanted and fulfilled. Elin the twists and turns of uncertainty gave credence to your writing. Well done!
June 20, 2019
I don’t know what I expected when I started reading this but as usual this author has floored me and knocks it out the park. We get a chance to go back before Khan and his family, before the wall came tumbling down. Before all of the changes and merging of these two different cultures. It’s more than a story of letters going over the wall, it’s about overcoming preconceived notions and closed minds. Well at least that’s part of it. She’s lost her family and now she’s losing her freedom. He’s the last of his siblings that remains single and has already decided he won’t fight in the next tournament. Together through crazy circumstances they find a way. But that’s only part of the story. I love the women in this family they are true blue women not afraid to stand up for their men and she’s a perfect addition. As usual with this author it’s always so much more than a love story, and more than the main characters. Her books only leave you wanting more because it’s never enough and you never want it to end.
June 20, 2019
This author continues to knock out one great book after another! This beginning book for the Men of the North series is full of action/adventure/romance/AND philosophical comments by the characters about rulership of the government and also women's equality issues. If you haven't read the other books in the series, I will tell you that they ALL are worth the purchase price, especially the new box sets with half the series in each. Just one more comment - my favorite thing in this book was Devina's courage in crossing the border to help someone when it was dangerous and illegal. I like when a book give me a role model to look up to! There are more characters like her in the other books as well. I hope readers enjoy them all.
July 9, 2019
This book was the icing on the cake for a brilliant series. Devine and Tytons story starts the whole process of the integration between the motlanders and the nmen. Although its the prequel I actually enjoyed reading last and I'm disappointed that there are no more books in this series.
This story is full of love, lust, fear ,fun ,excitement and also hope. .
Devina and Tyton met by chance after a series of letters were thrown over the two lands dividing wall. Devine was curious and had nothing to lose when she ventured over the border. She certainly didn't realise her life was going to change forever, as was the future. The characters were amazing and at times I found myself laughing out loud.
Absolutely amazing book and series!!
This story is full of love, lust, fear ,fun ,excitement and also hope. .
Devina and Tyton met by chance after a series of letters were thrown over the two lands dividing wall. Devine was curious and had nothing to lose when she ventured over the border. She certainly didn't realise her life was going to change forever, as was the future. The characters were amazing and at times I found myself laughing out loud.
Absolutely amazing book and series!!
June 30, 2019
I completely enjoyed this final book in the Men of the North series. It was a little different in that it was a prequel far before the other books, and things in the already-polarized societies were even farther apart. In fact, we were witness to how some of the Motherlands policies came into being.
I enjoyed the strong, kick-ass women, and I loved both the hero and heroine. I loved how they came together in such a cooperative way, even with the differences. I really loved the ending and how it all resolved.
As with all the other Men of the North books, I can highly recommend this one. Anyone who read the others will surely want to end with this one.
I enjoyed the strong, kick-ass women, and I loved both the hero and heroine. I loved how they came together in such a cooperative way, even with the differences. I really loved the ending and how it all resolved.
As with all the other Men of the North books, I can highly recommend this one. Anyone who read the others will surely want to end with this one.
July 3, 2019
The Ending to a great series
Where to start? This book is bittersweet. It is the long awaited end to an amazing series. It tugs at the heart strings and show cases the lengths that people will go to for their soulmate or love. It was a true heart jerker with many highs and lows. I have waited so long to read this and am elated on how wonderful it was. I am also terribly sad as it is the last book. The journey of The Men of The North series has been an amazing one. I highly recommend this series and Elin Peer's others if you like contrast and compromise.
Where to start? This book is bittersweet. It is the long awaited end to an amazing series. It tugs at the heart strings and show cases the lengths that people will go to for their soulmate or love. It was a true heart jerker with many highs and lows. I have waited so long to read this and am elated on how wonderful it was. I am also terribly sad as it is the last book. The journey of The Men of The North series has been an amazing one. I highly recommend this series and Elin Peer's others if you like contrast and compromise.
June 22, 2019
First, let me say this book and the series is spectatular! Ms. Peer has the ability to make what seems impossible possible. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a definite must have! You will not want to stop reading. The characters steal your heart. Their story will have you considering what will you do for love? Is there a line you won't cross? Does love conquer all? Pick up your copy and discover what The Men of the North are all about. So Worth it!!!
July 4, 2019
Amazing! Just when you thought there were no more stories to tell in the Men of the North series, Ms. Peer came out with Forbidden Letters. Devina and Tyton’s story hits all the right notes. It is exciting, romantic, imaginative, a bit suspenseful, steamy, and makes you want to read more about the series. Once I started reading, it was hard to put down. [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]
June 30, 2019
Forbidden Letters, Men of the North 0, by Elin Peer.
It took a while for the message of this book to sink in. That's because it started slow-- merely a bottle with a message in it tossed over a 200-year-old border barrier. (Shades of Trumpian's Wall.)
The story built slowly, rising through complications and non-physical cultural barriers to a tremendous crescendo, and then a resolution totally unexpected and incredibly satisfying. As the final book in a series, its end is its beginning; its beginning is its ending.
It's designed to be a precursor to the brilliant Men of the North series by author Elin Peer. It defines the situation of the world following a horrific Toxic War that nearly destroys civilization. Instead, it creates two vastly different cultures--the Motherlands (most of the world) ruled by women, and the Northlands, ruled by men who refuse to live under any sort of female domination.
It's a simple story. A bottle with a letter in it is tossed over a forbidden border barrier. The protagonist is a woman writer, Devina, from the Motherlands who's curiosity gets the better of her and prompts her to return the message, which she has interpreted as a call for help from a Northlands woman about to endure a forced marriage.
Throwing all her cultural cautions to the wind, the young woman crosses the border illegally and sets up a sequence of events that results in a major shift in Northland society. I'm not going to elaborate on that change because that would give away the whole story. It's enough to say here that the change is tremendous.
It begins with a love affair between Devina and a Northman, Tyton, in whose society women are few, treasured, and protected. As she visits, Devina becomes Devin, a young boy of 14 or so, because to be seen as a woman opens the possibility of being claimed for a bridal tournament.
Along the way, much is revealed about both cultures, and here is the novel's true brilliance. Elin Peer has created differing societies so consistent that once you accept her premise, events follow almost automatically.
Motherland society, while it appears gentler and in some ways more admirable than the culture of the Northlands, verges on paranoia when it comes to relationships involving men. Women vastly outnumber men. Their society fears violence, alcohol, technology, and language. While non-violent, it comes down hard on the use of language, makes swearing an indictable offense, and thinks nothing of imposing censorship if it thinks language may incite violence or reformation.
Northland society, by way of contrast, is rough and ready. Swearing is part of the culture. Beer drinking is a national sport. Violence is common. What technology is available is used, and Northmen are always on the lookout for new forms of it. Women are so scarce and valued that tournaments to the death are held to procure wives. Women are assigned "protectors," and a death penalty can result from touching a woman without the consent of her protector.
It's not difficult to see that given these circumstances, the insertion of a catalyst like a Devina can result in a cataclysm. But I said that it took a while for the lesson of the novel to sink in, and it did.
The lesson is that no society is perfect, just as personal relationships are rarely idyllic. A society ruled by women (like any society ruled by men) is only as good as its rational thinkers. A non-violent society can be as repressive as a violent one, for entirely different reasons. It's like the old argument about the death penalty. Which is worse? Death or Life Imprisonment? One is final. The other is pretty final, too.
All in all, I think this novel is a fitting conclusion to the Men of the North series. It's also an appropriate introduction to the series if you're coming at Elin's books for the first time. But if you're not interested in probing for deeper meanings in an author's work, Forbidden Letters is a breathtaking romance and a riveting read. Moreover, it proves women can be as tough as men when the chips are down.
It took a while for the message of this book to sink in. That's because it started slow-- merely a bottle with a message in it tossed over a 200-year-old border barrier. (Shades of Trumpian's Wall.)
The story built slowly, rising through complications and non-physical cultural barriers to a tremendous crescendo, and then a resolution totally unexpected and incredibly satisfying. As the final book in a series, its end is its beginning; its beginning is its ending.
It's designed to be a precursor to the brilliant Men of the North series by author Elin Peer. It defines the situation of the world following a horrific Toxic War that nearly destroys civilization. Instead, it creates two vastly different cultures--the Motherlands (most of the world) ruled by women, and the Northlands, ruled by men who refuse to live under any sort of female domination.
It's a simple story. A bottle with a letter in it is tossed over a forbidden border barrier. The protagonist is a woman writer, Devina, from the Motherlands who's curiosity gets the better of her and prompts her to return the message, which she has interpreted as a call for help from a Northlands woman about to endure a forced marriage.
Throwing all her cultural cautions to the wind, the young woman crosses the border illegally and sets up a sequence of events that results in a major shift in Northland society. I'm not going to elaborate on that change because that would give away the whole story. It's enough to say here that the change is tremendous.
It begins with a love affair between Devina and a Northman, Tyton, in whose society women are few, treasured, and protected. As she visits, Devina becomes Devin, a young boy of 14 or so, because to be seen as a woman opens the possibility of being claimed for a bridal tournament.
Along the way, much is revealed about both cultures, and here is the novel's true brilliance. Elin Peer has created differing societies so consistent that once you accept her premise, events follow almost automatically.
Motherland society, while it appears gentler and in some ways more admirable than the culture of the Northlands, verges on paranoia when it comes to relationships involving men. Women vastly outnumber men. Their society fears violence, alcohol, technology, and language. While non-violent, it comes down hard on the use of language, makes swearing an indictable offense, and thinks nothing of imposing censorship if it thinks language may incite violence or reformation.
Northland society, by way of contrast, is rough and ready. Swearing is part of the culture. Beer drinking is a national sport. Violence is common. What technology is available is used, and Northmen are always on the lookout for new forms of it. Women are so scarce and valued that tournaments to the death are held to procure wives. Women are assigned "protectors," and a death penalty can result from touching a woman without the consent of her protector.
It's not difficult to see that given these circumstances, the insertion of a catalyst like a Devina can result in a cataclysm. But I said that it took a while for the lesson of the novel to sink in, and it did.
The lesson is that no society is perfect, just as personal relationships are rarely idyllic. A society ruled by women (like any society ruled by men) is only as good as its rational thinkers. A non-violent society can be as repressive as a violent one, for entirely different reasons. It's like the old argument about the death penalty. Which is worse? Death or Life Imprisonment? One is final. The other is pretty final, too.
All in all, I think this novel is a fitting conclusion to the Men of the North series. It's also an appropriate introduction to the series if you're coming at Elin's books for the first time. But if you're not interested in probing for deeper meanings in an author's work, Forbidden Letters is a breathtaking romance and a riveting read. Moreover, it proves women can be as tough as men when the chips are down.
June 24, 2019
Wow! Curiosity is a strong force. It has the power to incite bravery and recklessness. It is responsible for broken laws and disregard for safety. Curiosity is what leads Wilma and Devina to forge a forbidden friendship that leads to romance and treachery with steamy sex and gory battles. Another amazing story by Elin Peer.
June 26, 2019
OMG!!! I absolutely loved this book! In my opinion it is the best out of the series. I mean I loved all the other books as well but this just might be my favorite. My emotions were on a wild ride during this read. You fall in love with all the characters and you root for them! If you have read the other books in this series do NOT miss out on this one! Absolutely fabulous!!
June 23, 2019
What another awesome book! I love this series. Sad to see it come to an end.
Devina and Tyton are perfect. So glad that I found this series. And Elin, you can write more of these anytime you would like too. Thank you for an awesome prequel to a fabulous series.
Devina and Tyton are perfect. So glad that I found this series. And Elin, you can write more of these anytime you would like too. Thank you for an awesome prequel to a fabulous series.
June 19, 2019
This was so much more than I expected! Ms. Peer has delivered yet again. Devina's and Tyton's story is so compelling!
Thank you, Elin!
Thank you, Elin!
July 21, 2023
This one started out kind of slow but ended great! The way the motlanders are censoring everything kinda reminds me of now, a bunch of pansies getting offended over everything.
July 10, 2022
Devina & Tyton
This book is set years into the future. Most of the world is ruled by women, except for the part that used to be known and Canada and Alaska. That is ruled by men. The boundaries are separated by a wall, and it's against the law to cross or communicate with anyone from the other side.
Devina returns home after a pandemic has wiped out almost her entire family, except for her beloved grandma. Her grandma was a healer his spent all of her energy trying to save the rest of the family, but only ending up losing too much energy to survive. Before she was gone, she made Devina promise to carry on the family bloodline.
As much as Devina wants to give up, she decides to honor her grandma's last wishes.
Her family home is in the northern portion of the Motherlands or Motlands close to the border wall, and while walking outside one day, between packing up her family home, she finds a bottle with a letter in it. It's from a girl named Wilma for the Northlands, who's looking to converse with someone in the Motherlands because she's curious.
Due to the difference in cultures Devina immediately misinterprets what Wilma is saying, but so does Wilma when Devina writes back.
Devina tries to get help on her side, but when that fails she devises a rescue mission of her own. Too bad (or maybe not) that things are not what she assumed.
She officially meets Wilma and her brother Tyton. Tyton does not make a good first impression, but you really can't hold it against him.
And from there this complicated romance begins...
I loved the growing connection between Tyton and Devina, and I swear that Elin Peer was playing with my emotions because I could not see a way these two would be able to be together. It had me a pins in needles throughout, trying to see how she was going to navigate around all the years of very well laid out rules on both sides.
My only compliant is that the women in the Northlands were getting married at 15. I don't know why that age is a problem, when 16 or 17 wouldn't have bothered me as much, but I wish they would have waited until they were a bit more mature in mind, and not just in body.
However, I was glad the the subject was addressed in this story, and I wonder if when the main story starts will this have changed.
This book is set years into the future. Most of the world is ruled by women, except for the part that used to be known and Canada and Alaska. That is ruled by men. The boundaries are separated by a wall, and it's against the law to cross or communicate with anyone from the other side.
Devina returns home after a pandemic has wiped out almost her entire family, except for her beloved grandma. Her grandma was a healer his spent all of her energy trying to save the rest of the family, but only ending up losing too much energy to survive. Before she was gone, she made Devina promise to carry on the family bloodline.
As much as Devina wants to give up, she decides to honor her grandma's last wishes.
Her family home is in the northern portion of the Motherlands or Motlands close to the border wall, and while walking outside one day, between packing up her family home, she finds a bottle with a letter in it. It's from a girl named Wilma for the Northlands, who's looking to converse with someone in the Motherlands because she's curious.
Due to the difference in cultures Devina immediately misinterprets what Wilma is saying, but so does Wilma when Devina writes back.
Devina tries to get help on her side, but when that fails she devises a rescue mission of her own. Too bad (or maybe not) that things are not what she assumed.
She officially meets Wilma and her brother Tyton. Tyton does not make a good first impression, but you really can't hold it against him.
And from there this complicated romance begins...
I loved the growing connection between Tyton and Devina, and I swear that Elin Peer was playing with my emotions because I could not see a way these two would be able to be together. It had me a pins in needles throughout, trying to see how she was going to navigate around all the years of very well laid out rules on both sides.
My only compliant is that the women in the Northlands were getting married at 15. I don't know why that age is a problem, when 16 or 17 wouldn't have bothered me as much, but I wish they would have waited until they were a bit more mature in mind, and not just in body.
However, I was glad the the subject was addressed in this story, and I wonder if when the main story starts will this have changed.
August 9, 2019
I think what I liked most about this one was that it reminded me of the first book in the series and how the NMen and Motlanders saw the other. I liked that Devina and Tyton took the time to get to know each other. Sure there was attraction there, but more they talked. I also think how they met seemed to be the perfect storm with what was going on in their lives, Devina loosing her whole family and Tyton being the only one in his family not married. Both were looking for something, they just weren't quite aware of it.
I loved the ending, loved how the Women and the North showed their men that they were just as capable and their men by taking care of business. I thought Devina made the right choice, it seems like her country let her down and she knew a place she would be welcomed.
I loved the ending, loved how the Women and the North showed their men that they were just as capable and their men by taking care of business. I thought Devina made the right choice, it seems like her country let her down and she knew a place she would be welcomed.
February 28, 2022
4 stars; I wasn't sure how this book would work out...considering it takes place long before the rest of the series starts. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the H&h and the direction that this book took. There were many details in this book that were mentioned in the other books in this series and it was fun reading it and finally understanding several references from the other books. I probably should have read this first.
Safe; no om drama, slight ow drama because H's family wants him to fight for OW. Both virgins, no cheating.
Safe; no om drama, slight ow drama because H's family wants him to fight for OW. Both virgins, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
My first read by this author and I was happy there was a decent amount of world-building and good pacing of the romance. Both MCs were really likeable.
The third act drama felt like it kinda came out of nowhere, but I forgive it because the rest is intriguing. The steamy scenes were pretty good but we could definitely do with more!
The third act drama felt like it kinda came out of nowhere, but I forgive it because the rest is intriguing. The steamy scenes were pretty good but we could definitely do with more!
January 8, 2020
This was an interested plot for dystopian romance. I can’t wait to read the next book.
November 20, 2019
Pleasantly Surprised
I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed a prequel. Typically, the prequel is always harder for me to fall in love with because it almost feels like I’m cheating on all of my favorite characters. Forbidden Letters, however, made me fall in love with this love story just as much as I did the other ten stories in this series. Worth the read. Can’t recommend enough. I’d love to have even more books from this series. What would be amazing is a book another 100 years ahead of Khan’s rule. How did things turn out for Freya? Did the Northlands and the Motherlands ever fully integrate? What about a spin off series about the group of French speaking people they found?! I’d love to be able to read even more from this storyline!
I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed a prequel. Typically, the prequel is always harder for me to fall in love with because it almost feels like I’m cheating on all of my favorite characters. Forbidden Letters, however, made me fall in love with this love story just as much as I did the other ten stories in this series. Worth the read. Can’t recommend enough. I’d love to have even more books from this series. What would be amazing is a book another 100 years ahead of Khan’s rule. How did things turn out for Freya? Did the Northlands and the Motherlands ever fully integrate? What about a spin off series about the group of French speaking people they found?! I’d love to be able to read even more from this storyline!
October 9, 2023
This is one of the best series I have read in years. Just the idea of a physical and yes mental separation between men and women to the magnitude that Elin has written takes imagination to a planetary degree. The Motherland exists in all parts of the world as we know it except for Alaska and Canada where the Northern Men live. The borders are separated by a wall and guarded by armed drones who weaponize numb guns. A treaty keeps all on their sides to avoid conflict and war.
The world that women have created has many advantages that keep the people and the environment safe, but it is also very controlling. The men in this Motherland are Pansy's so ashamed of their masculinity that they are no longer fertile. Sex is discouraged, using sexbots are encouraged and this practice further strips men of testosterone and their ability to reproduce. Women who want children go to clinics for implantation. In the Motherlands the masculinity of men is seen as a catalyst that instigates violence and stirs up the anger and hatred that lead to wars. It is against council law to talk about and/or associate with Nmen.
In the Motherland, marriage is discouraged because in their history husbands have used wives as sexual tools to gain wealth and status. Men believed that owning a women gave him the right to treat her any way he felt he wanted to. A council of women are in charge of the Motherland, and they make the laws. Women are encouraged to be great, and I do like that part.
The world of the North Men is brass, somewhat violent and filled with strict laws that keep their women safe. There are millions of Nmen compared to a handful of women. The women who are born there are coveted, protected and treated like precious treasures. Marriages occur once every few years when (in Forbidden Letters) a girl reaches the age of 15. A tournament where men fight one on one is held and the young woman must pick a husband from the 5 winners. The marriage is performed immediately after the tournament and the happy couple go off to consummate their union. The Nmen are aggressive, they curse, fight, hunt, fish and eat meat. They are muscular men who proudly sport beards of various lengths. These are all traits and physical characteristics hated by men and women in the Motherland. Nmen refer to people of the Motherland as Momsies. You may have figured out why.
This series is about the unlikely paring of a Nmen with a Momsie woman. How the heck can they get together much less find anything in common? Each book is a story of a couple who beat the odds and found love even though their worlds are worlds apart. I've always said that love beats all and you can't help who you love.
The book Forbidden Letters is the last of the series, but it is the first story of the union of an Nman with a Momsie. A story that couldn't have been told any better. I loved it but hate that the series has come to an end. You will enjoy this book whether you read it before you start the series or after you have read the entire series.
Read on Goodreader.....
The world that women have created has many advantages that keep the people and the environment safe, but it is also very controlling. The men in this Motherland are Pansy's so ashamed of their masculinity that they are no longer fertile. Sex is discouraged, using sexbots are encouraged and this practice further strips men of testosterone and their ability to reproduce. Women who want children go to clinics for implantation. In the Motherlands the masculinity of men is seen as a catalyst that instigates violence and stirs up the anger and hatred that lead to wars. It is against council law to talk about and/or associate with Nmen.
In the Motherland, marriage is discouraged because in their history husbands have used wives as sexual tools to gain wealth and status. Men believed that owning a women gave him the right to treat her any way he felt he wanted to. A council of women are in charge of the Motherland, and they make the laws. Women are encouraged to be great, and I do like that part.
The world of the North Men is brass, somewhat violent and filled with strict laws that keep their women safe. There are millions of Nmen compared to a handful of women. The women who are born there are coveted, protected and treated like precious treasures. Marriages occur once every few years when (in Forbidden Letters) a girl reaches the age of 15. A tournament where men fight one on one is held and the young woman must pick a husband from the 5 winners. The marriage is performed immediately after the tournament and the happy couple go off to consummate their union. The Nmen are aggressive, they curse, fight, hunt, fish and eat meat. They are muscular men who proudly sport beards of various lengths. These are all traits and physical characteristics hated by men and women in the Motherland. Nmen refer to people of the Motherland as Momsies. You may have figured out why.
This series is about the unlikely paring of a Nmen with a Momsie woman. How the heck can they get together much less find anything in common? Each book is a story of a couple who beat the odds and found love even though their worlds are worlds apart. I've always said that love beats all and you can't help who you love.
The book Forbidden Letters is the last of the series, but it is the first story of the union of an Nman with a Momsie. A story that couldn't have been told any better. I loved it but hate that the series has come to an end. You will enjoy this book whether you read it before you start the series or after you have read the entire series.
Read on Goodreader.....
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