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Taken #1
Aria's Awakening
A deadly alien arena isn’t the place to fall in love…
For the last three years, Special Agent Aria Taylor’s nights have been filled with images of battling alien beings in a foreign land with purple skies and two suns. She thought they were just strange nightmares, but when a therapist suggests lucid dreaming, she wakes to find herself trapped in an alien arena, forced to fight in gruesome tournaments as one of their gladiators.
She needs to escape that place, but if she’s going to have any chance of success, she needs help.
Hazy memories push her to find two males. She doesn’t know their names, or where they’re from, but she recognizes them the moment she sees them, and her heart tells her they are hers just as much as she is theirs.
Together Aria, Tirox, and Kix fight to free the beings enslaved with them and take down the Overlord, all while trying to understand the soul-deep bond they share.
A deadly alien arena isn’t the place to fall in love, but Aria isn’t sure she can help herself.
Aria's Awakening is a full-length SFR novel that was previously published as Taken. It kicks off a brand new series set in the universe of the Chosen Series by Stacy Jones.
For the last three years, Special Agent Aria Taylor’s nights have been filled with images of battling alien beings in a foreign land with purple skies and two suns. She thought they were just strange nightmares, but when a therapist suggests lucid dreaming, she wakes to find herself trapped in an alien arena, forced to fight in gruesome tournaments as one of their gladiators.
She needs to escape that place, but if she’s going to have any chance of success, she needs help.
Hazy memories push her to find two males. She doesn’t know their names, or where they’re from, but she recognizes them the moment she sees them, and her heart tells her they are hers just as much as she is theirs.
Together Aria, Tirox, and Kix fight to free the beings enslaved with them and take down the Overlord, all while trying to understand the soul-deep bond they share.
A deadly alien arena isn’t the place to fall in love, but Aria isn’t sure she can help herself.
Aria's Awakening is a full-length SFR novel that was previously published as Taken. It kicks off a brand new series set in the universe of the Chosen Series by Stacy Jones.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2020
497 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Jones
28 books816 followersStacy Jones is an award-winning romance author living in beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas. She can usually be found at her desk, with an oversized coffee cup, bringing the fantastical worlds and captivating characters in her imagination to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 1, 2020
So...i have this list with authors that their charactersare so objectionable or something in their book turned me off so badly that as soon as i see their names on a book title it's an automatic NO. I dont even have to read the summery any more books from them is just NO. This is not that kind of author.This author belongs in my other list. In the any-new-books-this-author-publishes-is-an-automatic-Must-readlist. This book was very interestingand character development was excellent.The Male MC dont succumb to what i like to call male-dominant-macho-bullshit, know the Female MC's value and dont try to play games.The Female MC is kickass,has a take charge attitude and doesnt wait for any male to save her.
June 25, 2020
4.5 stars
Finally a strong, clearheaded, kickass, FBI special agent heroine...in a space reverse harem!
I absolutely loved how this book started out. Aria and her mates have been fighting alongside together for years, caring for each other, her mates adoring her and protecting her. Then they all gain full sentience and it's beautiful to see them recognize each other in the midst of blood, rage and death. Aria and her mates' path to freedom is dangerous, steamy, emotional...I couldn't stop reading. Even though it felt long (and the author has split the original in two), I never wanted it to end.
Fabulously written. Every word gives you a sense about what the characters are feeling without droning on. The fight scenes are exciting. The humor is spot on. I laughed, I cried. It was near perfect for me.
The only thing I absolutely hate is that Aria's story clearly continues. And yet, the next book in the series has a different heroine with her set of alien mates! Whhhyyyyy?
Safety
Finally a strong, clearheaded, kickass, FBI special agent heroine...in a space reverse harem!
I absolutely loved how this book started out. Aria and her mates have been fighting alongside together for years, caring for each other, her mates adoring her and protecting her. Then they all gain full sentience and it's beautiful to see them recognize each other in the midst of blood, rage and death. Aria and her mates' path to freedom is dangerous, steamy, emotional...I couldn't stop reading. Even though it felt long (and the author has split the original in two), I never wanted it to end.
Fabulously written. Every word gives you a sense about what the characters are feeling without droning on. The fight scenes are exciting. The humor is spot on. I laughed, I cried. It was near perfect for me.
The only thing I absolutely hate is that Aria's story clearly continues. And yet, the next book in the series has a different heroine with her set of alien mates! Whhhyyyyy?
Safety
July 27, 2020
Aria hearing me?
One minute she's an FBI agent, living a normal human life. The next moment she's a whirling destroyer in a gladiator arena. She goes to sleep as one, awakes as the other, in both realms. Her "normal" life is lonely, wanting what her teammate has- a family. Is that why, even though she brings destruction, she's hoping the arena her is the "real" her? Because she sees red skin and gold eyes, and a glowing blue male on the arena floor. And something in her mind whispers, "mine".
Spoilers ahead.
I read this the first time as Taken. I enjoyed it then, but like the way she's broken it into 2 parts. Yes, she subjects us to a cliffhanger, but as she released them close together, there was no reader suffering involved lol. The disparity between real and dreams, memory or illusion, is well played.
One minute she's an FBI agent, living a normal human life. The next moment she's a whirling destroyer in a gladiator arena. She goes to sleep as one, awakes as the other, in both realms. Her "normal" life is lonely, wanting what her teammate has- a family. Is that why, even though she brings destruction, she's hoping the arena her is the "real" her? Because she sees red skin and gold eyes, and a glowing blue male on the arena floor. And something in her mind whispers, "mine".
Spoilers ahead.
I read this the first time as Taken. I enjoyed it then, but like the way she's broken it into 2 parts. Yes, she subjects us to a cliffhanger, but as she released them close together, there was no reader suffering involved lol. The disparity between real and dreams, memory or illusion, is well played.
November 24, 2019
Stacy Jones is quickly becoming one of my favorite romantic si-fi authors and this book doesn't disappoint! The world building is fantastic, the heroine is a badass and her heros are just the right amount of protective and adoring. Some much happens in this book and I can't wait for what's to come. Try not to let the fact that this book is a RH dissuade you if that's not your thing. While I personally love RH and super smutty books, I understand they're not for everyone. The sex scenes don't really start til around halfway through the book and it's a long book. I love this book and it will definitely be one that I reread.
September 8, 2024
I love Stacy Jones' Alien books.' They're my religion.
September 28, 2023
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Overall: 4.5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog ❃ Newsletter ❃ Instagram
Overall: 4.5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog ❃ Newsletter ❃ Instagram
file-13
June 29, 2021Couldn't do it. The writing is beautiful, but I knew coming into this book that I didn't really like reading about alien-human romances or RHs. Aria's a badass, though, and I love the combination of her experiences as the Assassin and a Special Agent. Reading about her and her backstory was pretty much the only reason why I continued reading further.
Just not my story, but definitely could be someone else's. DNF at 25%.
Just not my story, but definitely could be someone else's. DNF at 25%.
November 15, 2022
interesting and new!
I love a slow burn reverse harem and this one is something new and fresh that took just a little while to get into, but once it hooks you you are GONE! I love the love interests and how they treat her, protective but respectful of her being a bad ass. And damn, I can’t wait to see how they use their interesting… equipment haha!
I love a slow burn reverse harem and this one is something new and fresh that took just a little while to get into, but once it hooks you you are GONE! I love the love interests and how they treat her, protective but respectful of her being a bad ass. And damn, I can’t wait to see how they use their interesting… equipment haha!
March 10, 2020
Holy smokes!!
Amazing story!! Can not wait to find out what is going to happen. There’s some seriously wicked twists and turns that I’m totally loving. Hope that she turns this into an audiobook with multiple POV readers!!!!
Amazing story!! Can not wait to find out what is going to happen. There’s some seriously wicked twists and turns that I’m totally loving. Hope that she turns this into an audiobook with multiple POV readers!!!!
September 3, 2021
It could have been a lot fucking shorter. Aria's POV/ chapters sucked the life out of me. The insta-lust is too fucking over the top. I couldn't stand it. I'm so fucking annoyed.
June 11, 2020
So FBI agent Aria has weird dreams of fighting in an arena. She finds out this is true and that she’s been doing it unawares for five years and is actually a prisoner, held in a weird stasis tube, feed gas to make her forget and given a fake body which is far more kickass than her own. Whilst in the arena and fully aware for the first time, she gradually puts back all the arena memories they suppress each time and reconnects with her comrades Tirox and Kix. Queue hot alien RH.
This is a slow burn 3 part series in the style of this author’s other books. I really enjoyed it. Aria is a kickass heroine and Tirox and Kix are properly alien. I loved how they thought she was going to actually eat them. A great read.
I am only dropping a star because it is a cliffhanger (i know the next book just carries right on though) but also because I was desperate for them to get it on. I neeeeed some hot alien action. It had better be good when we get there.
In to the next book.
This is a slow burn 3 part series in the style of this author’s other books. I really enjoyed it. Aria is a kickass heroine and Tirox and Kix are properly alien. I loved how they thought she was going to actually eat them. A great read.
I am only dropping a star because it is a cliffhanger (i know the next book just carries right on though) but also because I was desperate for them to get it on. I neeeeed some hot alien action. It had better be good when we get there.
In to the next book.
August 3, 2020
Ohh this was good!
When it first started I was a bit confused, aspects didn’t line up in my brain. But it does work out and make sense ultimately and once it does it’s awesome. I loved it, I want to read more and can’t wait to dive into the next book!
When it first started I was a bit confused, aspects didn’t line up in my brain. But it does work out and make sense ultimately and once it does it’s awesome. I loved it, I want to read more and can’t wait to dive into the next book!
January 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Taken" by Stacy Jones.
There action, romance, aliens, sex and a the mystery that surrounds the whole dreaming thing. Love how the storyline flows and worked out.
I was surprised and pleased to find out Stacy Jones wrote the Chosen Series, another favorite sci-fi alien reverse harem story. Her imagination and world building for each of her series is thoughtful, detailed and realistic (IMO).
Aria is seeing a therapist because of reoccurring dreams that leave her feeling tired and aching in mind and body. Dreams so intense she checks her body for bruises and marks. While following the advise for lucid dreaming, she finds out her horrific predicament.
--- spoilers below ---
During these dreams she has met alien males, her mates... as in multiple. Two whom she trusts to fight alongside her. Tirox & Kix (otherwise nicknamed Red & Firefly). She later finds out that there is a third mate Therasin, who was forceably separated in the hopes of breaking the groups' strong mating bond.
Aria, Tirox & Kix have all become aware of their reality and fights for freedom and vengeance agaist the Overlord. Aria finds & rescues Therasin but he is barely hanging in there mentally. Her appearance broke through but he has a lot to work through.
Aria has found another male who interests her romantically, Rellkin. He was betrayed and sold into slavery. He is still recovering but healing with Aria's kindness and warmth (not expected, especially by the Vhraress "the Assassin").
Can't wait to read the next book. Hoping for Therasi & Rellkin to become "Favored" & included fully into the harem. Also looking forward to Aria and her group of survivors take over the world and flourish. I'm thinking she eventually becomes Queen in truth.
There action, romance, aliens, sex and a the mystery that surrounds the whole dreaming thing. Love how the storyline flows and worked out.
I was surprised and pleased to find out Stacy Jones wrote the Chosen Series, another favorite sci-fi alien reverse harem story. Her imagination and world building for each of her series is thoughtful, detailed and realistic (IMO).
Aria is seeing a therapist because of reoccurring dreams that leave her feeling tired and aching in mind and body. Dreams so intense she checks her body for bruises and marks. While following the advise for lucid dreaming, she finds out her horrific predicament.
--- spoilers below ---
During these dreams she has met alien males, her mates... as in multiple. Two whom she trusts to fight alongside her. Tirox & Kix (otherwise nicknamed Red & Firefly). She later finds out that there is a third mate Therasin, who was forceably separated in the hopes of breaking the groups' strong mating bond.
Aria, Tirox & Kix have all become aware of their reality and fights for freedom and vengeance agaist the Overlord. Aria finds & rescues Therasin but he is barely hanging in there mentally. Her appearance broke through but he has a lot to work through.
Aria has found another male who interests her romantically, Rellkin. He was betrayed and sold into slavery. He is still recovering but healing with Aria's kindness and warmth (not expected, especially by the Vhraress "the Assassin").
Can't wait to read the next book. Hoping for Therasi & Rellkin to become "Favored" & included fully into the harem. Also looking forward to Aria and her group of survivors take over the world and flourish. I'm thinking she eventually becomes Queen in truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2019
4.5 for me.
I think I found my new sci-fi-author obsession. It's nearly 600 pages of pure entertainment and I am here for it. Alien abductions, a reverse harem slowly building, action and suspense. And let's not forget about Aria Taylor, former FBI agent and current champion of The Arena.
The writing was great and easy to get into. Aria was hilarious, and I loved the build-up of the story and I was pleasantly surprised at the plot twists that kept me on my toes. I loved that there was romance in here and it never seemed out of place for me when they were trying to survive or figure out what was going on. These are at least three different people from different galaxies and I just can't get over how much I had watching them all grow up and grow together. I love their bond, their attraction to everything that made them 'them'. And it just kept unraveling, this level of awesomeness that only made the world bigger and bigger until it couldn't be contained.
I need the second installment now but for this moment, I'll settle with another one of Jones' books. It's my first time reading this author and I am happy to say that this is one content reader. I look forward to reading the next book I got.
I think I found my new sci-fi-author obsession. It's nearly 600 pages of pure entertainment and I am here for it. Alien abductions, a reverse harem slowly building, action and suspense. And let's not forget about Aria Taylor, former FBI agent and current champion of The Arena.
The writing was great and easy to get into. Aria was hilarious, and I loved the build-up of the story and I was pleasantly surprised at the plot twists that kept me on my toes. I loved that there was romance in here and it never seemed out of place for me when they were trying to survive or figure out what was going on. These are at least three different people from different galaxies and I just can't get over how much I had watching them all grow up and grow together. I love their bond, their attraction to everything that made them 'them'. And it just kept unraveling, this level of awesomeness that only made the world bigger and bigger until it couldn't be contained.
I need the second installment now but for this moment, I'll settle with another one of Jones' books. It's my first time reading this author and I am happy to say that this is one content reader. I look forward to reading the next book I got.
December 11, 2019
Excellent read
I don’t usually write reviews. I LOVE to read though. At least 15-20 books a month. I have to say, I was very impressed with this author. The story was excellent, the world building was very well thought out. This wasn’t an author that just decided she was going to write a book with no idea of what the hell she’s getting into.
I loved the character, their interactions, how the dealt with the situation and their problems. It wasn’t an insta-love thing, which makes me want to slap my forehead in frustration. Neither did the heroine ever lose her sense of self, her absolute badass. Most writer’s seem to... I don’t know, weaken their female leads after they’ve made them fall in love... that absolutely drives me batshit! That wasn’t the case here. And neither did the make leads suddenly lose their balls because they take their cues from a woman.
I will say, while it’s not a sudden drop off, it does have an ending but you’re still left wit hmmm a lot of questions, and problems unresolved. I don’t care for those types of books. However, the author did such a great job pulling me in that I’ll keep my eyes open for the next book in the series. I’ll definitely be looking into other books by this author.
I don’t usually write reviews. I LOVE to read though. At least 15-20 books a month. I have to say, I was very impressed with this author. The story was excellent, the world building was very well thought out. This wasn’t an author that just decided she was going to write a book with no idea of what the hell she’s getting into.
I loved the character, their interactions, how the dealt with the situation and their problems. It wasn’t an insta-love thing, which makes me want to slap my forehead in frustration. Neither did the heroine ever lose her sense of self, her absolute badass. Most writer’s seem to... I don’t know, weaken their female leads after they’ve made them fall in love... that absolutely drives me batshit! That wasn’t the case here. And neither did the make leads suddenly lose their balls because they take their cues from a woman.
I will say, while it’s not a sudden drop off, it does have an ending but you’re still left wit hmmm a lot of questions, and problems unresolved. I don’t care for those types of books. However, the author did such a great job pulling me in that I’ll keep my eyes open for the next book in the series. I’ll definitely be looking into other books by this author.
August 16, 2020
And what an awakening it is!
I had some personal issues with this when I first read it because I absolutely do NOT like stories where the FMC has previous history with her guys. I like seeing the relationship develop and feel like most authors use this as an excuse to speed the relationship. There is an element of previous history here (and while I frantically begged the author to not cop out on the relationship development with this trope as I was reading), she still gave me the relationship development I was hoping for - HUGE breath of relief. So when doing my reread (I read it originally when book 1 and 2 were combined) without my internal freak out, I enjoyed it so much more! There are some unexpected surprises that had my jaw dropping and the ending set up perfectly for the book 2. You should definitely give this a try if you haven't yet!
I had some personal issues with this when I first read it because I absolutely do NOT like stories where the FMC has previous history with her guys. I like seeing the relationship develop and feel like most authors use this as an excuse to speed the relationship. There is an element of previous history here (and while I frantically begged the author to not cop out on the relationship development with this trope as I was reading), she still gave me the relationship development I was hoping for - HUGE breath of relief. So when doing my reread (I read it originally when book 1 and 2 were combined) without my internal freak out, I enjoyed it so much more! There are some unexpected surprises that had my jaw dropping and the ending set up perfectly for the book 2. You should definitely give this a try if you haven't yet!
May 8, 2020
Great worldbuilding
So the setup is certainly grander than most alien abduction novels nd this one has a twist that will be revealed later on. Reminded me of the matrix, but only alien style, was pretty neat. I liked the artwork the back, although I didn't see Kid like he was portrayed.
So the setup is certainly grander than most alien abduction novels nd this one has a twist that will be revealed later on. Reminded me of the matrix, but only alien style, was pretty neat. I liked the artwork the back, although I didn't see Kid like he was portrayed.
September 18, 2020
Good one
But there was just too much narration. I mean I like when there is a lot of dialogue between characters and also to know what they are thinking but there has got to be a balance. This book was more of what was going through the characters brain. And there was lots of repetition, something I am not very fond of. But I did like the story.
But there was just too much narration. I mean I like when there is a lot of dialogue between characters and also to know what they are thinking but there has got to be a balance. This book was more of what was going through the characters brain. And there was lots of repetition, something I am not very fond of. But I did like the story.
January 14, 2021
I purposely did not read the blurb for this series because I trusted the author from the Chosen books and there were really no negative reviews. I wanted to be surprised:) I didn't like it quite as much as Chosen but it was still good. Would give it a 3.5. Spoilers below
I like how this book started off different from other alien abduction series. Aria's consciousness being taken from her physical body on earth and thrown into a arena battle to the death. The book was Avatar meets Gladiator and Hunger Games. In the beginning her situation seemed so hopeless, I couldn't wait to see how it played out. It was horrible how they were implanted with commands to fight and kill. I couldn't imagine being locked in my mind while my body slaughtered others - knowing the beings I was killing also had no choice.
Aria was right off the bat a bad a$$. She was smart, independent, and very brave. Her thought process and ability to remain calm when she first woke up in an alien lab was impressive.
I enjoyed Torix's playfulness. I liked he was cocky but not arrogant. It cracked me up how Torix kept mentally describing Kix as hideous tiny male When Kix told Torix some species eat their mates, Torix said she could eat some of his flesh. I thought he was kidding at first but he wasn't. Ewww. He reminded me of Tor in the Chosen series. I did like that he went against tribe customs and did not breed with multiple women and was saving himself.
Kix was smart and calm on the outside but his secretive naughty horny side was hot! I did not buy his reasoning on why females had harems on his planet. He said it was because women are multifaceted and need multiple mates to take care of all their needs... So.... men are all one sided? Aria can have a man for every particular need and if she doesn't fulfill all of her males needs, oh well? They don't deserve the same? I couldn't believe she bought that one sided crap. Let's see.. I would need a man who likes horror movies, a man who likes naughty romance books, a man who likes dogs, a man who is sweet, and a man with a perverted sense of humor.. I could go on... Btw, I don't like football. I don't like hunting. If the guy does, too bad.. It's about MY needs.... Umm.
Nope... I don't see the fairness or logic.
Okay, let's talk weenies. Kix had "feelers" around his penis which was weird... Intriguing but weeeeiiirrrddd.. Torix had 2 penises and no balls... I am used to a second smaller penis on top because of the spurs in Ruby Dixon's books, but, they don't have suckers.. hmmm. Also weird yet intriguing. (I bet my younger self could never imagine me saying I am used to a male having 2 penises. lol)
I loved the interactions between Aria and the 2 men. I liked that the males were protective, strong, and tough- yet not overbearing. There were a lot of humorous scenes. The first time Aria showered was hilarious in how her 2 males at first pretended not to understand her command for her clothes. Aria's inner and outer dialogue cracked me up when both males came out after their showers naked. Even though it was funny, it was still inappropriate how she shamelessly ogled their dicks and even leaned forward to get better looks. She would not appreciate them doing that to her. Not to mention, it was leading them on. In her defense, the males didn't seem to care. Torix definitely encouraged her gawking.
I was happy to see Skaa was alive but I felt so bad for her. In the Chosen series, 2 of her mates died of heartbreak due to their loss of a mate and her 3rd mate imprinted on Lily so Skaa lost everything accept her 2 kids :*(
It was honorable how Aria, Skaa, and the mates tried to knock out the opponents under mind control instead of killing them. It took more skill then just slaughtering. I loved how they saved the blind dragon. Is he a shapeshifter who will turn up in the next books? Guess I will find out soon.
I like how this book started off different from other alien abduction series. Aria's consciousness being taken from her physical body on earth and thrown into a arena battle to the death. The book was Avatar meets Gladiator and Hunger Games. In the beginning her situation seemed so hopeless, I couldn't wait to see how it played out. It was horrible how they were implanted with commands to fight and kill. I couldn't imagine being locked in my mind while my body slaughtered others - knowing the beings I was killing also had no choice.
Aria was right off the bat a bad a$$. She was smart, independent, and very brave. Her thought process and ability to remain calm when she first woke up in an alien lab was impressive.
I enjoyed Torix's playfulness. I liked he was cocky but not arrogant. It cracked me up how Torix kept mentally describing Kix as hideous tiny male When Kix told Torix some species eat their mates, Torix said she could eat some of his flesh. I thought he was kidding at first but he wasn't. Ewww. He reminded me of Tor in the Chosen series. I did like that he went against tribe customs and did not breed with multiple women and was saving himself.
Kix was smart and calm on the outside but his secretive naughty horny side was hot! I did not buy his reasoning on why females had harems on his planet. He said it was because women are multifaceted and need multiple mates to take care of all their needs... So.... men are all one sided? Aria can have a man for every particular need and if she doesn't fulfill all of her males needs, oh well? They don't deserve the same? I couldn't believe she bought that one sided crap. Let's see.. I would need a man who likes horror movies, a man who likes naughty romance books, a man who likes dogs, a man who is sweet, and a man with a perverted sense of humor.. I could go on... Btw, I don't like football. I don't like hunting. If the guy does, too bad.. It's about MY needs.... Umm.
Nope... I don't see the fairness or logic.
Okay, let's talk weenies. Kix had "feelers" around his penis which was weird... Intriguing but weeeeiiirrrddd.. Torix had 2 penises and no balls... I am used to a second smaller penis on top because of the spurs in Ruby Dixon's books, but, they don't have suckers.. hmmm. Also weird yet intriguing. (I bet my younger self could never imagine me saying I am used to a male having 2 penises. lol)
I loved the interactions between Aria and the 2 men. I liked that the males were protective, strong, and tough- yet not overbearing. There were a lot of humorous scenes. The first time Aria showered was hilarious in how her 2 males at first pretended not to understand her command for her clothes. Aria's inner and outer dialogue cracked me up when both males came out after their showers naked. Even though it was funny, it was still inappropriate how she shamelessly ogled their dicks and even leaned forward to get better looks. She would not appreciate them doing that to her. Not to mention, it was leading them on. In her defense, the males didn't seem to care. Torix definitely encouraged her gawking.
I was happy to see Skaa was alive but I felt so bad for her. In the Chosen series, 2 of her mates died of heartbreak due to their loss of a mate and her 3rd mate imprinted on Lily so Skaa lost everything accept her 2 kids :*(
It was honorable how Aria, Skaa, and the mates tried to knock out the opponents under mind control instead of killing them. It took more skill then just slaughtering. I loved how they saved the blind dragon. Is he a shapeshifter who will turn up in the next books? Guess I will find out soon.
September 17, 2024
"“We do not know what this planet holds, my song. There could be remote regions we could go to hide, where we would be safe,” he offered, trying to console her.
Aria swallowed hard, giving him tortured eyes. “And if there is, we’d just leave all those other people in the other arenas? Abandon them? What if their situation is worse than this?”
To her utter confusion, she saw Tirox’s expression relax from the corner of her eye. Turning to look at him, she saw a small smile curl his red lips. Before she could demand to know why he was suddenly so damn cheerful, he spoke.
“So we take over the planet, my heart.”
***** Resenha com spoilers *****
Pontos positivos:
• A escrita da autora é gostosa de ler, deixa a gente viciada de uma forma que é quase impossivel largar o livro. A autora faz uma construção na história de forma que tem sempre algo interessante acontecendo, te mantendo presa ao livro e curiosa sobre o desenrolar da história.
• A Aria tem uma personalidade incrível, que torna impossível não gostar dela. Forte, destemida, corajosa, ela é a própria fodona dos livros de fantasia urbana, porém ela também tem o lado soft, gentil, cuidadosa e amorosa que ela não para de mostrar pros companheiros dela. E nem vou comentar sobre como a autora conseguiu mostrar uma personalidade de líder nata na mocinha.
• Amo ambos os parceiros dela, tanto Tirox quanto Kix foram encaixes perfeitos para Aria. E é muito viciante ver todo aquele "a gente cuida, protege de tudo e ama" comportamento por parte deles. Não só isso, o carinho, cuidado e dedicação com ela, mostrando o soft spot deles por ela.
• O desenvolvimento de mundo e a criação de toda a fantasia foi incrível, algo que vi em pouquíssimos livros de aliens que li. A autora conseguiu desenvolver de forma única tanto o decorrer da história quanto o mundo em si e os costumes, tecnologias e afins. Foi bem criativa nesse sentido. O que não me surpreende tendo lido outros livros da autora que tem a mesma pegada criativa.
• Adoro que apesar de ser cheio de ação, lutas e coisas do tipo, o livro também trouxe muitas cenas românticas e outras engraçadas, que tornaram a leitura ainda melhor.
Pontos negativos:
• Senti que não havia necessidade de um segundo e nem mesmo terceiro livro para desenvolver a história da Aria. Acredito que a autora poderia ter colocado tudo em um livro só, finalizando a parte dela, e talvez trazendo a continuação da história de fundo com outras mocinhas. Não senti que a história pedia por mais livros, tendo sido uma leitura prolongada e bastante detalhada.
• Acredito que os outros dois parceiros da Aria poderiam ter sido inseridos mais facilmente e com menos enrolação no harém dela, de forma que esse assunto pudesse ser resolvido em um livro só. Houveram diversos momentos que foram oportunos pro desenvolvimento do relacionamento com Rellik e Thrasi, de forma que senti que o atraso se deu apenas para que pudesse haver novo romance nos próximos livros.
Personagens principais: Aria, Tirox, Kix, Rellik, Thrasi e Skaa.
Obs: lido em inglês.
Aria swallowed hard, giving him tortured eyes. “And if there is, we’d just leave all those other people in the other arenas? Abandon them? What if their situation is worse than this?”
To her utter confusion, she saw Tirox’s expression relax from the corner of her eye. Turning to look at him, she saw a small smile curl his red lips. Before she could demand to know why he was suddenly so damn cheerful, he spoke.
“So we take over the planet, my heart.”
***** Resenha com spoilers *****
Pontos positivos:
• A escrita da autora é gostosa de ler, deixa a gente viciada de uma forma que é quase impossivel largar o livro. A autora faz uma construção na história de forma que tem sempre algo interessante acontecendo, te mantendo presa ao livro e curiosa sobre o desenrolar da história.
• A Aria tem uma personalidade incrível, que torna impossível não gostar dela. Forte, destemida, corajosa, ela é a própria fodona dos livros de fantasia urbana, porém ela também tem o lado soft, gentil, cuidadosa e amorosa que ela não para de mostrar pros companheiros dela. E nem vou comentar sobre como a autora conseguiu mostrar uma personalidade de líder nata na mocinha.
• Amo ambos os parceiros dela, tanto Tirox quanto Kix foram encaixes perfeitos para Aria. E é muito viciante ver todo aquele "a gente cuida, protege de tudo e ama" comportamento por parte deles. Não só isso, o carinho, cuidado e dedicação com ela, mostrando o soft spot deles por ela.
• O desenvolvimento de mundo e a criação de toda a fantasia foi incrível, algo que vi em pouquíssimos livros de aliens que li. A autora conseguiu desenvolver de forma única tanto o decorrer da história quanto o mundo em si e os costumes, tecnologias e afins. Foi bem criativa nesse sentido. O que não me surpreende tendo lido outros livros da autora que tem a mesma pegada criativa.
• Adoro que apesar de ser cheio de ação, lutas e coisas do tipo, o livro também trouxe muitas cenas românticas e outras engraçadas, que tornaram a leitura ainda melhor.
Pontos negativos:
• Senti que não havia necessidade de um segundo e nem mesmo terceiro livro para desenvolver a história da Aria. Acredito que a autora poderia ter colocado tudo em um livro só, finalizando a parte dela, e talvez trazendo a continuação da história de fundo com outras mocinhas. Não senti que a história pedia por mais livros, tendo sido uma leitura prolongada e bastante detalhada.
• Acredito que os outros dois parceiros da Aria poderiam ter sido inseridos mais facilmente e com menos enrolação no harém dela, de forma que esse assunto pudesse ser resolvido em um livro só. Houveram diversos momentos que foram oportunos pro desenvolvimento do relacionamento com Rellik e Thrasi, de forma que senti que o atraso se deu apenas para que pudesse haver novo romance nos próximos livros.
Personagens principais: Aria, Tirox, Kix, Rellik, Thrasi e Skaa.
Obs: lido em inglês.
dnf
October 29, 2021dnf 66%
I usually hate menage books, but the Matrix-y vibe made me want to give it another try. Sadly, the cool sci-fi world wasn't cool enough, and yet again I still think menage books are awful.
I think my problem with this genre is the writing is always the same. The heroines are indecisive and self-centered. The men worship the ground she walks on regardless of any dumbass thing she says or does.
The heroine in this story is supposed to be an experienced FBI agent, but all I see is a 30 year old acting like a sheltered 16 year old. She has immature and naive reactions to everything, whether it's conflict, aggression, aliens, or romance. What happened to the badass FBI agent? Why can't she be cool about stuff and not voice her idiot thoughts out loud? Actually don't even write those idiot thoughts down to begin with
and the menage setup................
Why is she jealous every time one of the guys shows attention to anyone but her? And why is that attitude okay?
Why is polyamory never a thing in these books? Why can only one person have the harem? Orrrr why not a triad?
Why are the sex scenes always 1 on 1? Whats the point of writing a fantasy book with all these partners if you're not going to take advantage of this opportunity?
Am I being ridic for asking for these things?
I usually hate menage books, but the Matrix-y vibe made me want to give it another try. Sadly, the cool sci-fi world wasn't cool enough, and yet again I still think menage books are awful.
I think my problem with this genre is the writing is always the same. The heroines are indecisive and self-centered. The men worship the ground she walks on regardless of any dumbass thing she says or does.
The heroine in this story is supposed to be an experienced FBI agent, but all I see is a 30 year old acting like a sheltered 16 year old. She has immature and naive reactions to everything, whether it's conflict, aggression, aliens, or romance. What happened to the badass FBI agent? Why can't she be cool about stuff and not voice her idiot thoughts out loud? Actually don't even write those idiot thoughts down to begin with
and the menage setup................
Why is she jealous every time one of the guys shows attention to anyone but her? And why is that attitude okay?
Why is polyamory never a thing in these books? Why can only one person have the harem? Orrrr why not a triad?
Why are the sex scenes always 1 on 1? Whats the point of writing a fantasy book with all these partners if you're not going to take advantage of this opportunity?
Am I being ridic for asking for these things?
April 16, 2022
So this book was okay. I enjoyed the argument and the plot, it was quite original in my opinion. At the beginning I really enjoyed the female MC, but once she was able to communicate with her mates she went downhill. She was meant to be an FBI agent, but there were some behaviours of hers that in my opinion we are country produce and to her character. I understand The urge to make a strong character feisty and independent, but that doesn’t mean they also have to be stubborn and bullheaded to the point of annoyance. Being strong doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be level headed, one doesn’t have to cancel the other both can work in a personality at the same time. She was meant to be an FBI agent, of course she has to be strong, but In my understanding she should also know how to delegate in work as a team. She was just quite frustrating sometimes because she behaved in a way that in my opinion went against what we were told was her nature. Also it was quite a long book longer than I thought it was going to be but it’s still the RH wasn’t complete. Sometimes in R H series they pick up mates as the story goes on but in this case it has felt incomplete. The males in her harem were quite nice I don’t really have any complains there it was mostly how she managed the whole emotional situation, again she went from mature to immature, back and forth constantly.
September 17, 2021
The Matrix, but it's Reverse Harem
Aria is an FBI agent with a normal life, but shitty sleep. Extremely shitty sleep, with dreams that exhaust her but she can't quite remember.
Until she experiments with lucid dreaming and she finds out that she has two lives: Aria the FBI agent and Aria the Alien Hunger Games Gladiator.
But which one of them is real? And who has Gladiator Aria been cuddling up to while FBI Aria couldn't remember her "dreams"?
The set-up is interesting and the story progresses nicely as Aria discovers two mates she has in the arena (Gladiator Aria is one BUSY girl and she has two hot boyfriends), but neither of them are willing (of able) to speak to her. Is she the only lucid one? Could she wake up the others or will they kill her first? Also, what happens if she dies?
Aria has all those questions, and not much to work with, but she has a quick mind and actually manages to figure out some stuff.
Since this is Stacy Jones, you can expect:
- smooth narration
- fluff
- sweet heroes
- heroine who respects her guys
- straightforward plot and structure
- much cuteness
This is a true series, so book 1 does not end with any resolution, not even romance-wise. Since all the books are out I will be reading the next one soon.
Aria is an FBI agent with a normal life, but shitty sleep. Extremely shitty sleep, with dreams that exhaust her but she can't quite remember.
Until she experiments with lucid dreaming and she finds out that she has two lives: Aria the FBI agent and Aria the Alien Hunger Games Gladiator.
But which one of them is real? And who has Gladiator Aria been cuddling up to while FBI Aria couldn't remember her "dreams"?
The set-up is interesting and the story progresses nicely as Aria discovers two mates she has in the arena (Gladiator Aria is one BUSY girl and she has two hot boyfriends), but neither of them are willing (of able) to speak to her. Is she the only lucid one? Could she wake up the others or will they kill her first? Also, what happens if she dies?
Aria has all those questions, and not much to work with, but she has a quick mind and actually manages to figure out some stuff.
Since this is Stacy Jones, you can expect:
- smooth narration
- fluff
- sweet heroes
- heroine who respects her guys
- straightforward plot and structure
- much cuteness
This is a true series, so book 1 does not end with any resolution, not even romance-wise. Since all the books are out I will be reading the next one soon.
May 17, 2022
I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that this book ends on a cliffhanger, and it’s still unfinished (though not as cliffhanger-y) at the end of Book 2. It sounds like Aria’s story is three books total? But after finishing Book 2, I don’t think I’ll continue. I really, really loved the Chosen series (such a sweet and memorable RH-jungle adventure! I still smile every time I think of those guys and their mating ritual). But this series just hasn’t done it for me, even though the dream/wake cycle thing sounded like a fun little twist on the kidnapped-and-found-in-an-alien-arena setup. There are lots of action scenes, but the romance is pretty thin, and I found myself kind of bored. It doesn’t help that in this book, there’s a language barrier that keeps us from getting anything from the MMCs until about 50% in.
Still, there was enough here to keep me interested enough to read Book 2 (if for no other reason than because of the promise of the weird alien dicks that were introduced but not explored here), hoping things would pick up and I’d get more into it. But after Book 2, I’m just feeling meh on the story and moving on to other things.
Still, there was enough here to keep me interested enough to read Book 2 (if for no other reason than because of the promise of the weird alien dicks that were introduced but not explored here), hoping things would pick up and I’d get more into it. But after Book 2, I’m just feeling meh on the story and moving on to other things.
June 6, 2024
Gorgeous!
I am in LOVE with this series! I adored the Chosen series, so imagine my surprise when I went to reread it and found out there was another series set in the same universe?
This one has its own Big Mystery, a complete badass for an FMC, and a Black Cat and German Shepherd type for the MMCs.
Storytelling is A+ (bc it’s Stacy Jones so ofc it is) and the writing is great. The aliens look like aliens and have interesting and unique cultures and beliefs, which is always a good time.
Loved the Hunger Games vibes and the Chosen character throwback (hoping she gets home to her little gremlins). Just. Everything was wonderful. Five stars and starting the next book as soon as I post this.
I am in LOVE with this series! I adored the Chosen series, so imagine my surprise when I went to reread it and found out there was another series set in the same universe?
This one has its own Big Mystery, a complete badass for an FMC, and a Black Cat and German Shepherd type for the MMCs.
Storytelling is A+ (bc it’s Stacy Jones so ofc it is) and the writing is great. The aliens look like aliens and have interesting and unique cultures and beliefs, which is always a good time.
Loved the Hunger Games vibes and the Chosen character throwback (hoping she gets home to her little gremlins). Just. Everything was wonderful. Five stars and starting the next book as soon as I post this.
May 14, 2023
Amazing worldbuilding and characters
Wow. I am completely blown away by how good this book was! I'm totally kicking myself for having this book in my library for so long before trying it out.
The characters are amazing. Aria is exactly my kind of FMC. She tough as nails with a squishy marshmallow inside. Tirax is this wonderful mix of cocky barbarian and total teddy bear for Aria. Kix is the my favorite type of crazy obsessive mate who refuses to let Aria out of his sight. I can't wait to meet the third mate.
I can't wait to read more. I've already purchased all the rest of the books on the series, so I have my whole weekend booked!
Wow. I am completely blown away by how good this book was! I'm totally kicking myself for having this book in my library for so long before trying it out.
The characters are amazing. Aria is exactly my kind of FMC. She tough as nails with a squishy marshmallow inside. Tirax is this wonderful mix of cocky barbarian and total teddy bear for Aria. Kix is the my favorite type of crazy obsessive mate who refuses to let Aria out of his sight. I can't wait to meet the third mate.
I can't wait to read more. I've already purchased all the rest of the books on the series, so I have my whole weekend booked!
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed the story!
Aria was a badass, I was afraid that it would be a bit over the top to have a small woman kill huge aliens, but the explanation of enhanced clones made it more believable ;) I loved the scene when she ogled her two alien companions, she was hilarious there.
Kix and Tirox were great! I liked how snide they were towards each other, they held deep trust that the other one would do anything to protect Aria, but they still didn't like each other much. Tirox's insistence that Kix was hideous, tiny and dim-witted was snort worthy.
Aria was a badass, I was afraid that it would be a bit over the top to have a small woman kill huge aliens, but the explanation of enhanced clones made it more believable ;) I loved the scene when she ogled her two alien companions, she was hilarious there.
Kix and Tirox were great! I liked how snide they were towards each other, they held deep trust that the other one would do anything to protect Aria, but they still didn't like each other much. Tirox's insistence that Kix was hideous, tiny and dim-witted was snort worthy.
September 1, 2020
Hey don't judge my 2* rating... I felt like I've read this story a few dozen times by now....
No there was nothing original in this one. And don't expect a lot of ''hot sex'' since there is none in this book even though one of the male caracters has diphallia (and yes I had to google that word !!!)
It's not bad per say but just felt very familiar to a bunch of other stories I've read in the past year. But don't let that stop you from trying it... Who knows you might enjoy it !!!
No there was nothing original in this one. And don't expect a lot of ''hot sex'' since there is none in this book even though one of the male caracters has diphallia (and yes I had to google that word !!!)
It's not bad per say but just felt very familiar to a bunch of other stories I've read in the past year. But don't let that stop you from trying it... Who knows you might enjoy it !!!
April 26, 2022
2.5 Stars.
I'm a huge fan of Ms. Jones Chosen series, I'm obsessed. Thought I'd try this series and I have to say, I think I went in with the expectation it would pull me in like the Chosen series. It did not.
The book definitely got better for me toward the end when what was actually going on was revealed, instead of trying to wrap my head around the explanation we're given. I'll pick up the next one and we'll see.
I'm a huge fan of Ms. Jones Chosen series, I'm obsessed. Thought I'd try this series and I have to say, I think I went in with the expectation it would pull me in like the Chosen series. It did not.
The book definitely got better for me toward the end when what was actually going on was revealed, instead of trying to wrap my head around the explanation we're given. I'll pick up the next one and we'll see.
February 27, 2023
Love the mystery, it just sucks you in from the first chapter. As soon as you think you have it figured out, the characters discover something new, and the adventure continues.
The FMC is bold, unapologetic, and refreshingly self-confident. The 2 MMC have distinctively different personalities that simultaneously clash and blend together.
The world building is ON POINT. It gives me West World meets Ice Planet Barbarians vibes.
Really digging this book!
The FMC is bold, unapologetic, and refreshingly self-confident. The 2 MMC have distinctively different personalities that simultaneously clash and blend together.
The world building is ON POINT. It gives me West World meets Ice Planet Barbarians vibes.
Really digging this book!
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