HER MIND IS MORPHING BY THE MINUTE…PREPARE TO HAVE YOURS BLOWN! Cancel your lunch and dinner dates, and clear out your inbox at work before picking up DISSENT, the SEVENTH installment of the action-packed sci-fi fantasy series, Rise Of The Iliri! Because this is the truth: This epic series, spellbinding from the first, only becomes more powerfully enthralling with each adventure. Start DISSENT at your peril if you have looming deadlines!
Author Auryn Hadley goes deep rather than wide on this one, reveling in the relationships that are the source of power of Salryc Luxx, commander of the Anglian army and leader of all iliri. Danger surrounds her on all sides: from the enemy’s encroachment on the borders of her former homeland, to the many humans who still perceive the iliri species as an enslaved inferior race. The thing that Sal fears most though, is losing her mind; all members of her lineage have been driven mad as their powers increased--and Sal’s mind is morphing by the minute.
Even before Sal joined the Black Blades, they were the best of her country’s elite forces, bred to be ferocious predators and trained to be deadly soldiers. They think as one, feel as one, yet possess their own special abilities; and the long-held secret, that the Black Blades are all crossbred iliri, is now out in the open. With the addition of Sal, a purebred iliri, they have become the most deadly creatures on the continent. Now the country that disbanded them needs them to defeat the invading Terrans. Sal desperately wants to defeat the Terrans and their leader, who will stop at nothing to wipe out the iliri. Ironically, saving the country that enslaved her people is the only way to save them.
But can she, the Blades, and their human allies overcome the resentment against iliri influence, and the rising tide of dissent that threatens to tear the country apart from within? To do that, the Blades will have to do what they do best: fight their way through it – in the heart-pounding battle scenes Hadley describes so well.
As the strain begins to show, Sal is trying to let herself lean on the Blades, a band of brothers, some of whom share her bed – and it’s getting really crowded in the bedroom! The more of them there are, the more adorable these guys get, like puppies piled up around a warm fire. Although some of the human males in Sal’s world aren’t quite used to the reverse harem model of family life the iliri favor, the smoking (but tasteful) sex scenes are guaranteed to please readers.
Rise Of The Iliri will keep epic fantasy and action-adventure fans—as well as crossover romance and mystery readers—hypnotized into the wee hours. (Grown people. Magical though they may be, these are definitely not books for the underage crowd!) Because of the exotic sexual instincts of the iliri, DISSENT may not be suitable for humans under 18./b>
Fans of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern will find Sal's planet Ogun an irresistible destination for their next fantasy fix, and some fans may be reminded of Avatar without the scary beasts, or Game of Thrones. (But happier.)
reread May 2024 reread July 2023 I think I actually had enough distance from the last time I read this book, so I was able to enjoy a lot of it again. Surprise, maybe I should not read the series more than once a year ...😊
Back to being bad-ass. I love it most when Sal and Jase cut through their enemies, drenched in blood. Sal puts the stupid humans in their place again and shapes plans to rid the conglomerate of the invaders.
„Our actions reflect back on our country and my species. I start ripping people apart, and they're convinced we're animals.“ 🤣🤣🤣
Right about now, if anyone looks at me wrong, I'll put them in the ground. 🖤🖤🖤
And finally her third mate settles into his position, not yet completed but the sex ... delicious.
Every time she kissed him, it felt better than the last. He wasn't gentle, but neither was he cruel. Instead, he knew how to wring the most from something as simple as a kiss. His tongue toyed with hers, his lips taunted, and his hands... Oh, his hands were the best part, worshiping the lines of her face, tangling in her hair, and holding her as close to him as possible. She loved the way it felt, like she finally could let someone else take control and just give in. 💜😋💜
I've decided to stop commenting on mistakes or annoying repetitions. This book is in any case better than the previous part and really whets the appetite for the rest of the series.
REREAD: JULY 2022 Rise of the Iliri is one of my favourite epic fantasy series, and I'm doing a reread after the author released updated versions of all the books.
Dissent is the seventh book (of 11) in the Rise of the Iliri series by Auryn Hadley. In this instalment, Sal is finally the leader of the combined Anglian and CFC military. However, despite everything, Sal and the Iliri nation continue to face oppression and discrimination from the humans.
What really makes this series outstanding is the cast of compelling characters. Good or bad, they’re all fully realised and woven into the intricate plot that spans all 11 books. In this book, the whole Anglian army and King are behind Sal and doing everything they can to show their support. Sal and Kolt’s relationship is growing, and the Ahnor and Dernor are freaking amazing.
I love the energy put into Sal and the relationships with her pack and mates. All the nuances, growth, understandings, etc., are what make this series so heartwarming.
Ran, Sal’s Sadava (adopted father), is awesome, and we learn a lot more about his past, especially why he loves Sal so much.
If like me, you really enjoy epic high fantasy with a strong, independent heroine and intense action sequences, you should pick this up asap!
"Sometimes the only good answer is to close your eyes and jump"
Another superb instalment in what is hands down the best epic science-fantasy series I've ever read.
Sal continues to grow into the role she must fulfil, her pack is growing and the war is coming closer. In this book we get to see some of the "smoking (but tasteful) sex scenes" alluded to in every blurb for the series. They don't overwhelm what is essentially a military action adventure tale, and Auryn Hadley knocks it out of the park as usual.
Five shining "it doesn't get better than this" stars. Very highly recommended.
I’m finding the story line interesting. However, the progress is extremely slow. For example, Sal and Kolt’s relationship has been developing over the course of 3 books. It’s something that should have been established in the last book. Instead, it continued in this book and monopolized much of the story line this time around. As a result, the series didn’t go much further. The group simply moved from one setting to another.
One major flaw I think the series has as a whole is the number of characters. Off the top of my head I can easily name 25 characters. Not that I know how they look or have a real defined personality for them. Just that I can name them. The Black Blades have more than 10 alone. It’s just too many for a reader to try to sort through.
My favorite part about this book is how the relationship between the men are developing. When I think of a reverse harem, it’s the dynamics between not only the woman and men but also the men themselves that are important.
Overall the story line keeps me wanting to read the next book. However, I think the author spends too much time rehashing issues again and again to warrant more than 3 stars. Often, the circular thinking prevents the characters from moving forward which result in the series taking multiple books to resolve an issue instead of it being done in a single book.
The story takes place far into the future of humanity on a planet far, far away. The lead character, Salryc Luxx has 3 lovers who were her teachers and are now her protectors. There is a great war brewing and Sal has been chosen by fate to lead her people, known as the Iliri, to win this war for the side of good.
This is the 7th book in this series, which must be read in order. I just discovered this author a month and a half ago. The third book in this series was offered for free on Amazon. Then a few weeks later the first three books were offered for free. Today as of this posting books 4-6 are being offered for free on Amazon. I did not know they would be free. I paid for them as well as the 7th book. I do NOT regret it. I love this series! Now I have to wait with the rest of the world for the next one. This series offers everything in all of the genres that I love. The books are reasonably lengthy between 350 and 400 pages. (I like big books.) The bedroom scenes do not overpower the plot but are used sparingly to add a little spice. This book kept showing up in my recommendations from Amazon. I was kind of judging the book by the cover which is very ironic since this series is all about not judging people by the way they look. I read a few reviews and became intrigued. I HIGHLY recommend this series. It is so well written. If you like kick-ass heroines and alpha but submissive men, dystopian, sci-fi, paranormal erotica and books of epic length then this series is for you. I'm going to be sad when this series ends.
This book was soooo good the series just gets better and better and after barely sleeping or eating for the past 4 days binge reading all seven books I’m exhausted but sooo ready for more. I don’t know what to do with myself right now lol maybe I should go to bed but I am so looking forward to next book
I was extremely lucky to receive an ARC of this amazing book from Auryn a few weeks ago. I have been waiting to post this review for AGES!
So first things first, if you haven't read books 1-6 - stop! You are missing out of the most epic story EVER! For those that have read the series, you will not be disappointed with this next instalment. Auryn's words have a way of pulling you so far from reality and into the story that you actually feel like you are there. You're hearts racing, the tears are flowing and your squealing like a 7 year old on Christmas Day.
Although the reverse harem genre is becoming the new sub genre for New Adult romance readers, Auryn has developed this story so that although you get your sexy harem scenes and the "Oh my god thats hot!" moments, she has incorporated the romances so well into the story that it feels so real, genuine and perfectly in sync with the storyline. In fact I can honestly say that although I love the reverse harem and the sexiness of this book, I actually enjoyed the rest of the story line more (and no I am NOT adding spoilers - READ THE BOOK!). So if your not into the romance genre, read it any way. This book is way more than a romance. It's fantasy at its best, with action and adventure and even a bit of Sci-fi thrown in. I have convinced so many people to read this book (even my mother in law).
One thing I LOVED about this book was that Auryn didn't add too many new characters, instead building up on the ones I had already fallen in love with. Sal, is the kind of main character that really appeals to me, she makes you want to stand up and fight for her. I mean I found myself waking up my baby my accident just from my reactions to this book; squealing, laughing, crying and yes, yelling! Sal's harem grows in ways that even I didn't expect and let me tell you....I had all the different scenarios planned out in my head...Auryn, you blew my mind away!
And that ending??????? Sheesh! I about died from the book hangover. I couldn't pick up another book for weeks! Infact I re-read this series over and over.
I don't think I can compare this series to any other, its just so unique and Auryn's writing is just so amazing that you can't put it down. I am totally expecting Auryn to be swamp with demands for TV and movie rights. haha! Seriously...this series is better that Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings COMBINED so stop dawdling and get yourself this book and prepare yourself for a book hangover like no other.
Ok now that I've caught up on all of the available books in this series, I have some points to make.
While I've overall enjoyed this entire series so far - including the story, characters, and world building - there have been a few things that have annoyed the fuck out of me too.
1. The characters' tendency to blab EVERY. SINGLE. SECRET. constantly to EVERY character they come across. Like a random new character would pop up for the first time and all of a sudden we have Sal (or someone else) telling them their entire life's story, including military secrets that should uhh probably have been kept secret?? This happened constantly throughout the entire series and drove me insane.
2. The continuous explaining of everything OVER and OVER again and the SUPER LONG monologues. LIKE HOLY SHIT these characters love to talk. Like they talk just for the sake of talking. NON STOP, whole pages worth of talking. Like it would have been fine but usually it's about things they've already spent PAGES talking about previously. Like we get it, now shut up already.
3. Low key feel bad saying this, but I'm glad Blaec is dead. His one step forward/two steps back routine regarding his relationship with Sal was getting EXHAUSTING. Whew! Thank God Kolt doesn't seem to have much of this problem, so that's a step up.
Even though there were a few other things that annoyed me throughout reading these books, I still very much ENJOYED them. Definitely looking forward to the last few books of what is supposed to be a 10 book series.
Grief is seldom a subtle emotion, even in the face of war. Sal is still reeling from the events in the Terran camp, and the journey back to her Blades... and to herself. This book, more than the others, really dives deep into the heart of that pain, or rather, the lingering aftermath the pulls at a soul. It's not as brutal as some of the novels in this extensive series, but it still holds it own level of pain and revelation - one that pushes Sal ever onward in her quest to free her people.
Along with grief, Sal is dealing with doubt and worry. All Kaisae's before her have either died or shattered their minds, but she doesn't know why. The patterns of fate are becoming clearer the farther she travels and the truth of her future is growing stark - and no one is quite sure what to do about it. Hadley showcases this in both blatant and shadowy ways, expressing the undercurrents in both action and conversation. It's immersive, and the perfect way to drive a fantasy epic.
Pros: ~Well written. ~Complex. ~So detailed the glossary IS a necessary feature. ~Read the map... just read it. ~Growing list of characters. ~Emotions are expressed in a way you can actually feel. ~Kolt!! He may be my favorite of ALL of them! Maybe.
Cons: ~Blaec. I'm getting soooooo annoyed with everything surrounding him. But so is Sal. ~POV switches are not always clear, though smooth enough.
That’s where it ended? Odd. Totally expected more, this one is basically a filler too.
I’m kinda sick of the CFC and Sal sticking her neck out. I’m enjoying the relationship aspect of everything. I’m dying to know if This book definitely didn’t feel as long as the others.
Due to book 9 being postponed I think I’m going to have to pause here in my binge read. I also seriously hope there’s more that 10 books. I want to actually see Sal settles a bit and enjoy it too. If that happens of course.
This one had some lines that seriously made me chuckle. I honestly love this cast of characters and would love to continue with them. It’s so good. It’s one of those series you want to live in and never close the book on. Where you set down the book and still think of the characters and what they are doing as though they are real. I can’t get enough.
The h steps up and accepts the H who instigated so many of the changes she has brought to the world. He is great, thinks he's broken but really is a perfect match for her - and her mates. Once again, we get a lot of action in this book. It felt as if the Hs, the h matured and started to better tackle their problems by working together. The Hs challenged their view of what might happen to Sal and pushed her to think about a different future, one where she might live. They had already changed so much. Loved seeing the mystery of who was the bad guy, with the answer not immediately obvious.
Terran knows how to exploit a weakness and the CFCs weaknesses are well-known... Building an army of illiri slaves and human soldiers, Sal is facing her biggest challenge yet. Blocked at every corner, dissent within the ranks, traitors and illiri who have lost their pride. Even though she doesn't hate humans, these particular humans bring out the worst in her. Though some of the illiri are not much better. little is needed to set aflame the us Vs them sentiments. Luckily her men stand besides and behind her. They remind her as often as necessary on who the real enemy is.
I wanted to love this but seven books in and I just can’t anymore. However, the authors writing is so compelling, I may just give this another chance in the future which is rare for me
I read all these and now I have no clue when the next one will come out....they are great books I really enjoyed them but if you want a complete series or one you know is going to be complete soon don't bother until more start coming out
Another brilliant book in the rise of the iliri series. Review is short because I need to get started on the next one. Seriously addictive. Do yourself a favour and read asap
Book 7: Dissent Sal is finally the leading leader of leaders for the military of Anglia and the Conglomerate. Overcoming everything the CFC could throw at her politically she leads her people to meet up with General Ran, her adopted dava. Naturally, the humans at the base aren’t okay with the Ilirian presence, so that bitter hatred that honestly everyone is getting really tired of hearing about comes out a lot in the beginning of the book, but the Anglians deal with it as only they can. The Blades have a tribute to Blaec that just about wrenched my heart from my chest. Sal and Kolt’s relationship is growing. The Ahnor and Dernor are freaking amazing. I love the energy put into Sal and her mates and all the nuances, movements, understandings, etc. of the whole thing. Hadley has detail on lock. She has the importance of EVERY form of communication and interaction on lock, and she created a mean (that’s used as a positive term) story. I have to admit that at this point I am getting a little tired of having to deal with Sal and the Ilirians prove to the humans that they are better fighters. It’s so obvious... but that could be the point. Forcing them to prove themselves over and over just shows the intensity of the prejudice... if that is what Hadley was trying to do... I’m also exhausted with having to skip through so much fluff to get to the good parts of the story. I skipped so much in this book it’s ridiculous. Sturgren, the General, Ran, whatever you prefer to call him. He’s awesome, and we learn a lot more about his past, and especially why he loves Sal so much. Another high point that I am just now locking into is the different names, titles, and call signs that are used. And colors, whether it be the ones used when writing Ilirian, or those to signify the different units... again... the detail is astounding and requires a lot if attention on the part of the reader. But so worth it. I was anxious, thinking this was the last book, it’s so not. Sal is a unique Kaisae with powers we don’t even know about and cannot even assume. Blaec isn’t all the way gone, don’t get me wrong, he’s dead… but stuff happens. It’s wacky. Waiting anxiously for the rest of the series so I can find out what happens. Ugh.
My ongoing review for this entire series as I read is at kyyzillathebookdevourer.blogspot.com
Sal has taken knock after knock. Her people have suffered for millenniums. She's already made it known that this is changing, as of now. But the people of Fort Landing haven't gotten that memo yet. Oh, but they're about to. Her task is to find 3 units of soldiers who can keep up to help take back the southern end of CFC. But humans don't want to prove themselves to Iliri and extremists have taken the base. Now they're fighting bigotry on multiple levels. And she still needs troops. But sometimes the best fighters aren't the ones at the front. And humans still haven't learned that the reason Anglia is winning is because they've let the beasts off their leashes...
Spoilers ahead. The fighting is fierce in this one. Terric, extremists, anti-iliri bigotry, anti-human bigotry, grauori, generals putting up roadblocks, memories, a bar scene that goes sideways, little breadcrumbs meant to drive the readers guessing lol. So much happens in so few days. And the where it leaves off is just as crazy. Not a cliffhanger, a continuation, but still designed to reel the readers in. I have read this series at least a dozen times now and I still find new things to fall in love with.
So in this book, Sal and fam are in Fort Landing and it was even worse than Prin. We at least get to see Ran again, but there were some frustrations with the other generals. Some of them did come around in the end.
The worst part was what Here is was up to. Not to mention the CFC traitors. So many times, Sal could have given up, but it was good that she didn't or they would have missed something so crucial that could have destroyed their chances of beating Terric.
My favorite moments were of Sal and her mates. Kolt is settling in nicely and I adore him. Zep and Jase are as amazing as ever. I'm enjoying the little dance between Pig and Keeya and Artic and Shade seem to be happy with adding Audgan/ Ghost to their mix. The pairings all work well. Tyr is looking like he's being set up for Sal as well. I want more of that.
The most exciting part was the epilogue. Someone still seems to be hanging on, but I had expected that. I want to know more about that. What Zep did at the end is something I very much approve of, too. It seems Jase does, too.
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Dissent, but also bought it because it was that great. Sal is so fierce, yet has the most loving heart. In this book Sal is back in Fort Landing, trying to organize the Conglomerate war effort while dealing with prejudice against iliri, trying to stay sane, and figure out how Kolt fits in. The scenes with Sal and Rayna out having a girls night are some of my favorites.
I'M SO BAD at writing reviews for these books, mostly because I just finish one and go right on to the next.
So I've read this book at least three times (only recorded two of them for some reason). And every single time I uncover new little tidbits about the world and breadcrumbs that Hadley has placed that lead up to a massive feast of Reader Delight (it's like Turkish Delight except not at all). So just read them already?
It has been so long since i’ve found a series i’m completely enamored with. I have so much I want to say about how incredibly well written these books are and how much I love the overall concept. I love Sal and Zep and Jase and now Kolt. Thank you so so much for giving me the gift of this series. IM DYING FOR THE NEXT BOOK !!
Another winner. I found myself caught up in the story as if I were there. The characters are exciting and could easily teach us all some things. An excellent read. Highly recommend this entire series.
Perfection is the only word to describe this amazing series! These characters are so well written and thought out and it's impossible not to love each and everyone of them, even the background characters. I can't wait for book 8! Long love the Black Blades!
This book and series have been one of my favs. I want more! The writer has done an amazing job keeping this going in such a away that leaves you wanting more. It's hard to do in big box series but she has mastered it
This is one of my favorite series of all time, I can never get enough and this book did not disappoint! So many things happened and made me so happy and teared me up at other. I cannot wait to turn the page of book 8 and see what ayati has in store for me.
Auryn keeps getting better and better with every Iliri novel and Dissent is no exception! Seeing the personal relationship growth with Sal gives me hope for her future!