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Jelvia: Not Human #3
Spider
Bethany Roberts life changed forever in the car crash. It caused life-changing injuries to her mother and killed her brother.
Beth’s father struggled to cope with the guilt, hiding inside a whiskey bottle to hide his pain.
As Beth grew, she became a carer to her parents and young sister, Lara. She gave up school and took menial jobs to keep a roof over their heads.
Beth managed.
Then Lara became a statistic of the Jelvian onslaught on humankind.
Now Beth has nothing else to lose.
She is going to get her sister back.
Beth’s father struggled to cope with the guilt, hiding inside a whiskey bottle to hide his pain.
As Beth grew, she became a carer to her parents and young sister, Lara. She gave up school and took menial jobs to keep a roof over their heads.
Beth managed.
Then Lara became a statistic of the Jelvian onslaught on humankind.
Now Beth has nothing else to lose.
She is going to get her sister back.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2020
8 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
T.E. Kessler
7 books120 followersT. E. Kessler is the pseudonym of British author Louise Wise, writing darker, adult science-fiction romance.
Best known for the Jelvia: Not Human series, her work explores power, control, identity, and survival through emotionally driven, high-stakes storytelling.
Louise Wise’s earlier novels include the critically acclaimed Eden and its sequel Hunted. She adopted the T. E. Kessler pen name to separate her more mature science-fiction work from her conventional romance.
She lives in the Midlands, England.
Email: info@louisewise.uk
LinkTree: linktr.ee/louise_wise
News Letter: https://bit.ly/3gihIdm
Best known for the Jelvia: Not Human series, her work explores power, control, identity, and survival through emotionally driven, high-stakes storytelling.
Louise Wise’s earlier novels include the critically acclaimed Eden and its sequel Hunted. She adopted the T. E. Kessler pen name to separate her more mature science-fiction work from her conventional romance.
She lives in the Midlands, England.
Email: info@louisewise.uk
LinkTree: linktr.ee/louise_wise
News Letter: https://bit.ly/3gihIdm
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 28, 2020
DNF
****warning****
This is just another BDSM book with an over worked, borderline doormat heroine.
I stopped at 6%. The two main characters hadn't even been introduced when the spanking started. I loved the Eden series under Louise Wise. I liked the first book in this Jelvia series under T.E. Kessler. Cringed over the BDSM scenes in the second book. Had hoped this book was a more traditional romance.
There are no indications in the book description that this book contains BDSM elements or triggers.
****warning****
This is just another BDSM book with an over worked, borderline doormat heroine.
I stopped at 6%. The two main characters hadn't even been introduced when the spanking started. I loved the Eden series under Louise Wise. I liked the first book in this Jelvia series under T.E. Kessler. Cringed over the BDSM scenes in the second book. Had hoped this book was a more traditional romance.
There are no indications in the book description that this book contains BDSM elements or triggers.
August 10, 2020
I read book #1 in the Jelvia series (Holding out for a Hero) and now have jumped to the most recent installment, Spider. T.E. Kessler has created a unique world in which Humans live alongside a super-human race of Jelvia. This installment delves into the common fetishes and motivations of both races through the eyes of a new protagonist, Beth. There are passing references here to Macy Shaw (the heroine of book #1) and her friend, Courtney (who I believe is the main character of book #2), but this is a stand-alone story that does not really intersect with the others. It is helpful for the reader to be familiar with the backstory of Humans and Jelvia from the earlier books, but it’s not essential.
“Spider” refers to the spider tattoo on the face of Yash, the chief Jelvia villain in the story, whose relationship with Beth drives the plot. Beth lives a very unhappy life, with her alcoholic father, Steven, who is tormented by the grim reality of a car accident that killed his son (Beth’s brother) and left his wife, Alison, in a permanently brain-damaged state. Beth works two jobs to try to keep the family above water, while caring for her mother and father. She’s also grief-stricken by the disappearance of her sister, Lara, whom the police believe was abducted by unknown Jelvia who were seen near Lara’s last known location. So, Beth is on the edge of despair. And just to add to her misery, she broke up with her fiancé, Harry, when all this happened five years ago so that he could have a life not encumbered by her own awful situation. It’s no wonder that Beth welcomes death, and has little fear of Yash when he rampages through the pub where Beth works and eventually kills a man there, before turning his attention to Beth.
Thinking that the Jelvia have abducted Lara, Beth enters into a Devil’s bargain with Yash, seeking Lara’s release. Yash insists on an installment of his payment in advance, and what Yash wants from Beth is not money. Beth then deals with the aftermath, the continued struggle with her father over his drinking, and then the re-appearance into her life of Harry, who still loves her.
Even putting aside the Jelvian angle in the story, this is a heart-wrenching tale of a woman trying to keep it together as every aspect of her life falls apart around her. Beth’s anguish is the real core of the story. Now, if you were a fan of the sizzling sex scenes in book #1 (I know I was!), this story has much less “romance” and much less heat. It’s a sadder story, although there are some sexually interesting aspects that I won’t spoil for you. But, it’s not a traditional romance – it’s got far more depth. Nor is it traditional sci-fi, but it’s hybrid self is uniquely interesting.
The book is well-written and very well edited (kudos to the editor and author for giving us a very clean text). There are portions of the story that drag a bit as we experience Beth’s day-to-day life. It’s important for us to empathize with Beth, but at times it’s a bit too much “Beth’s life sucks” and not enough plot development or action. Don’t be put off by the lack of immediate action in the beginning – hang with it and it will come. Toward the end, there is a real lull leading up to the ending climax. The end is worth waiting for, but the overall pacing could have been tighter. Still, this is a complex story with well-proportioned characters whose actions and motivations are often unexpected. The plot twists keep you on your toes, and there is a tremendous anticipation of the ultimate resolution between Beth and Yash. It’s not what you expect.
Ms. Kessler has woven together another interesting piece of the Jelvian tapestry. I’ll be looking forward to the next peek into this fascinating world.
“Spider” refers to the spider tattoo on the face of Yash, the chief Jelvia villain in the story, whose relationship with Beth drives the plot. Beth lives a very unhappy life, with her alcoholic father, Steven, who is tormented by the grim reality of a car accident that killed his son (Beth’s brother) and left his wife, Alison, in a permanently brain-damaged state. Beth works two jobs to try to keep the family above water, while caring for her mother and father. She’s also grief-stricken by the disappearance of her sister, Lara, whom the police believe was abducted by unknown Jelvia who were seen near Lara’s last known location. So, Beth is on the edge of despair. And just to add to her misery, she broke up with her fiancé, Harry, when all this happened five years ago so that he could have a life not encumbered by her own awful situation. It’s no wonder that Beth welcomes death, and has little fear of Yash when he rampages through the pub where Beth works and eventually kills a man there, before turning his attention to Beth.
Thinking that the Jelvia have abducted Lara, Beth enters into a Devil’s bargain with Yash, seeking Lara’s release. Yash insists on an installment of his payment in advance, and what Yash wants from Beth is not money. Beth then deals with the aftermath, the continued struggle with her father over his drinking, and then the re-appearance into her life of Harry, who still loves her.
Even putting aside the Jelvian angle in the story, this is a heart-wrenching tale of a woman trying to keep it together as every aspect of her life falls apart around her. Beth’s anguish is the real core of the story. Now, if you were a fan of the sizzling sex scenes in book #1 (I know I was!), this story has much less “romance” and much less heat. It’s a sadder story, although there are some sexually interesting aspects that I won’t spoil for you. But, it’s not a traditional romance – it’s got far more depth. Nor is it traditional sci-fi, but it’s hybrid self is uniquely interesting.
The book is well-written and very well edited (kudos to the editor and author for giving us a very clean text). There are portions of the story that drag a bit as we experience Beth’s day-to-day life. It’s important for us to empathize with Beth, but at times it’s a bit too much “Beth’s life sucks” and not enough plot development or action. Don’t be put off by the lack of immediate action in the beginning – hang with it and it will come. Toward the end, there is a real lull leading up to the ending climax. The end is worth waiting for, but the overall pacing could have been tighter. Still, this is a complex story with well-proportioned characters whose actions and motivations are often unexpected. The plot twists keep you on your toes, and there is a tremendous anticipation of the ultimate resolution between Beth and Yash. It’s not what you expect.
Ms. Kessler has woven together another interesting piece of the Jelvian tapestry. I’ll be looking forward to the next peek into this fascinating world.
October 25, 2020
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from BookSirens*
This was a very different read from what I was expecting. The main story plot was about Beth trying to find her missing sister, whom she believes the Jalvias were responsible for kidnapping her. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the many different domestic problems that are present in Beth's home. She is currently living and taking care of her mother and her father. Her mother has a mental disorder and her father is an alcoholic. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle to support herself and her co-dependent parents.
Then there is the Jalvia. His role wasn't as present as I thought it would be. I'm actually almost glad, because he was a difficult character to read. He was at once kind, but then would snapped and become cruel and dangerous to Beth. The scenes between them touched on some of the harsher aspects of BDSM, though not the extreme acts. I was also not expecting that either going in.
I still have mixed feeling for this book. It was good and watching Beth grow and mature through the obstacles she had to overcome was good to see. I don't believe she was a stagnant character. It was good to see her start to repair her relationship with a former partner. It was also good to see her father start being a father and taking responsibility for himself which in turn allowed Beth to be more confident and move forward as well.
Overall, I gave this book a 3 star rating. It was a decent read, though I would not rank it a favorite. I did develop feelings for Beth and did want the best outcome for her throughout the book.
This was a very different read from what I was expecting. The main story plot was about Beth trying to find her missing sister, whom she believes the Jalvias were responsible for kidnapping her. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the many different domestic problems that are present in Beth's home. She is currently living and taking care of her mother and her father. Her mother has a mental disorder and her father is an alcoholic. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle to support herself and her co-dependent parents.
Then there is the Jalvia. His role wasn't as present as I thought it would be. I'm actually almost glad, because he was a difficult character to read. He was at once kind, but then would snapped and become cruel and dangerous to Beth. The scenes between them touched on some of the harsher aspects of BDSM, though not the extreme acts. I was also not expecting that either going in.
I still have mixed feeling for this book. It was good and watching Beth grow and mature through the obstacles she had to overcome was good to see. I don't believe she was a stagnant character. It was good to see her start to repair her relationship with a former partner. It was also good to see her father start being a father and taking responsibility for himself which in turn allowed Beth to be more confident and move forward as well.
Overall, I gave this book a 3 star rating. It was a decent read, though I would not rank it a favorite. I did develop feelings for Beth and did want the best outcome for her throughout the book.
October 27, 2020
Heart breaking
Wow! I totally didn't see it coming with this book. I expected the same story line as the first two books. But oh my god! Poor Beth. Her life is so tragic that you can't help but root for her. And inbetween all this, she ends up dealing with a Jelvia. Like her life can't get any worse than it already has. A very deep and emotional story.
Kessler writes life in its ugliest form. And life is hard. It's unfair. It's brutal. And it's rewarding. People rarely act and behave the way we expect and that too is life. I gave this book 5 stars because it merits it. You can see the attention to detail, the raw emotions expressed along side the unravelling story behind the truth of the Jelvia. Brilliant!
Wow! I totally didn't see it coming with this book. I expected the same story line as the first two books. But oh my god! Poor Beth. Her life is so tragic that you can't help but root for her. And inbetween all this, she ends up dealing with a Jelvia. Like her life can't get any worse than it already has. A very deep and emotional story.
Kessler writes life in its ugliest form. And life is hard. It's unfair. It's brutal. And it's rewarding. People rarely act and behave the way we expect and that too is life. I gave this book 5 stars because it merits it. You can see the attention to detail, the raw emotions expressed along side the unravelling story behind the truth of the Jelvia. Brilliant!
November 8, 2020
A Mesmerizing Mashup of The X-Files and 50 Shades of Gray!
Spider, by T.E. Kessler is an exceptionally well-written SF novel set in an alternate Earth, where another species, the Jelvias, have insinuated themselves into our society. Kessler’s main character is Beth, a troubled young woman who has sacrificed everything to keep her dysfunctional family together. She is a sympathetic figure and when she is sucked into the abusive world of Spider, a deadly Jelvian, we rightly fear for her safety. Will she escape with her life and her sanity? Read this excellent book. You’re in for a helluva ride!
Spider, by T.E. Kessler is an exceptionally well-written SF novel set in an alternate Earth, where another species, the Jelvias, have insinuated themselves into our society. Kessler’s main character is Beth, a troubled young woman who has sacrificed everything to keep her dysfunctional family together. She is a sympathetic figure and when she is sucked into the abusive world of Spider, a deadly Jelvian, we rightly fear for her safety. Will she escape with her life and her sanity? Read this excellent book. You’re in for a helluva ride!
November 20, 2020
I've read the other 3 books in this series and I liked them much better than this one. I just felt as if this one left me hanging at the end and I was very unsatisfied. I feel the the author wasn't as invested in this book as she was in the others. While it is set in the world of the other books the interaction with the Jelvia didn't seem as much a main focus in this book as it was in others. It was almost an afterthought. While I liked the story of Beth and her distrust of Jelvia and her fathers alcoholism and her mothers brain injury the interaction between her and Spider seemed forced. I also struggled with Beths faith in her ex-boyfriend and didn't understand why she trusted him so much but knew so little about him after dating him for 5 years. There was a lot that just didn't come together for me. I also felt that this one was less of a standalone and more of a prequel to something bigger. Overall I wasn't that happy with it but would hope that any following books get the story back on track.
November 12, 2020
A Mesmerizing Mashup of The X-Files and 50 Shades of Gray!
Spider, by T.E. Kessler is an exceptionally well-written SF novel set in an alternate Earth, where another species, the Jelvias, have insinuated themselves into our society. Kessler’s main character is Beth, a troubled young woman who has sacrificed everything to keep her dysfunctional family together. She is a sympathetic figure and when she is sucked into the abusive world of Spider, a deadly Jelvian, we rightly fear for her safety. Will she escape with her life and her sanity? Read this excellent book. You’re in for a helluva ride!
Spider, by T.E. Kessler is an exceptionally well-written SF novel set in an alternate Earth, where another species, the Jelvias, have insinuated themselves into our society. Kessler’s main character is Beth, a troubled young woman who has sacrificed everything to keep her dysfunctional family together. She is a sympathetic figure and when she is sucked into the abusive world of Spider, a deadly Jelvian, we rightly fear for her safety. Will she escape with her life and her sanity? Read this excellent book. You’re in for a helluva ride!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews