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Chronicles of Alsea #9
Alsea Rising: Gathering Storm
AN OLD ENEMY. A NEW THREAT.
As Alsea’s space elevator nears completion, an unsettling rumor arrives: the Voloth are stirring once more.
Lancer Andira Tal has been preparing for this since the Battle of Alsea, determined that her people will never again pay such a price. She will use every weapon at her disposal—including her own bondmate.
In orbit, Captain Ekatya Serrado is fighting her own battle, reporting to a hostile admiral and under suspicion for her divine tyree bond. She dares not reveal that her bond is changing in ways even the Alseans could not foresee.
Amidst the mobilization for war, romance blossoms, familiar faces return, and a warrior’s honor is restored. Life and love will prevail, even in a gathering storm.
109,000 words
As Alsea’s space elevator nears completion, an unsettling rumor arrives: the Voloth are stirring once more.
Lancer Andira Tal has been preparing for this since the Battle of Alsea, determined that her people will never again pay such a price. She will use every weapon at her disposal—including her own bondmate.
In orbit, Captain Ekatya Serrado is fighting her own battle, reporting to a hostile admiral and under suspicion for her divine tyree bond. She dares not reveal that her bond is changing in ways even the Alseans could not foresee.
Amidst the mobilization for war, romance blossoms, familiar faces return, and a warrior’s honor is restored. Life and love will prevail, even in a gathering storm.
109,000 words
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2020
28 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Fletcher DeLancey
26 books316 followersFletcher DeLancey spent her early career as a science educator, which was the perfect combination of her two great loves: language and science. These days she combines them while writing science fiction.
She is an Oregon expatriate who left her beloved state when she met a Portuguese woman and had to choose between home and heart. She chose heart. Now she lives with her wife and son in the beautiful sunny Algarve, where she writes full-time, teaches Pilates, tries to learn the local birds and plants, and samples every regional Portuguese dish she can get her hands on. (There are many. It’s going to take a while.)
She is best known for her science fiction/fantasy series, Chronicles of Alsea, now comprised of four novels and a novella. Among them, the Alsea books have won an Independent Publisher's Award (2017 bronze medal), a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, a Rainbow Award, and been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.
Fletcher believes that women need far more representation in science fiction and fantasy, and takes great pleasure in writing complex stories with strong, believable women heading up the action. Her day is made every time another reader says, “I didn’t think I liked science fiction, but then I read yours.”
She is an Oregon expatriate who left her beloved state when she met a Portuguese woman and had to choose between home and heart. She chose heart. Now she lives with her wife and son in the beautiful sunny Algarve, where she writes full-time, teaches Pilates, tries to learn the local birds and plants, and samples every regional Portuguese dish she can get her hands on. (There are many. It’s going to take a while.)
She is best known for her science fiction/fantasy series, Chronicles of Alsea, now comprised of four novels and a novella. Among them, the Alsea books have won an Independent Publisher's Award (2017 bronze medal), a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, a Rainbow Award, and been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.
Fletcher believes that women need far more representation in science fiction and fantasy, and takes great pleasure in writing complex stories with strong, believable women heading up the action. Her day is made every time another reader says, “I didn’t think I liked science fiction, but then I read yours.”
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 8, 2022
This is my favorite book of the series so far. It is a cliffhanger, so you folks who are reading this review after book 10 is released are very lucky not to have to wait two-weeks for the resolution. All the main characters from previous books have some substantial page-time except one. There is hand-to-hand combat, fighter action, mystery, suspense, and lots of emotional moments with all the feels.
My only complaint is that my book-hangover from this read is severe. I can't seem to start another book because my mind just slips back to Alsea. Perhaps I should just surrender and start an immediate reread. Hair of the dog and all that. ;)
My only complaint is that my book-hangover from this read is severe. I can't seem to start another book because my mind just slips back to Alsea. Perhaps I should just surrender and start an immediate reread. Hair of the dog and all that. ;)
August 16, 2020
I’m prefacing this by saying that I’ll probably come back to re-review this once I’ve read part two, it’s hard to review this not knowing how some of the threads resolve themselves.
Ok, so, Book 9 in the Alsea series picks up about 5 months after the events of Uprising. This one is split between action on Alsea and aboard the Phoenix and the main focus is largely on Ekatya. The plots from other books converge here, with the Voloth once again a rising threat and Ekatya again fighting the political machinations within fleet. There’s also the welcome arrival of one of my past favourites, and her interactions with Rahel and Ekatya provided some of the lighter moments.
There’s also a secondary romance that I won’t spoil, but I did feel that a bit too much time was spent on it, there’s two whole chapters (not counting the discussions in the lead up) devoted to their ‘first time’ and I admit to skimming through some of it, but I felt the same way about the Lanaril/Vellmar subplot in Catalyst. With so many other things happening in these books, I always want more time with the main four, not the side couples.
There’s also an interesting revisit to some of Salomen’s family stuff, and I enjoyed the resolution. Rahel’s story arc is also furthered here, and once again she shines in unexpected ways.
The four MCs are what drive this series for me though and I’ve loved watching their bond(s) unfold. The bonds between the four tyrees are further developed here, sometimes with all four, sometimes in various other combinations, and finally, with the long awaited (by me anyway) addressing of Ekatya and Tal’s bond. Ekatya has seemed a bit sidelined from the bonding scenes in the last few books, and that is addressed here, and I found those scenes moving. The scenes between the tyrees in any combination were easily my favourites.
I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the final 😪😪 book of the series, in regards to the Voloth storyline, but mostly with the relationships of the four MCs.
Ok, so, Book 9 in the Alsea series picks up about 5 months after the events of Uprising. This one is split between action on Alsea and aboard the Phoenix and the main focus is largely on Ekatya. The plots from other books converge here, with the Voloth once again a rising threat and Ekatya again fighting the political machinations within fleet. There’s also the welcome arrival of one of my past favourites, and her interactions with Rahel and Ekatya provided some of the lighter moments.
There’s also a secondary romance that I won’t spoil, but I did feel that a bit too much time was spent on it, there’s two whole chapters (not counting the discussions in the lead up) devoted to their ‘first time’ and I admit to skimming through some of it, but I felt the same way about the Lanaril/Vellmar subplot in Catalyst. With so many other things happening in these books, I always want more time with the main four, not the side couples.
There’s also an interesting revisit to some of Salomen’s family stuff, and I enjoyed the resolution. Rahel’s story arc is also furthered here, and once again she shines in unexpected ways.
The four MCs are what drive this series for me though and I’ve loved watching their bond(s) unfold. The bonds between the four tyrees are further developed here, sometimes with all four, sometimes in various other combinations, and finally, with the long awaited (by me anyway) addressing of Ekatya and Tal’s bond. Ekatya has seemed a bit sidelined from the bonding scenes in the last few books, and that is addressed here, and I found those scenes moving. The scenes between the tyrees in any combination were easily my favourites.
I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the final 😪😪 book of the series, in regards to the Voloth storyline, but mostly with the relationships of the four MCs.
August 1, 2020
This book needs a 10 star rating.
As an author myself, I should have words that can describe how awesome this book is, but words fail me. The whole series is exceptional, and I would urge everyone to give all of The Chronicles of Alsea books a read even if you don't love sci-fi because it is so much more than that.
Now I will have to try and make it through the next two weeks until the final book in the series comes out without dying from suspense.
As an author myself, I should have words that can describe how awesome this book is, but words fail me. The whole series is exceptional, and I would urge everyone to give all of The Chronicles of Alsea books a read even if you don't love sci-fi because it is so much more than that.
Now I will have to try and make it through the next two weeks until the final book in the series comes out without dying from suspense.
August 1, 2020
I will probably come back and edit when the next opus gets out and I will be able to read Alsea Rising in one go. Really, I'm not sure I can say anything worth saying about this book... just read it!
The whole story is a mindblowing clusterfuck* that goes beyond any serie I have ever read.
The events treated in this book have ramifications from the previous books, even the first one and the follow-up on secondary, tertiary lines are so profound .... waaaaah
The pure beauty of inclusion that pours from those pages, the loves, loves in plural yes, such a waahooo rainbow of diversity that warm your heart (my eyes teer up thinking about it), not only the heart ^^ (it can be verrrry, verry hot sometimes).
And all that is magnified by those characters. The (smart) way they go against adversity is awe-inspiring. When they stumble on the path, other are there to catch them. They continue to follow the hard path on its vertiginous stakes and I'm turning into a waaah woman again.
I'm just in awe and feel deeply honored to have the possibility to read such a book that make me grow as an individual. I just want to say thank you!
*this word is is a special dedicace for Lynne Hamilton, a character from a fanfiction without which Alsea may never have happened.
The whole story is a mindblowing clusterfuck* that goes beyond any serie I have ever read.
The events treated in this book have ramifications from the previous books, even the first one and the follow-up on secondary, tertiary lines are so profound .... waaaaah
The pure beauty of inclusion that pours from those pages, the loves, loves in plural yes, such a waahooo rainbow of diversity that warm your heart (my eyes teer up thinking about it), not only the heart ^^ (it can be verrrry, verry hot sometimes).
And all that is magnified by those characters. The (smart) way they go against adversity is awe-inspiring. When they stumble on the path, other are there to catch them. They continue to follow the hard path on its vertiginous stakes and I'm turning into a waaah woman again.
I'm just in awe and feel deeply honored to have the possibility to read such a book that make me grow as an individual. I just want to say thank you!
*this word is is a special dedicace for Lynne Hamilton, a character from a fanfiction without which Alsea may never have happened.
August 2, 2020
This is fast becoming my second-favourite book of the series (after The Cahpenon). Beautifully written, richly-described details that will make you want to move to Alsea (at. this. very. moment.) and so many threads woven through the previous books coming together to make a vivid, coherent tapestry. I can see myself coming back to read this one over and over again!
August 15, 2020
Beautiful descriptions and masterfully written. Fletcher DeLancey carefully finds the essence of each character’s personality and brings them vividly to life. It’s a fantastic tale of wondrous possibilities and discoveries of another world. Follow Capt. Ekatya Serrado’s frustrations and challenges in dealing with her superior, Admiral Greve. Also, a developing polygamous relationship appears, which makes for a provocative storyline.
Then, a surprise romance develops between a high ranking Alsea warrior and a Gaian doctor-nicely written. First Guard Rahel Sayana never failing to display what honor and loyalty oaths really mean. Rahel shining like a brilliant star practically makes me weep. Alsea Rising: GS points out to never underestimate the perceived, underdog-Alseans. The Protectorate wants to use them (some self-righteous, self-serving arseheads). The Voloth has plans for Alsea, again. Alseans are no fools. They’ve been skillfully building a space elevator, along with political brinksmanship, shoring up alliances and loyalties. Now they’re almost ready to step off Alsea and explore the beyond. Not that simple-of course! Don’t miss the excitement.
Then, a surprise romance develops between a high ranking Alsea warrior and a Gaian doctor-nicely written. First Guard Rahel Sayana never failing to display what honor and loyalty oaths really mean. Rahel shining like a brilliant star practically makes me weep. Alsea Rising: GS points out to never underestimate the perceived, underdog-Alseans. The Protectorate wants to use them (some self-righteous, self-serving arseheads). The Voloth has plans for Alsea, again. Alseans are no fools. They’ve been skillfully building a space elevator, along with political brinksmanship, shoring up alliances and loyalties. Now they’re almost ready to step off Alsea and explore the beyond. Not that simple-of course! Don’t miss the excitement.
November 12, 2021
4.5 rounded down
Exciting part 1 of the 2-book finale! Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I knew that going in. This could be because it's been over a month between when I read the last book and this one, but it felt like there was a good amount of discussion/conversation that happened off-screen between that book and this one in regards to the developing poly aspects of the relationships between Lynn/Ekatya & Andira/Solomen, which was a little unsatisfying. We still got plenty of convos in this one but it seemed some of those initial conversations should have been on-screen. And while I do love the new Wells/Michah pairing, I did feel there was a bit too much focus on them--seemed like it could have worked better as a one-short/short story instead of dragging down the pacing of this one just a hair.
Exciting part 1 of the 2-book finale! Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but I knew that going in. This could be because it's been over a month between when I read the last book and this one, but it felt like there was a good amount of discussion/conversation that happened off-screen between that book and this one in regards to the developing poly aspects of the relationships between Lynn/Ekatya & Andira/Solomen, which was a little unsatisfying. We still got plenty of convos in this one but it seemed some of those initial conversations should have been on-screen. And while I do love the new Wells/Michah pairing, I did feel there was a bit too much focus on them--seemed like it could have worked better as a one-short/short story instead of dragging down the pacing of this one just a hair.
August 1, 2020
Another masterpiece.
November 14, 2022
What a series…💯
August 31, 2020
This is another great book in the series with action, emotion, and romance and everything a reader might enjoy. I'm writing this after reading The Seventh Star, so I'm going to leave it there. The two books together make a fitting ending to the series.
August 13, 2020
Took me a lot longer to read this because I was moving. This book was a lot of fun. I could tell it was the calm before the storm that will be the next novel for sure. I was ok with the slower burn of this book. It felt like a really excellent character analysis and I loved it.
January 14, 2021
Since the first book, I have wanted Andira and Ekatya to be together. Now they are, just not in the way I expected, but very well worth it. There's this line that Andira told Ekatya that just stuck with me:
"I would inscribe your name in the stars, Ekatya."
And that, right there, is why those two still remain as my fave tyrees.
"I would inscribe your name in the stars, Ekatya."
And that, right there, is why those two still remain as my fave tyrees.
October 5, 2021
Love this series. These characters have crawled inside my heart to stay.
July 14, 2021
I finished this then bought the sequel 30 seconds later. So good! Also has my favourite of all time.
November 20, 2020
Yasss another epic book in the Chronicles of Alsea! I love all the connections and growing relationships we get in this book. Micah and Dr. Alejandra Well’s new romance is so beautiful. Both have lost so much in the past and now they have each other. Candini is back!!!! I have missed her so. I love the growing friendship between Candini and Rahel. Rahel holds a special place in my heart it and it was so heartwarming to see her achieve her freedom. I cried happy tears when she freely offered her oath to Salomen and Ekatya by proxy. I love the friendships Rahel has found since her dark days. She has found so much, and gained so much, since knowing Salomen. I can’t get enough of the growing tyree bonds between Salomen and Lyhn and between Andira and Ekatya, or the divine tyree bonds between Lyhn and Ekatya and Andira and Salomen. I loved the date Ekatya and Andira went on. Plus the growing bonds allowing both Salomen and then Andira to talk with Ekatya when she visits Lyhn. So much warm and love between them all. Vellmar and Andira’s growing friendship is amazing to watch. Andira continues to mentor Vellmar to be the next Lancer. I keep waiting for Vellmar’s reaction when she learns what Andira sees for her in the future. Lanaril and Vellmar’s bond continues to grow and Lanaril wants to take Vellmar with her on her retreat. My heart melts with the overwhelming feelings I hold for these characters and all of Alsea. I’m not ready for this incoming battle with the Voloth.
P.S. Admiral Greve is an asshole and I can’t stand him almost as much as I distain Sholokhov.
P.S. Admiral Greve is an asshole and I can’t stand him almost as much as I distain Sholokhov.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2022
Let's take off by saying that I love this saga and the characters. Now, this book comes in a moment where we know the characters, we know the political context they are moving in and we know what is about to happen.
This book is a bit slower in rhythm compared to the earlier ones, but this doesn't make it less enjoyable. The rhythm increases the closer we get to the end of the book. I loved how we got a deeper insight into the mind of some of the characters and how we could recognize their bonds and their behavior. It was like seeing an old friend and diving together into a new adventure. The cliffhanger just makes me want to read more and more.
I would also like to add that if on one side we know the characters and their dynamics, on the other I crave for more and to know them deeper and deeper.
A final piece of advice if you decide to read this book of the saga: buy the 10th at the same time.
This book is a bit slower in rhythm compared to the earlier ones, but this doesn't make it less enjoyable. The rhythm increases the closer we get to the end of the book. I loved how we got a deeper insight into the mind of some of the characters and how we could recognize their bonds and their behavior. It was like seeing an old friend and diving together into a new adventure. The cliffhanger just makes me want to read more and more.
I would also like to add that if on one side we know the characters and their dynamics, on the other I crave for more and to know them deeper and deeper.
A final piece of advice if you decide to read this book of the saga: buy the 10th at the same time.
May 30, 2021
Finally got around to finishing this one! As much as I love this series and these characters, this one wasn't a favorite for me, hence 4 stars instead of my usual 5. The pacing felt a little off, as early exciting reveals (such as a certain beautiful poly quad) felt relegated to the backburner in favor of lots of ... well, conversations. About minor personal issues (the same ones, many times) and about how they're preparing for what *might* happen soon. There is so much detailed expo for all the battle prep that I was vaguely reminded of Game of Thrones. But that's probably just me being a person who isn't very interested in battle prep! (Sorry, Ekatya/Andira/et al.)
Later on, the excitement/suspense did ramp back up, though, with some cool space twists and a very badass Rahel. I'm SO ready for book 10!!
Later on, the excitement/suspense did ramp back up, though, with some cool space twists and a very badass Rahel. I'm SO ready for book 10!!
April 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐
“I would inscribe your name in the stars, Ekatya.“ (still keeping my opinion that not making ekatya and andira endgame is a huge goddamn mistake)
this might be my least favorite book in the series. it was slow and had little action. micah and dr. wells were given a spotlight and i had a hard time reading about their pov because it bored me to death and they did not make any sense to me. and also, that 6 pointed bond they have going on is weird to me... they are really in a poly relationship and i was not expecting that.
“I would inscribe your name in the stars, Ekatya.“ (still keeping my opinion that not making ekatya and andira endgame is a huge goddamn mistake)
this might be my least favorite book in the series. it was slow and had little action. micah and dr. wells were given a spotlight and i had a hard time reading about their pov because it bored me to death and they did not make any sense to me. and also, that 6 pointed bond they have going on is weird to me... they are really in a poly relationship and i was not expecting that.
August 7, 2020
An Awesome addition to an exceptional series
What a story! I’ve enjoyed reading this beginning to the conclusion of the series. It’s well written and follows many of the great story lines from the other books. Can’t wait till the next one. I’m sad that the series is ending though.
What a story! I’ve enjoyed reading this beginning to the conclusion of the series. It’s well written and follows many of the great story lines from the other books. Can’t wait till the next one. I’m sad that the series is ending though.
August 13, 2020
Struggling
Wow, I am so struggling with my feelings on this one. I don't know how to rate it. Parts of the story are so sweet and amazing. Then you have parts that you just want to scream and ask why, why, why. It could be a 5 star but for this part I'll go 4 stars. Scared to see where the author goes in part 2. I need a warmron 😁
Wow, I am so struggling with my feelings on this one. I don't know how to rate it. Parts of the story are so sweet and amazing. Then you have parts that you just want to scream and ask why, why, why. It could be a 5 star but for this part I'll go 4 stars. Scared to see where the author goes in part 2. I need a warmron 😁
April 14, 2021
Another well written story by Fletcher DeLancey. All the important characters are converging on the expected final match against the Voloth. It's a great story with insights into a few of the supporting characters. If there is anything negative to be said, it has to do with the rather abrupt ending and the obvious real conclusion of the story coming in Book 10 (thus 4 stars instead of 5).
August 11, 2020
Love this series, this is now one of my favorite books of the series. Seeing the growth of the characters in this book was amazing. This is beautifully written, you can tell the Author loves the characters and world she has created
Looking forward to reading the next book
Looking forward to reading the next book
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January 2, 2021Awesome!
I love this series! So many great characters throughout the series who are preparing for another battle. Gets your heart rate up and doesn’t let you down.
I love this series! So many great characters throughout the series who are preparing for another battle. Gets your heart rate up and doesn’t let you down.
September 7, 2021
can’t stop singing a newsies song idk which one it is
July 6, 2023
Katya my beloved
August 28, 2023
Great sci-fi, on to the last one. So sad it's going to be over soon.
March 23, 2025
4 and a half! Things are heating up! If you've read up to book eight, you know this series rocks!
April 4, 2023
Freaking perfect
As usual this was amazing well written and well done. Loved seeing all the different povs and learning more about the bonds between them all. So good so wonderful so perfect
As usual this was amazing well written and well done. Loved seeing all the different povs and learning more about the bonds between them all. So good so wonderful so perfect
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews